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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.

15/07/2026


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Pillars

Lobbying for a fairer, more effective system


One of the most significant commercial pressures industrial design consultancies face in the UK is losing work to publicly funded organisations offering heavily subsidised design and product development services. The DBA is lobbying for a fairer, more effective system.

15/07/2026


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String of three Union Jack flags

The Global Talent Visa for Design


Talented and promising individuals can now apply for the Global Talent Visa in Design, and the DBA will assess applications on behalf of the Arts Council.

14/07/2026


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Indian Flag

Promoting the UK-India opportunity to the UK design sector


The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into effect on 15 July and the DBA has been asked by the Department for Business and Trade to advise on the opportunity it creates for UK design companies.

14/07/2026


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DBA Member Forum | July Summary


At our July DBA Member Forum, we took a balanced look at what might be responsible for the downward trend in junior hiring in recent years.

08/07/2026


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Newspapers

Beyond the echo chamber: How creative agencies get into the business media


How can your agency claim its place in the business media? Competition is fierce and journalists receive hundreds of pitches every day. To stand out, you need to master these three key areas.

30/06/2026


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The Employment Rights Act and agencies: What to do now


DBA Expert, Aliya Vigor-Robertson looks at what the Employment Rights Act means for design agencies and what you should be doing now. 

25/06/2026


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Overlapping, coloured circles on blue background

A Shared Vision for Industry-Led Design Education within Higher Education


The DBA has launched its latest white paper, produced in partnership with the Council for Higher Education in Art & Design.

22/06/2026


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Rules & Rebels: How design agencies tell their own stories


How do you choose the right words to set your business apart? DBA Expert Emily Penny looks at the rules and rebels of design agency messaging.

17/06/2026


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The era of the Client Partner has begun


Client service helps generate serious returns and it's time to recognise its value. The Client Partner era has begun.

11/06/2026


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