The Advertising Association promotes the role and rights of responsible advertising and its value to people, society, businesses and the economy. We represent UK advertisers, agencies, media owners and tech companies on behalf of the entire industry, acting as the connection between industry professionals and the politicians and policy-makers.

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The Advertising Association focuses on major industry and policy areas that have huge ramifications on UK advertising. This section contains our work around public health, gambling advertising, data and e-privacy, trust, the digital economy and more.

Credos is the advertising industry’s independent think tank. It produces research, evidence and reports into the impact and effectiveness of and public and political response to advertising on behalf of UK advertisers in order to enable the industry to make informed decisions.

Front Foot is our industry’s member network of over 90 businesses across UK advertising. It aims to promote the role of responsible advertising and its value to people, society and the economy through a coalition of senior leaders from advertisers, agencies and media owners.

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.

Annual Review 2023: Testimonials From Our AA and Front Foot Members

/ February 2nd 2024
Industry News

Our members are at the heart of the work we do to promote the role and rights of responsible advertising – advertising that is trusted, inclusive and sustainable – and its value to people, society, businesses and the economy. A massive thank you from all of us at the AA for your ongoing commitment to our efforts on behalf of the industry. None of this would be possible without your fantastic support. 

Read some of the latest testimonials from our Annual Review below.

What our AA members say:

Kelly Williams, Managing Director, Commercial, ITV: “The advertising industry is a major contributor to the UK economy and a driving force behind
its recovery. As such, the Advertising Association’s work to bring the entire industry together is more critical than ever. A clear single voice promoting responsible advertising from our industry to government and policymakers.”

Sam Smith, Managing Director, Clearcast: “The Ad Association brings the industry together and holds us to the highest standards. This is not only on what we do but how we do it, with world-leading initiatives such as the All In Census, All In Champion programme, and Ad Net Zero. Although Clearcast and the AA have enjoyed a long-standing collaborative relationship, sitting on their council and working alongside them to amplify the need for more accessible advertising this year – we’ve felt how invaluable becoming a member has been. Clearcast is excited about aligning with the AA to support greater future effectiveness and trust in advertising in 2024 and beyond.”

Steve Davies, CEO, APA: “The AA does a fantastic and vital job representing the whole advertising industry and their great team applies smart thinking and dedication in doing that. Their expanding remit is important too, particularly for us the UKAEG, which is providing opportunities in other markets for APA members.”

What our Front Foot members say:

Polly Dedman, Director of Performance, Neverland: “To be able to work side by side with the Advertising Association gang driving this incredible industry of ours forward is quite frankly, an honour. As an independent agency with total freedom to build a better creative business, and drive the industry forward in a trail of pink fairy dust as a result, well it’s a partnership we couldn’t be prouder to enter into. Bring on 2024!”

Vicky Handley, Lloyds Bank Brand Communications Lead: “The Advertising Association provides a vital and pivotal role, supporting and advising the UK
advertising industry. Their knowledge, insight, and passionate drive to consistently champion responsible advertising, ensuring inclusivity, sustainability and trust are at the heart of UK society, is what we as brands find invaluable to the success of our business. I’m really looking forward to further enhancing our partnership into 2024 as we continue to drive forward positive change within the industry.”

Ryan Uhl, Chief Strategy Officer, Mail Metro Media: “The Advertising Association is a community of the best and brightest minds in the industry, helping to collectively lead the way to a more sustainable, equitable and trusted future for our craft. The AA team work tirelessly to create dynamic and responsible spaces where we can all come together to create real change and raise our game. It is this focus and enthusiasm for our industry that will
ensure that future generations see the unique and valuable qualities that media brings to the UK and beyond.”

You can download a full copy of our 2023 Annual Review here.