From where to invest your time and effort, to when to grow and how to adapt – decision making comes with the territory of running a design business. Instinct matters, but what separates bold moves from blind risks is clarity and confidence. And that comes from using data to drive your business decisions.

Being able to access comprehensive, accurate financial and operational design sector data and trends is something DBA members can rely on each year through the DBA In Focus Report. But how can you make the most of that data to inform your strategy, manage profitability, and keep a firm handle on the health of your business?  

Whether you’re considering diversification into different sectors or grappling with how to increase your fees this year, we’ll be exploring how to use data effectively to give you the perspective, clarity and confidence to make the decisions that will define your next chapter.  

Catch up for a clearer, more confident view on managing operations using the DBA In Focus Report 2025. Chaired by DBA Chief Executive Deborah Dawton, hear

• Deborah Longbottom, DBA accredited expert and business consultant to the creative industries sector talk about the blind spots that most often catch businesses out, drawn from 30+ years advising design consultancies of every size.  
• Chris Lumsden, Co-founder at Good Brand Consultants on the signals his business monitors most closely and how they guide strategic decisions.  
• Gilmar Wendt, Founder and CEO of GW+Co, will discuss repositioning his business and building the confidence to work with clients at a strategic level. 
• Adam Fennelow, Membership Director at the DBA for headline stats and advice for your business. 

Each year, DBA members contribute detailed financial and operational data – from charge-out rates and utilisation to overseas income, confidence levels and more. The result is the most comprehensive and representative report on the state of UK design businesses. As the trade association for the design industry, the DBA brings together every discipline in design – from industrial to service, from branding to digital. No other organisation captures such a complete picture of the industry.

Watch the full recording.

You can also read the transcript using the third icon in the bottom right corner.