It is based on national research, comprising nearly 2,500 interviews, and focuses on the sector's scope and economic significance, how its consultancies, freelances and in-house teams do business, and what education, training and skills its designers have.
As well as providing data on the size and make-up of the industry, the study probes attitudes to issues such as free pitching, the quality of new graduate recruits, overseas competition, business planning and the strength of links between practicing designers and education.
The research shows that the sector is growing and optimistic about rising revenues in future. But it also reveals that the industry is made up largely of small businesses which have been trading for less than three years and are facing increased overseas competition. It also exposes the lack of a long-term perspective among these businesses.
The figures show too that while employers are largely satisfied with their graduate recruits, they are also in favour of numerous measures to build stronger links with education and improve standards. But, while nearly nine of out ten design businesses think all students should complete work experience placements, only 54 per cent are prepared to provide them.
The Business of Design has been published with support from the Design Business Association.