Unsworth Sugden Group

Companies within the Barratt Group are backing the Government’s HomeBuy Direct scheme to help all kinds of people into home ownership.  Client Barratt West Midlands was one of the first to score media coverage about its committment to the scheme recently, by taking the lead item on Beacon Radio’s 6 o’clock news.  Take a listen! Beacon FM 15.01.09 - 1800

54% of UK businesses are planning on using design to help them survive the current economic climate, and stand out from their competitors, according to new research by The Design Council.

The 2008 survey, which covered 1,500 businesses in the UK across all sizes and sectors, revealed that rather than companies cutting back on spending during 2009, they see design as an integral part of their operations. Over half said that design had become more critical in achieving its business aims over the past 3 years.

The Design Council has put together an online resource on their website, for businesses to find out more and how design could help their business.

Visit  www.designcouncil.org.uk/designinadownturn to find out more.

Design Council Chief Executive David Kester said: “Recession is no time to be battening down the hatches. It’s the moment when design becomes absolutely critical to survival, growth and success – and it’s great to see that there’s a growing recognition of this within the business community.”