It was an extra special week here at the AA, as we held our final AA Council meeting of the year. The AA’s Council is made up of around forty leaders from across the UK advertising eco-system and includes advertisers, agencies, media owners, tech platforms, and trade bodies. Chaired by our President, Andria Vidler, Allwyn’s CEO, it’s a unique gathering of people who all share in the AA’s mission to champion responsible advertising. The discussion was focused on our new Two-year Strategy and the big areas of interest that affect us all. Exciting, and fascinating stuff. There’ll be plenty more to come from us on the key priorities that have been agreed with our members as we head into 2026, the Advertising Association’s centenary year.
Our must-reads:
- The latest IPA Bellwether report is now live, showing a slight rise in total marketing budgets. (The Media Leader)
- Our CEO Stephen Woodford has written about how a changed approach to apprenticeships could unlock growth for UK advertising. (Politics Home)
- Tesco Media launches an AI-powered creative studio and new video ads as it marks 30 years of clubcard. (Marketing Week)
- The Cinema Advertising Association commits to integrate cinema data into ISBA’s Origin. (The Media Leader)
- Bauer Media Outdoor unveils a new range of bus shelters, the latest step in the sustainable development of advertising-funded public transport. (LBB)
Our pick of the ads:
- Our Ad in the A is for Battersea which takes commuters on a heartwarming journey home with rescue animals, as part of winning TfL and Global’s ‘Look Ahead’ competition.
- Olivia Colman appears in ‘It’s always Burberry Weather’ to celebrate the brand’s heritage and charm, directed by filmmaker John Madden.
- Avanti West Coast invites travellers to ‘Be With Them Sooner’ with help from adam&eveDDB.
- Nationwide’s ‘A.N.Y Bank’ series returns for a sixth installment to celebrate the bank’s Which? award.
Dates for your Diary:
- We will be presenting at CreatorFest on 23 October, all about the future of influencer marketing. Our members can unlock a 20% discount using the code ‘AAMEMBERSHIP20’ here.
- Are you a highly creative and innovative leader or specialist in your field? UK Juror nominations for Cannes Lions 2026 are still open! Find the full list of categories and submit your nomination here before 24 October.
- APA Reframe will take place on 29 October, an industry DEI & Wellbeing event in partnership APA, IPA, ISBA and the AA. Book your tickets here.
- The Future of Media London is back on 4-5 November for all media leaders, planners, buyers and strategists. Find out more here.
And finally, we have some big Ad Net Zero moments coming up before the end of the year, with our 4th Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards on November 13, and the Ad Net Zero Leadership Breakfast on December 2 where the programme will mark its 5th anniversary. Hopefully, we will see you at one or more of these!
