EatFishDesign was started in 2015. The company was founded by two Masters graduate Product Designers from the University of Leeds. The designers are both experienced in medical and mechanical design work and some of these projects have been internationally recognised (MedSIM – 2015 Global Student Design Competition Finalist, 2015 Student Design Competition U.K Winners).
Having completed a specialised and technical course focused on all aspects of product design and, after gaining much experience working collaboratively with engineers, the founders saw a huge opportunity in developing a business targeting small and medium technical companies that could hugely benefit from a design input. This led to the creation of a specialised consultancy company called Eat Fish Design.
Our Story
Started
NOVEMBER 2015
THE START
It all started in November 2015 – the founders were two bright-eyed bushy-tailed Master graduates. Having finished university in the summer, fate threw them back together conducting commercial research. During this time, they shared a vision of creating a design company that collaborated with technical companies to showcase their products/services.
They began working in a co-working office space provided by Team Spark from the University of Leeds. EatFishDesign was officially born.
Prizes
MARCH – JULY 2016
COMPETITION TIME
We hit the ground running – acquiring a client on day one! While working with clients over the first 6 months, we also developed the business idea. This involved pitching our ideas at various competitions.
We were told of the University of Leeds Business Plan Competition. Over 100 businesses entered, with few selected to present their idea to a panel of judges. We successfully qualified to present our business idea, and won first prize.
We continued our success, winning the Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Award 2016 presented at the University of Huddersfield. We got to meet Prince Andrew and awkwardly explain our company name.
As part of our efforts to continually develop and grow our company, we attended the Huddersfield’s Enterprise Bootcamp. A week-long event consisting of workshops and seminars conducted by experts in their field, sharing experiences and knowledge in the various aspects of enterprise. At the end of the week we entered a 1 minute pitching competition and won first place!
Teaching
SEPTEMBER 2016
PREACHING WHAT WE PRACTISE
Design thinking is not just something we practice. We have an active role in teaching about user centered thinking and communication. We work closely with the University of Leeds and local community to share insights and tips.
OCTOBER 2016
GROWING OUR TEAM
As EatFishDesign continued to grow, helping more and more companies explore design in their business, it became apparent that we needed another helping fin.
We decided to grow our team by taking on a part time intern, welcoming Scott to the world of bad fish puns.
Birthday
NOVEMBER 2016
OUR 1st BIRTHDAY!
Before we knew it, we were celebrating our 1st Birthday. The event was a good opportunity to say thank you to everyone who helped us get to this amazing milestone. This included clients, past lecturers, organisations, friends and family. The evening consisted of fish themed food and fish themed pub quiz.
Office
JUNE 2017
NEW HOME
As we continued to go from strength to strength, we decided to expand our team and bring on two more members – say hello to Jo and Zoey!
During this time, we also relocated our pond – moving from the Spark Incubator to an accelerator program ran by E-Spark partnered with Natwest.
Birthday
NOVEMBER 2017
OUR 2nd BIRTHDAY!
It’s that time of the year again, happy 2nd birthday to EatFishDesign! Keeping the spirit of our first birthday, the event was an opportunity to thank the people around us and celebrate our journey. And what is a birthday without a birthday cake, pizza and a good game of Shuffleboard.
Winner of the Duke of York Young Entrepreneur award 2016
Winner of the University of Leeds business plan competition 2016
Winner of the Huddersfield boot-camp pitching competition 2016
Winner of the Business Advantage award 2018
Design & Business
For every pound businesses invest in design, businesses can expect:
Over £20 net turnover
Over £4 net operating profit
Over £5 net exports
…The Design Council, 2012