How will agencies weather the storm after an unsettled IPA Bellwether report?
Just when agency leaders thought it was safe to go back in the water... the IPA’s Bellwether reports that marketing budgets are stagnating, raising concerns for agency leaders. In this installment of Agency Advice, we ask how this latest threat will impact agency growth plans in 2025.

Just when things were looking up, stormy weather returns
The Bellwether Report has hinted that marketing budgets in the UK are being ‘paused’ by many brands until chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her first budget on October 30. UK PM Keir Starmer has already stated that there are more ‘tough times’ ahead for UK residents, and if this budget hits consumers in the pocket then naturally consumer spending will decrease and brand advertising and marketing activity will be curtailed. The knock-on effect is clear.