Media Release

Free Conference entitled Exporting Design ‘Made in Somerset and Devon' will highlight new export and business opportunities for students and textile and craft businesses

Local companies, craft practitioners and design students are being urged to attend a new conference organised by Taunton based Superact together with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) on 8 May from 9.30am - 4pm at The Conference Centre, Somerset College in Taunton.

The free event, entitled Exporting Design ‘Made in Somerset and Devon' aims to provide guidance and information about exporting design and locally made goods from Somerset and Devon. It is aiming to attract medium sized businesses and graduates in textiles and related arts and crafts from the Somerset and Devon area.

Over the last 10 years the UK textile industry has met the challenge to evolve from a domestic manufacturing based industry into a design-led industry operating in a global marketplace. However, high end products continue to be made in the UK and 'Made in Britain' is still a strong sales point. Recognising the opportunity for textile and craft related businesses and keen to develop a crafts cluster in the South West, Superact has teamed up with UKTI to deliver several first class speakers, workshops and 121 meetings looking at

• Export and business development opportunities

• Finding apprentices and linking into the South West HE & FE networks

• Using your creative practice in community health settings

The UK has a strong design talent, led by its excellent art colleges, many of which are based in the South West. Numerous UK design students go on to work in global fashion houses and retail chains promoting both the UK fashion industry and the UK's worldwide reputation abroad. Students will be able to find out more about apprenticeships and hear from Martin Jenkins how leading Somerset wedding dress designer Sassi Holford, has grown the business overseas and believes passionately in encouraging local students to gain valuable experience in textile and craft related apprenticeships.

For many companies new to exporting, the thought of doing business overseas can be a daunting prospect - and for some it may seem like ‘mission impossible.' However research shows exporting businesses have improved productivity and sales, innovate more and are more profitable than those who don't, so exporting cannot be ignored.

Chris Knight from the UKTI will be speaking at the Conference and demonstrating that there is a wealth of support available to the region's businesses to help prepare them for exporting including free expert advice, training courses, informative events and access to a wide range of information and tailored market research. With Export Week taking place from 13 - 17 May, this is an ideal opportunity to find out about suitable export markets and organised Trade Missions that help many companies finally take their first step overseas.

There will be other guest speakers including the UK Fashion and Textile Association, the Heritage Craft Association, and UK success stories, Mary Davies Knitwear and leading UK leather producer Pittards. Businesses looking for apprentices, business support or information about export should register their interest and contact Tracy Hill T/: (0) 1823 666641 or E/:tracy@superact.org.ukor visit:www.superact.org.uk

Further press information from Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, T/: 01935 813114 or E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

Notes to Editors

Superact is a thriving and innovative Community Interest Company which uses the arts to inspire individuals and communities. The company works with artists and musicians, both amateur & professional, to deliver highly successful projects in the healthcare, education and criminal justice systems through the medium of music, drama, craft and the Arts.

Started in 2006 by Ali Smith, the business has grown in scale and turnover year on year and now employs 13 full time and part time staff and is delivering work across the world from its base in Taunton.www.superact.org.uk

April 2013 (Superact 01)