Design Talent & Skills Snapshot 2021 – SW

Here, a Design sector, talent and skills overview, specifically for the South West, based on ADLIB internal data and knowledge.

We’re publishing Technology, Data, Engineering, Science, Sustainability, eCommerce, Marketing and Design sector-specific Talent & Skills Snapshots over the next few weeks, to share and provide sector knowledge specific to the Bristol and Bath regions.

Sector overview

The Bristol and Bath area has long been a prime location for design-minded businesses to call home. Its location, paired with its reputation for being a creative hub makes it a great destination for talent. It has a thriving tight-knit design community served by top local university graduates as well as London and regional relocators flocking to the area.

Talent overview

The region has a strong representation of design skills, including creative direction, graphic design, industrial design, motion graphics, 3D, digital, user experience and service design. The breadth of businesses local to the area and growth over the years in in-house design teams means real diversity in design thinking. Businesses will find experience from all corners of industry whether start-ups, SMEs, multinational corporates, agencies, ethical and sustainable businesses, charities or public sector teams.

Skills in demand

Those with conceptual ability remain in high demand to join teams making impactful marketing creative, launching new product ideas, creating solutions to real-world problems, new public services and more. A thriving digital and technology scene drives the need for skills in digital design, user experience and service design as businesses of all kinds place increasing importance in understanding their markets and users to create better products and services.