The Design Council has named Sunderland as one of the homes of innovative design in the UK, as it launched findings from the upcoming Design Economy Report.

The report’s mission is to show the economic, social, and environmental value of design in the UK and create the conditions needed for good design to thrive across the country. The North holds a rich tapestry of design excellence, showing particular strengths in Product and Industrial Design and Clothing, which reflects a rich design history.

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Product and Industrial Design was also shown to be the highest productivity design sector, contributing £73,633 in GVA per worker per year, (27% more productive than the UK average).

The report identities seven key areas with powerful design clusters including Sunderland, County Durham and North Tyneside.

Minnie Moll, Chief Executive, Design Council said: “Our Design Economy research is important evidence of the value of design and what potential there is to leverage the sector for growth.

“It is heartening to see significant growth in the North of England and Wales.”

Andy Haldane, Chair of the Levelling-Up Commission, said: “These findings show that nurturing the design economy should be at the heart of driving jobs, skills and regional prosperity in the North.”