New Government Champion appointed to accelerate accessible product design
The Minister of State for Disabled People Sarah Newton MP has appointed Ed Warner, co-founder of the award-winning, accessible design company Motionspot, as a sector champion for the ‘Design of Products and Spaces’.
The new role reflects the importance of designing more inclusive environments, accessible products and making those with a disability a business priority.
Ed commented: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as sector champion for the Design of Products and Spaces and help represent the needs of disabled people.
“My vision is to encourage a culture of change across the industry, so accessible products and spaces are better designed to suit the needs, style preferences and budgets of all. The ultimate goal is to create beautiful, accessible environments that are appealing and inclusively designed for everyone.”
Sarah Newton MP added: “For too long businesses have been missing out on the spending power of disabled customers and their families – worth a staggering £249 billion a year. Our new champions will fight for the rights of disabled consumers so they can spend their money where and when they want, just like everyone else.”
The newly appointed Design Champion plans to raise awareness of the commercial benefits for those who can make their spaces more accessible, with outreach in the hospitality, workplace, healthcare and leisure sectors. Ed also intends to involve more disabled people in the design process to ensure products solve a specific need based on evidence-based principles.
Ed Warner is a co-founder of Motionspot, a business specialising in improving the accessible design of homes and commercial spaces.
In addition to designing improved access in hundreds of homes across the UK, Motionspot has provided design advice and innovative accessible products to retirement developments, care and housing providers, hotels, offices, public spaces and leisure facilities across the world.
