In his first year as a Design Factory member, ceramic artist Jon Williams saw a noticeable difference to his confidence and reputation as a contemporary craft based artist. He is increasingly recognised not only as having a unique style that bridges the gap of traditional material and skills within the contemporary fine art domain, but as that of a teacher whose delivery and work provides an engaging connection with younger audiences.

Having exhibited and taught nationally at galleries, festivals and as part of a council led green travel campaign upon the London underground, Jon has continued the development of his career exhibiting at ceramic festivals in both China and Japan.
 
Jon secured a joint development bursary in 2008 between Design Factory, Arts Council East Midlands and Creative Leicestershire. This allowed him to purchase much needed equipment and promotional material. Jon has seen the benefits of this funding flourish in 2009, with large work developments and also securing a solo show for the end of the year.    

Jon said: "I consider myself to be somewhat isolated where I am in Loughborough. Design Factory's excellent levels of support and access to a professional network, has in turn provided me with opportunities and marked credibility due to Design Factory's exceptional reputation within the East Midlands and beyond.

I have no doubt that with it's ever-increasing membership and reputation, Design Factory will continue to excel at providing the creative sector with these excellent levels of necessary service, network cohesion and empowerment."

Textile & jewellery designer Debbie Bryan was accepted as a Design Factory designer/maker member in August 2006. Debbie was at the very beginning of setting up her business and felt she had very little experience of marketing her work to the right buyers.

Within 6 months of joining, Debbie was selected for her first Design Factory regional selling exhibition, 'Allure' at Rufford Craft Centre in Nottingham. She was also selected for Design Factory's group stand at the trade show Top Drawer 2007 at Earls Court, London. Both these exhibitions were funded by Design Factory and Debbie received her very first trade orders at the show.

In 2007, Debbie received a Design Factory Grant which enabled her to develop her website to sell her collections online and also to produce new printed marketing materials. This support helped Debbie to have more confidence to approach trade buyers and present an even more professional company.

Debbie speaks about more recent benefits of her membership: "I have just benefited from some really good mentoring from Design Factory, when I found myself in a position to expand my business and open an additional design studio and shop in the Lace Market area of Nottingham. During this mentoring session I spoke about the new venture and the advice I received gave me the reassurance and support I needed and also raised some issues for me to consider in the future. Through Design Factory's exciting network, I have also had the opportunity to work collaboratively with other members such as Gillian Lee Smith and Lucy Renshaw, which has been energising and inspiring for us all!"