DCMS demise good for design

The disbandment of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport could be good for the design industry, sources say, if responsibility for it is switched to the Department of Trade and Industry.

The DTI is most likely to take over responsibility for championing the creative industries, according to industry sources.

“Design would find a natural home at the DTI. A lot of the issues around small businesses are also big issues for managers of design groups,” says a senior source.

“It could be taken as a sign that [it is] viewed as an important part of the economy,” says Design Council communications director Martin Brown.

A break-up of the DCMS will prove popular with its 15-strong roster, which includes Attik, Spencer Landor and CDT Design.

Culture secretary Chris Smith is widely regarded as having done more to promote design than any other minister. It remains to be seen who would take up his mantle as “design minister”.

New Labour refuses to comment. “I can’t answer that question until the next Government is formed,” says a spokeswoman.