The Design Trust UK
Ready for a creative business that works for you?
Supporting designers & makers since 1994
Practical business and marketing training for creative professionals who want to increase sales, get organised, and build a more resilient business
At The Design Trust, we specialise in practical, real-world business training for creative professionals - with expert guidance, accountability, and supportive communities that help you keep moving forward.
how we can help your creative business
Improve your business & marketing skills.
You’re good at what you do, but want to strengthen your finance, marketing and selling knowledge. We’ll teach you what actually works - from costing & pricing, to selling online, shops & galleries or at events.
Get focused, organised, and back in control.
Too many ideas? Not enough time? We’ll help you create structure, manage your time better, and actually follow through on what matters most. Stop overthinking and start doing those important jobs!
Teach what you love - creatively & profitably.
Do you teach workshops or courses? We’ll teach you how to plan, price, promote, and deliver training that is truly creative, more impactful, and profitable for you too.
Get the right training for where you’re right now
Whether you want to improve your marketing and sales skills, create more structure and focus, or grow your teaching business, we’ll help you build a more sustainable business that works for you.
At The Design Trust, we specialise in practical real-world business training and support for ambitious creative sole traders and small business owners in the UK and abroad.
We do not just teach you the business & marketing skills you need, but also give you the knowledge, confidence and accountability you need to succeed.
“Before finding The Design Trust I was at the mercy of generic marketing advice. I like Dream Plan Do because it's focused on creatives and the realities of earning a living as a creative.”
— Annmarie, AM Thomas Paintings, Artist
Our two main memberships
THE BUSINESS CLUB
Get the business & marketing skills you need for more consistent sales.
The Business Club is our 12-month online training programme for creatives who want to improve their business & marketing skills.
Learn what actually works to improve your business and how to get more regular sales - from pricing and financial goals to online sales, events, galleries, commissions, trade, email marketing and social media.
Inside The Business Club:
4 live online sessions each month
Learn from creative experts and successful creatives, through talks, presentations, and group discussions
80+ recordings to learn at your own pace
A clear month-by-month approach designed for creative businesses to fit with their seasonal business
Learn more about The Business Club in Business & Marketing
DREAM PLAN DO 2027
Get focused, organised, and take action on what really matters
Dream Plan Do is our online strategy & planning programme for professional creatives who want to manage their business better, get more organised and focused on the important jobs.
At the start of the year we’ll guide you in our 3-morning Dream Plan Do Festival to create realistic plans for your business. Upgrade to the Dream Plan Do VIP Club for support & accountability throughout the year.
Includes:
A 3-morning Dream Plan Do Festival to plan the year
Seasonal planning tools, marketing & financial templates
The Dream Plan Do Planner Handbook (110 pages)
Upgrade to the VIP Club for quarterly online strategy workshops & monthly check ins to stay on track
Learn more about Dream Plan Do in Strategy & Planning
“Seeing myself and my business as a creative practice first - and then learning how to do better business feels fun, encouraging, possible. Thank you.”
Sam Guse -Your Story My Words
Patricia's book
In 2025, Patricia's book on ‘Teaching Creative Workshops in Person and Online’ was published by Bloomsbury.
The ultimate handbook for creatives who want to teach more creatively, purposefully, and profitably.
If you’re thinking about teaching - or already delivering creative training - this practical and inspiring book shows you how to design, promote, price and grow your teaching practice professionally.
Purchase Patricia’s book here or anywhere you buy your books from
Do you teach? Find out more how we help creatives who teach.
Work with Patricia van den Akker
Trainer. adviser. Strategic consultant.
Creative business adviser Patricia van den Akker works with art schools, creative & cultural organisations, and art studios to deliver practical business & marketing training, professional development programmes, and strategic consultancy.
She also works 1:1 with a small number of creative business owners on their strategic vision, positioning, marketing and long-term development as a strategic consultant & adviser.
About The Design Trust
The Design Trust was founded in 1994 by the late Peta Levi MBE to provide practical business and marketing training for designer makers.
Today, The Design Trust is the UK’s leading business schools for designers, makers, and other creative professionals. We offer practical, supportive training to help creatives build stronger, more resilient businesses - online and in person.
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