LONDON, ENGLAND.-The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP officially opened the London Design Festival 2005 earlier this week. Speaking at the launch event, held at the National Gallery and supported by Laurent Perrier, Mr Brown spoke about the importance of design and creativity to the economy.

He said of the design industry in Britain �I think your work is a symbol of the message I believe the design festival is sending round the world � in the new economy success does not happen by accident, it happens by design�.

He finished �in only three years the festival has built up a worldwide reputation for its events, its vision and for cradling the British genius�.

The 2005 Festival has been bigger and - by common consent - better than anything that�s gone on before! There is a real buzz around town, loads going on across London and of course an incredible array of talent on show. The shows held over the weekend � designersblock, Design UK selection and the 100% events among others were real highlights�

Designersblock - Famous for making use of London's unknown urban spaces, the designersblock duo never disappoint. This years show provided a crucial platform for young designers to show the best of 2005/6 new trends.

[re]design - The friendly show that provided the best example of London's innovative sustainable design talent. The show had a distinct focus on networking and idea exchanges to commicate the themes of sustainable design that is friendly to society.

Design UK Selection - Max Fraser along with the New Designers team and Torsten Van Elten certainly pulled in the Brick Lane crowds last week. Exhibiting cutting edge contemporary design including, furniture, lighting, glass, ceramics, tableware, home accessories at the Old Truman Brewery.

Established & Sons - The newly founded British manufacturers and designers Established & Sons exhibited a premier collection of furniture in a fantastic space hidden in Hoxton. Those who attended the Launch party will surely agree
it was the design party of the year!