Design Business Association (DBA) (UK), United Kingdom

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.