Almost half of consumers expect to feel financially anxious this Christmas because of rising costs, yet many remain determined not to cut back on festive spending. Instead, they are looking for ways to preserve their seasonal traditions through discounts, sales and, increasingly, credit. This is according to the IPA’s new 2026 Christmas Consumer Report, published today (30 July), based on a nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, which was conducted by Opinium between 19 and 22 May 2026. Consumers are financially anxious about Christmas costs The findings reveal that almost…
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IPA announces Effectiveness Awards shortlist
Curry’s, Nationwide and Specsavers are just some of the 20 outstanding case studies that have been named on the revered IPA Effectiveness Awards 2026 shortlist. In addition to the shortlist, five case studies were bestowed Commendations by the judges for providing new learning, including around social/creator-led marketing. Analysis of the shortlist reveals: There are 15 single-market case studies, three not-for-profit and two multi-market entries. The combined total marketing communications spend of the shortlisted agencies exceeds £1bn. There are 14 joint entries and six single entrants from 26 different agencies. adam&eve\TBWA…
Read MoreIPA announces Effectiveness Awards shortlist
Curry’s, Nationwide and Specsavers are just some of the 20 outstanding case studies that have been named on the revered IPA Effectiveness Awards 2026 shortlist. In addition to the shortlist, five case studies were bestowed Commendations by the judges for providing new learning, including around social/creator-led marketing. Analysis of the shortlist reveals: There are 15 single-market case studies, three not-for-profit and two multi-market entries. The combined total marketing communications spend of the shortlisted agencies exceeds £1bn. There are 14 joint entries and six single entrants from 26 different agencies. adam&eve\TBWA…
Read MoreUK companies revise marketing budgets up despite tough economic conditions
UK companies revised their marketing budgets up to the second highest level in two years in Q2 2026, despite economic and inflationary headwinds remaining at large. This is according to the latest IPA Bellwether Report, published on 16 July 2026. After a strong start to the year, 23.8% of respondents reported an increase to their marketing spend, in comparison with 16.9% who recorded cuts. The resulting net balance of +6.9%, slightly below Q1’s +7.3%, pointed to a historically strong expansion in budgets. Meanwhile, approximately 59.4% of respondents left their marketing…
Read MoreNew IPA/Tracksuit report reveals what clients want from their agencies
Nine out of ten brand leaders are seeing true commercial value from their agency partnerships. But while confidence in agencies remains high, new research from the IPA, produced in collaboration with Tracksuit, reveals an opportunity to add more value by delivering more of the strategic thinking clients value highly. Launched at the flagship IPA Business Growth Conference on 8 July 2026, the report, Bridging the gap. Redefining the value of agencies, explores the value agencies create today and what clients value most from their agency relationships. It also explores where a…
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