The report shows that salaries and charge-out rates increased by five percent last year - the first time that charge-out rates have kept pace with salaries for the last five years.

Other findings include:

- Retail, experimental and interior design businesses have the highest charge-out rates.

- Design fees in the South West are rising faster than anywhere else in the UK. Last year salaries in the region rose by nine percent while charge-out fees increased by 15 percent.

- 38 percent of members polled had a turnover of more than £1m

The DBA charge-out rates and salary survey report is available free and exclusively to DBA members.

To discuss joining the DBA call us on 020 7251 9229 or email membership@dba.org.uk