Design Business Association (DBA)

Imagine a classroom where every child discovers the power of design and technology. You could help make that vision a reality. The Design & Technology Association are looking for a new Chair and two Trustees to help guide this vital mission and belief in creativity, innovation and opportunity for every young person. Whether you’re stepping into your first governance role or bringing years of expertise, your contribution could be game-changing. Applications close on 24 October. For details of the Chair post click here: https://lnkd.in/eVkTESw6. For details of a trustee post, click here: https://lnkd.in/e8Dhp5Cj.

What does meaningful mentoring deliver? For the hundreds of design leaders who’ve taken part in the DBA’s Twenty/Twenty mentoring programme in the last 14-years, the impact is clear and powerful. Growth. Perspective. Insight. Awakening. Transformative. Infinite. Reflective. Insightful. Effective. These reflections capture the depth of progress, challenge and reward that mentoring can bring – for mentors and mentees alike. Whether you're looking to develop your leadership or support the next generation of design talent, the DBA’s Twenty/Twenty mentoring programme offers a valuable space to grow, connect and contribute. Applications are now open. Find all the details on our website and book a call with Natasha to find out more. https://lnkd.in/eRWQigvq #mentoring #mentorship #leadership #design

‘The considerable time invested by the judges will help build a credible source of evidence on the value that good design can really deliver.’ Wrapping up a bumper number of DBA Design Effectiveness Awards judging sessions, Sean Carney, chair of the judging panel reflects on the experience. Head into our Roundup for this and: - How to join the launch of the design industry’s most comprehensive benchmarking report, DBA In Focus. - What do design leaders from PepsiCo, Direct Line Group and Diageo think the opportunities are for creativity in the current economic landscape? - Where you can catch Red Setter’s, Claire Blyth recording the ‘My Life In Design’ podcast, in-person next week. - And much more, all on this link: https://lnkd.in/dffqfBGc

Covering fees, salaries, pay rises and much more, the DBA In Focus Report is the most powerful benchmarking tool in the design sector and data from the 2025 report is soon to be revealed.  The 2025 Report will be sent exclusively to DBA members on 22 October. And to help you get the most out of the data, we have two events coming up: Open to all design businesses: join us for a free webinar on 22 October, 4-5pm. Hear from DBA Expert Deborah Longbottom, Good. Brand Consultants.’ Chris Lumsden and GW+Co’s Gilmar Wendt FRSA on how to use data effectively to manage your business’ profitability and health. https://lnkd.in/d-k9abRp Member-only: 3 November, 4-5pm online. Access expert commentary and analysis on the report’s data from Moore Kingston Smith’s Esther Carder at our next Members’ Forum. https://lnkd.in/eAXdM6_Q If you’re keen to get a copy of the Report but are not yet a member, message Simon Bull to discuss the many benefits of joining the DBA today. 

What burning question would you ask of an in-house design leader, which could help you plan for the year ahead? At our DBA Members' Forum online next Monday, 6 October, 4-5pm BST, we’ll be joined by: Direct Line Group's Head of Group Digital and Experience Design, Matt Walton Diageo's Global Design Director, Jeremy Lindley PepsiCo's Design Director - Breakthrough Innovation, Europe, Richard Walzer They'll be sharing insights into today’s client landscape as we cover sustainability, AI, timeframes for budget setting, what's going on in their markets and more.  Our monthly Forums are exclusively for DBA Members: https://lnkd.in/ga7wywxW If you’d like to join us, message Simon Bull who can fill you in on the many benefits of DBA membership.

On International Podcast Day, we wanted to give a shout out to Claire Blyth, Vicky Stoakes and the team at Red Setter for all that they do in bringing us the brilliant ‘My Life in Design’ podcast and inspiring talent into the industry.   It’s been fantastic collaborating with them across many series now.   Over 70 industry leaders have shared their wide-ranging journeys into design to date, and with the Eighth Series now underway, you can check-out the latest, excellent episodes with Koto's James Greenfield and Uncommon Creative Studio’s Lisa Smith here: https://lnkd.in/ecRXSNsx

Most of us have heard the stat that 80% of the environmental impact of a product is made at the design stage, but says DBA CEO Deborah Dawton, “I would like us to stop using that quote.”     She explains why in this clip.   Watch the full video for more context and highlights from the World Design Congress: https://lnkd.in/daN_zrbf 

We’re partnering with PARK on their Advancing Design Leadership programme starting in November, and there’s a handy info session happening online this Friday 26 Sept from 12.30 to 1.30pm, where you can find out more. You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/dUpc424m And there’s more about the programme here: https://lnkd.in/eh4HAUJd DBA members benefit from a 25% discount for the course, which starts on 20 November online.

Our CEO Deborah Dawton took to the stage last week, as we partnered with Material Matters to help designers unlock international opportunities. The DBA’s In Focus Report 2025* has found overseas work now accounts for 36.5% of members’ income on average, up from 20% a decade ago. The BETTER FUTURE Embassy event particularly focused on the Indian market, and DBA members including PriestmanGoode’s Kirsty Dias and Indigo CPO’s Mark Hannant, as well as Christine Losecaat MBE FRSA 鲁睿婷, Mark Bergin and other exporting experts guided designers and architects on how to make working overseas work for their businesses. Whether you have a raft of international experience or are taking your first steps trading overseas, we’d love to hear from you on how the DBA could support you further next year. Simply message Adam Fennelow direct. *And join us for the 2025 In Focus Report launch on 22 Oct at 4pm online: https://lnkd.in/d-k9abRp

‘Be tenacious, be indispensable and go for it.’ Wise words for young designers from Uncommon Creative Studio’s first Global Chief Design Officer, Lisa Smith at the live podcast recording of the first episode in the next series of My Life In Design. Hosted by our friends at D&AD and perfectly interviewed by Claire Blyth at Red Setter, Lisa talked openly about how she found her way into design (there was a lot of tea) and what she’s learnt along the way. Working on some of the world’s most well-known brands at Wolff Olins LLC and JKR and going deep in-house at Chobani, this episode is a must listen for anyone thinking about a career in design or simply looking for a great listen. Discover Creative Careers https://lnkd.in/dDqePp2e