Anti Copying In Design (ACID) is proud to celebrate the recognition of our Co-founder & Chairman, Dids Macdonald OBE., who has been nominated and included in the 2026 Women in Trade Association Powerlist.

The Powerlist is a collaboration between the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Trade Association Forum (TAF), created to celebrate and recognise inspirational women working within the Association sector. This year’s list was compiled from more than 200 nominations, with a panel from TAF, FSB, CBI undertaking the difficult task of selecting the 100 women who make up the final Powerlist.

Nicola Bates, Chair of the Selection Panel and CEO of WineGB said, “We are at a unique point in UK history – just twenty years ago the make-up of such a list would not be as powerful, and if we reflect back to our parents’ generation there would barely be a cohort to celebrate. We are now at the happy period where the curation of a Powerlist of women in trade associations is difficult, not because it is hard to fill, but to filter to 100 women.
 
We shouldn’t be complacent about the huge changes that have happened in society and the workplace to allow for our presence, and each woman on the list through their presence and actions seem determined to embed the opportunity for the future. That said there is much more to be done to support women in business, and we look with enthusiasm to learn from the open TAF consultation to better understand how trade associations are supporting female-led businesses. We remain ready to learn and to apply the advice”.

Julia Garvey, Vice Chair of TAF said, “Showcasing the best of today’s leaders is key to inspiring the next generation. The women on this year’s powerlist are all outstanding role models who are driving progress within their associations and helping to shape future female leaders. It was an honour to help judge the list again this year”.

FSB Chief Executive Julie Lilley said, “Being part of this initiative to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contribution of women within the trade association sphere is incredibly rewarding. FSB is very proud to support WiTA 2026, with the Powerlist highlighting just some of the inspiring work that women in associations are doing every day to move towards a brighter future for all”.

CBI Chief Executive Rain Newton-Smith said, “I’m delighted to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women featured in this year’s Powerlist. They represent the very best of trade associations – leaders who are driving progress within their sectors and making a meaningful impact across the wider economy. Trade associations play a vital role in shaping effective, evidence-based policy, and it’s a privilege for the CBI to work alongside so many outstanding female trade association leaders who bring expertise, insight and real-world experience to the policymaking process.

It’s a pleasure to continue our collaboration with TAF and FSB to share their stories and champion the difference they make every day”.

Dids’ inclusion reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting creativity and championing the rights of designers. For over 25 years, she has campaigned tirelessly for stronger Intellectual Property (IP) laws, working closely with organisations across both the trade and creative industries to raise awareness of the importance of design protection.

Through her leadership at ACID, Dids has helped thousands of designers and businesses better understand how to protect their work, while continuing to advocate for meaningful legislative change that supports innovation and safeguards original design.

This recognition is a fitting tribute to her decades of dedication to strengthening the UK’s design protection landscape and supporting the creative community.

Congratulations to Dids on this well-deserved honour.