Give us progressive regulation and lots of cash, please

You recently posed the question, ‘What one issue would you put at the top of Lord Mandelson’s agenda as he takes charge of the new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills?’ (Voxpop, DW 18 June).

My view is that design is a vital factor in business success. Market recovery – especially in housing and the wider built environment – and the challenges of a changing climate mean that we need exceptional design skills now more than ever.

We really need great places in which to live and work, which are energy and resource-efficient.

Design skills in the industries taking on these challenges are crucial, and it is imperative that the public sector also keeps pace with design and enables innovation, to deliver high-quality, environmentally sound, viable projects.

So, Lord Mandelson, progressive regulation and meaty investment, please.
Carole-Anne Davies, Chief executive, Design Commission for Wales, by e-mail