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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 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. 

13/10/2026


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Staircase on orange background

Pay rises need a structure


Ideally, a pay rise is given in a structured way, in line with how well both the individual and the agency have performed. But in practice, it rarely works like that. Here's what to consider before your next pay review.

07/10/2026


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DBA Roundup


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

07/10/2026


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DBA Member Forum | Five key DBA In Focus Report benchmarks


At our October DBA Member Forum, we took a closer look at five key DBA In Focus Report benchmarks shaping the industry today.

07/10/2026


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Gavel

Design effectiveness is thriving


Coming back as Chair of the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards, I’m reminded of some of the great projects I have seen – brands, businesses, services, products, experiences – all revitalised by a belief in design.

07/10/2026


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Assumptions vs Reality of entering the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards


It’s the easiest thing to assume that you don’t have the evidence, or your work wouldn’t be understood by the judges, or that only X types of design working in Y sectors win DBA Design Effectiveness Awards, but here's the reality.

07/10/2026


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shortlist

DBA: A year in review


The DBA works on behalf of its members, championing effective design and supporting your business to be more effective. Here's a roundup, presented at our recent AGM, of how the DBA supported the membership in 2025. 

06/10/2026


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Design brings the UK-India Free Trade Agreement to life


We were delighted to launch 'Horn OK Please' on Thursday 1 October in London – a manifesto for collaboration and shared prosperity, following the introduction of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement. 

02/10/2026


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DBA appoints new Board Director at AGM


The DBA welcomed Phoenix Studios’ Managing Partner and Founder, Jonny Westcar to the Board of Directors at its AGM.

17/09/2026


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Why AI won’t replace the need for great accountants in creative agencies


AI is changing what accountants do but, in creative businesses, the human accountant is becoming more valuable, not less.

09/09/2026


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