7 Keys of Networking Etiquette
Tony Altham,is a leading expert on building business by referral. Here's his guide on how how companies can build better and more profitable relationships through networking etiquette:1...
View ArticleAwards and networking event 20 January at Interiors UK 2014
Interiors & Lifestyle Futures and Birmingham City University would be delighted if you could join us at an industry awards and networking event at Interiors UK 2014. It takes place on Monday 20...
View ArticleQuIck look at the BCU Trend Stand at Interiors Uk
I'll post a longer piece next week about the Birmingham City University Trends stand at Interiors UK (see previous post), but here's a snapshot of West Midland company products on the stand.Collage by...
View ArticleVisioning workshops new dates
Our popular two-day Visioning workshop programme kicks off again from February.If you are a creative West Midlands based small business or sole trader wanting to take a fresh look at your future...
View ArticleGreat West Midlands products at an exhibition!
Interiors & Lifestyle Futures company products that wowed visitors at the Interiors UK 2014 show, on the Birmingham City University Stand. All photographs David Boynton PhotographyCups and plates...
View ArticleLord Heseltine checks out HF Contracts Cello chair
I'll run a full blog post when we get the professional pics. But, while here for the official opening of Birmingham City University's Parkside Building Lord Micahel Heseltine visited the BIAD Trends...
View ArticleMeet our newest ILF businesses
The latest batch of entrepreneurs completing the Interiors & Lifestyle Venture start-up programme are pictured at Birmingham City University’s Parkside Building.The group is setting up a range of...
View ArticleFour by four. Basic design and planning principles from Interiors & Lifestyle...
Four project level design management tipsAlways do your market research as part of the design process. The main reason for a design failing in the market place is not understanding customer...
View ArticleRecruiting now for our next Venture start-up programme
Planning to set up your own West Midlands business? ILF Venture, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, can help with mentoring and development workshops.Each week, experts will...
View ArticleA designer, a maker and an artist walk into....
Furniture designer maker Armando Magnino attended an ILF Visioning workshop a few months ago. One exercise prompted some thoughts, which he explored on his Studio Sixteen blog. We thought it was well...
View ArticleCreative Industry Finance programme
For information: A programme "designed to assist creative enterprises in securing finance and investment to successfully develop and grow into sustainable businesses. We offer tailored business support...
View ArticleRight here, write now
At a recent Visioning workshop, a designer-maker asked about writing press releases. This blog isn’t the place for a lengthy how-to -you'll find lots of detailed advice online (How to Write A Press...
View ArticleVisioning workshop Worcester
Interiors & Lifestyle Futures would like to thank all the companies that took part in our latest workshop for the welcome they gave us and, more importantly, all the hard work they put into the...
View ArticleVenture workshop - David Clarke Critique
This week the ILF Venture workshop welcomed innovative silversmith David Clarke.David is also much in demand around the world as a teacher of design and creativity - in fact he had just returned from...
View ArticleSara Page - making a splash.
Surface designer Sara Page is a stalwart part of the Interiors & Lifestyle Futures community. She has recently teamed up with fellow ILF member GlassDomain to produce a kitchen glass splash back....
View ArticleStax of ideas, Stax of effort
Stax Creations, alumni of our 2013-14 ILF Venture start up programme, go from strength to strength.Most recently, the young team, which specialises in the design and build of large installations for...
View ArticleExhibition showcases the 'Polyprop' chair
The latest exhibition at Birmingham City University's Parkside Building celebrates the landmark Polypropylene side chair.Professor Richard Snell charts the development of this 20th century classic by...
View ArticleVenture's Rosemarie Va Va vooms with her creations in London
Rosemarie James, who took part in our Venture start up programme last year, had her designer dresses wowing people on the catwalk in London.The Fashion Designers and Craft Makers Young Designer Awards...
View ArticleMerry Christmas and happy new year
Interiors & Lifestyle Futures send their best wishes to to all our West Midlands companies, partners, colleagues and participants on the ILF Venture and Visioning programmes. Have a very Happy New...
View Articlevisioning workshops - latest dates.
Interiors & Lifestyle Futures's popular free Visioning workshops for creative and small West Midland businesses begin again in 2015. So, if you want to give your thinking and/or your business...
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