Sonodesign
Hive helps design company to shine
Since launching from The Hive just two years ago, Grant Baker and Nick Jackson have lit up the international design scene with a striking range of contemporary lighting, furniture and accessories.
Their company, sonodesign, prides itself on creating simple, individual and desirable products which are manufactured in the UK to the highest standards and are now sold by over 40 prestige stockists worldwide.
The sonodesign success story began while Grant and Nick were studying Furniture and Product Design at Nottingham Trent University. A determination to see their final-year project designs reach the market spurred them to embark on The Hive's HeadStart programme.
Developing sound business principles with HeadStart
"Apart from GCSE Business Studies, I had no real knowledge of what setting up would entail," said Grant. "HeadStart was brilliant for teaching all the basics, especially with issues such as pricing which I had no idea about. It was also great to meet people who had been through the process themselves and made a success of their own enterprises.
Although operating from their own premises, Grant and Nick have benefited from The Hive's location at the University, gaining access to state-of-the-art design engineering and manufacturing technology workshops. This has proved very cost-effective and convenient for developing prototypes.
On-going support from the SmarTrak programme
They also feel reassured that, through the SmarTrak programme of support, they can continue to call on guidance from The Hive when they need it. Monthly sessions with their business mentor are a welcome chance to assess progress, refresh ideas and gain an objective view. "You cannot put a value on that level of advice - the chance to talk through with a business expert any problems you have encountered," says Grant.
The Hive's support has enabled the firm to garner a series of high-profile accolades. These include the Hidden Art 'outstanding new business' award for 2009, a prize celebrating designer-makers who have stood out from the crowd in their first three years of business. Meanwhile, a coveted grant from the Arts Council has assisted with product development as well as national and international brand building.
Such successes reflect not only the quality of the sonodesign product range - which spans everything from distinctive lampshades to eye-catching clocks, candle-holders to doorstops - but also the duo's passionate commitment to using UK manufacturers and making their mark as a British brand.
Thanks in part to sonodesign's well-received presence at design shows in cities such as New York and Paris, the products have now been propelled into the international marketplace. They can be purchased from retailers as far afield as Dubai, Los Angeles and Barcelona, with latest orders coming in from countries such as Chile and Brazil. The company now has its own distributors in Scandinavia, Japan, France and Poland.
In a new venture, it has also launched sono consultancy - providing an original design service to meet challenging briefs from furniture and lighting companies.
For more information visit the Sonodesign website.
