Release date 24 July 2012
Commenting today on the Government’s publication of research on the value of design to the UK economy, the Design Council welcomed the findings which demonstrate the crucial role that design plays in UK’s exports. The research quantifies the value added by the internationally recognised UK design industry, but also shows that activity is highly export facing. The Design Council argued that the value of design could be increased further if UK businesses followed the lead of those in other advanced economies who are benefiting from the expertise of the UK design industry.
The research follows on from the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth which recommended that the Government investigate measures to improve the protection given to design. The Design Council welcomed the Government’s announced consultation on proposals for streamlining the legal framework utilised by business to protect their designs. The Design Council commented that it will be responding to the consultation and encouraged maximum participation so that policy makers are able to consider a full range of views and have access to greater evidence on which to base their decisions.
Ellie Runcie, Director of the Design Council’s Leadership Programme which helps UK business to utilise the value of design, commented:
“Our work with business shows the impact that design can have on their performance. It can help them to open up new markets as well as transform their existing ones through innovative products, services and brands. Our experience and the financial results that have been generated by businesses we have worked with shows that despite the challenging economic climate, businesses that embed design increase exports and higher profit margins.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. The Design Council is a charity which enables people to use design to transform communities, business and the environment for the better. Its work places design at the heart of creating value by stimulating innovation in business and public services, improving the built environment and tackling complex social issues. The Design Council inspires new design thinking, encourages public debate and informs government policy to improve everyday life and help meet tomorrow’s challenges today.
2. The Design Council’s Leadership team works at a senior level with businesses and public service providers to help them realise the ambitions of the organisation by identifying practical ways that design can deliver tangible long term results. It offer independent coaching through its national network of Design Associates to help management teams explore, uncover and develop ideas, fast-tracking those which have potential to become successful new products, services and brands. Its work leaves a legacy of how to use design to stimulate innovation, drive commercial success and deliver efficient and effective services.
3. For further information, please contact:
Tim Crowley, Head of Communications, Design Council: 020 7420 5263 / 07748 906897
tim.crowley@designcouncil.org.uk