DBA move to export UK design

A selection of British designers are to attend key North American trade shows this summer in a Government-sponsored drive to export design.

The initiative is organised by the Design Business Association, which suggested the idea to the Department of Trade and Industry. Both DBA members and non-members can apply.

“This is a conscious effort by the DTI to promote Government services,” says Chris Thompson, chairman of the DBA Export Task Group. “They agreed that design was one of the more tangible services to export.”

UK product, packaging and graphic designers will receive financial aid to attend three trade shows covering medical goods, fast-moving consumer goods (fmcg) and hardware/ houseware.

“We’ll have a DBA/DTI stand designed by a UK consultancy,” says DBA chief executive Ian Rowland-Hill, adding that the DBA will be very selective when choosing the consultancies: “Those who go will have the opportunity to promote themselves to US clients, but they’ll also be ambassadors for UK design.”

The DBA will hold a “Question Time” event on 6 March at DTI premises to provide an advice forum for designers interested in exporting to any country.