Cornwall-based design consultancy Brandlab have recently won a 3-way pitch, against some of the largest branding and design agencies in Europe, to secure a six figure contract for the Field Fisher Waterhouse account. FFW are one of Europe’s largest law firms and a founder member of the European Legal Alliance, Brandlab are now providing creative and strategic support to both organisations. <br /> <br /> Brandlab was the brainchild of two friends from Falmouth College of Arts, Kriston Reid and James Stanton, both of whom studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design. Since forming Brandlab in London in early 2003 the pair moved the company back down to Falmouth, Cornwall. <br /> <br /> The past 12 months have seen the firm grow to its current size of 5 full-time staff and 7 freelancers, all whom also graduated from what is now University College Falmouth. <br /> <br /> Jono Wardle, 2D Design Fellow at University College Falmouth, said “We are especially pleased that Brandlab has won this important piece of business, not only because they’ve decided to base their fast growing company here in Cornwall, but also because the designers at Brandlab originally studied Graphic Design here at the College. We wish them all the success they deserve.” <br /> <br /> A Hong Kong office was set up last year to deal with the small but growing client base they have developed in the region and a London office address has been confirmed last week. Recent accomplishments will surely provide a boost to the Cornish economy - the extra work generated will provide a welcome opportunity for emerging creative hub that is the South West. <br /> <br /> Creative Director James Stanton explains how a flexible business model has helped Brandlab to achieve such success “Involving new people in your work means involving new ideas, fresh perspectives and can open up a project in surprising ways. Rather than following trends in London, we use the best local talent, take our ideas to the City and bring the clients back to Cornwall. Our work with other agencies has also broadened our vision and introduced us to innovative techniques and methodologies. I’m pleased to say that the benefits of this are all too plain to see for us at the moment.”<br /> <br /> Brandlab have continued to attract major national and international clients, clearly being a metropolitan mover and shaker is no longer a prerequisite for success. A spokesperson from the Cornwall Design Forum said “This is further evidence that clients are realising outstanding design work can be created anywhere and they don’t need constant face to face meetings as in the past. The creative industry already knows this and as a result we are delighted to see an influx of innovative design consultancies, such as Brandlab, to Cornwall. We wish them all the best in the future.”<br /> <br /> If you have any questions, would like a comment, or need this in an electronic format, please contact the Brandlab studios on 01326 311488 or email studio@brandlab.co.uk<br /> <br /> Homedianet - Wired For Success<br /> <br /> A business started by new DPN member Duncan Cook man has won a major national award following its outstanding success in providing housing developments with entertainment and data networks.<br /> <br /> Homedianet is one of only 20 companies nationwide successful in the National Business Awards organised by the New Entrepreneur Scholarship. As a prize founder Duncan Cook will receive two weeks at Babson College, Boston, internationally recognised for entrepreneurial leadership. The award comes on the back of his success which has seen a series of large contracts to install residential networks in new developments. These include installations in a new £1m house in Bude and plans under negotiation to equip a development of 30 new homes in Cornwall.<br /> <br /> Duncan's business plans were put in motion seven months ago when he consulted Business Link Devon and Cornwall at a start-up roadshow in Redruth. Pointed towards a New Entrepreneur Scholarship through the West Cornwall Enterprise Trust, he has been able to develop the key business systems needed to turn his ideas into a successful business.<br /> <br /> Praising Business Link for its information and advice, he described it as a "world class service". "If I have a problem my first thought is to put in a call to Business Link - and if that person doesn't know the answer they always find out and ring me back."<br /> <br /> Born and bred in Hayle, Duncan returned with his wife Suzanne and two children to his Cornish roots last year after working for eight years outside the county for a number of large companies in network design and IT support.<br /> <br /> "I left at the age of 24 because there were no jobs in Cornwall," he recalled. "Today there's a real buzz about the county thanks to initiatives and funding such as Objective One. I always wanted to set up my own company in Cornwall and now the business environment has enabled me to do so."<br /> <br /> They provide householders with a solution for data and entertainment distribution, allowing them to experience information or entertainment wherever and whenever they want, throughout their home, using discrete technology. The flexibility the system gives potential home buyers to change the way rooms are used - for example the minimal effort required to change a bedroom into an office - gives added potential value to new developments.<br /> <br /> "The intelligent home is limited only by the imagination," says Duncan. "We're doing exceptionally well and have been overwhelmed with the response. We are currently recruiting more staff to meet the demand."(thisiscornwall website)<br />