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
Managing Your Time
Spring clean your calendar and set yourself up for optimum productivity. This 90-minute workshop will explore your relationship with prioritisation, habits and boundaries. Join this highly interactive and lively online workshop and leave with the practical knowledge to transform your working day... read more
Leading People
Create and sustain a culture of high performance that your team will want to follow at this inspirational 90-minute online workshop... read more
World Class Client Service
Great client service will put your business ahead of the competition. Discover what clients need and how you can meet and exceed expectations with Jonathan Kirk in this two-part online course... read more
Gravitas and Influence
Develop your personal gravitas and communicate with greater confidence, influence and authority to transform your presence as a leader in this 90-minute online workshop... read more
Project Management
Understand best practice and get your projects running through your business smoothly with this two-part practical skills, online workshop. Whether you're new to project management or have been in the role a while, this workshop provides tried and tested techniques to develop you into a confident project manager... read more