The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has released findings that confirm loyalty-priced promotions at major supermarkets offer genuine savings to shoppers, providing reassurance amidst ongoing cost-of-living pressures. After conducting a comprehensive investigation into the pricing practices of five leading UK supermarkets—Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Co-op, and Morrisons—the CMA found little evidence of inflated ‘usual’ prices used to exaggerate loyalty discounts.

Genuine Savings Backed by Rigorous Analysis

The CMA analysed approximately 50,000 grocery products featured in loyalty price promotions and concluded that 92% of these items offered a legitimate saving against their usual prices within the same store. On average, shoppers can benefit from a 17-25% discount when purchasing loyalty-priced products.

George Lusty, Interim Executive Director of Consumer Protection at the CMA, said:

“We know many people don’t trust loyalty card prices, which is why we did a deep dive to get to the bottom of whether supermarkets were treating shoppers fairly. After analysing tens of thousands of products, we found that almost all the loyalty prices reviewed offered genuine savings against the usual price – a fact we hope reassures shoppers throughout the UK.”

However, Lusty highlighted that loyalty prices aren’t always the cheapest option available, stressing the importance of shopping around to maximise savings:

“While these discounts are legitimate, our review has shown that loyalty prices aren’t always the cheapest option, so shopping around is still key. By checking a few shops, you can continue to stretch your hard-earned cash.”

Key Findings from the CMA Review

The CMA’s investigation aimed to address shopper concerns about loyalty pricing, transparency, and accessibility. Key takeaways include:

• Genuine savings: 92% of products analysed offered true discounts against their usual prices.
  
• Average savings: Loyalty-priced products provided savings of 17-25% across the five supermarkets.
  
• Comparison shopping matters: Loyalty prices, while competitive, are not always the lowest available.
  
• Limited impact on shopping habits: While 76% of shoppers said loyalty pricing has not changed where they shop, 24% now compare prices more actively.
  
• Mixed perceptions of fairness: 43% of surveyed consumers felt it was unfair that loyalty members benefit from lower prices, while 55% suspect non-member prices are inflated.
  
• Data concerns minimal: Only 7% of shoppers cited personal data usage as a reason for not joining loyalty schemes.

Accessibility Challenges: Room for Improvement

The CMA also examined the accessibility of loyalty schemes, particularly for groups who may struggle to participate, such as elderly shoppers or those without smartphones. While no breaches of consumer law were identified, the review found that some supermarkets could improve inclusivity by offering offline sign-up options, such as in-store or telephone registration, and by reconsidering age restrictions for membership.

Trust and Transparency: A Positive Step Forward

Importantly, the CMA’s review alleviates concerns around the use of customer data, confirming that supermarkets’ loyalty schemes meet consumer protection standards. Despite lingering perceptions around fairness and pricing strategies, the findings provide much-needed clarity for shoppers, reinforcing that loyalty prices are, for the most part, genuine deals.

What This Means for Shoppers

For consumers, the message is clear: loyalty schemes can deliver meaningful savings, but smart shopping remains essential. By comparing prices across stores and remaining vigilant, shoppers can make the most of their loyalty memberships and stretch their budgets further.

Next Steps for Supermarkets

The CMA’s findings call on supermarkets to:

• Improve accessibility for shoppers without smartphones or under-18s.
  
• Offer alternative sign-up methods, such as offline registration.
  
• Ensure transparency around loyalty pricing and data usage to build greater trust.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households across the UK, the CMA’s findings serve as a reminder that while loyalty schemes offer real benefits, shoppers must remain proactive in seeking the best value for their money.

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The UK government has recently opened a consultation on the future of zero-hour contracts, a decision with potentially far-reaching consequences for many sectors, especially the promotional marketing industry. Many IPM members rely on zero-hour contracts to staff fluctuating campaign demands, providing essential flexibility. For workers—including students, part-timers, and freelancers—these contracts offer the freedom to work across multiple agencies. During this period, it’s crucial to consider how these contracts can meet the needs of both businesses and workers. This article explores the potential implications, offers critical insights, and encourages active participation to collectively shape how these changes are implemented, ensuring they work for everyone—businesses, agencies, and the workers who make our campaigns possible.

What is a Zero-Hour Contract?

Zero-hour contracts are agreements where employers are not obligated to offer a minimum number of working hours, and workers, in turn, are not required to accept the work offered. These contracts provide critical flexibility, particularly for students, parents, freelancers, and those balancing other commitments to work around their schedules, accommodating studies, family responsibilities, or other part-time work. For employers, it provides the ability to quickly adapt to fluctuating business needs without the burden of fixed staffing costs. This type of contract first entered the public debate in 2013, when industries needed a workforce that could adapt quickly to changing demands—particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and promotional marketing.

Flexibility vs. Fairness: The Debate

A pro-worker, pro-business economy demands genuine, two-sided flexibility for both employers and employees. The problem to date has been that this flexibility has too often gone one way. Through the Employment Rights Bill, the government aims to fulfil its pledge to end exploitative zero-hour contracts. It is proposed that this type of contract does not offer the worker any form of certainty as to their earnings, making it difficult to apply for credit or a mortgage, to rent a flat, to plan for major events like weddings or holidays. Flexible hours of work can benefit both workers and employers, but without proper safeguards, this flexibility can be one-sided.

A pro-worker, pro-business economy demands genuine, two-sided flexibility for both employers and employees. The problem to date has been that this flexibility has too often gone one way.

Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade

Too many people are drawn into a race to the bottom, denied the security they need to raise a family while businesses are unable to retain the workers they need to grow. We’re raising the floor on rights at work to deliver a stronger, fairer and brighter future of work for Britain.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner

The Impact on Promotional Marketing

Promotional marketing—especially experiential campaigns and live activations—relies heavily on the ability to quickly scale staffing up or down based on client demands, campaign types, and specific locations. Zero-hour contracts have been instrumental in providing the workforce flexibility needed for these unpredictable scenarios, enabling agencies to meet diverse client needs efficiently. The flexibility of zero-hour contracts benefits not only businesses but also workers—many of whom are students, freelancers, or part-time professionals looking for dynamic and short-term opportunities.

Our initial conversations with members have shown that these changes could significantly impact how some businesses operate. Without the option for zero-hour contracts, the promotional marketing industry may struggle to meet client demands and maintain the high level of agility required to succeed in an environment where staffing needs shift rapidly. The banning of such contracts could place significant strain on the workforce and the industry as a whole, potentially leading to decreased employment opportunities and a reduction in the industry’s economic contribution.

IPM General Manager Emma Kirk

Challenges in Implementing Reforms

Agency work is inherently unpredictable, with workers frequently choosing this type of employment precisely for the flexibility it offers, allowing them to fit work around other commitments. However, the proposed reforms—such as guaranteed hours—would not only limit workers’ freedom to choose when to work but also hinder agencies’ ability to respond swiftly to campaign demands. Striking a balance between flexibility and stability is crucial for ensuring the industry can continue to flourish while offering fair conditions for all involved.

A key complexity in the promotional marketing sector is the tripartite relationship between agencies, workers, and end clients. With the proposed reforms, questions arise about who should be responsible for offering guaranteed hours or providing reasonable notice of shifts—should it be the agency, the end hirer, or both?

Why Industry Voices Matter

The Employment Rights Bill presents a pivotal moment for sectors like ours that depend on agile staffing solutions. Now is the time for us to collectively shape how these changes are implemented, ensuring they work for everyone—businesses, agencies, and the workers who make our campaigns possible.

The IPM is actively gathering vital input from across the industry to present a well-rounded response to the government consultation. We need real-life examples, data on economic impact, and ideas for how to protect workers without losing the adaptability that our work demands. Your insights could be the key to ensuring the new measures support our industry.

Join the conversation and help shape the future of work in our industry by completing the feedback form via the link below. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 15th November 2024, at 4 pm.

Click Here To Find Out More and Submit Your Feedback!

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Experience12, the UK’s leading pop culture brand experience agency, has appointed industry veteran Nick Swift as Client Services Director in a newly created role.

Swift brings his 20 years of events, experiential and content marketing experience to Experience12. He has worked at some of the industry’s leading agencies, most recently from Circle Agency, where he was Group Account Director, following his role as Director of Brand Experience at Retail Marketing Group (RMG). Nick has led numerous prestige campaigns over the years that have won industry awards, including IPM and FMBE golds.

Swift has worked with leading gaming, toy and entertainment brands including PlayStation, Electronic Arts, Activision, Hasbro, Capcom and Team17 that perfectly align with Experience12’s specialised focus on pop culture marketing, making him well-positioned to understand and serve the agency’s client base.

Working as a part of the senior management team with Business Director George Bateman, Head of Production Nick Parker and Founder Chris Whittle, Swift will focus on consolidating the agency’s best in class client servicing in addition to supporting the agency’s growth plans. His appointment comes, as Experience12 expands its work within the gaming and entertainment sectors in the UK and Internationally.

Swift will take up his position with immediate effect.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the team at Experience12, an agency I have long admired.  I’m passionate about brand showmanship and building fan love – and I’m looking forward to working with Experience12 clients old and new to create campaigns that both dazzle and deliver.” 

Nick Swift, Client Services Director at Experience12

“Given the extraordinary year for the agency it’s a great time for Nick to be joining the team. We were looking for someone with a strong track record in our core pop culture sectors with a demonstrated experience in securing campaigns and successfully delivering them for clients. It was clear even from our initial conversations that Nick understood the board’s vision for Experience12’s future. We’re looking forward to working with him on developing that future and the many exciting adventures ahead.”

Chris Whittle, Founder and Managing Director at Experience12

About Experience12

Experience12 is an independent, award-winning agency specialising in experiential marketing and events across the Film, TV and video game sectors. With unrivalled insight into the fan audience through years of research, we utilise data, trends and the demands of this powerful pop culture audience to deliver events with stand-out results for the biggest entertainment brands in the world. Based in London but operating globally, our services include creative, experiential events, exhibition stand design and build, PR stunts, press and influencer engagement and national and worldwide tours.

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Checkout.com’s latest research on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) trends reveals shifting consumer interests in the UK. Drawing from the broader Digital Economy: Peak Season Trends 2024 study, the data shows that bargain-hunting Brits are looking beyond traditional categories like clothing, beauty, and electronics, with new interests in air travel and health products, especially among younger generations. As British consumers gear up for peak season sales, this report offers valuable insights for marketers looking to capture attention in an ever-evolving digital marketplace.

• Air travel is forecast to see increased sales during BFCM this year, with 14% of the population intending to buy during peak season in 2024, up from just 8% saying they have purchased in peak season in the past (a 75% increase compared to previous years). Younger generations are driving this trend, with nearly a third (28%) of Gen Z (an 87% increase compared to previous years) and a quarter (24%) of Millennials intending to buy air travel during BFCM this year. 
  
• A third (32%) of Millennials are looking to buy streaming services during BFCM deals – nearly double the UK average (17%). In fact, streaming is the most popular category for Millennials ahead of usual favourites clothing (31%), Beauty (30%) and electronics (29%). 
  
• Healthcare and wellbeing is also high on UK consumers’ BFCM shopping lists, with 16% intending to buy products in this category, rising to nearly a third (29%) of Gen Z consumers. 
  
• Clothing remains the most popular category, with a fifth (21%) UK adults planning to make a clothing purchase during BFCM, almost doubling to 40% of Gen Z adults intending to buy clothes during the peak sales.  

“Traditionally Black Friday Cyber Monday deals have been focused on clothing, beauty and electronics. However, with a growing digital economy, we’re seeing this evolve. The increase in planned flight spend is fascinating – particularly when it comes to the younger generations, even in an era of conscious consumerism. Travel experiences rate high in priority and they are explored, discovered and made using social platforms. This reflects a growing cultural trend when it comes to travel – and how Gen Z takes a social-first approach to planning trips abroad.  
 
It’s incredibly positive to see how British consumers are planning to spend around health – from private medical, to investing in their own wellbeing.” 

Rory O’Neill, CMO at Checkout.com

Half of Brits Buy Gifts During Sales 

• When it comes to buying for others, UK consumers are also looking to sales to purchase gifts. Half (50%) of Brits are now buying presents for their partner when they see a bargain. 
  
• Two thirds (34%) of this group buy gifts for their partner all year round when they see a bargain, with the remaining third (16%) specifically waiting for BFCM to buy gifts for their partner.  

“While BFCM is still a significant shopping period, we’re also starting to see a trend towards always-on retail sales. By understanding consumer shopping habits based on spending data, merchants can tailor deals to reach specific consumers at the right time and encourage conversions. In short, every day is a peak season sale opportunity – and retailers need to remember that during this peak season.”

Rory O’Neill, CMO at Checkout.com

BFCM subscription deals emerge as a strong customer acquisition tool for merchants 

• Subscriptions are a good acquisition tool during BFCM, with half (49%) of Brits remaining subscribed after the deal ends because they wanted to keep the service.
  
• Gen Zs are the most forgetful at cancelling subscriptions, with 38% intending to but forgetting, compared to just 19% of Baby Boomers. 

Generational split on deal discovery, with TV ads losing their impact with younger generations 

• UK consumers are still fairly traditional in how they discover BFCM deals, with a third (32%) finding out about deals via TV ads, followed by browsing marketplaces (31%) and using a search engine (29%).  
  
• However, looking at younger generations, 40% of Gen Z and 43% of Millennials find out about deals via social platforms (compared to 24% across all UK adults).  

“This data speaks to the need to ensure marketing strategies are always built in mind with the right audiences in mind. Given Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to buy during BFCM, it’s important to make sure marketing piques the attention of this group, in terms of both the message – and the channels. A tailored, not broad brush approach is always needed, as is remembering the critical role that social platforms play in engaging this community. This research is a stark reminder that merchants need to constantly review and refine their selling channels to avoid missing out on sales when targeting specific demographics with the deals that will appeal to them.”

Rory O’Neill, CMO at Checkout.com

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The IPM’s Experiential Community gathers to chart the future of the sector, uniting industry leaders to define and amplify its purpose and value. This collective effort comes at a crucial time, as findings from the IPA Bellwether report reveal a remarkable 23.1% increase in event marketing budgets—up from 15.9% in the previous quarter. This surge in investment signifies a clear shift in marketing strategies, emphasising the critical role of real-world experiences in forging meaningful connections with consumers. So, what drives this investment in marketing spend during challenging economic times? Jon Evans, Chief Commercial Officer at System1, explains:

“The ‘why’ rests in consumers’ increasing demand for human connection. We’re still experiencing the pandemic bounce back, with hybrid working leading to a greater need for in-person interaction. As more work and leisure time is spent in the digital world, the desire for thrilling real-world experiences continues to increase, making it an essential channel for brands looking to build powerful audience connections.”

At Brand Experience 360, Olivia Rayner, Creative Director at Sense Marketing, highlights the loneliness epidemic impacting today’s youth. She paints a portrait of a post-pandemic world that feels increasingly digital, noisy, and overwhelming, which contributes to what she calls “Connected Anxiety.” Olivia argues that by creating immersive and meaningful experiences, brands can effectively address the emotional pain points of younger generations, enabling them to rediscover a sense of belonging and community in a disconnected world.

Engaging Communities & The Rise of Run Clubs

The rise of local run clubs reflects this growing need for community and face-to-face interaction in today’s digital age. Google Trends indicates a steady increase in searches for ‘Run Club‘ in the UK over the past five years while the Hackney Half Marathon has sold out for the first time ever, demonstrating the heightened appetite for community-driven events. In her article, “Is Strava the New Tinder?”, Clara Duval digs deeper into the phenomenon, exploring how platforms like Strava and local run clubs are redefining connections and promoting real-world meetups over traditional dating apps. Nick Tuppen, CEO of Threshold Sports, elaborates:

“The continued growth of wearable tech engaging people with their wellbeing and fitness shows how health is increasingly seen as the new wealth. Coupled with wider cultural trends for ‘athlete CEOs,’ platforms like Strava cultivating active communities, and the crossover of outdoor brands like North Face becoming high street staples, it’s no surprise that consumer appetite for active events is on the rise too.”

Recent research conducted by Bumble Inc. in collaboration with YouGov supports this theory, revealing a significant increase in the participation of active events for 2024. The report highlights a 31% increase in time spent and 17% rise in spending intentions for activities such as marathons and 10K runs. Driven primarily by Millennials and Gen Z, this trend highlights the significance of physical community gatherings, with participants engaging in active events an average of 3.6 times a year. Building on these insights, Bumble recently celebrated its first Run Club Festival, partnering with the five top running clubs in Paris for a week filled with runs, coffee collaborations, and brand experiences. This cultural shift highlights the role brands can play in uniting shared passions, in this case, health and wellbeing, through active experiences.

Bringing Brand Partnerships to Life

Through experiential marketing, brand partnerships come alive. A prime example is Polly Pocket’s recent 35th-anniversary collaboration with Airbnb, which captured widespread attention this summer by offering fans a chance to stay in a life-sized Polly Pocket replica. This collaboration taps into nostalgia, reflecting what Pion describes as “the pursuit of stagnation”—a desire to revisit and celebrate beloved aspects of the past. However, brands must proceed with caution when forming partnerships. Barbie’s ventures into unexpected product categories—such as toothpaste and meat-based snacks—have raised eyebrows. With over 165 brands associated with the recent movie, the sheer volume of these collaborations sparks debates about consumer fatigue, illustrating the delicate balance between cultural relevance and commercial saturation.

Technology Transforms the Viewing Experience

2024 brings sports and technology closer than ever before. TRO leads the way with the Just Eat Grabber and Pepsi Pulse Challenge, while also offering an exciting opportunity to test-drive a Mini in virtual reality at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. These pioneering campaigns reflect a broader trend in the industry: Lucy Porter, Strategy Partner at PrettyGreen | B Corp, highlights that spending on live sports is set to increase by 10% in time and 15% in overall expenditure. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games exemplify this shift, achieving a record-breaking 34 million livestream viewers and shattering the BBC’s sports streaming records. In response to this growing interest in live viewing, fan zones are on the rise, with Shared Reality Experiences like Cosm at the forefront of this trend, creating hybrid environments that allow fans to experience front-row seats from anywhere in the world.

Scent-sational Marketing

This year, brands like McDonald’s and Lynx have taken a bold step into sensory advertising with their aromatic billboards, transforming traditional marketing into immersive experiences. In a striking move, Doritos even ignited one of their billboards to launch a new spicy hot range, showcasing how brands can push boundaries with creative installations that engage consumers on multiple sensory levels. Aldi UK takes this a step further, winning the IPM Grand Prix with the world’s first rosé-dispensing billboard. Developed in collaboration with Hopper and Clarion Communications, this innovative installation pours rosé once the temperature hits 19.2°C—the ideal temperature for enjoying rosé. As we look to the future, the lines between advertising and experience are clearly blurring. How do you think these blurred lines will impact consumer expectations of advertising?

Brand Experiences for a New Generation

As we look to the next generation of brand experiences, it’s clear that both Gen Alpha and Gen Z are redefining how we interact with brands. In a digital world fraught with existential threats, the demand for real-life connections has never been greater. With many feeling too stressed to enjoy simple pleasures, nostalgia and Kidulting experiences—those that allow adults to embrace their inner child—are thriving.

What trends do you see shaping the future of experiential marketing? How are brands like Pinterest breaking the B2B mould? What role does the “main character” mentality play in light of AI and personalisation? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

In response to these shifts, our Experiential Community is committed to leading the way and shaping the future of our industry. Emma Kirk, our General Manager, summarises:

“The IPM’s Experiential Effectiveness Community is shaping the future of experiential marketing. Together, we tackle critical industry challenges by defining the essence of experiential marketing and developing standardised measurement tools that provide quantifiable value for brands and agencies. By transforming competitors into collaborators, we empower one another to establish and elevate industry standards for the collective benefit. To register your interest and contribute to the progression of this dynamic sector, please reach out to us today.”

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Multi-award-winning creative brand experience agency N2O is excited to announce its acquisition by GLOBE GROUPE, the leading European group dedicated to shopper marketing. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for N2O, unlocking new opportunities for expansion, innovation, and success.

Since its inception, N2O has seen incredible growth, delivering creative, standout campaigns across diverse sectors. With GLOBE GROUPE’s support, N2O will gain access to extensive resources, networks, and expertise while maintaining its signature client-first approach.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for our company. We’ve built something special over the past 25 years, and business has never been stronger. By joining forces with GLOBE GROUPE, we’re able to take our vision to new heights, offering even more value to our clients and exploring untapped opportunities. This acquisition allows us to accelerate our growth, while staying true to our creative heritage and innovative approach that has always defined us.”

Terrence Woodward, CEO of N2O

GLOBE GROUPE is known for empowering its network of agencies with the resources and autonomy to thrive, making it a natural fit for N2O’s continued success. The two companies will enhance their ability to lead in the rapidly evolving European marketing landscape, combining local expertise with global reach.

“The merger of GLOBE GROUPE and N2O was a natural fit due to our shared DNA, based on a strong positioning: People x Tech. Together, we are combining our expertise to put people at the heart of technological innovation. We are delighted to incorporate N2O’s British expertise in brand experience creation into our European offering.”

Jeremy Dahan, President of GLOBE GROUPE

About N2O

N2O is a leading Creative Brand Experience Agency that transforms consumers into dedicated brand fans through innovative and immersive experiences. Specialising in Experiential Marketing, Retail Marketing, Social Media & Influencer Marketing, and Smart Mass Sampling, we leverage strategy, planning and insight-led creativity to craft tailored, data-driven campaigns that resonate deeply with target audiences. Our full-service, in-house team of experts, known for their strategic insight, award-winning design, and comprehensive execution capabilities, make us the agency of choice for brands seeking to go beyond the ordinary.

About GLOBE GROUPE

Founded in 2002, GLOBE GROUPE is the leading European group dedicated to Shopper Marketing (communication and sales performance), with strong expertise in the High-Tech, Beauty, Pharma, and FMCG sectors.

Our mission is to support brands in achieving commercial success amidst increasingly fragmented customer journeys. As a true Shopper House, our strength lies in our ability to act on all touchpoints along the shopper’s journey. GLOBE GROUPE employs over 300 people across France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.

Each of its subsidiaries benefits from the synergies of the network and a shared technological innovation hub, allowing them to respond to new consumer behaviours. This unique setup enables us to address the complexities of shopper journeys on both a local and global scale.

GLOBE GROUPE serves around 100 active clients, has a revenue of €107 million, and generated a business volume of €2.5 billion for its clients. In 2024, the group is projected to achieve €150 million in revenue and grow to nearly 500 employees.

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The stars of promotional marketing shine brightly at the IPM Awards 2024—where for over 50 years we have recognised and celebrated teams that push boundaries and elevate industry standards. This year’s winners have set a new benchmark for creativity, innovation, and impact. After careful judging across categories—covering everything from brand activations and immersive experiences to partnerships, loyalty, and incentives—the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards reflect the depth of talent driving the industry forward. Standout campaigns across food, beverage, sports, and entertainment continue to raise the bar across diverse environments. While the highly anticipated Grand Prix and Agency of the Year awards, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. Congratulations to all finalists and winners for shaping the future of the industry. Explore the full list of winners here and relive the unforgettable moments of the IPM Awards 2024.

Setting the Gold Standard

The IPM Awards 2024 opened with a heartfelt welcome from Emma Kirk, General Manager of the IPM, who highlighted the strides made in fostering a more connected and robust marketing community. Held at the NOBU Hotel in Portman Square, the ceremony was lively thanks to comedian Tom Allen, while Lord Black of Brentwood, President of the IPM, delivered a keynote speech that added gravitas to the event. Lord Black reflected on the dynamism, emery, and rapidly evolving nature of the marketing landscape, addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry amidst technological disruption and evolving regulations. His words set the tone for a celebration of campaigns that exemplify the gold standard of promotional marketing in the United Kingdom.

Brand Experience takes centre stage, with N2O claiming Gold for the immersive “Tesco Christmas Grotto,” followed by another Gold in Travel, Leisure, and Tourism for their “P&O Cruises” campaign. In the same category, tpf earned Bronze for their playful “Universal Parks & Resorts x The Grinch” activation, while 83 Agency secured Silver for their cultural narrative in “The Kingdom: Where It All Begins.” Among other experiential winners, TRO was recognised for their nostalgic “Goodwood Revival 2023 for MINI Cooper,” and Blackjack Promotions impressed at the point of purchase with their “World Duty Free & Nestlé Treasure Hunt.” In Brand Partnerships, Cat Among The Pigeons took Gold for “Trek x Decathlon Everybody Active,” while their “Horlicks Find Your Happy Place” campaign also performed strongly. Over in Entertainment and Sport, The Leith Agency captured both Gold and Silver, standing out with culturally relevant and successful product launches for Motherwell FC and The Macallan.

TLC Worldwide earned Gold in Loyalty for their ‘YouTube High Five Program,’ while Mando also took home Gold in Incentive, Prize, and Loyalty for their outstanding Sky Cinema campaign, further raising the bar in loyalty execution. Cloud Nine Incentives were recognised for their Adidas Terrex Intersport 2024 campaign, which set a high standard in loyalty programme execution. While Hashting showcased their excellence in Promotional Marketing Services for their “Beavertown Lazer Crush X Digital Drive to Store” campaign, which demonstrated the power of digital engagement. The Positive Impact category honoured Together Agency with Gold for “Charlie is in Control”, which tackled drug-related violence through behaviour change in collaboration with Leicestershire Police.

One of the afternoon’s most emotional moments came with the presentation of the Bob Suppiah Award, a new award given annually to an IPM member organisation that has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to the industry. The award celebrates organisations that embody the core IPM values of Protect, Promote, and Progress, and that have made a significant impact over the last year through active participation, leadership, and commitment to the IPM’s mission. This year, N2O was recognised for their contributions, making the moment a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of the late Bob Suppiah, whose passion and commitment to uplifting the industry continue to inspire. The award serves as a reminder of Bob’s enduring influence on the IPM community and his unwavering belief in the power of positive engagement and industry progress.

As the evening reached its crescendo, ZEAL Creative was named Agency of the Year for the second consecutive year thanks to standout campaigns across retail marketing, social impact, and brand activation. Their Pringles x PayPoint campaign highlighted innovation in retail by offering rewards through non-traditional channels, while Anchor x UK Community Foundations demonstrated the power of social impact by linking butter sales to community funding. Meanwhile, the prestigious Grand Prix Award, the highest accolade of the night, went to Hopper & Clarion Communications for their Aldi Rose Degrees Billboard campaign. Designed to mark National Rosé Day, this campaign featured the world’s first temperature-sensitive billboard, which dispensed free rosé wine when the temperature reached 19.2°C, the ideal rosé drinking temperature. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners for shaping the future of the industry.

Explore the full list of winners here and relive the defining moments of the IPM Awards 2024.

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Duncan McNair, a leading solicitor from Spencer West LLP and tireless advocate for animal welfare, has been awarded The Law Society’s prestigious Legal Hero of the Year 2024 award. The accolade, presented yesterday at the Law Society’s historic venue on Chancery Lane, recognises McNair’s exceptional work in protecting vertebrate species, with a special focus on the endangered Asian elephant, and his broader contributions to combating global dangers to both animals and humans.

McNair’s monumental efforts, especially through his founding of the non-profit organisation Save The Asian Elephants (STAE), have galvanised worldwide support for the protection of this iconic species. His work has led to a series of landmark achievements, most notably the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting all vertebrate species from exploitation in tourism and other harmful industries. For over a decade, McNair has dedicated hundreds of pro bono hours annually to his advocacy, which has included relentless media engagements, political lobbying, and legal strategy, all of which have brought real change to the field of animal welfare.

“It is a profound honour to receive this award and be named among such remarkable legal professionals,” McNair said during his acceptance speech. “But this recognition is not just for me – it is for all the creatures we care about and fight for and fellow humans injured and killed by abused, maddened captive animals. STAE and the Low-Welfare Act Coalition I lead have a vast amount to do. But this award recognises the growing awareness and concern for the great multitudes of species to which Man lays waste and the opportunities to protect and save them”.    

McNair was one of five winners to receive The Law Society’s Legal Hero of the Year 2024 award, alongside Kevin Macmanaman, Andrew Macleod, Pauline Campbell and Stephen Kinsella. 

The awards ceremony, hosted by Nick Emmerson, President of the Law Society, drew attention to the inspiring efforts of solicitors who have gone above and beyond their legal duties to bring positive, lasting change to their communities and society at large.

A Global Effort for Animal Welfare

McNair’s work with STAE has been truly transformative. With Asian elephants facing growing threats from habitat loss, exploitation in tourism, and illegal wildlife trade, McNair recognised an urgent need for legal and public intervention. Since founding STAE in 2015, he has played a critical role in raising global awareness about the plight of Asian elephants and advocating for better protections.

Dedication Beyond the Courtroom

While McNair’s professional legal career spans over 30 years, where he has built a reputation for his expertise in complex litigation, it is his passionate commitment to animal welfare that has made him stand out in the legal profession. His advocacy for ethical practices in animal tourism and his leadership in shaping meaningful legislation have left an indelible mark not only on the legal landscape but on the lives of countless animals and people alike.

The Law Society’s Legal Hero Awards 2024

This year’s Legal Hero initiative saw an impressive 500 nominations, a testament to the vast and impactful work being done by solicitors across the UK. After a meticulous review process by an expert judging panel, 19 individuals were shortlisted for their remarkable contributions. The five winners were honoured for their work, which has gone beyond the bounds of traditional legal practice and made a demonstrable, lasting impact on society.

The awards ceremony, held on 12 September 2024 at 113 Chancery Lane in London, was an inspiring occasion that highlighted the important work being done by solicitors who dedicate their time and expertise to causes that truly matter. 

In recognising these unsung heroes, The Law Society celebrates the best of the profession and its power to bring about meaningful social change.

For more information about Duncan McNair’s work with Save The Asian Elephants, click here.

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Manchester based The fresh Group is expanding north of the border with the opening of an office in Edinburgh. This marks a significant milestone in fresh’s continued growth, bringing new energy to the agency world.

Former long-term IPM member David Roberts, alongside respected industry figures Peter Wright, Laura Jones, and Valerie Weaver, will lead the Edinburgh team. Together, they bring 65 years of integrated marketing expertise to fresh, with a proven track record in delivering award-winning campaigns for challenger FMCG and luxury brands.

David Roberts, Director of fresh Edinburgh said “It’s an incredibly exciting time. We’ve known the guys at fresh for a long while and when the opportunity came to fuse our respective skillsets, it really was a no-brainer. The best in brand experience, events, and communications coming together with some of the most ambitious consumer campaign marketeers.”

Lee Harris, fresh CEO said “Building the plans with David, Peter, Laura and Valerie has been an inspiring and exciting step in our continued journey to be the world’s most trusted and creative partner for brand experiences. We’re looking forward to sharing their skills and knowledge with our clients as well as expanding The fresh Group into dynamic new creative territories with new clients.”

Overview of fresh   

The fresh Group is a leading global brand experience agency that has been delivering activations with their long-standing client partners since 2004. As an award-winning agency, they create amazing global brand experiences using joined-up thinking and a true partnership approach. Through brand activations, events, creative communications and now integrated marketing, they help brands connect with audiences, change perceptions and inspire action.
   
This approach has made them the trusted partner of some of the world’s biggest brands delivering global projects across a wide range of sectors including telecoms, tech, retail, FMCG, finance, automotive, education and the public sector.   

For more information, contact: david.roberts@freshemail.co.uk

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Experiential marketing agency TRO worked with BMW and MINI to create interactive and participatory brand experiences for automotive fans at Goodwood Revival 2024.

Held at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex, from 6-8th September, Goodwood Revival is an immersive celebration of iconic cars and fashion, and the only automotive event to be staged in a period theme.

Each year, Goodwood Revival attracts hundreds of thousands of motorsport enthusiasts and aims to inspire them to rethink, repair, and re-wear through its theme, ‘Revive and Thrive’.

TRO brought the brands to life in this unique world, creating end-to-end experiences to help fans indulge in their passions.

BMW’s experience, ‘Racing Through Time’, focused on gamification, taking petrolheads back in time to a nostalgic arcade and multi-player game portal, challenging them to solve multiple tasks. From popcorn and gumball machines to tattoo studios, the experience offered various vintage delights and surprises. Attendees also had the opportunity to get hands-on with the new BMW i5 Touring and explore the latest in-car gaming technology.

At the MINI stand, car fans were immersed in a retro-style (and bubble-filled) laundrette, inspired by self-serve detergent stations from the 1940s-50s. The stand included various touchpoints, such as a scent booster station offering sweets, an iron-press transfer station for customer handkerchief giveaways, and the return of the fan-favorite spin-to-win machine. Washing machine drums were transformed into screens, showcasing MINI’s latest OLED display technology—playfully demonstrating the brand’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation.

“Goodwood Revival is an event like no other. It gives brands the opportunity to step away from traditional automotive marketing and into a unique, vintage world, with all the creative opportunity that comes with that. By harnessing the power of experiential marketing, we transported attendees back in time while simultaneously celebrating the future of the industry. This year’s event tapped into automotive passion through innovative and exciting experiences.”

Tara Allen M Grey, Head of Client Services

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