About Design Business Ireland, Chairman's Statement
There is no doubt that the Irish design sector faces significant challenges in 2009. Our sector is a perfect reflection of the economy in general. Like other industries design has suffered significant reductions in revenues and the unfortunate need for some of our member firms to down size. Apart from the difficulties that these redundancies have caused for the individuals involved the loss of highly trained design professionals is a tragedy for the firms involved. However, every cloud does have a silver lining and it is important to recognise the temporary nature of the economic situation.
Design has in the past and will now and in the future remain an essential element of the economic infrastructure. The current downturn has made us all more focused and efficient than we were in the past five years. If we recognise the fact that the recession is the result of financial meltdown and a collapse in both business and consumer sentiment, the design sector can certainly play a role in the reversal of this. We may not be able to influence the financial markets, however, when it comes to sentiment we are experts in communications the key to influencing sentiment.
As an organisation Design Business Ireland does not see its role as one of educating designers in their creative disciplines but essentially in assisting member companies become better businesses. We are confident of our professional skills but recognise the need to constantly improve our businesses. Design Business Ireland intends to assist in this by providing its members with information and access to business professionals. The Design Business Ireland 'Informs' series of seminars has covered topics such as Human Resource Management, Design and the Law, and Management Systems for Design Firms. This website will include a 'Knowledge Centre' which will provide members with information on a wide spectrum of design and design business issues.
Design Business Ireland will also promote our sector to the client community through advertising and networking. We are building strong relationships with organisations such as InterTrade, The Chambers of Commerce and our supply sector. This year a new initiative The DBI Supplier Network will provide key suppliers with the opportunity to engage more effectively with the design community.
Despite the negative sentiment I firmly believe that the design sector is a key to our island's future success and we should work hard to recognise the opportunities that will grow our businesses and contribute to our economy. I would encourage any design business to join our ranks, in fact I cannot see any reason why they would not.
Nicholas Cloake, MICAD, MIDI
Chairmand Design Business Ireland