CSD posts good figures for 1995

The Chartered Society of Designers is gradually lightening the weight of its financial worries after achieving a small operating surplus of 15 461 last year.

The CSD’s 1995 accounts have just been released, and honorary treasurer Adrianne LeMan reports that “much was achieved” but the society is “still far from solvent”.

The CSD’s net debt to its bank stood at 819 446 at the turn of the year, almost 35 000 less than the equivalent point a year before. But since the start of 1996, the CSD has managed to pay 100 000 off its loan, mainly thanks to he sale of a flat at Bedford Square which raised 70 000.

The 1995 accounts show that the CSD’s move from Bedford Square to Farringdon made little initial impact. LeMan, founder of corporate consultancy C&FD, says: “The full benefit of the move will not be apparent until the next financial year.”

The new accommodation costs a third of the rent Bedford Square did. The CSD reduced its premises costs from 101 441 in 1994 to 81 745 last year. LeMan expects the CSD to save a further 20 000 this year.

She is calling on designers to support the CSD. “The society does much to support the design industry,” she claims. “Those of us who are established in our careers must ensure that it is able to continue to do so for the designers of the future.”