As a DBA member, companies not only have access to a wealth of services and benefits, but also align themselves with, and are represented by, a trade association working with key business and Governmental bodies. These include the Design Council, the Parliamentary Design Group, UK Trade & Investment, the Bureau of European Design Associations and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply amongst others.

Most of all, membership to the DBA means standing side by side with leading UK design consultancies – your peers, companies you respect or aspire to be – creatively and financially. 360 member companies and rising, here are just a handful of reasons why design businesses decide to belong to, and be a part of, the DBA:

"Compared to many, design is a young profession which needs an influential, energetic and effective trade association; the DBA is all these things to its members."
Peter Tennent, Director, Factory Design

"Without belonging to the DBA you deny yourself shared knowledge, direction, recognition and ideas."
Jonathan Ford, Creative Partner, Pearlfisher

"A strong trade association is essential and the DBA is just that ... providing leadership, meeting our needs and representing and strengthening our design community, to the benefit of all."
Nick Ramshaw, MD, Elmwood Leeds

"DBA membership gives you access to sound advice, adds pages to your little black book and is a great profile raiser."
Ben Davies, Director, Rodd Industrial

"The Design Business Association has an important role to play with the
design industry. For Imagination it is crucial to be part of an
Association which understands that we (the industry) should be measuring
the impact that design has on business. The DBA does this through key
activities such as the Design Effectiveness Awards, which are not only
an important industry benchmark but also a compelling tool in proving
our worth as an business sector."
Kenny Holmes, Creative Head of Brand Communications, Imagination

Join the DBA

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