Sir Martin Sorrell: Clients ‘cautious’ as S4 Capital’s income tumbles May 8, 2025 S4 Capital, Sir Martin Sorrell’s advertising giant, recorded a sharp drop in revenue in its first-quarter trading update as geopolitical tensions weighed. The firm posted a 11.4 per cent slump in net revenue to £148.3m, which it said reflected the “continuing technology client caution” and headwinds from one “key client”. Takings from marketing services reduced [...]
Are we witnessing the slow death of advertising holding companies? May 5, 2025 The feted founder of AKQA, Ajaz Ahmed, has launched a new agency that promises to take on the “slow, bureaucratic” ad groups that since the pandemic have have been labouring under stagnant revenues and falling share prices. Ali Lyon asks: “Are those holding companies on borrowed time?” Ajaz Ahmed is not a man to shy [...]
Why Adolescence could unexpectedly boost teacher recruitment April 29, 2025 It may feel counterintuitive, but by showing the brutal reality of teaching, Adolescence could just inspire a new wave of teachers, writes Matt Waksman.
WPP bets big on AI after a slow start to 2025 April 25, 2025 WPP‘s revenue edged lower in the first quarter of 2024, as macroeconomic uncertainty and cautious client spending, as well as competitive pressure, weighed on advertising budgets globally. Yet, the firm is leaning heavily into AI, data and integration to fuel long-term growth, securing new business wins and pressing ahead with its transformation strategy. The advertising [...]
WPP: FTSE 100 giant offers free-lunch Friday to get staff into office April 13, 2025 The FTSE 100 advertising agency WPP has began offering free lunches to lure employees back into the office on Fridays. From April, WPP’s team of 108,000 people is expected to be in the office at least four days a week. The new rules require employees to work in the office at least two Fridays a [...]
Exclusive: WPP ad agencies Ogilvy and Grey have not yet introduced four-day office policy April 4, 2025 Two of WPP’s flagship advertising agencies have not been able to introduce their holding company’s contested return-to-office mandate because they do not have enough desks to accommodate the influx of staff. City AM has learned that Ogilvy and Grey’s London offices have not yet implemented WPP’s demand for staff to work four days a week [...]
Advertising Week president Ruth Mortimer: ‘I was warned the salary leap might be too much’ April 3, 2025 From archaeologist to Advertising Week president, Ruth Mortimer has had quite the career. She tells us how she got there.
WPP wins Heineken marketing deal amid AI push March 31, 2025 Beer giant Heineken has selected WPP as its global marketing and commerce partner, as it looks to leverage AI to enhance its retail and customer experiences. Under the new agreement, the ad giant will use its AI-powered operating system, WPP Open. Together, both companies will collaborate to optimise in-store activations, retail strategies and various e-commerce [...]
Exclusive: Channel 4 Ventures backs cocktail machine maker Bartesian March 19, 2025 City AM can reveal that Channel 4 Ventures has partnered with Bartesian as the drinks firm looks to accelerate its expansion in the UK. Bartesian, which produces cocktail-making machines, will benefit from the broadcaster’s advertising reach, and Channel 4 Ventures will receive an equity stake in the business in exchange. “This investment enables us to [...]
The British Motorsport Valley businessman taking Formula 1 by storm March 12, 2025 Have you watched a McLaren going around a Formula 1 track in recent seasons and thought you’d seen the sponsors changing? Spoiler alert: you have. Much is said about the success of Britain’s Motorsport Valley, an area of the country at the heart of Formula 1 – and wider racing – development, technology and entrepreneurship. [...]