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DBA Roundup


A roundup of industry expertise, exclusive resources, business support and tools for your design business.

12/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | February Summary


In February's DBA Members' Forum we explored the growing impact of AI on the design industry and how we’re using it to reshape the way we work.

04/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA member discount to dmi: Design Management Conference Amsterdam


DBA members can benefit from 10% off the registration fee for the dmi: Design Management conference in Amsterdam in April 2025.

14/01/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | January Summary


In our first DBA Members' Forum of 2025, we were joined by Blair Enns as we focused on how to sell expertise in creative businesses.

13/01/2025


News


Read more >>
shortlist

2025: what’s in store for DBA members?


A look ahead for DBA members, including what's in store this January and the many ways the DBA can support you and your team this year.

06/01/2025


News


Read more >>

Business ‘elf: unwrap success in 2025


As the year draws to an end, we bring you festive offerings from the Wise Men and Women of the DBA Experts Register to improve your business 'elf in 2025.

18/12/2024


News


Read more >>

“It’s design leaders, not Gen Z, who need to change”


The DBA's CEO, Deborah Dawton spoke to Design Week about the changes design leaders can make to keep up with employees' new expectations.

09/12/2024


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | December Summary


In our December DBA Members' Forum, we asked an eclectic array of people to answer the question: what would you like to see designers achieve by this time next year?

03/12/2024


News


Read more >>

Twenty/Twenty: time to make the leap


If you're considering applying for Twenty/Twenty mentoring this article's for you: 2LK's ECD Andy Sexton, Brandon's CEO Richard Taylor & Point 6's MD Sally Forsyth Spark discuss the continued impact of the mentoring programme two, five and ten years on.

19/11/2024


News


Read more >>

A look beyond the headlines in the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report


DBA Experts take a closer look at findings from the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report and what they mean for your business.

06/11/2024


News


Read more >>

Main Content

Knowing when it’s right to part ways with a client

“This might seem surprising from someone who teaches client satisfaction and retention, but my New Year’s suggestion is to consider firing some. Do any of them demand free creative solutions in re-pitches? Do they provide the right work? Do they generate enough income? Do they pay their bills on time? Is the relationship (mostly) hassle-free? Do you actually like working with them? No? Then it’s time to let them go diplomatically.” Shan Preddy, Preddy&Co

Embrace the freelancer

“Many still think of the freelancer as an expensive necessity. But now that all the really good senior designers are freelancing we have to embrace them and re-think the financial model to include them as collaborative partners. So work out your project profit, deduct the freelancer’s share and accept that your share is what’s left. Remember a senior designer employee on £50k costs you £253 per day!” Gary Baxter, Lightbox 

The power of your Mantra

“During times of uncertainty it’s all about having true grit, determination and remaining confident in your product offer and positioning. Creating a mantra that captures in a heartbeat the very essence and spirit of your agency’s core belief is of value because it cuts through to the behaviour and standards required. All great teams have a mantra in times of need. They don’t panic, because they are; “Steady Under Fire.” What’s yours for 2017?” Rod Petrie, Rod Petrie Coaching

’tis the season

“I frequently meet talented sensitive creatives who’ve been slowly stripped of their joy by critical leadership, unconscious communication or lack of praise and recognition.

In this turbulent world, why not put JOY top of your list for 2017? Have the courage to ask for feedback, compassion to truly listen and commitment to increase joy in your studio. Your people and the world will be more joy filled because of you.” Emma Collins, Collins&Co 

Take a step back

“Christmas is the ideal time to take a step back and consider what you want from life. What will success look like to you? After all, the ultimate purpose of any business is to help its owners achieve their personal goals. So, identify those goals, and make it your resolution to ask your team, accountant, and other advisors to help your business deliver what’s important to you.” Ifan Lloyd, IDH Accountancy

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Distractions cost money

“Every time you are distracted – it takes approximately 23 minutes to get back to the task you were taken from. A group were asked to review their daily emails – over 35% of what they received was useless; 12% was considered immediate; balance could wait. Notifications and emails are spamming our lives and staying in control is the key to your maximum productivity. Don’t let them distract you.” Mark Lawrence Saunders, Agile Non-Exec Ltd

My new business advice for 2017? Stop selling.

“There’s a reason why most agency business comes from referrals or existing clients. You have a far better chance of converting opportunities where you already have a relationship (your existing client) or a tacit relationship (a referral). So for your next new business meetings, instead of selling, take the pressure off and just listen. Think of this as just hello and the start of a relationship and the work will follow in time.” Lucy Mann, Gunpowder Consulting

Nurture positivity

“2017 is set to be a year of change. Change can often bring out negative behaviour if it is not managed correctly. But if you implement an open and honest forum, employees will feel safe to discuss their concerns. By nurturing this atmosphere and developing a positive culture you’ll maintain motivation and results through this uncertain period.” Aliya Vigor-Robertson, Journey HR

The foundation of good business

“Find out what your client wants, then give it to them, on time. Deceptively simple, but it is the very foundation of a good business that gets repeat work and referrals.” Jack O’Hern, Wright Vigar

With thanks to the DBA Experts for their contribution.

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Image credits: © Yuliya Pauliukevich Dreamstime.com

DBA Roundup


A roundup of industry expertise, exclusive resources, business support and tools for your design business.

12/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | February Summary


In February's DBA Members' Forum we explored the growing impact of AI on the design industry and how we’re using it to reshape the way we work.

04/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA member discount to dmi: Design Management Conference Amsterdam


DBA members can benefit from 10% off the registration fee for the dmi: Design Management conference in Amsterdam in April 2025.

14/01/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | January Summary


In our first DBA Members' Forum of 2025, we were joined by Blair Enns as we focused on how to sell expertise in creative businesses.

13/01/2025


News


Read more >>
shortlist

2025: what’s in store for DBA members?


A look ahead for DBA members, including what's in store this January and the many ways the DBA can support you and your team this year.

06/01/2025


News


Read more >>

Business ‘elf: unwrap success in 2025


As the year draws to an end, we bring you festive offerings from the Wise Men and Women of the DBA Experts Register to improve your business 'elf in 2025.

18/12/2024


News


Read more >>

“It’s design leaders, not Gen Z, who need to change”


The DBA's CEO, Deborah Dawton spoke to Design Week about the changes design leaders can make to keep up with employees' new expectations.

09/12/2024


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | December Summary


In our December DBA Members' Forum, we asked an eclectic array of people to answer the question: what would you like to see designers achieve by this time next year?

03/12/2024


News


Read more >>

Twenty/Twenty: time to make the leap


If you're considering applying for Twenty/Twenty mentoring this article's for you: 2LK's ECD Andy Sexton, Brandon's CEO Richard Taylor & Point 6's MD Sally Forsyth Spark discuss the continued impact of the mentoring programme two, five and ten years on.

19/11/2024


News


Read more >>

A look beyond the headlines in the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report


DBA Experts take a closer look at findings from the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report and what they mean for your business.

06/11/2024


News


Read more >>

Main Content

All hail the Bruirn-bru_pr_redesign-03

“It’s fizzy, it’s ginger, its (rebrand) is phenomenal! I’m talking, of course, of the mighty Irn Bru. Scotland’s second national drink has re-enforced its bold maverick spirit with a witty homage to the brand’s differentiating claim, ‘made from girders.

Quite simply their 2016 rebrand reaffirms its status as a Scottish Icon. Iconic in its simplification of core equities and Scottish through its nod to the country’s industrial past. All hail the Bru!”

Brian Mansfield, Managing Partner, Taxi Studio

Challenging Applescreen-shot-2016-12-14-at-14-12-27

“I am truly impressed with the new Microsoft Surface Studio. It is the first Microsoft product I have seen in recent years, which will challenge Apple. The perfect balance of technology and “human centric” design.”

Paul Flowers, Chief Design Officer, LIXIL Water Technology

Take a look at Microsoft Surface Studio

Design with emotional punchjw1180-somme-1916-poppy-lapel-pin-production

“The Royal British Legion released a limited edition, hand-made brass poppy pin for Somme 100. Formed from British shell fuses collected from the front line, the brooches’ red-enamelled centres are partially made of battlefield mud. Each is dedicated to a life lost, coming with a certificate with a soldier’s details. It’s also a smart, modern looking piece of jewellery. I think this is exceptionally thoughtful design with real emotional punch for which the Legion should be commended.”

Erika Clegg, Co-founder, Spring

 

A contemporary take on heritagenorth_coop_001_bag

“Perhaps it’s a nostalgia thing and the fact that I’m old enough to remember Green Shield stamps, but I’ve liked watching the Co-op rebrand this year.  It’s repositioned the business certainly in my mind, taking it back to fundamental values with a contemporary take on the heritage. It’s not just the identity design, but the careful consideration to the service offer and business model too. I like the authenticity.”

Lesley Gulliver, Managing Director, The Engine Room

 

DBA Roundup


A roundup of industry expertise, exclusive resources, business support and tools for your design business.

12/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | February Summary


In February's DBA Members' Forum we explored the growing impact of AI on the design industry and how we’re using it to reshape the way we work.

04/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA member discount to dmi: Design Management Conference Amsterdam


DBA members can benefit from 10% off the registration fee for the dmi: Design Management conference in Amsterdam in April 2025.

14/01/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | January Summary


In our first DBA Members' Forum of 2025, we were joined by Blair Enns as we focused on how to sell expertise in creative businesses.

13/01/2025


News


Read more >>
shortlist

2025: what’s in store for DBA members?


A look ahead for DBA members, including what's in store this January and the many ways the DBA can support you and your team this year.

06/01/2025


News


Read more >>

Business ‘elf: unwrap success in 2025


As the year draws to an end, we bring you festive offerings from the Wise Men and Women of the DBA Experts Register to improve your business 'elf in 2025.

18/12/2024


News


Read more >>

“It’s design leaders, not Gen Z, who need to change”


The DBA's CEO, Deborah Dawton spoke to Design Week about the changes design leaders can make to keep up with employees' new expectations.

09/12/2024


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | December Summary


In our December DBA Members' Forum, we asked an eclectic array of people to answer the question: what would you like to see designers achieve by this time next year?

03/12/2024


News


Read more >>

Twenty/Twenty: time to make the leap


If you're considering applying for Twenty/Twenty mentoring this article's for you: 2LK's ECD Andy Sexton, Brandon's CEO Richard Taylor & Point 6's MD Sally Forsyth Spark discuss the continued impact of the mentoring programme two, five and ten years on.

19/11/2024


News


Read more >>

A look beyond the headlines in the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report


DBA Experts take a closer look at findings from the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report and what they mean for your business.

06/11/2024


News


Read more >>

Main Content

Image credit: © Aprescindere Dreamstime.com

DBA Roundup


A roundup of industry expertise, exclusive resources, business support and tools for your design business.

12/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | February Summary


In February's DBA Members' Forum we explored the growing impact of AI on the design industry and how we’re using it to reshape the way we work.

04/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA member discount to dmi: Design Management Conference Amsterdam


DBA members can benefit from 10% off the registration fee for the dmi: Design Management conference in Amsterdam in April 2025.

14/01/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | January Summary


In our first DBA Members' Forum of 2025, we were joined by Blair Enns as we focused on how to sell expertise in creative businesses.

13/01/2025


News


Read more >>
shortlist

2025: what’s in store for DBA members?


A look ahead for DBA members, including what's in store this January and the many ways the DBA can support you and your team this year.

06/01/2025


News


Read more >>

Business ‘elf: unwrap success in 2025


As the year draws to an end, we bring you festive offerings from the Wise Men and Women of the DBA Experts Register to improve your business 'elf in 2025.

18/12/2024


News


Read more >>

“It’s design leaders, not Gen Z, who need to change”


The DBA's CEO, Deborah Dawton spoke to Design Week about the changes design leaders can make to keep up with employees' new expectations.

09/12/2024


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | December Summary


In our December DBA Members' Forum, we asked an eclectic array of people to answer the question: what would you like to see designers achieve by this time next year?

03/12/2024


News


Read more >>

Twenty/Twenty: time to make the leap


If you're considering applying for Twenty/Twenty mentoring this article's for you: 2LK's ECD Andy Sexton, Brandon's CEO Richard Taylor & Point 6's MD Sally Forsyth Spark discuss the continued impact of the mentoring programme two, five and ten years on.

19/11/2024


News


Read more >>

A look beyond the headlines in the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report


DBA Experts take a closer look at findings from the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report and what they mean for your business.

06/11/2024


News


Read more >>

Main Content

Get in touch

To find out more about the KPMG Small Business Accounting service for design businesses visit our website to request a quote or call 0808 231 0660.

KPMG website

DBA Roundup


A roundup of industry expertise, exclusive resources, business support and tools for your design business.

12/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | February Summary


In February's DBA Members' Forum we explored the growing impact of AI on the design industry and how we’re using it to reshape the way we work.

04/02/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA member discount to dmi: Design Management Conference Amsterdam


DBA members can benefit from 10% off the registration fee for the dmi: Design Management conference in Amsterdam in April 2025.

14/01/2025


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | January Summary


In our first DBA Members' Forum of 2025, we were joined by Blair Enns as we focused on how to sell expertise in creative businesses.

13/01/2025


News


Read more >>
shortlist

2025: what’s in store for DBA members?


A look ahead for DBA members, including what's in store this January and the many ways the DBA can support you and your team this year.

06/01/2025


News


Read more >>

Business ‘elf: unwrap success in 2025


As the year draws to an end, we bring you festive offerings from the Wise Men and Women of the DBA Experts Register to improve your business 'elf in 2025.

18/12/2024


News


Read more >>

“It’s design leaders, not Gen Z, who need to change”


The DBA's CEO, Deborah Dawton spoke to Design Week about the changes design leaders can make to keep up with employees' new expectations.

09/12/2024


News


Read more >>

DBA Members’ Forum | December Summary


In our December DBA Members' Forum, we asked an eclectic array of people to answer the question: what would you like to see designers achieve by this time next year?

03/12/2024


News


Read more >>

Twenty/Twenty: time to make the leap


If you're considering applying for Twenty/Twenty mentoring this article's for you: 2LK's ECD Andy Sexton, Brandon's CEO Richard Taylor & Point 6's MD Sally Forsyth Spark discuss the continued impact of the mentoring programme two, five and ten years on.

19/11/2024


News


Read more >>

A look beyond the headlines in the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report


DBA Experts take a closer look at findings from the 2024 DBA Annual Survey Report and what they mean for your business.

06/11/2024


News


Read more >>