Ad Matters 05.07.24

And so, the era of a new UK government begins… Congrats to the Labour team which has worked hard to secure enough seats in the House to form our next government. We‘ve issued a statement on behalf of our members which you can read here and we’re writing to our new representatives in Westminster to set out how our industry can best support their ambitions and what the government can do to unlock even more from our industry. We will be publishing a more detailed op-ed from our CEO on that shortly, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Next week, we’ll be hosting a very special post-General Election wash-up breakfast event for members with broadcaster and journalist, Steve Richards, sharing what it all means and what happens next.

And if you haven’t had enough politics, former Public Affairs Director, Sue Eustace, and historian and ex-adman, Jim Ring, who is co-authoring the AA’s history with Sue, have written a great article. Bulls Eyes and Blanks: The Hits and Misses of Political Advertising is about political advertising campaigns, classic and new, looking at the differences between the UK and the US.

Reflecting on last night’s result, I’m minded of the words of journalist, Kevin Maguire, during a brilliant session at the Newsworks Speakeasy earlier this week during MAD/Fest. The mood in the room was one of a clear desire for change but alongside that, a desire to be more excited and inspired by what that change actually means. As Maguire said, maybe the goal this time round is to under-promise and over-deliver, after the bold rhetoric of previous leaders who have come and gone. Here’s hoping.

Our must reads:

• We’re welcoming the new Labour Government, with the advertising and marketing industry vowing to work with them to boost the UK economy. (Decision Marketing)
• Want to know more about the long and short of politics? Simon Gregory’s op-ed gives us a clear understanding of it. (Campaign)
• Here’s one on how Labour policies can affect the advertising industry. (The Media Leader)
• Industry leaders to government: Time to amend data regulation. (Campaign)
• With data showing a surge in spending on political advertising across social media as voting day neared, here’s a quick analysis of some last-minute ads. (The Independent)

Our pick of recent ads:

• First things first, our ad in the A is our very own political advertising campaign with Media Smart. As we reach the end of our six week long campaign, we are looking back on ‘What’s the deal with political advertising’ which was showcased across the country.
• ITV honoured Pride with ‘This living room is a proud one’ by ITV Creative and Uncommon Creative Studio.
• According to Trainline, it’s all about being a climate hero. The travel platform’s new campaign ‘I came by train’ by Mother champions the environmental benefits of rail travel to Glastonbury.
• BBC’s ‘Welcome to the city of love’ by BBC Creative draws parallels between romantic love and the love athletes have for their sports.

Dates for your diary:

• Less than a week to go! MBC will be taking place in Eastbourne from 9-12 July. You can register here.
• The Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards are back, with the entry deadline being 18 July and the awards ceremony taking place on 21 November. Enter here.
• We are delighted to have teamed up with Marketing Week for the second annual Talent Trailblazer Award! Entries are open until July 19.
• Adwanted UK’s ‘The Future of Media’ is back on 8 and 9 October. The event will be all about delivering a future of media, and has its feet firmly planted in practical examples. Register here.
• Following the great success of last year’s event in Edinburgh, we are delighted to bring LEAD Scotland to Glasgow on 10 October. Book your tickets here.

And finally, as life goes on within adland, we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Bauer Media as our latest Front Foot member.