DBA gives backing to the packaging alliance

The Design Business Association has granted its backing to the independent alliance of packaging design groups seeking an end to the low pitch fees consistently offered by clients, confirms DBA chief executive Ian Rowland-Hill.

The alliance, which includes design groups Williams Murray Banks, Pearlfisher, Coley Porter Bell and Wickens Tutt Southgate, held its inaugural meeting last week. Representatives from 23 groups attended. A decision was made to form a dedicated taskforce with a brief “to see how we can positively effect how pitches are managed”, says Pearlfisher director Jonathan Ford.

Along with Williams Murray Banks, Pearlfisher was responsible for organising the initiative, which aims to increase pitch fees after a rise in the number of clients requesting low-paid pitches with multiple entrants.

“We have the support of the DBA. Everybody is keen that the DBA be involved,” says Ford. When the initiative was announced a number of designers involved expressed their disillusionment at the DBA’s line on pitch fee issues.

Members of the initiative plan to meet again within the next month to select taskforce members. Ford insists clients will be consulted throughout the process. “This needs to be done in a positive and proactive way,” he says.