Is this a link with industry or is it just a one-off?

Interesting article (Comment, DW 20 July), especially the sign-off about designers who feel that the Design Council could be seen as irrelevant without a direct link to the industry. It actually has one… it employs designers and has consultants throughout the UK helping the wider world gain a better commercial understanding and respect for design.

The Design Council website is full of examples of collaboration between good design groups and successful businesses. It helps us as an industry and is more connected to grass roots than it ever has been.

We’ve been introduced to clients by a consultant working on behalf of the council. I’ve just finished a three-week shoot for this client, who is now spending more on design and is a convert; he sees the benefits.

Also following the Design Forum, Design Council head of marketing James Hobbs appointed us to do some image work for its website. We’ve also just completed a direct marketing piece to communicate the commercial benefits of using design as an integral part of any business.

I’ve been enthused by what the Design Council is doing and by working with David Kester’s team. If designers want help it’s certainly there.

We just need to embrace the council and network and, most importantly, deliver design that does make the commercial or educational difference that clients want.

Do that and our clients will be the best ambassadors for the design industry.

Adam Devey Smith, Managing director, The One Off, Derbyshire DE73 8FE