Economy

As a school consisting of designers, inventors and creators we are uniquely positioned to offer real-world, direct economic impact and critical examination of the economic effects of design. 

Spin-out companies 

Our spin-out companies have generated numerous innovations, manifested through a range of patents and products. Just a few products created by our companies include:

• Surface Skins antibacterial surface pads,
• Wear 2 Technology deconstructing used clothing for further use,
• Dr Craft sustainable hair products and XOrb Technology which allow clothes to be washed with minimal water.

Academic research impact 

• Richard Blackburn is a co-investigator on The Business of Fashion, Textiles and Technology Collaborative R&D Partnership funded through the AHRC Creative Cluster Programme. The project aims to help SMEs in Fashion Textiles and Technology grow their business sustainably, by helping them meet emerging challenges: especially in consumer behaviour, e-commerce, the environment and through developing novel manufacturing and production processes.
• Stephen Burkinshaw: his research led to the creation of Xeros, a company which develops virtually waterless washing machines and dyeing technologies.
• Vien Cheung: has worked with Professor Steve Westland (see below) on the development of colour association tools for marketers.
• Alice Dallabona: has a body of work on high fashion, focussing on the notion of Italianicity and luxury.
• Phil Henry: has created Mimix color software, which aids designers to create and manage colour.
• Eunsuk Hur: works on business planning and sustainability for SMEs.
• Ningtao Mao: has a project funded by the EPSRC looking at developing a digital garment drape simulation tool. 
• Pammi Sinha: has a growing body of work on re-manufacturing in the fashion industry.
• Steve Westland: is developing tools to help marketers with their use of colour: he is a leading expert in all things colour.