Our response to the 2017 Spring Budget

The Chancellor’s 2017 Spring budget sets the direction for the UK post the EU referendum. In this article our Director of Policy and research, Sally Benton, discusses how the Spring Budget, which provides an upgraded forecast on economic growth and additional spend for health and social care, reinforces recent major announcements on industrial strategy and infrastructure spending.

Design industries contribute over £71bn in GVA to the UK. More broadly design can be a driving force for economic success, stimulating innovation and delivering places that respond directly to the needs, challenges and aspirations of people, business and communities. By the late 2020s there will be a transformation in the type of work we do across the UK.

Responding to the Spring Budget, Clare Devine, our Executive Director for Architecture and Design, said: “Successful and sustainable growth requires a focus on immediate investment and long-term priorities. We welcome continued commitment to infrastructure, digital technology and research-led innovation spending. However we continue to press government on the vital role of design to the UK.”

People are living and working longer, therefore individuals and businesses investing in training today must be confident that the system is equipping them with the skills and knowledge for tomorrow.

From production line to accountancy, architecture to graphic design the opportunities of digital, robotics and automation are far reaching. However, alongside opportunities comes real uncertainty for people, business and communities.

People are living and working longer, therefore individuals and businesses investing in training today must be confident that the system is equipping them with the skills and knowledge for tomorrow. This means greater investment in vocational education and training, for young people starting out, and adults already in the workforce.

Design skills and knowledge have an important role to play in responding to this challenge. In the coming months we will be working to better understand the impact design has across the economy and consider future skills needed to support modern thriving places.