Design contributes 1% of GVA (£6.3 billion) to the UK economy per annum, with a fairly even split across the segments (though Stage and Set Design is a much smaller contributor).  Productivity levels (GVA) are calculated at £35,100 per person.  The industry is heavily concentrated in London and the South East, which account for 73,000 of the approximately 180,000 people working in design businesses or occupations (i.e. 40%).  Scotland has a design population of around 11,000 people, in Wales the figure is approximately 6,000 and in Northern Ireland the sector totals 3,000 people.  Almost 90% of businesses employ fewer than 5 people.

The overall profile of UK design could be described as a ‘cottage industry’, which is highly fragmented.

Growth in design has occurred in SMEs, with large and small businesses and freelancers feeling the effect of a decline in fee income.

Key statistics:

• 180,000 people currently work in the design sector.
• 33% are self employed and 20% are freelancers
• Design contributes £6.3b to the UK economy.
• There is a majority of male workers in the sector (68%).  
• 95% of the design workforce is white.
• There are 14,805 businesses in the design sector.
• Less than 2% of design businesses employ 20 people or more.

Sources: Skills Needs Assessment 2007 and Gap Analysis and Market Testing 2007

Click here for information on entry routes and progression in the sub-sector.