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.

This Week: UK Advertising in the Media

/ May 20th 2022 / Matt Bourn
Industry News

How chaotic accounting engulfed Sir Martin Sorrell’s S4 Capital empire 

Driven by its founder’s ambition to beat ad giant WPP, S4 Capital’s race to land ‘whopper’ clients overwhelmed finance staff, leading to the fiasco that trashed its share price. Insiders tell all to Anna Menin and Jamie Nimmo. 

Saatchi & Saatchi partners with Channel 4 to champion new talent 

This year’s New Creators’ Showcase aims to platform emerging creative talent in the UK. 

Twitter’s Dara Nasr: ‘Authenticity and dialogue are two important trends in advertising’ 

Twitter has researched online conversations that show what brands should be mindful of. 

To nurture marketing’s future, champion others 

Want diverse talent to thrive in marketing? It starts with having someone in your corner. Just ask Usain Bolt. 

The likely shape of ads on Netflix: where we go from here 

Netflix must take the wheel on steering commercial activity, whether it wants to or not. 

Dame Judi Dench Stars In Her First Ad 

The MoneySuperMarket campaign from New Commercial Arts marks the first time the Academy Award-winning actress has appeared in a commercial. 

Campaign Ad Net Zero Awards launch to recognise companies leading way on sustainability 

New awards will showcase work that is helping to build a net zero economy. 

Breaking through the silver screen 

There is synergy between Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions Festival. 

Butterkist points tongue firmly at cheek in #WagathaChristie spoof 

Tactical push follows January stunt around #PartyGate. 

OMG’s Dan Clays on advertising and its economic recovery 

The CEO of Omnicom Media Group UK says rebuilding confidence and innovation in media is vital to re-establishing growth – and he’s investing in tech and talent to make it happen. 

Brands are still unsure about advertising in games. Here’s how to change their minds 

As a media channel and cultural phenomenon, gaming is hugely valuable to advertisers. 

‘Reignited enthusiasm’: how a group of youths is steering The Body Shop’s marketing 

Following a pledge made at Cop26 to increase youth representation within its organization, The Body Shop is taking inspiration from the next generation by bringing them into the boardroom.  

In the boardroom: how comms professionals can prioritize PR buy-in 

Communications professionals are expected to be consummate networkers and collaborators – bringing different branches of organizations together effectively is part of the job description.  

British Media Awards 2022: winners revealed 

Reach and Gay Times were among the big winners at the British Media Awards 2022, which took place at London Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel. 

Katy Perry takes the reins from Snoop Dogg in new Just Eat ad 

McCann London has worked with Just Eat since 2019. 

Dentsu turns to Australia to find its new UK & Ireland chief executive 

Angela Tangas will start in September 2022. 

TikTok wants to ‘democratise’ the creator space with its latest ad product 

Advertisers can crowdsource ‘authentic’ content that won’t feel like an ad. 

What audio advertising opportunities are there in gaming? 

As part of The Drum’s Deep Dive into Gaming Advertising, a selection of IAB UK members – including AdTonos, AudioMob, DAX at Global, Odeeo, NumberEight and Spotify – explore the potential of in-game audio advertising for brands. 

Ukrainian Publicis Groupe staffers voice Human Rights Foundation campaign 

Voices and statements from Ukrainian Publicis Groupe employees have been used to create a three-part fundraising campaign for the Human Rights Foundation (HRF). 

TikTok’s latest tool helps cast diverse creators in brand advertising 

TikTok has announced a new tool that will help connect brands with diverse talent. 

Because Innovation Matters: hear from Mary Portas, Holly Tucker and CMOs

Join The Trade Desk and Campaign for an in-person afternoon event on 26 May, for inspiration, fresh insight and tips on innovation in retail, ecommerce, storytelling and leadership.

Ukraine president named PRWeek Global Communicator of the Year

PRWeek has given president Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine a special award, in recognition of his outstanding communication skills, as part of its Global Awards 2022.

Solving the problems of people and the planet calls for special talent

‘Purpose’ isn’t just the buzzword du jour; it’s become an essential element of an organization’s self-understanding and proposition – for brands and agencies alike.

‘We love winning, but not at all costs’: Asics on offering athletes mental health aid

Last week, Asics cemented its commitment to its ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ philosophy by announcing it will now be building mental health support into the contracts of the athletes it sponsors.

In a Divided World, Coca-Cola is Teaching the World to Sing Again

The global expansion of Coke Studio platform puts music and experience at the heart of Coca-Cola’s marketing strategy following last year’s Real Magic launch and agency review, Pratik Thakar and Joshua Burke tell LBB’s Laura Swinton.

Rethink Mental Illness’ 50th Anniversary Campaign Puts Severe Mental Illness on People’s agenda

50th anniversary campaign by ACNE London features young people with lived experience of psychosis.

M&C Saatchi Appoints Anna Heracleous to New Head of Account Management Role

Agency promotes business director to new role as it seeks to deliver against ambitious growth plans over the next three years.

BT on why it won’t shy away from ‘spiky topics’

Deciding to “step up” and take a stand on online hate with its ‘Hope United’ campaign, BT knew it needed to move away from the standard campaign process in order to succeed.

Marketing Week Awards deadline extended

The Awards celebrate the industry’s most effective work, from strategy through to execution, judged by a 50-strong jury of the UK’s most respected marketers.