In this section you can find facts and figures from our research into the UK design industry.
The only research of its kind, it focuses on the design 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, our studies probe attitudes to issues such as free pitching, the quality of new graduate recruits, business planning and the strength of links between practising designers and education.
We’ve also completed research into the nature of overseas competition faced by the industry.
And in addition, we have built up a picture of design clients and buyers across the UK.
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.
Do you work in the UK design industry? Do these statistics reflect your experiences? Use the Have Your Say form below to tell us your views…