Political opportunity

Both Labour and the Conservatives have promised to cut red tape for small businesses in their election manifestos.

The Labour Party has also pledged to reform the Business Links network and has given its support to the design industry.

While the Tories do not name design in their manifesto, some of their policies could mean work for designers. In a separate manifesto for London they propose the privatisation of the London Underground and encourage use of the Thames for transport and recreation.

See News analysis p8.