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  • I was inspired by this article on how reading can improve your life in so many ways.
  • If you’re struggling to fit it in, reading can fill in the gaps in your day, it can brighten up the commute no end.
  • One member was drawn back to reading when they completed their masters. Encouraged by tutors to read around the subject to develop a unique perspective; this has stood them in good stead and now shapes the way they write and structure arguments with the audience in mind. 
  • It’s important to share articles with your team if you want them to think more strategically.
  • To the question of where to find books, asking for recommendations on Twitter or Linkedin works for some, or looking at the bibliography of a book you’re reading for wider reading on that subject.
  • We were joined by Theresa Destrebecq, Founder at Emerge Book Circles who shared how she works with organisations and leaders to delve deeper into a book. She facilitates deeper learning and as a group, they spend time integrating the ideas within their business. 
  • Another member shared insight into how a recommendation from a teacher to read quality fiction, broadsheets, periodicals and journals transformed their life after a late dyslexia diagnosis.
  • Similar to when you start designing and you’re encouraged to surround yourself with quality creative, this dedication to reading has improved the quality and rhythm of their writing – yes there might still be spelling mistakes but the composition of the piece is much more thoughtful.

Our Members’ Forum takes place on the first Monday of each month, at 4 – 5pm. If you would like to attend, get in touch here

Our next members forum will be taking place on Monday 5 September.

DBA Roundup


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

12/11/2025


News


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DBA Roundup


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

12/11/2025


News


Read more >>

A creative transformation story: Forepoint


Working with DBA Expert Ralph Ardill, Forepoint treated transformation as a creative act and the results speak for themselves. Here's how Forepoint achieved change.

12/11/2025


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DBA Twenty/Twenty Mentoring: the mentee’s perspective


Since its launch in 2011, the innovative programme has gone from strength-to-strength, with almost 600 participants from over 300 businesses and impactful results. But don’t just take our word for it. 

12/11/2025


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DBA Members’ Forum | November Summary


In the DBA Members’ Forum we took a look behind the data in the latest DBA In Focus Report and discussed the trends and what they mean for us all working in design. It's a bumper summary this month, but this is a critical industry report that we are proud to deliver to DBA Members each year. It can genuinely transform the profitability of your business.

12/11/2025


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Joanna Anthony

Strong relationships don’t just happen: how to become indispensable to clients


Strong client relationships don’t evolve by chance. They’re built, nurtured, and sustained through behaviours that consistently demonstrate value — the kind that make you indispensable.

04/11/2025


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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards 2026 | Winners shortlist announced


We’re delighted to announce the shortlist of entries that will win a DBA Design Effectiveness Award in 2026. Congratulations to the agency and client partnerships who will be taking home Bronze, Silver or Gold awards at our live event in March.

23/10/2025


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AI and agency shortlists – a moment of opportunity


Have you asked ChatGPT to recommend a good design agency in your sector, location or skillset? Were you one of the agencies it recommended?

22/10/2025


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Rediscovering the creative brief


Has the importance of the creative brief been lost? Has it become a bit of a chore, a piece of admin, just a form to be filled out? Jonathan Kirk believes there is a general lack of understanding as to its proper role and value.

15/10/2025


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DBA Members’ Forum | October Summary


For October's DBA Members’ Forum, we were joined by three in-house design leaders who shared their sector-specific perspectives on how current market conditions, with rapid change and unpredictability, are shaping their businesses and influencing their design teams.

08/10/2025


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