Ad Matters 20.09.2024

It’s always stimulating to take part in the judging of awards, and this week’s review of the Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards 2024 shortlist was an afternoon well-spent. These awards are now in their third year and I’ve been involved from the very start when Campaign’s UK editor-in-chief suggested we might need a new awards ceremony to find the case studies that help show a sustainable way forward. It’s fantastic to see how the criteria, expectations, judging and supporting conversations are all evolving to help find and celebrate the work that is achieving commercial and sustainable success. Campaign and Google have been tremendous partners in making the awards happen, plus many folk from across the industry, all passionate to see progress. They have committed lots of their own time to considering what work deserves recognition and bring it to the industry’s attention as a playbook to build on. The awards ceremony takes place across the lunchtime of November 21 and tickets are on sale now.

More climate action has come from the IPA this week too with the launch of its new Agents of Change toolkit and plan, which I was very happy to feed into, following the work that Seb Munden and I have been doing for our book, Sustainable Advertising. And, next week, it’s Climate Week in New York which will be attended by our Ad Net Zero US colleagues, and I’m sure there will be more progress as well as challenges laid down to work through as we seek to make positive progress on this key issue for us all.

Meanwhile, our policy team have been at the Lib Dem conference this week. My colleague, Lisa has written a great article about the event and the record 72 MPs, led by the “Tom Cruise of British Politics”, Sir Ed Davey. Next week, we’ll be joining the policy team at the Labour Conference in Liverpool, the party’s first in power for 14 years so it will be fascinating to see what the mood is like as well as help to raise the profile and success of our industry. We’ll share a full update next week and if you’re in Manchester on Wednesday, you can hear first-hand from my colleague, Chris, who is speaking at The Future of Media Manchester.

Our must-reads:

• The CIM’s annual marketing competition gives emerging talent an opportunity to develop new skills and boost their confidence, offering them a “glimpse” of their future career. (Marketing Week)
• Here’s a look at why out of all marketing types, according to the IPA’s bellwether, the events business is booming. (Creative Salon)
• Commercial radio revenue grew 5% in H1, according to the latest figures from Radiocentre. (The Media Leader)
• With restrictions on HFSS food being introduced next year, brands may need to review how they advertise. (Marketing Week)

Our pick of ads:

• John Lewis, with the help of Saatchi & Saatchi, has launched the first instalment of a three-part campaign, featuring its iconic store windows.
• Tourism Ireland’s ‘Home of Halloween’, by Publicis London’ brings to life the ancient origins of Halloween in Ireland.
• F&F, Tesco’s clothing line, has unveiled its autumn/winter 2024 collection with ‘Gail force’ by BBH London.
• Our Ad in the A is Battersea’s new campaign ‘Wear blue for rescue’ by New Commercial Arts. It features playful ads targeting pets, urging them to prompt their owners to support rescue animals.

Dates for your diary:

• Want to know more about IAB’s Gold Standard and its benefits? Join their “Enhancing Digital Advertising: Understanding IAB UK’s Gold Standard” webinar on 26 September. Register here.
• Our President Alessandra Bellini will give a keynote speech “Value of Trust: Why everyone working advertising needs to know this” on 2 October at Campaign Live. View the agenda and buy your tickets here.
• We’re heading to Glasgow on 10 October for LEAD Scotland! Grab your tickets here.