Unique chocolate design helps DPS Designs to win Queen's Enterprise Award for International Trade
DPS Designs is one of the UK’s leading design, moulding and toolmaking businesses.
Based in the Forest of Dean, DPS Designs are a one of a kind business that are part chocolate designers, part rapid prototypers, part precision engineers and part mould manufacturers. Servicing the high street food retailers alongside the aerospace, automotive and healthcare sectors, is an interesting mix but it has helped DPS create a name for itself in the UK and abroad.
Recognising the opportunities abroad around 5 years ago DPS developed a strategy for increased global sales which has now resulted in the being given the award for outstanding 3 year export growth. Receiving a Queen’s Enterprise Award is a huge achievement for any business and it was only possible by the hard work of DPS’ dedicated team.
Fanzi Down is the commercial director of DPS Designs and a recipient of the 2016 Women in Innovation award. She has single-handedly had an enormous impact on the company, elevating its status. Fanzi credits some of her success to the Women in Innovation award, not only for the funding, but for the invaluable support network that came with it. The award allowed her to discover what she was good at and explore her potential fully. She’s a clear example of not only the urgent need to support women in innovation, but the success of doing so. (Source: Innovate UK)
About the Women in Innovation Awards
Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme, delivered by KTN,¬†consists of funding competitions and events to encourage female-led innovation.
In March Innovate UK announced plans to launch a third Women in Innovation competition, due to open for applications in Summer/Autumn 2020. Through the Women in Innovation Awards 2020, £500,000 will be provided to pioneering female entrepreneurs to develop innovations such as those to tackle climate change, developing new treatments and services for healthcare patients and cleaner transport.
Ten female inventors will be awarded with a cash injection of £50,000 each, as well as receive coaching and mentoring.
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