We are a nation of designers and creators

1 in 20 of us work in the design economy, with 1 in 7 of us relying on design skills as a part of our jobs. Design skills are prized across the economy. 77% of designers work in nondesign industries such as accommodation and retail.

This is because designers apply customer or citizencentered approaches to creativity and invention to ensure more successful outcomes.

But skills shortages, particularly for skills like circular and low-carbon design, are severe. And there has been a 68% decline in the number of Design and Technology GCSE students in the last decade.

The government must repair the talent pipeline and resource designers to upskill for the green transition.

The revolution in wind energy will create jobs for engineers, scientists and designers. – Rachel Reeves, MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Pattern cutting at The Pattern Project, a network of neighbourhood micro textiles factories for ondemand production.