Blackwood Design Awards - bespoken2024-03-29T15:51:31Zhttp://www.bespoken.me/forum/categories/blackwood-design-awards/listForCategory?categoryId=6411014%3ACategory%3A25731&feed=yes&xn_auth=noBlackwood Design Awards 2023-24, Application Deadline Extensiontag:www.bespoken.me,2023-09-07:6411014:Topic:1957152023-09-07T06:58:02.199Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
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<p><span>The Blackwood Design Awards are open to anyone, who has produced a great idea that supports people with disabilities, regardless of their background or level of experience. </span></p>
<p>The competition is looking for inventions, designs, and concepts that can enable people with disabilities to live their life to the full.</p>
<p>There…</p>
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<p><span>The Blackwood Design Awards are open to anyone, who has produced a great idea that supports people with disabilities, regardless of their background or level of experience. </span></p>
<p>The competition is looking for inventions, designs, and concepts that can enable people with disabilities to live their life to the full.</p>
<p>There are three categories open to the public:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Best New Concept (with prize money of £2,000)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Best New Aids, Equipment, or Accessible Technology (already accessible on the market)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Best Collaborative Project (by a University or Institute of Higher Learning)</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>The deadline has now been extended for all 3 categories to 5pm on<span> </span><strong>Friday 27 October.</strong></p>
<p>The winners will be announced in<span> </span><strong>January 2024</strong><span> </span>at a showcase event scheduled to take place in Edinburgh.</p>
<p>You can find more information and link to apply<span> </span><a href="https://www.blackwoodgroup.org.uk/latest-news/blackwood-design-awards-welcomes-202324-entrants--2729/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a></p> Entries for the Blackwood Design Awards 2023/24 are now open!tag:www.bespoken.me,2023-05-19:6411014:Topic:1955032023-05-19T09:21:25.804Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><strong>The Blackwood Design Awards (BDA)</strong> is celebrating a decade of excellence and innovation by <strong>welcoming entrants to participate in the 2023/24 competition.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>An international awards programme that seeks to find innovative and life-changing inventions and concepts that enhance independent living for people with disabilities, this year marks the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the competition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For all the details please read on below…</p>
<p><strong>The Blackwood Design Awards (BDA)</strong> is celebrating a decade of excellence and innovation by <strong>welcoming entrants to participate in the 2023/24 competition.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>An international awards programme that seeks to find innovative and life-changing inventions and concepts that enhance independent living for people with disabilities, this year marks the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the competition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For all the details please read on below and you can <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/MEk64QJ6m2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apply here.</a></strong></em></span></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11129630280?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/11129630280?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></strong></p>
<p>The Blackwood Design Awards is an international competition that seeks to find brilliant inventions and concepts that have the potential to change lives.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We are looking for inventions, designs and concepts that can boost independent living and enable people with disabilities to live their life to the full.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Entries are NOW open</strong> and the deadline to submit your design is Thursday 31 August.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Categories</em></strong></span></p>
<p>This year’s competition has three categories. Please read the description carefully before submitting your entry. If you have any doubt as to which category you should enter please contact <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk"><strong>bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</strong></a>.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>There are three categories open to the public:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Best New Concept (with prize money of £2,000)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Best New Aids, Equipment, or Accessible Technology (already accessible on the market)</strong></li>
<li><strong>Best Collaborative Project (by a University or Institute of Higher Learning)</strong></li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p>The deadline for the best collaborative project category has been extended to Friday 29 September to enable University students the necessary term time to complete their design work.</p>
<p> </p>
<table>
<tbody><tr><td width="342"><p> <strong><em>CATEGORY</em></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p> <strong><em>DETAILS</em></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best Collaborative Project</p>
<p>(by a University or Institute of Higher Learning)</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Entries must be the work of a collaboration between two or more people. Entrants should either be students or academic staff of a particular university or institute of higher learning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The collaboration may include non-academic persons/organisations provided the entry is produced either for or by a university or institute of higher learning. Deadline for this category is Friday 29 September.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Concept</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Cannot be commercially available at the time of the competition. Can be a student project or an independent enterprise. </p>
<p> Entries can be either high or low tech. It is not essential that entrants be able to produce a completed prototype provided they can demonstrate proof of concept to the judging panel.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Must be either a piece of digital assistive technology or a piece of equipment with a practical application and these must be commercially available at the time of submission. </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Who is the competition open to?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyone who has come up with a great idea that can support people with disabilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You might be a professional designer or a layperson. Past winners have included top universities as well as gifted amateurs who have an insight in living with a disability. Your background or level of experience are not what matters most. If the idea is good and well thought-out, if the concept has been proven and it can help people, you can enter the Blackwood Design Awards.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>What sort of designs are eligible to enter?</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Broadly speaking – anything. The only real caveat being that it must be either a physical invention or be applicable to a product (i.e. apps, software, etc are very welcome to enter).</p>
<p>The accompanying strapline to the awards is: Where Great Design meets independent living, so the designs need to be practical and impactful on people’s everyday lives.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>Does it have to be hi-tech?</strong></em></span></p>
<p>Not necessarily. Sometimes, the simple solutions are the best.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the strengths of the BDA is that entries are judged not on how technologically advanced they are but rather on how innovative, impactful and practical they are. Past winners have included a futuristic and hi-tech wheelchair controlled entirely with the eyes, but also the S’up Spoon, a simple 3D printed plastic spoon to eat independently without spilling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>What kind of entries have you had in the past?</strong></em></span></p>
<p>There are too many to list them all but here is a sample list of the types of entries we have received in the past:</p>
<ul>
<li>Apps to help improve independent living</li>
<li>Headsets to connect with and control IT without using hands</li>
<li>Lo-tech utensils for eating and drinking independently</li>
<li>Therapeutic aids for people with learning disabilities</li>
<li>Innovative wheelchair designs</li>
<li>Headsets to guide visually impaired people</li>
<li>Adapted furniture</li>
</ul>
<p>The list goes on and on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>How to enter</strong></em></span></p>
<p>We will be accepting entries until the midnight on Thursday 31 August 2023. To enter Blackwood Design Award Competition, fill in the <em><strong><a href="https://forms.office.com/e/MEk64QJ6m2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">application form.</span> </a></strong></em>You should hear back within three working days that we have received your entry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have any questions about any part of the application process, please direct your enquiries to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk"><strong>bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</strong></a>.</span></p> V and A Dundee Partner Blackwood Design Awards 2022tag:www.bespoken.me,2022-06-08:6411014:Topic:1921452022-06-08T14:03:41.653Zmarie mcquadehttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/mariemcquade
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<p><strong>MEDIA RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Invention competition partners with V&A Dundee<br></br></strong> <strong>Dundee landmark to host awards aiming to transform peoples’ lives</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A DESIGN competition uncovering independent living inventions of the future has secured a partnership with…</p>
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<p><strong>MEDIA RELEASE</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Invention competition partners with V&A Dundee<br/></strong> <strong>Dundee landmark to host awards aiming to transform peoples’ lives</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>A DESIGN competition uncovering independent living inventions of the future has secured a partnership with Scotland's design museum, as it relaunches.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The <a href="https://bit.ly/2DqeBjQ">Blackwood</a> Design Awards (BDA) invites budding designers, engineers and inventors from all over the world to submit their creations to help people with a disability or independent living need live life to the full – and this year will work in partnership with the <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/info/creating-va-dundee">V&A Dundee</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The tie-up is hoped to kick start a long-term venture as both interests align in that design should focus on the needs of the end-user while supporting independent living for all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joanna Mawdsley, Head of Learning at V&A Dundee will join the expert panel of judges while the venue will host the highly anticipated award ceremony in January 2023.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Joanna said: “Competitions like the BDA encourage concepts, designs and products from a whole cross section of the community and emphasises that anyone can create the next life changing design.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s a real privilege to work with Blackwood on this project and it’s inspiring to see designs that will help to make an exceptional difference to meeting people’s daily support needs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The world of design is moving at such a fast pace, so I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s entries have in store for us and how design can continue to play its vital role in enriching people’s lives”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Both experienced professionals and gifted amateurs can enter the awards, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The awards can also represent a great opportunity for design students to get their first big break while still at university.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Previous winners have included an app that helps make living spaces safer for people with dementia and inventor Grant Douglas’ “spill proof” spoon – the S’up Spoon – which is exhibited at V&A Dundee and was designed for those affected by conditions which cause them to shake.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Key categories include Best Collaborative Project, Best New Concept and Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology. Entrants can win £2000 prize money for Best Collaborative Project and support from our category sponsor Hyper Luminal Games. £2000 for Best New Concept and a package of support, sponsored by Social Telecoms and a trophy as well as Blackwood endorsement for the existing product that wins Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology sponsored by Kingdom Gas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This announcement follows the appointment of charity expert Marie McQuade, who joined Blackwood with over 25 years’ experience in the sector.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Marie hopes to drive as many entries as possible, she said: “Some of the designs previously entered have been revolutionary and benefited the lives of many others, and we expect this year’s designs to be no different.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We’re delighted to gain support from V&A Dundee and look forward to working alongside them for this year’s competition – and into the future.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“This year’s awards are exceptionally special as we celebrate Blackwood’s 50th year of operating and due to the anticipated high interest, we have extended the deadline for entries to 11<sup>th</sup> November 2022 so there is still time to get involved.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Groups or individuals can apply for the awards which are open to professionals and gifted amateurs, meaning that both technologically advanced and those simpler, yet often most successful designs, are equally welcome.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The awards mark Blackwood’s 50th Anniversary, since it was founded by Dr Margaret Blackwood MBE, a respected campaigner for the rights and independence of disabled people. She was deeply committed to people being able to live independent lives and, following her work to improve their financial situation, set her sights on providing housing that was suitably designed for disabled people.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Blackwood now operates more than 1500 properties across 29 local authorities, provides care services and invests in innovation and technology to help people live life to the full.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The charity has already built two developments of the affordable, accessible and connected tech-smart ‘Blackwood Homes’ in Glasgow and Dundee which use a “CleverCogs” digital system to make life easier for older people and people with disabilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The deadline for entries has been extended to Monday 13<sup>th</sup> November 2022 to allow for the anticipated expanding interest with the winners announced in January 2023.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="mailto:info@holyroodpr.co.uk"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10547863095?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p> Entries for the Blackwood Design Awards 2022 are now open!tag:www.bespoken.me,2022-01-28:6411014:Topic:1918732022-01-28T14:16:32.371Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p>We are delighted to announce that the Blackwood Design Awards 2022 are now officially open for entries. See below for instructions on how to enter.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10052952695?profile=original" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10052952695?profile=RESIZE_710x"></img></a></p>
<p>The Blackwood Design Awards is an international competition that seeks to find brilliant inventions and concepts that have the potential to change lives.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Covid pandemic forced…</p>
<p>We are delighted to announce that the Blackwood Design Awards 2022 are now officially open for entries. See below for instructions on how to enter.</p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10052952695?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/10052952695?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>The Blackwood Design Awards is an international competition that seeks to find brilliant inventions and concepts that have the potential to change lives.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Covid pandemic forced us all to think, work and live differently. We learned how important it is to be able to live independently and how technology and creative solutions can enable this. So, with renewed vigour, we are delighted to declare the 2022 BDA’s open!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We are looking for inventions, designs and concepts that can boost independent living and enable people with disabilities to live life to the full.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As this year’s competition aims to be the biggest to date, we have a prize package to reflect this, and the full details will be released soon! All winners will be awarded the BDA trophy in their category.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Categories</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This year’s competition has five distinct categories. Three categories open for public applications are covered in more detail below. Please read the description carefully before submitting your entry. If you have any doubt as to which category you should enter please contact <a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk"><strong>bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</strong></a>.</p>
<p></p>
<table>
<tbody><tr><td width="342"><p> <strong><em>CATEGORY</em></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p> <strong><em>DETAILS</em></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best Collaborative Project</p>
<p>(by a University or Institute of Higher Learning)</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Entries must be the work of a collaboration between two or more people. Entrants should either be students or academic staff of a particular university or institute of higher learning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The collaboration may include non-academic persons/organisations provided the entry is produced either for or by a university or institute of higher learning.</p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Concept</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Cannot be commercially available at the time of the competition. Can be a student project or an independent enterprise. </p>
<p> Entries can be either high or low tech. It is not essential that entrants be able to produce a completed prototype provided they can demonstrate proof of concept to the judging panel.</p>
<p></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Aids, Equipment or Accessible Technology</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Must be either a piece of digital assistive technology or a piece of equipment with a practical application and these must be commercially available at the time of submission<span>.</span><span></span> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Who is the competition open to?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyone who has come up with a great idea that can support people with disabilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You might be a professional designer or a layperson. Past winners have included top universities as well as gifted amateurs who have an insight in living with a disability. Your background or level of experience are not what matters most. If the idea is good and well thought-out, if the concept has been proven and it can help people, you can enter the Blackwood Design Awards.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What sort of designs are eligible to enter?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Broadly speaking – anything. The only real caveat being that it must be either a physical invention or be applicable to a product (i.e. apps, software, etc are very welcome to enter).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Does it have to be hi-tech?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not necessarily. Sometimes, the simple solutions are the best.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the strengths of the BDA is that entries are judged not on how technologically advanced they are but rather on how innovative, impactful and practical they are. Past winners have included a futuristic and hi-tech wheelchair controlled entirely with the eyes, but also the S’up Spoon, a simple 3D printed plastic spoon to eat independently without spilling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What kind of entries have you had in the past?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are too many to list them all but here is a sample list of the types of entries we have received in the past:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Apps to help improve independent living</li>
<li>Headsets to connect with and control IT without using hands</li>
<li>Lo-tech utensils for eating and drinking independently</li>
<li>Therapeutic aids for people with learning disabilities</li>
<li>Innovative wheelchair designs</li>
<li>Headsets to guide visually impaired people</li>
<li>Adapted furniture</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>The list goes on and on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How to enter</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will be accepting entries until the midnight 13th November 2022. To enter Blackwood Design Award Competition, fill in the <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7LyadUeER06ODZYGe7iBy6WPNmEuD-tGsO1iumunQf9UNUs2S1lKWkhKVjNaQUkzSjA5Q1VYUjc0Qi4u" target="_blank" rel="noopener">application form. </a>You should hear back within 3 working days that we have received your entry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have any questions about any part of the application process, please direct your enquiries to <a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk"><strong>bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</strong></a>.</p> Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 Now Live and Accepting Entries!tag:www.bespoken.me,2018-11-02:6411014:Topic:679352018-11-02T09:39:30.987Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Entries for the Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 are now closed! </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Keep an eye open for when we announce the shortlist! </strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>We are delighted to announce that the Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 are now officially open for entries. See below for instructions on how to enter.…</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Entries for the Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 are now closed! </strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Keep an eye open for when we announce the shortlist! </strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p>We are delighted to announce that the Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 are now officially open for entries. See below for instructions on how to enter.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214559109?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214559109?profile=RESIZE_480x480" class="align-center" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>The Blackwood Design Awards is an international competition that seeks to find brilliant inventions and concepts that have the potential to change lives.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Now in its sixth year, the BDA supports the legacy of Dr Margaret Blackwood who dedicated her life to campaigning for the rights of people with disabilities. Today, Blackwood Homes and Care carries on her work and provides over 1,500 beautiful, affordable and accessible homes to people across Scotland as well as personal care and support services.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We are looking for inventions, designs and concepts that can boost independent living and enable people with disabilities to live life to the full.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This year’s competition is sponsored by Kingdom Gas and Triodos and boasts a prize package worth thousands of pounds! All winners will be awarded the BDA trophy in their category.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Categories</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>This year’s competition has three distinct categories. Please read the description carefully before submitting your entry. If you have any doubt as to which category you should enter please contact <a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk">bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<table>
<tbody><tr><td width="342"><p> <strong><em>CATEGORY</em></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p> <strong><em>DETAILS</em></strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Concept</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Open to any entry not affiliated with an academic institution. Entries must not be commercially available at the time of submission.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Entries can be either high or low tech. It is not essential that entrants be able to produce a completed prototype provided they can demonstrate proof of concept to the judging panel.</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best Collaborative Project by a University or Institute of Higher Learning</p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Entries must be the work of a collaboration between two or more people. Entrants should either be students or academic staff of a particular university or institute of higher learning.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The collaboration may include non-academic persons/organisations provided the entry is produced either for or by a university or institute of higher learning.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td width="342"><p>Best New Product</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
</td>
<td width="342"><p>Open to everyone. All entries must be commercially available at the time of submission.</p>
<p> </p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Who is the competition open to?</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyone who has come up with a great idea that can support people with disabilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You might be a professional designer or a layperson. Past winners have included top universities as well as gifted amateurs who have an insight in living with a disability. Your background or level of experience are not what matters most. If the idea is good and well thought-out, if the concept has been proven and it can help people, you can enter the Blackwood Design Awards.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>What sort of designs are eligible to enter?</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Broadly speaking – anything. The only real caveat being that it has to be either a physical invention or be applicable to a product (i.e. apps, software, etc are very welcome to enter).</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Does it have to be hi-tech?</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not necessarily. Sometimes, the simple solutions are the best.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>One of the strengths of the BDA is that entries are judged not on how technologically advanced they are but rather on how innovative, impactful and practical they are. Past winners have included a futuristic and hi-tech wheelchair controlled entirely with the eyes, but also the S’up Spoon, a simple 3D printed plastic spoon to eat independently without spilling.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>What kind of entries have you had in the past?</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are too many to list them all but here is a sample list of the types of entries we’ve received in the past:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Apps to help improve independent living</li>
<li>Headsets to connect with and control IT without using hands</li>
<li>Lo-tech utensils for eating and drinking independently</li>
<li>Therapeutic aids for people with learning disabilities</li>
<li>Innovative wheelchair designs</li>
<li>Headsets to guide visually impaired people</li>
<li>Adapted furniture</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>The list goes on and on.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>How to enter</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We will be accepting entries until the 12th of April. To enter simply download the entry form <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214559786?profile=original" target="_self">here</a></strong></span>, fill it out and send it to <a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk">bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</a>. You should hear back within 3 working days.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you have any questions about any part of the application process, please direct your enquiries to <a href="mailto:bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk">bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk</a>.</p>
<p> </p> Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 coming soon!tag:www.bespoken.me,2018-10-04:6411014:Topic:674602018-10-04T10:58:09.017Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p>After a hugely successful competition in 2017/18 the international Blackwood Design Awards are returning for 2018/19.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First launched in 2013, the original competition was open only to a handful of UK universities. Now about to launch for the 6<sup>th</sup> year running, it has developed into a major international competition and includes inventors and designers of varied backgrounds. They range from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs and even include laypeople…</p>
<p>After a hugely successful competition in 2017/18 the international Blackwood Design Awards are returning for 2018/19.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First launched in 2013, the original competition was open only to a handful of UK universities. Now about to launch for the 6<sup>th</sup> year running, it has developed into a major international competition and includes inventors and designers of varied backgrounds. They range from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs and even include laypeople who simply came up with a great idea.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>BDA 2017/18 saw finalists video call in from the four corners of the globe to pitch their final presentations to a “<em>Dragon’s Den”</em> style panel of judges.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Winners included the University of Stirling with the Iridis app which helps to design a safe living environment for people who have dementia. Andrew Taylor won the trophy for <em>Best New Concept</em> for his design of a headset that guides visually impaired athletes around a running track without a guide runner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“It’s amazing to have won this award especially when you consider the quality of the other entrants.”</em> Andrew said on being awarded his trophy. <em>“It was good to get validation from people who have been working in this industry for long time and who are experts.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The winner from 2015, Grant Douglas used his prize money to grow the reach of his entry, the S’up Spoon that doesn’t spill, which has since sold thousands of units around the world!</p>
<p>Grant, who has Cerebral Palsy, designed the spoon to enable people who shake uncontrollably to eat independently without spilling. <em>“The big thing from the competition was the publicity. It gave the product credibility”</em>, he said.</p>
<p></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BxHb0CqImb0?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Our Sponsors</u></strong></p>
<p>We are delighted for 2018/19 to welcome back Kingdom Gas which has been a long-time supporter and sponsor of the Blackwood Design Awards. A new sponsor for 2018/19 is <a href="https://www.triodos.com/en/about-triodos-bank/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triodos Bank</a>, a leading pioneer of ethical banking currently partnered with Blackwood to help build our next generation of accessible, affordable and beautiful homes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214559537?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214559537?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-center" style="padding: 4px;"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214560350?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="350" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1214560350?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="350" class="align-center" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Blackwood Design Awards 2018/19 will officially launch in mid-October 2018. Keep watching <strong>be</strong>spoken for the official launch.</p> Expert Judges Reflect back on Outstanding Design Competitiontag:www.bespoken.me,2018-08-30:6411014:Topic:674272018-08-30T10:56:03.160ZAbeer Darwishhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/AbeerDarwish
<p><strong>“I was very proud to be invited to be involved in the future” – Judges Reflect Back on the Tremendous Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was only a couple months ago that the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 (BDA), an international competition, came to a climactic finale in Glasgow when ingenious designers and inventors video-called from around the globe to pitch to an expert judging panel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First launched in 2013, the BDA seeks to discover and…</p>
<p><strong>“I was very proud to be invited to be involved in the future” – Judges Reflect Back on the Tremendous Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was only a couple months ago that the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 (BDA), an international competition, came to a climactic finale in Glasgow when ingenious designers and inventors video-called from around the globe to pitch to an expert judging panel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>First launched in 2013, the BDA seeks to discover and champion brilliant new concepts and designs that have the potential to change lives and help people who have disabilities live life to the full.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>Meet the judges<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340051?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340051?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>(Pictured clockwise from top left: Fiona Thwaites, Gavin Neate, Lorne Crerar, Richard Neville)</em></p>
<p></p>
<p>The 2017/18 contest brought together a panel of expert judges from varied backgrounds. Richard Neville is quick to acknowledge, “I was the layman’s voice among the judges. I have no expertise in design or as a service user but my ability to learn information quickly and identify good ideas really helped me to choose the winners”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The editor-in-chief of Morning Newspapers for the DC Thompson Group, Richard has twice served on the judging panel for the Blackwood Design Awards – bringing with him a wealth of experience that comes from working with a wide range of people in different fields as well as his ability to quickly grasp concepts and ideas.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It has been a fantastic experience learning about the challenges faced by people who use the products that come forward through the awards”, Richard says.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>A newcomer to the panel was the CEO and founder of Neatebox, Gavin Neate.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Having spent 18 years working directly with blind and visually impaired people I have seen first-hand the challenges they face daily.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gavin’s knowledge of both practical and technological solutions, as well as his experience in setting up and running a technology company, made him an invaluable member of the panel.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>He was especially impressed with the winner of the Best New Concept, Andrew Taylor, and his idea for a headset that guides visually impaired runners.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“I really enjoyed his presentation. His attitude in the short video he submitted was very good. He was well prepared, and he had great ideas about how the product could be developed in the future.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><u>The value of the Blackwood Design Awards</u></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Two other new-comers to the panel this year were Fiona Thwaites and Professor Lorne Crerar.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fiona Thwaites (who is a wheelchair user) has decades of experience in the housing and care sector and is also a Member of Blackwood. “I’ve seen life from both perspectives, so I was able to look at the designs and consider if that type of project or product would be useful for me. However, I was also thinking more about a bigger picture in terms of how it might work for a larger number of people.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Professor Lorne Crerar is the founder and chairman of Harper Macleod LLP, one of Scotland’s leading law firms. “I was pleased to be invited to join the panel. I was very interested in what the panel was considering in terms of innovation and helping those who need it. I saw it as a privilege to be asked to judge and was happy to give time to do so because it is a very worthwhile course.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Electronic voting made the judging process straightforward for the panel who used digital tablets to vote on each entry in all the different categories.</p>
<p>“We all came together as judges, talked through the entries, had a general discussion and the judges tended to come together in a kind of consensus”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fiona shares the same enthusiasm for the BDA, “[The designers] might have the opportunity to get in touch with people who might offer funding or advice on how to develop their product. It’s an opportunity to bring it to a wider audience and finding a way onto the market.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gavin’s parting advice to inventors who are thinking of taking part in Blackwood’s competition: “working in the world of innovation and development, we have to be aware of what already exists and whether we are repeating what somebody else has done before. The idea of invention is to come up with something new that hasn’t been done before and then you have other challenges such as funding, development, the right people and right time, engagement and marketing.”</p> RAPAEL Smart Glove Using Gamification for Rehabilitationtag:www.bespoken.me,2018-08-13:6411014:Topic:672212018-08-13T11:39:45.120ZAbeer Darwishhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/AbeerDarwish
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340087?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340087?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a></p>
<p>A stunning and unprecedented double win at the final of the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 secured NEOFECT a place in the BDA hall of fame earlier this year. The South Korean tech company took home trophies for <em>‘Best Aids and Equipment’</em> and <em>‘Best Accessible Technology’</em> having bowled over the judges with the RAPAEL Smart Glove and RAPAEL Smart…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340087?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340087?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>A stunning and unprecedented double win at the final of the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 secured NEOFECT a place in the BDA hall of fame earlier this year. The South Korean tech company took home trophies for <em>‘Best Aids and Equipment’</em> and <em>‘Best Accessible Technology’</em> having bowled over the judges with the RAPAEL Smart Glove and RAPAEL Smart Pegboard – both of which are used in the rehabilitation and treatment of patients following serious injury or stroke.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Marketing Communication Manager at NEOFECT, Anna Choi answered some questions for <strong>be</strong>spoken, revealing how the win has impacted the company.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“We’re very proud to have our designs and contribution recognised in the Blackwood Design Awards – it’s a true honour” says Anna. “We’re all extremely excited at the prospect of the word spreading, which could see more people benefit from the glove. The awards will be a good reference for us when we sell our products to UK.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RAPAEL Smart Rehabilitation Solutions helps patients undergoing physiotherapy to overcome difficulties and regain mobility.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The RAPAEL Smart Glove is a virtual reality glove that is transforming recovery times of stroke victims. It works using interactive gaming to encourage and motivate its users to keep repeating measured movements in their recovery phase. The glove helps to bring feeling and movement back to inactive parts of the hand, wrist and forearm.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anna continues, “lots of stroke survivors give up rehabilitation due to cost constraints and distance to a treatment facility. We believe that by using game-based training, healthcare providers can help their patients stay positive about their recovery, which will lead to better rehabilitation experiences and more people getting back their health”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The glove was co-invented by the CEO of NEOFECT, Hoyoung Ban, who recognised the need to advance the rehabilitation process after losing his father and later seeing two uncles fall victim to strokes.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This drive to break down obstacles that both patients and families face inspires and motivates Anna in her job. “The goal of rehabilitation is to help people to get back to their families, their jobs, their communities and to make the transition back to ordinary life comfortable.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“A veteran used our smart glove after he had his third stroke. He couldn’t bend his hand or move it but after using the Smart Glove he could, and he was doing everyday tasks like folding laundry.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>RAPAEL continuously records all of the movements that patients make and displays them on an integrated data form, so the patient can check the performance with the therapist after each practice set is done. This encourages patients and give them the feeling of “I can do it”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Feedback from users of the Smart Glove has been hugely positive and NEOFECT’s reach is now global. “In America, between 400 and 500 individual patients use the Smart Glove right now and they love it as it has incredible results for patient recovery. It really has the potential to breathe a breath of fresh air into the way that we think of patient’s recovery process.”</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340044?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/main/authorization/signUp?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sign up</a> to <strong>be</strong>spoken to comment and receive our weekly bulletin</p> VI Athletes With Intelligent Glasses on Running Tracktag:www.bespoken.me,2018-08-02:6411014:Topic:673172018-08-02T09:39:05.772ZAbeer Darwishhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/AbeerDarwish
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339969?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339969?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> A recent graduate of the University of Bath, Andrew Taylor was the winner of the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 in the <em>Best New Concept</em> category.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a recent conversation with Andrew, we discussed his winning invention which aims to help people who are visually impaired.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Can you explain how your winning entry…</em></strong></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339969?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339969?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>A recent graduate of the University of Bath, Andrew Taylor was the winner of the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 in the <em>Best New Concept</em> category.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In a recent conversation with Andrew, we discussed his winning invention which aims to help people who are visually impaired.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Can you explain how your winning entry works?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s a device which looks like a pair of running glasses with some differences. It’s got a built-in camera, a processor, a battery and finally, conduction headphones. We are focusing on track running which is standard for 400m running track.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The camera can see the track in front of the user and captures a live video of the athlete’s lane. An algorithm then calculates the user’s current position within their target direction and lane. This information is converted to an audio signal which is a beep noise which appears to originate from in front of the user. By following the direction of the beep, the user is guided around the running track.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>What inspired you to design the headset?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“In 2016 during the Paralympics, I started to think about this product when I was watching some visually impaired running event and I decided to design a product to help. I’ve always been interested in designing products for people with disabilities because they have a unique set of requirements, so I created this product to see how technology could be used to meet their requirements.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>How did you hear about the Blackwood Design Awards?</em></strong></p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339898?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339898?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>“My former university professor introduced me to the competition and I did a little research on Blackwood as well as previous winners. I was really encouraged to enter the competition after discovering all the success stories.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>Can you tell us about the day of the final? What it was like waiting to be called and giving your presentation?</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It was a mix of nerves and excitement. I had put a lot of hard work into my presentation to the judges, and while I knew my concept was well thought out, I was anxious to make sure I showed off the idea in the best possible way. Paul from <strong>be</strong>spoken had put in a lot of work before hand, making sure I knew what to expect on the day, the timings and checking there were no technical issues in advance, which helped things go smoothly. After the presentation, I felt much more relaxed - the judges responded very positively to what they had seen, and their feedback was engaging and insightful. The 10-minute question and answer session really flew by - I wish I had had more time for this discussion.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>What feedback did you get from the judges?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It was absolutely fantastic, it was good to hear the feedback from the judges which was very helpful for me and during the Q&A section of the presentation, they came up with a number of comments which really helped me to think about ideas and applications for the product. It was good to get confirmation from people who have been working in this industry for long time and who are experts.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><em>So what’s next for your design?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“It’s still too early a stage to bring the design to market but I got advice from the judges about charities to get in touch with to let them know about the prototype. Friends and some of my colleagues at university have tested it and I have been trying it quite a lot too. I would really like people with visual impairments to test it next.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>How has the prize money helped you?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The prize money really helped me with the development of the product so I’m setting up the second version of the prototype which will hopefully allow full testing with people who are visually impaired. After the next stage of testing is complete I want to refine the design and look for suitable manufactures of various components. I also want to make the software open source so anyone could buy this product and then use it for whatever need they have.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339933?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339933?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p><strong><em>How does your design give people more independence?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“Currently a lot of people use guide runners and there could be problems with the availability of the guide so hopefully being able to replace the role of guide runners will open up the opportunity for many more people with a visual impairment to enjoy sports. The dream for me is for the product to be used in the Paralympics games and give people the confidence to perform just as well if not better.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>What does winning the Blackwood Design Awards mean to you?</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>“The Blackwood Design Award was a highly engaging and rewarding experience for me. When I found out I had been selected for the final I was very excited. Hearing positive feedback from people with experience designing for users with disabilities confirmed my belief that my concept has a lot of potential. It also motivated me to develop my idea as much as possible for the final and highlight the key steps in my design process during my presentation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Blackwood has been a great inspiration to me. I’d like to thank them for their guidance and also thank the judges for their feedback.”</p> Winners of the Blackwood Design Awards 2017/18 revealed!tag:www.bespoken.me,2018-05-31:6411014:Topic:663252018-05-31T13:45:29.267Zbespoken Teamhttp://www.bespoken.me/profile/bespokenadministrator
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340258?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340258?profile=RESIZE_320x320" style="padding: 4px;" width="250"></img></a> Yesterday saw the much-anticipated final of the Blackwood Design Awards (BDA) unfold in Glasgow’s buzzing city centre. It was a fantastic event with brilliant input from both our judging panel and the finalists, some of whom were Skyping in from across the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chair of Blackwood, Max Brown gave a brief opening address in which he thanked the volunteer judges…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340258?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340258?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a>Yesterday saw the much-anticipated final of the Blackwood Design Awards (BDA) unfold in Glasgow’s buzzing city centre. It was a fantastic event with brilliant input from both our judging panel and the finalists, some of whom were Skyping in from across the world.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Chair of Blackwood, Max Brown gave a brief opening address in which he thanked the volunteer judges for taking part and also paid tribute to past judge Gordon Aikman, who sadly past away last year. Gordon was a noted campaigner for awareness of Motor Neurone Disorder and raised over £500,000 in just a couple years through his charity, Gordon’s Fightback.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340099?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="250" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340099?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="250" class="align-right" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p>During the first session, South Korean company Neofect scored a double victory having enter both the <em>Best ‘Aids and Equipment’</em> and <em>‘Best Accessible Technology’</em> categories.</p>
<p></p>
<p>After lunch, 2015 winner Grant Douglas made a guest appearance to tell the judges about how his entry - S’up Spoon – has gone from strength to strength since winning. The spoon which enables people who have a severe tremor to eat independently is currently on display in the Smithsonian museum in New York as well as the British Design Museum. Grant was recently made an MBE in the New Year Honours list for services to people with disabilities.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/gavinneate/status/1001857305393221639" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img width="400" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119340914?profile=RESIZE_480x480" width="400" class="align-center" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The last two categories were judged in a Dragon’s Den style contest where finalists Skyped in from around the world to present a short pitch and answer the judges’ questions. The standard was incredibly high as usual and it was never clear which entries would come out on top. In the end, the group vote tipped the balance and the winners were:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh_IfX6cSB4&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Best Aids and Equipment</strong> – RAPAEL Smart Glove</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qbKcebAyiU&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Best Accessible Technology</strong> – RAPAEL Smart Pegboard</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eveYpavz_EA" target="_self"><strong>Best Collaborative Project by a university or institute of higher learning</strong> – Iridis, by Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling</a></li>
<li><a href="https://vimeo.com/261700082" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Best New Concept</strong> – Guidance System for V.I. athletes, by Andrew Taylor</a></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>A massive well done to all who entered. Thanks too to our judges and to Kingdom Gas who sponsored the event.</p>
<p></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/the-lost-voice-guy-stand-up-comedian-lee-ridley-on-telling-jokes-" target="_self" rel="noopener"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339938?profile=original" width="200" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/forum/topics/the-lost-voice-guy-stand-up-comedian-lee-ridley-on-telling-jokes-" target="_self" rel="noopener">He's in the final of Britain's Got Talent - Meet the Lost Voice Guy</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/video/s-up-spoon-winner-of-the-blackwood-design-awards-2015" target="_self" rel="noopener"><img width="200" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/119339951?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="200" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/video/s-up-spoon-winner-of-the-blackwood-design-awards-2015" target="_self" rel="noopener">Grant won the Blackwood Design Awards in 2015 - watch his story here...</a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/video/understanding-the-problem-david-on-being-deaf" target="_self" rel="noopener"><img src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/adoptanintern/pages/3853/meta_images/original/neatebox2.jpg?1502704976&width=200" width="200" class="align-left" style="padding: 4px;"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.bespoken.me/video/understanding-the-problem-david-on-being-deaf" target="_self" rel="noopener">Understanding the problem with Neatebox</a></p>