Design your way out of the downturn, says MP

Struggling building supplies firms should design their way out of trouble, an expert has suggested.

Science and innovation minister Ian Pearson says better design can increase a firms’ profits and help it battle the economic slowdown.

He has urged businesses to use The Design Council’s free Designing Demand programme that sends designers into businesses on an intensive basis.

A poll of firms that have used the programme found that for every pound spent on design at least £14 was returned in sales.

According to the Daily Telegraph, drainage pipe business Naylor Industries has enjoyed a 20% rise in sales after using the service to diversify into clay pots.