“In times of difficulty it becomes clear who you can rely on as a business. Right through from concrete advice in webinars to hosting valuable weekly catch ups with agency leaders, there’s a real appreciation in the community for how much work is put into delivering immediate support and solutions for design agencies. The DBA is the best value-for-money trade association you can belong to.”
Martin Meadows, MD, Workhouse (a North-West agency with 21-50 staff)
Become a Member
The DBA is a vibrant community of design consultancies and design-driven businesses – a powerful alliance shaping the future of design in business.
With a membership of hundreds of businesses, the DBA is a valuable network, support and voice for all those involved in the delivery, commissioning and management of design who share a common commitment to operate at the highest standards of professional practice.
We support the development and growth of you, your team, your business and brand. We facilitate enlightening interactions with your peers and communicate the value of your work. Isn’t it time you joined us?
Main Content
Choose Your Membership
Design agency membership |
Design leadership group for in-house design teams |
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For businesses whose main activity involves the provision of design services, in any of its guises. |
For progressive businesses purchasing and managing design services to great effect. |
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Join today – to apply for DBA membership on behalf of your business complete this simple online form. We’ll contact you for reference details and with all the information you’ll need for you and your team to make the most of your membership. Need longer to decide, or need to discuss it with colleagues? Download a PDF DBA Membership presentation giving you all the information you need. Any questions please email membership@dba.org.uk. If you need to talk things through set up a Zoom call with Adam Fennelow, our Head of Services. You can check his availability and schedule a call through his Calendly link. |
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Membership fees
All staff are able to access the member benefits. Fees can be spread through the year with monthly or quarterly direct debit payments.
Your membership fee, for design agencies, is based on the total number of permanent UK based staff in your business (including directors).
Employees |
Monthly fees* |
Annual fees** |
| 101+ | £610+vat | £7,320+vat |
| 76-100 | £480+vat | £5,760+vat |
| 51-75 | £362+vat | £4,344+vat |
| 21-50 | £268+vat | £3,216+vat |
| 11-20 | £184+vat | £2,208+vat |
| 4-10 | £121+vat | £1,452+vat |
| 2-3 | £80+vat | £960+vat |
| 1 (as sole trader or limited company) | £41+vat | £492+vat |
| Design leadership group – for businesses with in-house design teams | £750+vat | £9,000+vat |
* Fees can be paid in monthly or quarterly instalments, but the membership term lasts until the end of the calendar year.
** Fees are pro-rated if joining mid-year. Any business joining from 1st September onwards is asked to commit to membership until the end of the following year.
See membership benefits in action
All DBA members use their membership slightly differently. Emphasis is placed on different areas depending on the nature and maturity of the business. This page gives you an insight into how some members make use of their membership to maximum effect.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about how the DBA can best support your business or the process of becoming a member Adam Fennelow, our Head of Services, would be happy to discuss this with you. You can arrange a Zoom call at a time that suits you through this Calendly link (or drop him a line at adam@dba.org.uk).
*The small print – membership term, renewal and cancellation
Everything in life has terms and conditions. We put ours right upfront.
- On joining, the initial membership term lasts until the end of the calendar year, unless the joining date is during the last quarter of the year, in which case the term lasts until the end of the following year. Fees will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. Subsequent terms are for a full year.
For example, if you join in April, your membership lasts until 31 December that calendar year, and you will pay 75% of the annual fee.
If you join after 1 September, you are committing to membership until the end of the following calendar year, ending December 31.
- Fees are payable in advance, although the amount can be spread through quarterly direct debit instalments at no extra cost.
- The DBA reserves the right to change subscription bands and fees at any time, giving members one month’s notice. Changes will only come into effect at the time of renewal.
- Membership of the DBA is continuous. At the time of renewal membership automatically rolls over for a full year. Membership must be cancelled in writing at least one month before the end of a full term. We will write to you two months before the end of your term to remind you of this.
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Membership cannot be cancelled mid-term. Outstanding direct debit payments must be paid until the end of your term when you can then give written notice of your cancellation.
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The DBA wishes to make clear that DBA membership is not tax deductible because as the DBA operates for the benefit of its members it does not generate a significant profit and so does not pay tax.