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Twenty/Twenty is the innovative business mentoring programme from the DBA.

The programme pairs rising leaders in design with one of the leading lights of the design industry. Through 1-2-1 meetings, the mentor’s role is to listen, share experience, provide a sounding board for ideas and ultimately help the mentee to define their goals and grow their business. Find out more.

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Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


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Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


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What keeps agency principals awake at night


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Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


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Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

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Submission to HM Treasury

A Design for Brexit: how the design sector can be an engine for growth

The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

Ahead of the government’s Autumn Statement, the DBA and the All-Party Parliamentary Design & Innovation Group authored a formal submission to HM Treasury. Read the submission here.

Share your concerns about the EBacc with your MP

The percentage of pupils entering at least one arts subject has fallen by 1.7 percentage points to just 47.9% of pupils in state-funded schools in 2016. This is on top of an overall decline of 8% in the uptake of arts subjects at GCSE and shows that the DfE’s English Baccalaureate (EBacc) proposals are continuing to have a negative impact on the uptake of creative, artistic and technical subjects in schools.

The lobbying body Bacc For The Future are asking people to keep writing to their local MPs to encourage them to ask the DfE to abandon its plans for the EBacc and review alternative Baccalaureate options that include valuable creative, artistic and technical subjects. They have a template letter prepared here which you can personalise and send on.

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Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


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Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

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Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

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What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

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Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


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Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

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If that sounds a little nerve wracking for some, then that actually could be a good thing. Neuroscientist Dr David Rock believes that ‘a little fear is the best condition for learning’ and Greenwich based agency, Cog Design has found with its ‘knowledge sharing initiative’, that “Often the people who are most nervous about presenting are the ones who feel the most benefit,” according to Founder Michael Smith.
Cog set up their initiative (where team members share their training experiences), for all sorts of reasons, but the key ones were, says Michael, because “it’s great experience for each of us to practice presenting stuff in a safe and non-threatening environment (rather than jumping straight into a boardroom of clients). Whoever is talking will be the ‘expert in the room’, which gives a great position of confidence to even the most nervous public speaker. It’s also expensive (in time more than money) for us to attend things that take us away from billable work, so we want to get the most out of that investment.”

Dr. David Rock describes learning that fits with the way our brain operates as “facilitating insights, in social situations that matter, over time”. He believes that ‘insights are more likely to be generated when we have time to reflect on content delivered with sufficient spacing to allow our pre-frontal cortex time to process information’* – so in other words, building in reflection time is a good thing; something Cog also believe is a benefit. “Everyone learns in different ways – some people find it invaluable to have the opportunity to recap and get their thoughts in order; that definitely helps those people to ‘own’ that knowledge and put it into practice,” he says.

“Asking someone to share their learning is a great way to creatively test them on the experience,” says Emily, “this not only passes on knowledge, but also helps both the individual and the organisation really consider and understand how the learning can be valuable from an individual perspective as well as for the wider business.”

 

Cog’s philosophy is to try to engender a culture of sharing that runs through everything they do, but is especially true of events and training they’ve invested in. They ask anyone who has been on a course, attended a conference, or training event, to tell the rest of the team about it.
“It’s not compulsory but we encourage people to give a presentation about their experience,” says Michael. That can be a review of the event, a summary of the highlights, or a full-on recreation of the whole thing. Usually it sits somewhere between those.

“There’s no set way of doing it – sometimes we save them up for our annual ‘discussion day’, when the whole team are gathered and we are focused on learning and talking, or we might all get together one lunchtime, or extend our weekly staff meeting to include a quick presentation,” he adds.

Michael believes the business has benefitted from a more knowledgeable and more confident team, whilst also building an impressive library of PDFs and presentations that everyone can refer back to. “The difference in confidence levels is tangible and lovely to see,” he says.

Developing your team can deliver multiple, wide-ranging benefits across your business. By actively embedding new learning into practice you’ll maximise your training investment whilst positively impacting on your team.

* Trisha Carter, blogging at the AHRI Convention / Neuroscience – Rethinking everything

DBA training

DBA training courses consistently score 9 out of 10 in evaluation feedback and cover a wide range of subjects for all roles and levels of staff working in design. Our workshops are taught by design industry experts and have been developed specifically for the design industry, so we can guarantee you’ll see the benefit for your staff and your business.

See what’s coming up.

About: Hannah Paterson

Hannah Paterson is Insight and Content Editor at the DBA.

For more information on DBA membership click here.
E: hannah.paterson@dba.org.uk

Image credits: © Loeskiboom Dreamstime.com

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


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Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


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Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

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What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


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Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


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A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


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Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


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Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


Submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by the Design Business Association and the All-Party Group for Design and Innovation - October 2016

24/11/2016


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belonging team people

Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


News


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


News


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people network

What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


News


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blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


News


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DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


News


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watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


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dea trophies dba 2016

DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


News


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Main Content

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


News


Login >>
Dezeen brexit design manifesto logo

DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


Submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by the Design Business Association and the All-Party Group for Design and Innovation - October 2016

24/11/2016


News


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belonging team people

Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


News


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


News


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people network

What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


News


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blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


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DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


News


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watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


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dea trophies dba 2016

DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


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Not yet a member?

Email adam.fennelow@dba.org.uk or for more information on DBA membership click here

 

Images supplied by: Dezeen.com | Gov.uk 

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


Submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by the Design Business Association and the All-Party Group for Design and Innovation - October 2016

24/11/2016


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Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


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What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


News


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blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


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DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


News


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watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

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The creative sector is a huge asset to the country both economically and culturally – it consistently outperforms the rest of the economy (design as a sector is one of the fastest growing of all the creative industries) and it is central to the reputation and perception of the UK overseas. Without young people taking up creative subjects in the first place, the opportunity to develop the brightest and most imaginative minds will be lost. And what of those that go onto higher education – will it prepare them fully for a career in design?dreamstime_l_31489778

“A lot more collaboration between students and the UK’s design firms would be helpful – and a lot more serious synergy between them,” said Wolff. “There’s more synergy with university science departments and enterprise than between design education and enterprise. That seems a shame.


Service design consultant Joel Bailey believes that investing in new forms of design for the future is fundamental for a thriving industry. “Service design is only about 15 years old, but it has evolved to meet the needs of a service economy of empowered customers, in a digital era,” he said. “The UK is a recognised leader in the field of service design, but not for long unless we invest in the sector and make the most of this opportunity.”


Although service designers are in demand, there simply aren’t enough of them. “The amount of service designers being trained is woefully inadequate,” added Bailey. Investment to ensure our design courses continue to deliver world-class talent will be pivotal to delivering against Hancock’s message that “the creative industries will be absolutely central to our post-Brexit future.” The RCA’s and Glasgow’s Design Innovation and Service Design courses are leading the field in service design education, but the quality of homegrown design talent is ever more important in light of Brexit if we are to remain competitive as an industry and as a nation.


According to Bailey, the service design sector in the UK is a prime example of an area that currently relies on overseas talent. “Many have trained at well-known and leading design schools abroad, but are coming here because this is where the money is being spent on big service design projects,” he said. “If we turn off that supply of talent, without nurturing homegrown talent, those projects will struggle to deliver, and those organisations will be uncompetitive as a result,” he added. “Most students don’t even know about service design as a possible career path. Further investment and awareness are absolutely key.”


Something positive the EU Referendum result has done is to stir up the industry – to collectively focus on the future beyond products and projects. We have to identify what we stand to lose, and focus on how we can maintain and grow the industry’s prosperity and reputation well into the future, whatever the obstacles. 
Initiatives like Dezeen’s ‘Brexit Design Manifesto’ – which is supported by the DBA and lays out very clearly how the government must support, invest in and prioritise design, design education and talent in order to ensure the sector continues to wield such a positive impact – are so important in crystalising focus, especially when it comes to government strategy at this unique time in our history.

“We are trained to be problem solvers, creative thinkers and communicators,” said House, “surely our attitude as an industry could be a catalyst to ensure that not only our industry thrives but becomes a champion of openness and ideas for the global community.” Answering challenging questions is something our industry is perfectly placed to do; it’s the nature of design thinking after all. If the industry works together to take firm control of its future – to lobby for it, fight for it, to make it a priority in the eyes of government – then the future will be in good hands.

Image credits: © Maglara Dreamstime.com | © Skypixel Dreamstime.com

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


News


Login >>
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DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


Submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by the Design Business Association and the All-Party Group for Design and Innovation - October 2016

24/11/2016


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Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


News


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


News


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people network

What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


News


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blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


News


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DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


News


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watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


Login >>
dea trophies dba 2016

DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


News


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


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To be successful however, it does all have to stem out of a good content marketing strategy that is well thought through and implemented in a considered manner. But says Joe, once that is in place then “a simple style guide, some clear content pillars and a bit of editorial oversight is all your colleagues need to get going.”

There are, of course, some agencies which sell their ability to help clients with their own content marketing. In cases like this it is imperative that writers are employed – so it makes sense for them to also be utilised in the promotion of the agency. DBA member ThinkBDA is a Buckingham based creative agency offering design and marketing services. These services include helping clients with their content. ThinkBDA managing director David Knowles says, “Content writing is a skill – it is about crafting words in such a way as to draw people into a subject. Having an in-house content person gives flexibility allowing us to be more reactive when faced with creative client challenges.” Although David concedes, “Just because someone doesn’t have ‘writer’ in their job title doesn’t mean they can’t produce content. Our whole team can contribute in what is often a team effort.”

What to write about?

First up, ask yourself (and your agency as a whole) “Why do we want to produce content? What image are we trying to portray?”

If what you are talking about has no bearing on:

  1. Positioning you and your business as experts in your field
  2. Raising your profile amongst your peers within your industry

then stop right there. You are wasting your time. Similarly a tweet saying “We offer great design at competitive prices” is not going to get a potential client clicking through.

If you find yourself spending all your time writing about 1060’s Japanese Manga, but are unable to link it to your client base then I suggest you carry on doing this – within the confines of your own personal blog far removed from your business! Content should be audience relevant and you need to find the issues that affect both you as a business and your clients – preferably at the same time. They are pretty broad – customer engagement, client relationships, return on investment. Then delve into the more sector specific issues depending on your client base.

To get started find a trusted source that deals with issues affecting you and use them for inspiration. Paul Alderson of DBA member Wonderstuff in Newcastle says, “We often look at the DBA for inspiration – up and coming events on their website, their ezine – then we ask ourselves ‘What is our opinion on that subject?’”

“Our staff are not writers – but they are communicators. The more they write the better they get and it equips them to form their own opinions, something we have always encouraged.”

Paul continues, “Once you have a clear idea of who you are targeting and what values you want to align yourselves with it becomes easy. By putting your beliefs out there you give clients a reason to choose you, an agency that does great work, but also has the same outlook as the client.”

To broaden the content output from your agency you need to trust your staff to illustrate their expertise, opinions and passion. But as Paul says, you need a clear strategy in place – one that has been developed in conjunction with your positioning and new business plans. This takes time and consideration, but can produce fantastic rewards for an agency looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.

About: Adam Fennelow

Adam Fennelow is Head of Services at the DBA.

For more information on DBA membership click here.
E: adam.fennelow@dba.org.uk

Workshop: Content marketing for your agency

Creating and sharing content builds your external profile. Attend this workshop to gain the tools to share relevant, timely and insightful content with your audiences to boost your presence.

See all our workshops here.

Image credits: © Evgeny Karandaev Dreamstime.com

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


News


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Dezeen brexit design manifesto logo

DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


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Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


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people network

What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


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blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


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morning meeting coffee work

DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


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watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


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DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


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DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


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Main Content

DBA and Creative Industries Federation

The DBA’s membership of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF) places the design industry shoulder to shoulder with other creative and cultural sectors. This will ensure a strong and united voice across the creative industries will be heard by Government at this critical time.

Referendum Response Meetings hosted by CIF have been held nationwide this month and DBA representatives from both the management team and from our membership have been attending these events, to ensure the design industry perspective is well represented. Survey responses, alongside the issues tabled at these meetings, will feed into the development of a Brexit Action Plan and into meetings taking place in August to define further activity, on which we will keep you posted.

DBA and Associated Parliamentary Design and Innovation GroupAll-Party Parliamentary Design and Innovation Group logo

Highly productive meetings have also been held with APDIG – the body that provides a forum for open debate between parliament and the UK’s design and innovation communities – to establish how we can most effectively work together over coming months and years to represent the interests of the design industry to Government, as the UK negotiates its exit from the EU.

In the meantime, if you or someone on your team would like to be more involved with the advocacy work the DBA is convening over the coming months – this could involve representing the DBA at working groups or meetings, or simply being on hand for opinion and views – then please email sally.lukins@dba.org.uk. We’d welcome your support.

Image credits: © Freepod Dreamstime.com Policy Connect

Andrew Wolffe, Founder, Wolffe

Accounting for growth – spotlight on Wolffe


Turning the spotlight on a boutique brand design agency, DBA Supporter KPMG Small Business Accounting interviews the Founder of Wolffe as he looks to double the size of his business within the next three years.

07/12/2016


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Dezeen brexit design manifesto logo

DBA APDIG submission to DCMS Select Committee inquiry into the impact of Brexit Details


Submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee by the Design Business Association and the All-Party Group for Design and Innovation - October 2016

24/11/2016


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belonging team people

Skilling up for business growth


What happens when you align staff development to your long-term growth strategy? DBA member Uniform did just that three years ago and have since doubled in size.

18/11/2016


News


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Andy Gray

Undecided about the value of Twenty/Twenty?


Here's a two minute read on its transformational impact. Twenty/Twenty mentee Andy Gray, Managing Director from StudioLR shares his experience of participating.

04/11/2016


News


Login >>
people network

What keeps agency principals awake at night


All agency principals differ from each other, but their greatest fears – what keeps them up at night – can be surprisingly similar, says David C. Baker.

04/11/2016


News


Login >>
blue brain

Masters of the (design) Universe – the value of being mentored by an industry pioneer


Heading up an agency can be a rollercoaster, with little time for critical reflection to help drive your business forward - but there is a solution.

04/11/2016


News


Login >>
morning meeting coffee work

DBA November news


A round-up of DBA news, details of the DBA's new Board Directors elected at the AGM, as well as opportunities to proactively help shape the future of our industry.

04/11/2016


News


Login >>
watermelon food

Playback to fast-forward: the value of knowledge sharing for your team


There’s no denying the value of developing your team, but learning shouldn’t stop when someone leaves the training venue. The DBA's Hannah Paterson explores ways to embed learning into practice to maximise your training investment.

26/10/2016


News


Login >>
dea trophies dba 2016

DBA Design Effectiveness Awards Shortlist 2017


The 2017 shortlist of 42 winners has now been announced.

20/10/2016


News


Login >>

DBA APDIG submission to HM Treasury ahead of Autumn Statement


The DBA is calling for the Treasury to guarantee the future of R&D tax credits as well as expand their scope to support a design economy and business environment that will allow the United Kingdom to ‘own the global language of innovation’.

18/10/2016


News


Login >>
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