Adapt to Thrive – How the Agency Model is Changing

By SBS
17 Jul 2025

A new research whitepaper on the rise (and growing pains) of independent agencies in the UK.

With amazing insights from the likes of Vodafone, Vega Comms, Condé Nast, Responsible Media Advisory, and the one and only Ivan Fernandes, we are chuffed to share this with you.

The data is clear: indie momentum is building fast – 90% are already collaborating – but the road to scale is anything but smooth:

71% say adopting new tech is still a major hurdle

60% struggle with cross-agency coordination

39% are tied down by legacy holding group contracts

At SBS, we believe the future belongs to the bold and the collaborative.
It’s time to rewrite the playbook – with shared ambition, smart tech, and a networked approach to growth.

If you’re a brand or agency looking to navigate this transformation, we’d love to talk. Let’s build the future of media together.

Thanks so much to our amazing contributors for bringing this to life – Asad K., Emily Roberts, Ian Lees, Justin Cooke, Ivan Fernandes and Teodora Tepavicharova!

DOWNLOAD THE WHITEPAPER HERE

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