Overlap launches new office in Leeds on 18 September 2018
KITCHENER, ON, CANADA – 4 September, 2018 – Overlap Associates, a leading global human-centred design firm, today announced that it has selected the City of Leeds as the location for their second office – expanding the business into the UK market.
Leeds is a natural fit for Overlap’s first international office, especially given the city’s commitment to bettering services and its ambition to put the needs of children and youth at the heart of the economy through the Child Friendly Leeds initiative. Overlap has done extensive work with their partner UNICEF and One Youth Canada in the area of childhood well-being. There are also many connections to be made among the Northern Powerhouse strategy and Overlap’s experience supporting change at the local level to drive lasting social impact.
“We are really pleased to welcome a respected global company like Overlap to Leeds. They will be a valuable addition to our efforts to make sure people are at the heart of our vision to have a strong economy in a compassionate, caring city,” says Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council.
Over the past two years, Overlap has gained international experience, working for clients based in Canada, Sweden, Indonesia, Jordan, and New York. Last year, Overlap co-designed a groundbreaking human-centred design project, Aging By Design, for a major foundation in New York State. These experiences have prepared Overlap well for a focused effort to promote and deliver Overlap’s services in an international marketplace.
“It’s an exciting time in Yorkshire and across many of the northern cities in England. There are many visionary leaders in place across local authorities, the broader public sector and private sector organisations, who are leading long-term change initiatives. At Overlap, we believe that better is absolutely possible. We harness the power of design to support people to understand the needs of their community and use real insights to get to ‘better’. We love complex problems and our work takes on many shapes and sizes. We’re looking forward to bringing our expertise to the UK market and partnering with inspiring people who are making a difference in our world,” says Lisa Grogan, Overlap’s Co-Founder and President.
“We’ve built an incredible foundation in Canada. We’re looking forward to expanding our team of multi-disciplinary designers and growing a new team in the UK. With the local universities and strength of talent throughout Yorkshire, Leeds couldn’t be a better base for Overlap.”
To celebrate the opening of the new office, Overlap will be hosting a high-profile launch event in Leeds on 18 September and have participation from the Leeds City Council Cabinet Member, as well as a number of local dignitaries. Click here to register to attend the event.
– 30 –
About Overlap Associates
Overlap is a compassionate, clever, creative consulting firm using human-centred design to help organizations make headway on the problems that matter most to them. We conduct qualitative research for—and with—our clients to draw out insights, generate relevant ideas, and road-test practical solutions. Every day, we co-design solutions with the people who know their problems best. Overlap primarily works in the nonprofit sector including government, hospitals and healthcare, libraries and culture, social good organizations and foundations, and education.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Grogan, Co-Founder & President, Overlap Associates
Tele: 226 317 0305 x205
Email: lisa@overlapassociates.com
