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We run a number of events throughout the year, from our annual LEAD summit to the Media Business Course and regular breakfast briefings for our members. We are also the official UK representative for the world’s biggest festival of creativity – Cannes Lions.

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LEAD Matters: 07.02.2025

/ February 7th 2025

I love LEAD. It’s our opportunity to convene the industry, along with our partners, the IPA and ISBA, to discuss the big topics affecting everyone working in UK advertising. It was fantastic to see so many people at the QEII Centre yesterday and to hear the views and insights from leaders across the advertising eco-system. Our team is busy digesting all the debates and discussions and we will be sharing reflections on the content over the coming weeks.

Growth and value was at the heart of the work we unveiled in our preview of Ad Pays 2025 – there will be more on that over the coming months. But also it was clear that trust is top of mind for many speaking at the event. Along with the thought that we are all dependent on each other to set the standards and make progress on behalf of the UK advertising industry, whatever may be happening in other parts of the world.

Our must-reads:

  • From apprenticeships to AI, reflections on DCMS Minister Sir Chris Bryant’s speech at LEAD 2025. (Campaign)
  • WPP’s Chief AI Officer, Dan Hulme, gives his vision for the technology and its ethics. (The Drum)
  • Dame Annette King is stepping down from her executive career at Accenture Song – she remains AA Chair. (Campaign)
  • The Super Bowl has seen a line-up of musical acts, famous fans and some great new ads. (NY Times)
  • Our member, Channel 4, has paired with Lloyds to award four black-owned businesses £600k in TV advertising space. (Marketing Week)

Our pick of the ads:

  • Our Ad in the A is BBH’s new campaign for Tesco using Bags for Life to deliver messages about the way we communicate with others through food.
  • Various Films shares a heartwarming TV ad about the vital work carers around the country are partaking in for Adult Social Care UK, encouraging viewers to consider a career in the field.
  • Ogilvy UK and Dove encourage a change in ‘the way we talk to girls’, as part of their #KeepHerConfident campaign.
  • Tag Agency has collaborated with CoppaFeel on its “Check in” campaign, exploring the different barriers people may face in obtaining a breast cancer diagnosis.

Dates for your diary:

  • As UK Reps for Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, we’re excited to be running six UK Young Lions competitions (Design, Digital, Film, Marketers, Media and Print) to find 12 young people to take part in the Global Young Lions Competitions in Cannes. Head here to find out more and submit your registration by February 27!
  • The AdWomen exhibition at the Museum of Brands charts the fascinating history of women in advertising is running until April 28 – a great team outing!

Now LEAD is done, our next priority for the industry is the All In Census on March 12. We want to encourage the biggest participation yet from across the industry and we need your help. Please take a moment to pop the date in your diary to fill in the survey, it will only take 15 minutes to complete, and send an invite out to all your colleagues too.

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