Design in Small and Medium Enterprises
Why SMEs that invest in design consistently grow faster, export more, and attract better talent than those that treat design as an afterthought.
Key Findings
SMEs that invest in design are 69% more likely to grow market share.
Design-active SMEs are 34% more likely to be exporting.
Design investment in SMEs delivers a median 1:6 revenue return ratio.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of design in small and medium enterprises. The research draws on primary data, industry studies, and expert analysis to give UK businesses a clear picture of the evidence.
The findings presented here are drawn from a wide range of peer-reviewed academic studies, industry research, and independently verified commercial data. Where statistics are cited, sources are provided below.
For businesses looking to understand how to apply these findings, our directory includes verified agencies and studios with direct experience in this area.