Do what many of the greats did – set up in recession

Regarding your article ‘Dawton and Fitch advise graduates against going into business on their own’ (News, DW 14 May), before design graduates decide not to launch, they should be aware of the genesis of some of the most successful launches in adland.

We have 45 members in the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising which started up during recessions. The list includes famous players in the creative, media, direct and integrated sectors, and it’s the combination of cheaper property, lower media rates and hungrier employees that have helped them succeed. If you’re good enough, now is a great time to set out your stall.

Hamish Pringle, Director general, Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, London SW1