UK Advertising showcases growth credentials at Tory Party Conference

Creative leaders, politicians and media gathered at our Industry Leaders’ reception at the Conservative Party Conference to hear how UK creativity powers Britain’s global ambitions and supports growth all around the world.

Government officials told industry bosses that the talent, energy and creativity of our sectors are vital to the UK’s success overseas, at an event we co-hosted with Conservatives In Communications and the Digital Tories on October 4.

Our Public Affairs Director Sue Eustace took to the stage to reinforce advertising’s unique relationship with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and how our industry builds global brands – generating an impressive £11.7bn per year in exports of UK advertising services.

Even greater support from Government is needed for the UK to retain its position as global centre for creativity, Eustace added, with other countries hot on our heels. Investment in programmes such as the UK Advertising Exports Group which – in just one virtual trade mission – delivered £21m of new business for advertising companies is to be lauded and deserves further support.

The creative industries bring a wealth of opportunities and jobs to the UK, and our relationship with DIT drives inward investment to the UK, she added.

The aim of the event was to shine a spotlight on the global perception of the UK – and how we see and communicate our success.  It was noted that Government needs to seize the opportunity to speak to businesses about how new international trade agreements can help businesses grow day-to-day.

It comes as the PRCA launched new research showing over 92% of CEOs or CFOs believed their communications teams played a very important role in helping their business deal with recent external challenges, from Covid-19 to cost of living.

We were delighted that our members, the PRCA and NMA, joined us in sponsoring this reception along with Opinium, Pagefield and Tech UK.

At this season’s conference, the AA aimed to demonstrate how the advertising and marketing sectors should play a vital role in the Government’s global growth plans. Our team was also on the ground to hear from Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan as she outlined plans to reform the UK’s approach to data regulation, as part of the Government’s wider bid to strip back regulation that hampers business development.  The industry is emphasising the paramount importance of maintaining data adequacy with the Commission, to ensure that international data transfers, so important to all businesses, can continue.

To find out more about the work we do on behalf of the industry, please get in touch with publicaffairs@adassoc.org.uk

This event was held as part of the AA’s tour of party conferences this autumn – you can read all about our trip to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference here.