Voxpop

Design Partners advisor Christine Losecaat says there is a ‘complete lack of awareness of British design’ among the Chinese, and UK Trade & Investment is launching an initiative to change this. What more can and should be done to improve the industry’s standing in China?

It may be that manufacturing companies in China principally recognise countries that manufacture – Korea, Japan and Germany. But in populist areas of design and communication like fashion and graphics, Britain’s reputation is strong. It’s design, rather than Britain, that struggles for recognition. But the interest shown in our design programme by Chinese journalists in recent years shows that this is changing.

Emily Campbell, Head of design and architecture, British Council Arts Group

China is an enormous threat as well as a huge opportunity. The vast majority of people do not know or care about design. We need to get British design in front of the right people. The best way to do so is TV, which in China has across-the-board penetration. A great programme about beautifully designed British products and design will create demand for our products and expertise.

Adrian Berry, Creative director, Factory Design