DTI initiative to aid UK groups crack US deals

The Department of Trade and Industry is piloting a new drive for UK design groups to help North American companies wanting to use the UK as a springboard into the European market.

Gateway Europe, launched this week by President of the Board of Trade Ian Lang, is part of the DTI’s North America Now initiative to help UK designers break into North America’s 3401bn a-year service sector.

Ten design groups are to exhibit at a medical show in New York next month, to take advantage of changes in US medical legislation, says Jane Claridge, a DTI export promoter on secondment to the Design Business Association. The new rules are forcing some in the sector to look at setting up offshore, with Europe as a strong contender.

The consultancies embarking on the New York trip include Renfrew Associates, Kinneir Dufort, Elmwood, BIB Design, Maddison and Scottish graphics consultancy Triangle Design.