TWO of the South West's leading graphic designers will stage a special seminar in Tavistock where they will explain how branding and design can help small firms.

Nathaniel Davis, of Tavistock-based Tee Design, and Mark Harrison, of Bovey Tracey's Buzz Creative Design, will reveal how a 'well-managed' brand and professional design can give firms a competitive edge.

Firms attending the seminar will be taken through campaign planning, design rules, design 'horrors' and practical matters of pre-press preparation and web design.

The Non-designers' Design Seminar will take place at the head office of Tee Design and Printing Ltd, in a 19th Century storehouse conversion on Tavistock's canal-side, on Tuesday, June 30.

The morning-long workshop will include informal networking, coffee and an opportunity to quiz the two experts, who combine more than two decades of experience and each handle a portfolio of regional, national and multi-national accounts, including Laura Ashley, Homebase and British Gas.

They said a distinct corporate image can build a client base, and help attract staff.

Mr Davis said: "There are basic principles which everyone can learn in order to use graphic design to reach out to people. Good design conveys continuity and experience and encourages confidence in a firm. There is no reason why any small business ought not to make the most of that."

Mr Harrison said: "There are considerable benefits in adopting consistent design-led brand strategies throughout an organisation. Good design should be a vital ingredient in initiating, developing and maintaining a company's success in the marketplace."

For information about the seminar ring Mr Davis on: 0845 0037373, or Mr Harrison on: 01626 832964.