UK’s top 100 indie agencies revealed in The Drum’s 2018 Independent Agencies Census
London-based Jellyfish has been crowned the top independent agency in the UK as part of The Drum’s 2018 Independent Agencies Census, which is published today.
The findings of The Drum's 2018 Independent Agencies Census have now been revealed
The digital marketing firm is followed by Amplify, Four Communications Group, Bulletproof and Oliver in this year’s Top 100 ranking of the country’s best-run indies.
Agencies earn their place in the Top 100 based on their performance in The Drum’s annual Independent Agencies Census, the most comprehensive study of its kind on UK marcomms firms.
Two years’ worth of financial figures from agencies across the country are analysed to compare their performance on a range of financial metrics including turnover, turnover per head and gross profit.
The full Independent Agencies Census report, available now as a digital download, also incorporates client satisfaction scores from agency search service The Drum Recommends to champion the agencies delivering value for their customers and not merely deriving it for themselves.
This year 168 marcomms agencies, representing advertising, design, digital, PR and experiential marketing, submitted themselves to our rigorous research. They collectively account for almost £1bn worth of creative economy revenue and employ over 9,000 members of the industry’s workforce.
The findings from this year’s Census paint a positive picture for the independent industry overall. Some 79% of the participating agencies experienced positive growth in turnover in the most recent financial year, with average turnover standing at £5.9m and average turnover growth at £824,354.
Cameron Clarke, The Drum’s deputy editor, said: “Our Census this year demonstrates that independent agencies are continuing to perform strongly and have a great deal to be optimistic about moving into 2019.
“As their holding company counterparts grapple with how to simplify their structures and services, these sure-footed independents now have a prime opportunity to remind clients of their worth and take an even bigger slice of the market.”
The complete Independent Agencies Census report contains granular financial insights and like-for-like rankings by staff size and region. It also includes analysis on 12 independent media agencies, boasting a combined turnover of £380m, who have been examined in the same detail as their creative counterparts but ranked separately owing to the unique nature of their business.
Buy your copy of the complete Independent Agencies Census report from The Drum Store now.