4c Design has launched a new site featuring enhanced sections about the company and the completed projects portfolio. The case study section is open to your input. If you have information about a past 4C design project and how it is doing and would like the site to feature its latest success stories, 4c design would be happy to include and promote it. What do you think? Is there additional information which would help you develop your business? To visit our new website point your browser to www.4cdesign.co.uk.

Did you know that the government gives you money off your tax bill if you engage in Research and Development (R&D)?

There must be qualifying expenditure of at least £10,000 on R&D in the accounting period in order for a claim to be made but there is no upper limit on the amount of the claim. The R&D tax credit works by allowing companies to deduct 150% (under the SME scheme) or 125% (under the large company scheme) of qualifying expenditure on R&D activities when calculating their profit for tax purposes.

And its not just traditional scientific research that benefits either. Design is seen as essential to translating knowledge into products that are useful and useable so provided the design work is part of a broader technology based R&D project - for instance prototyping - chances are that its eligible. The trick is to convince the tax man that you have done something new and challenging and not obvious, but in a way that they understand that it hasn't been a walk in the park.

for more information go to the HM Revenue and Customs, or find out if you are eligible through the interactive tool on the Business link website

In the 21st century we need to be thinking a little bit more about our role as designers in the creation of things. We believe at 4c that it is our corporate and social responsibility now to inform everyone about the impact of the creation of goods and service on the planet. We are in a sense best placed to do so through the choice of materials, methods and product strategies we create. It also makes good business sense too. People demand products that reflect their lifestyle choices and increasingly people are choosing products that have been designed sustainably. By exploring all the life stages of a product including its disposal and transportation as early on as possible, we can often find new and innovative solutions. Thus sustainable design becomes better by design.

As an example of our approach to sustainable design. 4c Design was commissioned by Cashmaster International to redesign their digital money weighing devices. The machines are used in some of the world’s most recognisable retailers, such as Tesco and Starbucks. We looked at all the aspects of the product range from in-store use to assembly, and maintenance. This meant a complete redesign programme. The final solutions reduced assembly time and the number of fixing screws from thirty-two to six! The product is now easier to breakdown for maintenance. Finally by merging the product range to make use of common plastic components we were able lower the number of different manufactured parts, saving time, logistical overheads and money for Cashmaster International. The client was delighted with the overall outcome. Next time you stop for a coffee, or on your weekly shop, keep a look out for Cashmaster making light work of your loose change. For more information on Cashmaster visit their website . www.cashmaster.com