Design Business Association (DBA)

As we look ahead to the future, there are lots of unknowns, a wealth of urgent challenges demanding creative solutions. For designers, this is an infinite opportunity to step forward, take action, and address the pressing issues of our time.  Progress is within our reach - but it won’t happen on its own. Are you ready to step into the unknown?  Join Dr. Mary McBride, Chair and Professor at Pratt Institute and DBA Chief Executive Deborah Dawton for an unmissable hour online.     “Dr Mary McBride’s expert insight and genuine passion for building a better future through the power of design really shines through.” Jenny Hillier, MD, Briggs Hillier Sign up for the free webinar next Thursday 30 January at 4pm GMT: https://lnkd.in/eai--jBm 

It's been fantastic to welcome nine new members so far in 2025. Based across the UK, from Northern Ireland to Norfolk to London, and of all shapes and sizes from one-person design businesses to 30+ teams, as well as a new corporate member, head quartered in France.    Welcome to the DBA community:  Carrefour  Kaizen Dale  Naked Marketing Red Dot Studio Studio Rushton-Smith Sears–Davies The Foundation UNSTILL  Xfacta A packed programme of activity is already underway for DBA members. Head into the latest Roundup to slate the date for our Forum with Alex Soojung-Kim Pang into your diary, he’s going to challenge how we think about productivity. Industry powerhouse, Dr. Mary McBride is joining us for an unmissable webinar at the end of this month and bookings for our online training workshops this Spring are now open. All the details can be found in our Roundup: https://lnkd.in/eQEZHNzY And if you’re not yet a DBA member, why not schedule a call with Adam Fennelow to discuss how DBA membership could support you and your business? Let us help make 2025 a pivotal year for you. David Blois, DMI Design Management Institute, Design Council

There’s a mindset shift we need to embody if we’re going to design the right solutions to the big and gnarly issues in our world today. One that embraces creativity, collaboration and courage. Designers won’t act alone; other changemakers must join the effort, but if we can imagine a better future, then we need to step up and make that a reality. What are you waiting for? Join Dr. Mary McBride, Chair and Professor at Pratt Institute and DBA Chief Executive Deborah Dawton at 4pm GMT on 30 January for an hour that will flood your mind with brand new perspectives and spark your imagination. Book your free place now: https://lnkd.in/eai--jBm #webinar #design

Looking forward to our first 2025 DBA Members' Forum online on 13 January from 4-5pm (UK time) when we will be joined by Blair Enns, author of 'Win Without Pitching' and more recently 'The Four Conversations: A New Model to Selling Expertise'. I have noticed a lot of discussion around the perils of pitching on Linked In over recent weeks (or should that be months, years... decades?). The fundamental problem about pitching is that design businesses struggle with: a) differentiating themselves (everyone looks and sounds the same, so the client chooses on price) and b) articulating the value and effectiveness of their work (clients come to you to change numbers in their business. You have to be able illustrate how you do this). There are a number of good ways of solving this, but I like Blair's approach because it involves confidence (another thing design businesses struggle with) and how an agency / consultancy positions themselves as the expert rather than just a 'supplier'. Details on how to attend the Members' Forum were sent out on Monday - drop a comment below if you can't find them in your inbox and we'll get them to you. Looking forward to a great start to the 2025 DBA Members' Forum series. See you on the 13th!

Here’s a taster of what’s in store for DBA members in 2025.     We’re raring to go on a brand-new year and looking forward to supporting you. There’s so much inspiration and opportunity that being part of the DBA network brings.      Let us help make 2025 a pivotal year for your design team and business. Take full advantage of all the benefits of your DBA membership: https://lnkd.in/eRM2f_sf    Coming up in the next few weeks:  Monday 13 January – DBA Members’ Forum with Blair Enns on key client conversations   Thursday 30 January – DBA Webinar | A fireside chat with Dr. Mary McBride   Monday 3 February – DBA Members’ Forum   Late February – Launch of the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards call for entries Monday 3 March – DBA Members’ Forum   Thursday 27 March – DBA Webinar | Launch of the 2025 What Clients Think Report with Jonathan Kirk   #DBAMembers #DesignLeadership #ComingUp

Happy New Year! Wishing you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.

Get the New Year off to a flying start with these tips for success in 2025.   With thanks to the DBA Experts for their contributions:   Claire Blyth, Red Setter Jonathan Kirk, Up to the Light Joanna Anthony, The Client Service Person Catherine Allison, Master the Art Ltd. Jeremy Paterson, IF Media Consultancy Niki Hurst-Smith, HURST-SMITH CONSULTING LTD Chris Lang, FLASH PARTNERS LIMITED Lynne Elvins, Design Rally Adrian Day Katherine Sandford-Anderson, Sandford Aliya Vigor-Robertson, JourneyHR Caroline Carretta, HK Law Ralph Ardill - Brand and Culture Transformation Expert, RALPH ARDILL LIMITED Jack O'Hern, Wright Vigar   Browse all the DBA Experts and find out how they can support your business in 2025: https://lnkd.in/dApsTfZ

To all our members and industry friends, warmest wishes from the DBA team this festive season.

It’s a wrap! If you’re looking for some inspiring design stories to accompany your Christmas wrapping, check out this mega series of My Life in Design in partnership with Red Setter. All episodes from series 6 available now, featuring design icons: Pentagram’s Domenic Lippa Joanne C., CEO of Turner Duckworth Fred Gelli, Co-founder and CEO, Tátil Design Jolene Delisle, Founder and Creative Director, New York’s The Working Assembly Ian Ritchie, Designer and Co-founder of Jones Knowles Ritchie Fe Amarante, Founder and Principal of Experimenta Dick Powell, Co-founder of Seymourpowell Julia Beardwood, Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Beardwood&Co. Benji Wiedemann and Alex Lampe, Co-founders of Wiedemann Lampe Henry Steiner, Founder of Steiner&Co. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ecRXSNsx #podcast #design #DBAmembers

Coming up at the DBA in 2025... - FREE DBA Design Effectiveness Award entry for DBA Members, PLUS support in collating and developing your case study through a programme of activity on design effectiveness. - First DBA Members' Forum of the year we will be joined by Blair Enns - First DBA Webinar of the year will be a fireside chat with the amazing Dr. Mary McBride - The 2025 What Clients Think Report with Jonathan Kirk will launch in March - Plus our Spring schedule of business focused training for those in a design setting will be live on our website before the big man in a red suit pops down your chimney. More details: https://lnkd.in/dvDBfNvu