DTI pushes exports to America

There has never been a better time for UK design to export to North America, designers were told by the Department of Trade and Industry this week when more than 100 delegates attended a DTI Question Time on Monday. The event was run in conjunction with the Design Business Association.

David Babb, head of the DTI’s North America export desk, says a recent Government survey revealed design as the priority area for concentration of its resources. Maureen Thurston-Chartraw, president of the US firm Access International which links industrial designers with manufacturers, emphasised the need for UK designers to convince clients of their “star quality” and go after opportunities aggressively.

Ian Rowland-Hill, chief executive of the DBA, hopes designers get “a realistic view – it’s not just about jumping on a plane and being welcomed with open arms”.