After graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 2006, Designer/maker member Jo Cope followed her vision to be a conceptual designer. Jo works from fashion based concepts to present radical exhibits and inspired functional products and describes her approach to design as "without boundaries".

In 2007, Jo's products were selected by Design Factory and over the last two years, Jo has built a highly successful creative practice. 

"Meeting a team member of Design Factory at my home was both professional and informal and was the first 1-2-1 creative mentoring opportunity I had had since graduation. Design Factory helped me to focus on future goals - they are very open-minded and knowledgeable, and embraced and understood my less conventional design practice.

As a designer working from home, it is very important to know that there is a community out there that I belong to. Design Factory has kept me connected with every up-and-coming creative opportunity and introduced me to so many other creative members in the Midlands, in turn this has helped to build my creative practice. Design Factory is an active and encouraging membership, which helps with both creative and business progression.

The website and e-newsletters issued through Design Factory are fantastic! I have received a number of new customers as a result of product features through the e-newsletter.

To be part of a recognised organisation that represents the very best design talent in the region is vital to help to build a reputable profile. I am a member of a number of respected design organisations and as far as I'm concerned, Design Factory is by far the best!"