Who We Are
The Design Business Association (DBA) was set up in 1986 and is the trade association for design in the UK. The DBA supports all those working in the field of design and champions the transformative power of design. Its membership is a dynamic network of UK based design consultancies and design-driven businesses from across Europe with a common belief in excellence, good working practices and a commitment to effective design.
What We Do
The DBA galvanises the design sector to achieve its potential, by providing a powerful, united industry voice to champion the strategic and economic value of design to business and government, supporting its members who make an impact through design, and spotlighting design as a force for good in society.
Our top three high profile projects:
Design Effectiveness Awards
The DBA Design Effectiveness Awards recognise wide-ranging examples of design that have had a tangible and measurable impact upon business and societal success. Judged by business leaders and entered jointly by client and designer, the Awards celebrate the integral role design plays in enhancing people’s lives and delivering competitive advantage for business. They provide compelling proof that an investment in design is an investment in the future of a business.
Twenty/Twenty mentoring
The DBA Twenty/Twenty programme pairs rising industry leaders with established design pioneers for a 12-month one-to-one mentoring relationship. Designed specifically for individuals who want to take their thinking around business issues, their people and themselves to the next level, since launching in 2011, more than 400 participants from over 250 businesses have participated in Twenty/Twenty.
Events and professional Development
The DBA’s training courses are focused on developing business skills and are accessible globally, while the DBA’s series of stimulating events and webinars focus on both long-standing and emerging issues relevant to the design community. The courses and events are tailored to those working in the design industry and feature renowned experts and speakers who bring fresh insight, information and inspiration.
Events
Developing New Business and Growing Revenues Bundle
Sharpen your new business techniques with three 90-min modules and get serious about growing your profits, portfolio, and team morale.
Why invest in this course?
High-quality content developed specifically for the design industry. Easy to access, bitesize and interactive.
Design industry specific
All DBA courses are tailored specifically to those working in the design industry. DBA trainers are renowned experts in their field with a wealth of experience and expertise. They understand the... read more
Managing Prospects and Closing the Deal
Turn your prospects into projects by closing more deals. A fast-paced, practical and interactive 90-minute workshop with Jeremy Davies.
Communication is key to converting new business prospects to real business relationships, however, it needs to be a conversation, not a monologue. In this fast-paced, practical, and interactive session, we will look at the tools you need to manage this process efficiently, and how to overcome the challenges and barriers agencies commonly... read more
Leading People
Create and sustain a culture of high performance that your team will want to follow at this inspirational 90-minute workshop with Anne-Marie Gough.
As a leader, you are called upon to marry up the needs of your people with the needs of your business, and success demands that you get this equation right. When you are at the helm, the way you lead your people has a big impact on the... read more
Reimagining Leadership Bundle
Transform your approach to leadership with three bitesize, 90-minute modules. Designed to stretch you; get ready to lead your teams with authority, focus and understanding.
Workshops included:
Leading People | April 2024
Gravitas and Influence | May 2024
Resilience | June 2024
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Growing Existing Clients and Referrals
Maximise the potential of your existing client relationships with some inspiration, confidence and tried and tested processes in this energising 90-minute workshop with Lucy Mann.
Client development is a vital skill that can have a massive impact on agency growth. However, there often tends to be a greater focus on the more expensive business of winning new clients and many of us have the suspicion that we may not be maximising... read more