ROBIN GIBB CBE
22nd December 1949 – 20th May 2012 SBID AMBASSADOR OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
On Sunday 20th May Robin Gibb passed away peacefully after a long fight against ill health. Leaving behind a mother, wife, children, brother, family, friends and fans I can only say that sometimes someone who is unseeingly very special comes along and changes your life – Robin was one of those special people.
His music is timeless, catchy, haunting and recognised by all age groups anywhere in the world. His true celebrity is simply that, anywhere in the world, at any time of day, you can hear a Bee Gees song being played on the radio.
SBID was not singled out, Robin fought for the rights of many things for the underdog, he campaigned for recognition of the Bomber Command, arguing with planners for several years that the RAF Bombers had not been recognised for their winning efforts and the lives lost during the war. After much hard work, consent was finally provided by Westminster Council, and fundraising began. Without cutting out the hard work that so many have contributed to that campaign to date, it is indeed something that will for me be the legacy of the work Robin described as the work among his achievements, that he was most proud of. I suppose that describes ROBIN GIBB perfectly. Talented, generous, giving, fighting and very funny. Robin was highly intelligent, always interested in what you had to say, he loved politics, people and had a great sense of humour.
Robin Gibb on the scaffold of the Bomber Command Memorial
Throughout his wealth, celebrity and achievement, he didn’t change, he didn’t try to be someone else, he remained a real person. I am grateful for what he, his team, his family and friends have done for the benefit of protecting and promoting British interior design around the world, but specifically in helping me personally take on a hostile business sector.
Robin Gibb and Vanessa Brady at Robins house in Oxford
Robins friend (and mine) Mike Read stood in for Robin for many accepted appearances that Robin simply at the last minute would be unable to attend, including the SBID International Design Awards in Paris last September. Even though Robin was battling cancer, he still attended various events to demonstrate his support for SBID sometimes in pain, clearly sometimes suffering but always keen to never let anyone down ….for that, I am truly grateful and so sad that such a decent, kind and generous man should be stripped of golden days in the sun in his beloved garden with his loving and protecting dog Ollie, his wife Dwina and family.
On 28th June Her Majesty the Queen will open the Bomber Command Memorial at Green Park, facing Hyde Park Corner and the RAF Club on Piccadilly.
To me, it will forever be a memorial shared with Robin.
The Government’s consultation on copyright, addressed the regulatory impact and costs to business of the proposals to impose statutory codes on collective licensing societies, and to introduce new exceptions.
The initial assessments will be reviewed in the light of evidence collected during the consultation process. SBID participated in this process and is pro-active in the Government’s continuing research programme. The consultation published in December 2011 was accompanied by a set of initial impact assessments; the public outcome to date is available from the Intellectual Property Office website.
Great British companies such as British Airways, Shell, Unilever, the Co-op, Tesco, and Balfour Beatty have been investigated over several years for alleged price fixing, fined nearly a quarter of a billion pounds by the OFT, only for each case to collapse because there was no basis in fact, law or economics to support them. The net result is a huge bill for the taxpayer to pay the legal fees. There are 600 employees at the OFT costing us £60 million per annum, let alone compensation to the companies that have been improperly charged so a review is very much needed.
Last year, the Government consulted on proposals to reform the competition regime including merging the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission to create a single Competition and Markets Authority. Among other things, the consultation sought views on proposals to improve the enforcement of the anti-trust prohibitions. The Government will announce their conclusions following the consultation shortly.
One reason why the review looked at merging the Office of Fair Trading and the Competition Commission is to make sure that they are right and fit for purpose for our times and that there are the right resources needed for the world that we live in today. There is no doubt about it that the Office of Fair Trading has had a wonderful reputation in the past, and we would like to think that the new merger, if it goes forward, will take forward the very best of the OFT and the very best of the Competition Commission.
The Government’s aims is to build on the best of the OFT and the best of the Competition Commission in the creation of a world-leading Competition and Markets Authority. The Government recognise that the system for the enforcement of the anti-trust prohibitions is not working as well as it should. Cases take too long and a strong challenge to decisions is often mounted on appeal. It is worth remembering that Britain has a reputation in the world as being one of the best places in which markets work. They are open and fair. We have to make sure that we have timely and effective enforcement. That is what the consultation has been about.
The government Ministry for Fair Trade agrees that whatever reorganisation of the competition authorities is to take place in the future, adequate resources must be made available to ensure that there is effective combating of price-fixing cartels and other anti-competitive practices. The record shows that, on the matter of liability as distinct from the precise amount of penalty, the OFT has been upset on appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal only relatively rarely. It has admittedly been told by the Competition Appeal Tribunal that the amount of penalty is sometimes too large and has been reduced. Last year, and I think the year before, the OFT brought in some £60 million to the Exchequer from fines. Fines that had been upheld by the Competition Appeal Tribunal! SBID has been actively involved in the programme to review and reform faults in the current system of interior design and propose methods for improvement over the past three years. The SBID report has been submitted.
The Office of Fair Trading is of course an independent body and is best placed to balance the work that it does; it is not the Government’s place to tell it what to do. However, it is almost impossible for the ordinary consumer trying to deal with the combination of the OFT, Consumer Focus, Consumer Direct, the CBA and the Competition Commission to know where to go when there is an issue and this requires further clarity.
With the restructuring coming, the department must decide where change will take place. It will shortly put some real clarity on its website to direct people under the current structure and with some clear indication where restructuring is going to take us.
The Government will reveal their conclusion in the next few weeks after the finalisation of the consultation…… watch here!
Vanessa Brady comments on SBID’s latest campaign, the Fair Trading Policy in Interior Design. © Copyright SBID 2012
Trade discount is for trade, not retail, and mixing the two is unfair to all parties. The SBID Fair Trading Policy does not recommend, support or promote passing on trade discounts to the public.
Historically some interior decorators and designers passed on their trade price to potential clients to obtain work. That is desperation, not a design commission. Such designers and decorators cause mass damage to the overall industry: they undermine the retailers’ position and they betray the supplier’s price structuring integrity. In doing so, they create grey billing procedures where the customer is unable to breakdown an invoice costs and assumes inflated pricing, leading to disputes. In addition, a lack of transparency on fees, discounts and project fee structuring has often prevented potential clients from seeking professional design advice at all.
Discover how SBID recommends interior design fees should be structured for best practice.
The common practice of designers passing trade discounts to their customers, i.e. the public, shrinks the development of interior design as a profession and ultimately costs each market sector profit and reputation. It is not surprising that those who trade in this practice are the largest sector in administration and bankruptcy. They are also the most boisterous when policies such as the SBID Fair Trading Policy are introduced. SBID’s aim in implementing the Fair Trading Policy is specifically to further separate hobbyists from professionals and, in doing so, raise the standards of the entire profession.
Practitioners who provide a design service free of charge undermine the overall design industry. It is neither appropriate nor financially sustainable for professionals to provide their key performance, their design knowledge and advice, free of charge. It is by charging a fee for the trained services of a professional designer, that a designer generates income.
Retail prices include the cost of stock and customer service. Trade prices are products supplied on business to business (B2B) terms by manufacturers, or professional industry partners (PIPs). Interior design has until now rarely respected the difference. Currently, two common unprofessional billing methods adopted by designers are: 1. Sharing trade prices as leverage to obtain projects; 2. Providing a free design service, creating income from ‘supplying goods’ only.
All too often a designer’s unrealistic recognition of project costs and random product supply between trade and retail-pricing generates customer complaints. This common practice is therefore a threat to the overall reputation and growth of the profession of design.
Other grey areas of passing on trade prices to one-time-purchasers make it impossible for retailers to compete fairly. Supplying goods has additional costs attached for different performances: retailers absorb costs such as showroom space, staffing, after-sales service and product training etc. which designers do not provide.
There is a clear additional cost in every sale a retailer makes when compared to the service provided by a designer. Designers may need to install, take delivery, organise returns of products, and so on, and this clearly has time (and cost) attached. Therefore the fee a designer earns in a trade price reflects some of the services the designer performs.
Under the SBID Fair Trading Policy, a clear charging system sets out procedures for other services such as sourcing and supplying products. SBID design professionals are encouraged to be transparent about rates for hourly, daily and project billing fees in their terms of engagement.
The policy supports SBID Designers and PIPs* and provides a fair, equitable industry plan for growth. Registered SBID international industry body members are supported by the policy to promote qualified services, however the policy does not advise, direct or propose what a fee rate should be. *PIPs – Professional Industry Partner
About SBID
– SBID was formed in March 2009 meeting the European Councils entry criteria for Interior Designers and Architects and was inducted into the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA) in September 2009.
– Until 2009, Britain remained unqualified to meet the eighteen year old EU standards in interior design
– The sixteen page Intellectual Property owned document* formed the basis of the registration of SBID under British Law and part of the terms of membership of the European Council of Interior Architects (ECIA)
– Andrew Rolfe is one of Britain’s leading (top 100) contract lawyers, a member of the SBID Advisory Board and partner of Clifford Chance law firm. *The sixteen page business prospectus is the intellectual property and copyright of Vanessa Brady and Andrew Rolfe; its joint creators. It may not be reproduced without written authority from its joint creators.
– The SBID Fair Trading Policy is part of a joined up business plan that creates the bases of a design professional through education, practice and control with the aim of protecting the consumer and improving the professional image and performance of design professionals.- SBID is a Professional body raising, promoting and setting standards to create opportunities for design professionals to trade pan-industry providing design advice products and support services. The SBID Fair Trading Policy supports and builds on the relationship between these market sectors to create a clear route to market for the professional sector of design. The outcome will be a joined-up industry.
This year the continuing importance of London on the world design stage was very much brought to the fore at 100% Design, and SBID was pleased to partner in its promotion of innovation and quality showcased by so many of its members.
It was the first time SBID had exhibited (stand A50) at the show taking full opportunity to educate stakeholders (designers, architects, manufacturers, students and consumers) on what the organisation does: our plans for the future as well as our achievements over our first two years of existence.
We also displayed some of our members’ latest products; including a Villiers Console table, a Lasvit lamp, a DecoFlame Ellipse fireplace, flooring from KarndeanDesign Flooring from Van Gogh range, and a pair of Natuzzi Vani vases.
Over 500 visitors registered for membership information to join SBID at the four day event.
Our stand was also the venue for a breakfast talk on Saturday by The Times’s Style Editor, Dr Richard Dixon, to a group of American interiors bloggers (pictured below).
Vanessa Brady, SBID President, opened the seminar session on Thursday 22 September with a talk on ‘Design Law and Order,’ addressing issues such as designer fee rates, intellectual property and qualification criteria.
SBID also organised a networking event in conjunction with Prato Chamber of Commerce and the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the UK – over 170 guests attended the Made in Italy evening, supported by MP Mike Weatherley.
As the UK’s first and leading contemporary design show, 100% Design outdid itself this time round and remains a hub of creative talent from the UK and around the world and a key event in the international design calendar. It brought together three inspiring exhibitions under one roof: world-class interiors show 100% Design, innovative surfaces at 100% Materials plus emerging talent showcase 100% Futures.
Happy New Year ….. or is it?
REFLECTION
Keeping with tradition, we reflect on the passing year and each New Year revel in the promise of the unknown. In true tradition, on review of a decade I note the shared optimism for change. The first decade of the millennium promised much in the showroom window but there was nothing in the stockroom. The culture of the past decade was not conducive to building a sustainable society. A new Society is coming of age.
Our buildings are taller our tempers are shorter, we have bigger houses and smaller families; we plan more, but accomplish less, we create big people with small characters. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment. We have learned how to make a living, but not a life. We have added years to life not life to years. We spend more but have less. We have more possessions but fewer values. We have learned to rush, but not to wait. So as each year passes, in review what have we learned. When we created steep profits, we developed shallow relationships.
On reflection, I conclude we have achieved bigger things, but not better things. The biggest negative and positive impact on me over the past decade was that of peoples character, it had been jaw dropping shameful by some while witnessing humility in others was quite humbling. If there is one item alone to change in 2011 it is our culture. This is our moment so in the words of Michael Jackson ……. make that change!
FUTURE
A New Year brings many great expectations, a new VAT rate and a royal wedding. The banks have made decisions to assist business particularly SME by making borrowing more available. Although the year ahead suggests hope those in business are aware that cash-flow is the key driver of staying power. Employees also know that sales and getting paid is going to be very tough. So the message from the banks is steady the ship we are not yet out of dangerous waters but we can see the horizon and therefore for the first time in a while, we can see hope and opportunity.
HERE & NOW
So if we know where we’ve been and what we got wrong, we have mapped out our plans to move forward, how can we change momentum and steer that vision? How do we get there? The answer is always simple, strip out the dead wood, if it does not work, get rid of it. We must be ruthless in our aim to protect our prosperity. There is always a way to manage better. Designers need to leave their ego at the door to connect with this business. At SBID regardless of age, heritage and gender, everyone is treated fairly and personally. Our aims are simple, deliver the best service to provide our members with the best tools for the job, opportunities to get the best job and the ultimate resources to procure the job – alone you can do it, together we are the best.
Happy New Year
Vanessa Brady
The UK interior design sector has started 2010 with a 43% increase in the refurbishment sector during one of the worst recessions the property sector has ever seen and has focused on the commercial and international markets to combat falling commissions from the residential development market, traditionally a core growth area for British interior designers. These are the latest findings from The Society of British Interior Design – the industry’s leading representative for professional interior design practitioners and architects. Worth over £11.6 billion, British design industry has seen the formation of a new professional body created to protect and promote the work of British interior designers whose projects are renowned in Europe, America and the Middle East. The Society of British Interior Design, which represents the most influential practitioners from offices across the UK, highlights that the 2009 recession affected expenditure on design by housing developers and private property investors, who during the 2003-2007 boom years provided significant commercial commissions for interior designers. It adds there is likely to be an undersupply of new build product in 2010 as developers have to build-out previously ‘mothballed’ schemes. Despite this the Society reveals that British interior design professionals have avoided the worst of the downturn that has impacted the property industry. Over 50% of interior design companies have seen no change in the demand for their services across the board, as they have diversified into the residential refurbishment sector and just over half (54%) of design businesses think their turnover will rise in 2010-2011. The organisation stresses this is of significant importance for a sector where two thirds are freelance designers responsible for £2 billion annually. In addition, 77% of interior design businesses have a turnover of less than £100,000 per year. These are mainly small businesses with one to three members of staff but as they make up 80% percent of the sector in the UK, they have faced extensive challenges to become more flexible in their work and choice of client. Vanessa Brady, Chairman of the Society explained: “This is why we are seeing a significant rise in the number of UK interior designers pitching to commercial clients, such as hotels, and are looking to work with clients in the rest of Europe and America where British design is highly regarded, our members generally represent the top 20% of practitioners.” As for the profile of the interior design industry, the Society points to the fact that the recognition of signature brands has never been higher with the rise of fashion designers moving into interior design, such as Philippe Starck and fashion houses of Giorgio Armani, Versace and Fendi.
However, the work of these and high profile interior designers such as Christopher Dezille and Nina Campbell has still done little to resolve misunderstandings about the professionalism of interior design generally in the UK – that the industry is based on small private commissions to decorate living rooms and bathrooms. In fact, projects by signature designers only amounted to an estimated 5% of annual turnover for this sector in 2008 – 2009. Brady argues: “Because almost 80% of the companies in the design industry are niche companies with just a few staff, this has driven the increased pressure from our sector for companies to join groups that profile-raise and lobby for interior design professionals and architects; groups that not only support, guide and partner members across the UK and internationally, but who take responsibility for professionalising the sector through education and promotion. “British interior designers have moved towards a more holistic approach to design, incorporating construction, architecture and building services skills with their own design education, which is why it is essential interior designers are involved in development projects at the right stage, from the beginning rather than on completion of an empty shell,” she adds. The Society is there to counteract the constant battle for individual design professionals and companies, who have to prioritise securing more projects (and ultimately income) rather than communicate the value of design to the construction and commercial sectors, Government and the wider world. The majority of British interior designers simply do not have the time and resources to focus on this, and celebrity endorsements generally fail to reflect the true nature of the profession.
Growth Sectors In 2009, the number of hotel refurbishment and design commissions comprises of 40% of the UK interior design sector’s income. While 10-year refurbishment budgets were suspended when credit crunch hit, occupancy rates still have to be achieved. However the interior design element and delivery of this has been recognised by hoteliers as being as important as the budget value. Brady highlights: “Hotels and restaurants, in both the UK and Europe are the key growth areas for 2010, and are areas where our members are finding the most activity along with building refurbishment to comply with government guidelines on sustainability” The Society points out that public sector projects are suffering budget cuts and project delays as a result of funding restraints from central Government, however schools and hospitals have to upgrade and meet building regulations for the sector. The Society calculates that the public sector contributed to around 10% turnover for UK interior designers and specialists.
The Society believes that this indicates that good design is now recognised by the public sector as valuable to the way people feel within their environment. Interior design, well planned and comfortable offices and public spaces, are also linked to productivity in a sector where motivation is a constant concern. In the office sector, interior design projects have increasingly been required to review sustainability as the key refurbishment drive. In April 2010, a new law will come into force to ensure all public buildings have put in place measures to reduce their carbon footprint by 20%. This forces upgrade and overall refurbishment in specifications including environmentally friendly lighting, heating and insulation. While this area brought in 15% of commission for the UK interior design sector for 2009, this is expected to rise from the end of Q1 onwards. Other areas of growth identified by the Society include ocean liners (commissions for this sector brought in and essential 15% of annual turnover for interior designers in 2009). As cruises become a new affordable form of leisure and travel, the sector has increased by 120% over the past decade, leaving opportunity for refurbishment and design for new liners. Alternative sectors are being developed and investigated by the Society to assess turnover growth and government influence as by regulation or incentive, by funding or finance – all of which influence the development of property growth.
A proper education For 2010, the Society aims to bring a standard qualification to the UK interior design sector to fall in line with continental Europe and America, where clients expect to see one kind of educational achievement for professionals. This is essential to widen opportunities internationally as the UK does not currently have a standardised qualification format, which could prevent mass commissions in Germany and France, where both economies have risen out of recession. Brady argues: “It is absurd that a profession responsible for creating more than £11 billion of GDP has, until now, no championing organisation that punches its weight. “The profession needs to come of age and claim its identity, through a strong, nationwide alliance of professionals and supporting educational institutions.” She adds: “In the UK, the interior design industry is often thought of as home improvement, which is not a sector that fits the commission statistics of the sector.
“Construction, development and commercial industries have recognised the importance of ambience and interior design and how that improves the bottom line. This does not generally increase the budget but simply spends it more effectively.” Like other sectors, the recession has forced interior design practitioners to be more flexible in their skill-sets. Professional designers are now skilled and educated in construction and architecture in their own right. They must also understand and specify sustainable products in order to meet Building Regulations, such as energy-saving lighting, heating methods and building materials.
Branding and sustainability Brady believes branding the sector as commercial professionals should be led from the ground up, supported by the work of successful media and marketing campaigns by Sir Terence Conran, Johnny Gray and George Bond. “Adding designer branded products is fine but designer buildings is all very ‘noughties’. We have also moved into a more socially conscious era. It’s not about showing-off; people are finally more interested in delivering quality of life and environmental responsibility. “Because of this, clients want to know the origin and chain of custody regarding products and materials sourced for a project – particularly those in the hotel and retail sector as they have to conform to social corporate responsibility agendas and environmental commitments. Sustainability has finally become a priority to conform to legislation and public expectations, therefore good design will have heritage of product resource included in the designer’s tender documents,” she said.
The Society of British Interior Design and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) announced the launch of the first stage of its Environmental Strategy that puts the green agenda at the heart of architecture and interior design at the recent Sustainability Conference held by the Society.
The new joint research project is the key element of the Environmental Strategy, and will provide the link between sustainable buildings and organisational and economic performance. The aim is to assess each aspect of ‘bottom line’ sustainability, where interior design provides value and long-term savings in building refurbishment or new-build fit-out.
Nicholas C Thompson, senior partner, Cole Thompson Anders architects, who chairs the Sustainability Sub-Committee for the Society of British Interior Design, said: “There’s little in the way of case study evidence specifically relating organisational performance to good sustainable design. During the research we’ll assess case studies from the Society’s members to see how the sustainability of interior design and fit-out in the UK can be improved.”
Vanessa Brady, Chairman of the Society of British Interior Design added: “However this isn’t just a knowledge-sharing exercise. We realise the opportunity to exemplify and promote the role of design professionals in sustainable regeneration helps the environment and sustain resources. There are clear value-driven benefits for all areas of bottom line sustainability: social well-being, environmental regulations and economic profitability.”
The research project, the first of its kind between the BRE and the interior design sector, was launched by Thompson at the Sustainability Conference, held at the Building Centre, London. The conference was attended by world leaders on sustainability, architecture and interior design – including the John Alker, Head of Advocacy, UK Green Building Council and Thomas Vecchione, Principal at Gensler NY.
Jon Mussett, Head of Building Design Consultancy, BRE, highlighted that the key objectives for this research are:
1. To improve the sustainability of interior architecture, design and fit-out 2. To lead by example 3. To create a universal toolkit or organisational performance matrix for professionals that can be used to assess the impact sustainable designs have on productivity, well being and economic behaviour, as well as building performance
The Society’s Environmental Strategy is based on ‘The Big Idea’ which was identified by Thompson in a collaborative project with Orion Innovations for the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA). The second stage of this project is being taken forward by E C Harris and the BRE on behalf of the EDMA. This phase of the Environmental Strategy will be conducted over the next six months, with an ultimate aim to create a professional toolkit for the Society’s members.
Cash strapped 2009 swept through Britain clearing out weak businesses, and forcing those remaining to examine existing trading conditions. It was a year for many to focus simply on staying in business. Very few will be filing annual accounts when the time comes, displaying growth for year end 2009.
2010 projects a renewed confidence as Banks claim to have turned a corner. The business horizon looks encouraging. Brits are by nature, sceptical. Many Countries in Europe have taken a pro-active and radical position to amortise national gross domestic product (GDP) The proportion of jobs in the manufacturing sector in the UK fell from 28.5 per cent in 1978 to 10.0 per cent in 2009. Therefore it is fact that manufacture in Britain is in decline, so a lot of purchases will be through international suppliers.
With VAT reverting to 17.5% and house prices predicted by Fitch credit ratings agency to fall by 20% predictions were privately gloomy for the year ahead. The outlook has now been adjusted with the residential property indices predicted to rise by 2-4% (the figures represent adjustments not growth).
In the eighties, when brands were the new buzzwords, profitability ratios were a differential that many global corporations paid stringent attention to in order to increase profitability on each pound invested. The internal rate of return (IRR) and liquidity ratios are a simple methodology to measure where to best invest your equity for growth and development.
The year ahead finally offers hope. Financial assistance in banking is easing; lending is back on the menu although flexibility is going to be minimal. Only solid companies with strong accounting and business planning will convince banks their business is not a risk but an opportunity, before advancing loans and credit.
Members of The Society of British Interior Design set its competitive differential as quality. Quality of practitioner knowledge, procurement process, business vehicle format and quality of the products offered.
The differential is underscored by the SBID policy laying out training; only students on a degree course are accepted. This policy is supported by many universities across the Country. Eventually over time, only practitioners who are qualified by degree will be eligible for full membership. The Society will launch its full education programme in February 2010.
You get what you pay for, that does not crush the opportunity of the lower priced product, or make higher priced offers expensive, it merely creates products for separate demographic markets.
The same is true for SBID interior design practitioners and manufacturers; you get what you pay for. You may find designers elsewhere, who will offer their services for cheaper hourly rates, many educated by on-line courses and private design schools weekly and monthly courses, or not at all. Some designers with zero training in business acumen, untrained to run a budget or project yet held out as professional.
As a potential client, you are at risk of paying a premium sum while receiving a secondary service.
World Leaders on policy change and decision making for climate control have gathered at Copenhagen for the beginning of climate change discussion and negotiation. Is this a serious intention to change omissions or is it a political step for a networking opportunity, is it a case of be there or be shamed? … and once there, what will really happen, will there be a lot of back slapping or is it simply lip service?
£6Billion is currently spent per annum in UK on household ‘green goods’ which compares to an overall British wealth of £9 trillion. Last week I had lunch with the Chairman of the government energy body for Britain, he explained in depth the percentage of rate savings within buildings ratios and the focus by government on saving 50% of current outputs by 2016 alongside techniques to achieve it. I have to say I was surprised. Further info will be on the website when released. UK also has a carbon omission law coming into force in April 2010 which will affect all commercial buildings, the law will require all buildings to reduce their carbon output and in doing so a substantial sum of money will be spent by tenants and landlords alike to achieve the targets. Yes, business is generated and created so maybe this is a way to jumpstart the economy or maybe it’s just putting a marker in the sand, either way its making things happen so in principal that’s good isn’t it? Cynics may think it is not a time to further burden business owners.
The UN Environment Programme created in partnership with major rating tools devised a method to measure carbon emissions from buildings in a consistent way. On Friday 18th I have a meeting with Simon Cavelle, Vice President of The Society and a colleague from the United Nations. The Society will announce a humanitarian initiative at our first Conference 2010 (see www.sbid.org for further news)
In 2008, SMEs (small to medium enterprises) had an annual turnover of £1,500 billion. £6.1 billion of this is an increase on figures for 2007.
So what does that mean in terms of financing Britain’s economy?
More importantly, what does that mean to you and your business if you are trying to promote opportunities in the year ahead and obtain credit to develop such opportunities as they arise?
The construction and design industry in general is finding different ways to do business; we have created alternative methods to achieve this, but it take time to do something well. We have of course like all new enterprises researched our business opportunity well. The value is ultimately in the R&D – a capital cost – which is what eventually separates you from your competitors.
Recently I attended the property industry event of the year at the Dorchester Hotel with 500 leaders of commercial industry, the biggest investors, developers and construction companies in Britain.
Delegates were informed 33% of all enterprises are in London and South East. These two geographical areas are prime target areas for concentrated business investment opportunities.
The financial year ahead will be a challenge to all businesses. In researching the 10 sectors in which The Society of British Interior Design represents, we have developed a road map defining the most effective categories for development and growth – the areas The Society will concentrate in the year ahead. We have therefore forged partnering agreements within those sectors and stepped back from those that do not fit our strategic goal.
On 22nd October I was honoured to form part of 14 industry leaders on an initiative panel at the Bank of England to present views and conditions for industry sectors, to review the past six months and present consulted industry views of members and stakeholders for the six months ahead.
The aims and objectives of the initiative panel were to identify and present the financial risks of downturn on the design and construction industry sector. The consulted and collated views of the members of The Society of British Interior Design therefore have a powerful influence on how the industry sector is regarded.
With Christmas parties now in full flow, January will be a moment of truth for businesses that have hidden behind their spin to finally deliver on their claims, only the best will now survive. Next year will be a very interesting year for our profession: we come of age, if not at first, then at last!
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