The Somerset Design Enterprise Network will be hosting Sustainable Business by Design on the 22 March 2011, at Somerset College.

The conference explores the idea of sustainable design and what it means for their business and industry as a whole.

“Somerset & the South West has a vibrant business and design community, and it’s clear that early adoption of sustainability can provide a competitive advantage and offer commercial opportunities,” said Andrew Knutt, chair of the Somerset Design Enterprise Network.

“Design plays a key role in helping industry achieve this and our 'Sustainable Business by Design' programme will explore and demonstrate how organisations can improve their brands, products, processes and services.”

The conference offers designers, businesses and the public sector the chance to fully understand what sustainable design is, how it can be harnessed, how design professionals can extract maximum benefit from it, and how to communicate this value to clients.

Speaking at the event will be a range of industry experts, including David Kester, chief executive of the Design Council, and Mark Shayler, design advisor & eco-designer.

Also speaking at the event is Lynne Elvins, a design consultant and advisor on sustainable innovation and John Boult, associate professor of design strategy at Brunel University and designer.

There will also be a series of follow-up workshops after the conference, which will be run in a number of locations in the South West.

The Sustainable Business by Design conference is run in association with the Creative Industries iNet (Innovation Network). It is also funded by The Design Programme, Design Council, Somerset Design Enterprise Network, South West Design Forum, Arts Council, ADK Design, Business Link and Exeter College.