What Agency Owners can take from the Agency Performance Pulse

As we transition from the first quarter of the year into the fresh opportunities of Spring 2025 and beyond, the question remains—do the findings and recommendations from the most recent Agency Performance Pulse (APP) still hold true for agency leaders navigating an increasingly competitive landscape? With an estimated 25,000–30,000 agencies of all sizes and disciplines across the UK, the challenge of maintaining growth, efficiency, and profitability has arguably never been greater.

At BAND, we provide advisory support, business management, and accountancy services to agencies and creative businesses. Here, we revisit the conclusions of the APP report from earlier this year to assess their ongoing relevance and explore the best strategies for agencies in 2024.

Leadership and Workplace Culture Remain Key Priorities
One of the standout takeaways from the APP report was the importance of strong leadership and a positive workplace culture. Agencies should continue to prioritise leadership development, ensuring their teams are well-supported and motivated. Strategies such as tailored performance reviews, flexible working arrangements, and incentive structures aligned with agency success can significantly enhance employee retention and satisfaction.

The ongoing talent war in the industry means that fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered is crucial. With hybrid working now the norm, agencies should also focus on maintaining engagement and productivity in remote or flexible work settings.

Harnessing AI and Automation for Efficiency Gains
The APP report highlighted the need for agencies to integrate AI and automation into their operations to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and boost efficiency. As we progress through 2025, this recommendation remains more relevant than ever.

Agencies should explore AI-driven tools for project management, content creation, and client analytics. Automating routine tasks can free up valuable time for teams to focus on creative and strategic work. Moreover, investing in robust data analysis tools will enable agencies to better understand client needs and forecast industry trends, providing a competitive edge in decision-making.

Process Improvements for Greater Operational Effectiveness
Operational efficiency continues to be a major determinant of agency success. The APP report urged agencies to focus on refining internal processes such as client scoping, internal briefings, and utilisation tracking. These foundational improvements remain critical in ensuring projects stay on track, budgets are effectively managed, and team resources are optimally allocated.

Clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and real-time monitoring mechanisms should be in place to help agency leaders identify inefficiencies and address them swiftly. The more streamlined an agency’s internal operations, the better positioned it will be to take on new opportunities without overextending its resources.

Growth Strategies: Expanding into Untapped Markets
For agencies looking to build on recent successes, expansion into untapped markets or new regions presents a significant growth opportunity. The APP report’s emphasis on enhancing brand positioning remains a sound strategy for attracting high-quality clients.