Blunt, but true.

So how do you solve the challenge of getting clients to see design as an investment not a cost and to understand the significant impact your work can have on the performance of their business?

Firstly, you need to put yourself in their shoes.

Being able to talk about the business issues your clients face, in a language they understand will go a long way to helping them view you as a partner, rather than a supplier of a commodity service. By also understanding the ratios they use in their company to measure their own success and in turn, illustrating how design can have a tangible impact across these, you will be able to cement existing relationships and conduct confident conversations with potential clients on the value you can add.

The DBA’s ‘Value of design in business’ workshop is a unique opportunity to acquire the skills, knowledge and most importantly, the confidence, to do just this. It will help you make the case for design in business and ultimately will enable you and your clients to realise the maximum impact from your collaborations, delivering increased profitability for both sides.

Secondly, prove your worth.

The DBA Design Effectiveness Awards recognise and reward projects that demonstrate design’s tangible effect on a client’s business. They offer a compelling opportunity for your work to be judged by a panel of senior business and marketing professionals, providing independent acknowledgement that your consultancy delivers commercially effective design – a beacon for clients.

The DBA is the most vocal champion of effective design and our members benefit from significant discounts of up to 50% across these activities.

Take advantage of these discounts by joining the DBA

‘Value of design in business’ workshops

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The entry deadline for the Design Effectiveness Awards is 6 June.

Download the Call for Entries

More useful 'Little Pointers' for design business success

So who are we and how do you join?

The Design Business Association (DBA) is the trade association for the UK’s internationally acclaimed design industry.

No other country has the strength in depth offered by UK design businesses and the DBA represents over 360 of these leading design consultancies from small specialist firms, to large international communications agencies. Our members are not only a varied lot, but are also based up and down the country, with over 50% sitting outside of London.

DBA membership has doubled in just the last two years alone, enabling us to offer an ever-greater range of advice, services and activities which will save you valuable time and money in ensuring your business is running successfully and profitably.

As we celebrate our 21st anniversary, there has never been a better time to join the DBA and to get involved.

We're looking for consultancies with drive, ambition and a dedication to improving their business performance. You'll also have an interest in the health and future of the UK design industry and understand that the greatest strength is in numbers.

Fit the profile? Join us now

Take a look at the full range of membership benefits and download an application form by clicking here.

We'd be happy to discuss how the DBA can best support your business, so please do give the membership team a call on 020 7251 9229 or email membership@dba.org.uk