12-months of Forums: All wrapped up

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The monthly DBA Member Forums are the heart and soul of the DBA. They epitomise the shared learning ethos of the organisation. Here are a few which particularly stood out in 2025, along with a snapshot of all the conversations this year.

DBA drinks: quenching the thirst in Clerkenwell Green

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What was discussed when DBA members got together to have a natter about design and the world at large?

In Focus: Where agency margins are won – or lost in delivery

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DBA Expert Manish Kapur looks at two places where design agencies tend to lose margin and why small changes can make a noticeable difference.

In Focus: The people story behind the numbers

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DBA Expert Aliya Vigor-Robertson explains why the latest sector data reveals something most agencies are missing: the financial pressure we're seeing isn't just a finance story. It's a people one.

How and why designers should turn down free pitching

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At a recent DBA Members' Forum, leaders shared practical tips to help studios avoid free pitching. Design Week's Rob Alderson reports.