It’s been a big few weeks in the political calendar with the party conferences taking place, and my colleague, Chris, was in Liverpool earlier this week for the Labour Party gathering. In line with that, we published an important report on Monday – ‘Unlocking Apprenticeships to Drive Growth’. It calls on the Government to be ambitious with the new Growth and Skills levy and help drive growth in advertising and marketing, one of the UK’s most economically significant sectors. You can get your hands on a copy of the report here.
It’s also an important week for Less Healthy Food product advertising as our industry’s voluntary agreement came into play on Wednesday. If you’re looking for information to explain exactly what this now means for any LHF product advertising campaign you’re involved in, please check our dedicated page here.
Our pick of the ads:
- Our Ad in the A is St Luke’s celebrity takeover of Heineken’s Star Pubs to boost licensees’ confidence to run a pub.
- Neverland plays on the ‘rivalry’ between North and South London in ‘If they can find it, so can you’ for Rightmove.
- The Guardian is promoting its Saturday edition in their ‘Saturday made me do it’ series by Oliver.
- LS Productions have created an ‘Ode To Ayrshire’ to tell the story of Barbour’s Tartans and heritage.
Our must-reads:
- Our LHF specialist, Chris Walker, has explained what you need to know as UK ad industry begins voluntary ban on less healthy food ads (The Drum)
- Channel 4’s ‘Mirror on the Industry’ Report found that quality representation in ads boosts loyalty and short-term sales. (The Media Leader)
- Hundreds of industry leaders are lined up for our industry’s annual summit, LEAD 2026, to celebrate the Advertising Association’s centenary. (Prolific North)
- CPD brings real business results and measurable impact in results and value, says IPA’s Gwyn March. (The Media Leader)
Dates for your diary:
- The final deadline is approaching to enter the Newsworks Awards by 6 October, which recognise and reward the best advertising in news brands. Enter here.
- We will be presenting at Creator Fest 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.
- 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, the APA’s Reframe 2025 will take place on 29 October, where industry leaders will share insights on the current DEI & Wellbeing landscape and explore tools for production, agencies and marketers to build inclusive cultures. Book your ticket here.
