Frank McCullagh and Jock Armstrong
MEng Product Design and Development (2009)
Frank McCullagh and Jock Armstrong launched ID Product Development (www.idproductdevelopment) in Spring 2009 to provide product design, project management and procurement services to clients like O'Neills Sportswear, Solmatix and Pakflatt. The consultancy specialises in the development of commercial and renewables products within established firms who wish to expand their existing product range. Due to strong growth, the company now employs two further staff and is supported by a close network of industry professionals in design, manufacturing and the materials industry, providing a breadth and depth of experience.
|
What made you decide to set up your own business? |
Due to the economic climate and the small scale of the product design sector in Northern Ireland, we decided to start our own business. As young graduates with limited responsibilities, we viewed this as an opportunity to explore and experience. We identified a gap in the market and focused on the support of large, established firms who wanted to expand their product range quickly and into new areas. |
|
What has been your biggest challenge so far? |
Despite being a new company coupled with limited experience as graduates, ID Product Development won their first major contract within 6 months of business. As both designers and project managers, we have supported O’Neills Sportswear in the development of new products beyond the fabric industry. During 2010, ID Product Development designed and manufactured the company's first hurling helmet which is due for launch in 2011. Due to the success of this project, O’Neills Sportswear have committed further projects and have cemented their affiliation with ID Product Development. |
|
What has been your biggest success or triumph so far? |
As with any company, the main priority is successful sales, but as well as this, we are very proud of the niche offering we provide to organisations of all scales and industries. By having a very linear design and development process, along with support from our network of industry professionals, we are able to develop projects from concept right through to manufacture quickly and successfully outside the constraints of large organisations. |
|
How do you feel your time at Queen's prepared you for this venture?
|
The Product Design & Development course focused on theory but more importantly the application of theory in real life scenarios. From the outset we were able to develop new products which were not only aesthetically pleasing, ergonomic etc, but most importantly were financially viable. The course taught us how to take and develop a sketch on a piece of paper into a product in any industry. Although we are not experts in a particular field of engineering, we are experts in the design and development process which is unique within engineering. |
|
What advice would you give someone considering starting a business?
|
Networking is key and this is especially true in Northern Ireland. Regardless of what industry you may be involved in, being known within your field is key. In our experience, networking has been advantageous for 2 reasons. Product design is so varied but with the support of industry professionals, we have been involved in products ranging from car mats to election equipment to safety helmets. Secondly, not all work is achieved through tendering and other forms of sales, but through word of mouth. If you have a strong track record you will be recommended and new work achieved without advertising expenditure. |
|
What is your next ambition?
|
Our ambition is to expand and strengthen our client base with the aim of employing more staff. In the long term, we would also like to develop some of our own ideas and create new companies which would be a shift away from a fee based business. |
11/11/2010
