Design task force has serious role

The design industry is strongly shaping the future of Labour trade and industry policy through its input into task forces currently being launched.

Six task forces are being initiated by Margaret Beckett, Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The suggestions of these groups will be passed on to the independent Industry Forum and “will then be taken into account in framing our trade and industry policy document”, says Beckett.

Sir Terence Conran and Design Council design director Sean Blair are representing the design and innovation task force, while Blair is also participating in the small business group.

See News Analysis, page 8.