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.

A A A

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.

LEAD North 2025 Agenda

/ March 26th 2025

12:15 Registration and Light Lunch


13:00 Welcome from our Host

Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist


13:10 Keynote Address

Cllr Craig will outline Manchester’s role in driving growth for the creative industries.

Cllr. Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council


13:20 The View from the North

How does the world look from outside the M25? Our panel of journalists will explore how the North is reporting – and being impacted by – the major issues shaping our times. From the case for devolution to questions of fairness, media representation, and the legacy of centralised decision-making exposed during the pandemic, this session will examine why the North’s perspective matters more than ever.

  • Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent, The Times
  • Liz Hull, Northern Correspondent, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday & Mail Online
  • Liam Thorp, Political Editor, Liverpool Echo
  • Sarah Lester, Editor, Manchester Evening News

13:50 Advertising Pays 2025

Credos, Advertising’s think tank, will launch the latest edition in its Advertising Pays series at LEAD North. Ad Pays 2025 will feature fresh research, data and insights evidencing advertising’s economic impact and its evolving role in the UK economy. This session will present the key findings from the report, followed by a panel discussion.

  • Dan Wilks, Director, Credos
  • Rak Patel, Chief Commercial Officer, Channel 4
  • Simon Crunden, Managing Director, Republic of Media
  • Jayne Andrews, Marketing Director, Fentimans
  • Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association

14:30 Scaling Up: How Media Owners Can Drive SME Growth

What is the role of media owners in supporting SMEs on their growth journeys? Industry leaders will discuss whether media owners have a responsibility to help SMEs scale, the initiatives currently available, and what more can be done to ensure SMEs can effectively leverage media for success.

  • Joe Hills, Head of Nurture, JCDecaux
  • Sheena Amin, Director, ITV AdVentures
  • Damon Reeve, Chief Executive, Ozone
  • Rachel Muzyczka, Partner, DMG Ventures
  • Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist

15:00 The North: A Global Powerhouse of Creativity

The North of England has long been a hub of creative talent, but what does it need to sustain and grow? Our panel of industry leaders will explore the key ingredients for success, from talent development and investment in media to innovation and adapting to new consumer trends – while also exploring the role of intermediaries.

  • Julie Chadwick, Managing Director, Dentsu Creative
  • Dan Appleby, Managing Director, Drummond Central
  • Jon Kershaw, Managing Director, PHD Manchester
  • Gill Huber, Managing Director, Ingenuity+

15:30 Refreshment Break


16:00 The Influencer Effect: Trust, Creativity & Brand Success

In an age where authenticity drives engagement, influencer marketing is more powerful than ever. But what does it take to build a strong, trusted relationship between creators and brands? In this candid conversation, TikTok sensation Em Wallbank will share her experiences working with brands, the importance of creative freedom, and how influencers can deliver real impact when given the space to be themselves.

  • Em Wallbank, Social Media Star, Comedian & Presenter
  • Matt Bourn, Communications Director, Advertising Association

16:25 Opening Doors: Nurturing Talent and Driving Social Mobility

Ash Schofield will share insights from his career journey and the lessons that shapes his leadership. Ash will explore the inspiration behind launching giffgaff’s Software Engineer Academy and discuss the importance of nurturing young talent, driving social mobility, and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders.

  • Ash Schofield, Chief Executive, giffgaff
  • Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Commercial Director & Inclusion Lead, Advertising Association

16:55 How the Media Industry of Manchester is Leading the Way in Unlocking Young Talent

Robin Wight, CVO, CBE, Ideas Foundation


17:05 Driving Growth and Value: What’s Next?

Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association


17:15 End of Event, followed by Networking Drinks Reception


View all speakers here and book your tickets here