On Wednesday 26th January, designers from across Wiltshire gathered in Holt to celebrate the launch of the Wiltshire Design Network.

More than 50 designers from all kinds of design businesses attended the event, which was held at the Glove Factory Studios.

The designers were treated to a keynote speech from John McFaul, who inspired everyone to get involved the network. John has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world including Audi, Adidas, British Airways and the BBC. John was also the founding member and Director of the South Coast Design Forum.

Also at the event Tim Burley, Chair of the South West Design Forum, spoke about the six other design networks that are alive and kicking across the South West. He discusses the various benefits of these networks, and how they can all work together to develop the fantastic design and creative talent that is across the whole of the South West.

Lesley Morris, Head of Design Skills at the Design Council, spoke about the bigger picture for design and how the Wiltshire Design Network will fit in to it.

All designers from across Wiltshire are now being encouraged to step forward and become involved with the network by forming a committee. The committee will decide the form of the network and what its purpose should be. The committee will also engage with other designers from the region by putting on events.

Karen Stockdale, Manager of South West Design Forum, said: “The launch was a great success, and we are pleased that so many design businesses from Wiltshire are keen to get involved with the network. Being able to support a network for designers is very important, and I am really looking forward to seeing the Wiltshire Design Network take shape and the events that they will hold. This is an exciting time for the county’s design businesses, who shouldn’t be afraid of getting involved.”

To join Wiltshire Design Network go to www.wiltshiredesign.net. Membership is free and comes with a host of benefits.