Why should I use this site?

To find evidence comprehensively proving the importance and value of businesses using design.

For example:

• Rapidly growing businesses are twice as likely as the UK average to have increased investment in design.
• Shares in design-led businesses have outperformed the FTSE 100 by more than 200% over the past decade.
• Every £100 a design alert business spends on design increases turnover by £225.

This evidence comes from our National Survey of Firms 2005 [about our research], and complements other initiatives and resources, such as the Cox Report and DTI Competitiveness studies.

But facts alone aren't enough. They need selecting so they're specific to you. And they need to lead to actions.

Therefore this site is also an interactive tool. [How to use the Factfinder]. It enables you to compile material that makes your case, and creates your own report.

What does it contain?

There are five areas to visit in compiling your report:

• Headline facts - a quick download of the most important points.
• Facts in detail examines these issues in depth. In particular, What makes a business 'design alert'? and What steps do design alert business take? set out the practical measures a business can put in place, and the bottom line benefits they can expect as a consequence.
• Regional reports, sector reports and case studies are all 'exactly what it says on the tin'. They provide comparisons that businesses can benchmark against.
• An alternative way to access the information is to download the complete Value of Design Factfinder report (PDF 5.7 Mb). This report is a compilation of all the information on the Value of Design Factfinder.

Who's it for?

• Business intermediaries looking to make the case to businesses to use design more.
• Design businesses looking to convince clients to use design more.
• Design educators researching a topic.
• Students interested in a career in design.
• A business aiming to increase its competitiveness.