The Drum Research & Insights
Discover the knowledge you need
Each year we outline and define the trends that are shaping the creative, marketing and media industry.
Here are the key research projects coming up.
Independent Agency Census UK
May 23, 2022
The UK remains a global centre of excellence for the creative and marketing industry. The independent agency sector offers a bellwether on the overall health of this changing sector. Our research team poll independent agencies, their clients and staff in this most comprehensive annual survey of the UK sector. From May 2022, the survey findings will be revealed to highlight which of Britain's brilliant indies have the happiest clients, the best creative output and the respect of their rivals. Alongside the findings from the Census, our coverage will include features and interviews with some of the agencies highlighted in the study.
Agency Wellbeing Census
September 29, 2022
Agency recruiting has seen major upheaval over the last two years – and as a consequence, readers want to go beyond the fluffy statements and find out which agencies actually walk the walk on their offer to new talent. A survey of the wellbeing and employee welfare policies offered by UK agencies, both indie and network. The survey will show which agencies offer their staff the fairest deal across flexible working policies, parental leave, annual leave and many other measures. Findings will be published as lists, alongside editorial coverage which will encompass features, interviews and opinion.
Future 50: Brands
December, 2022
Who are the CMOs, company leaders and marketing heroes of tomorrow? The Future 50 is The Drum's annual list of the best emerging global marketers who are making waves for brands s around the world. Our global audience submits their nominations of outstanding marketers aged under 30 or who are in the first 18 months of their marketing career. Our editorial panel will review the nominations and select the final global 50.
Future 50: Agencies
December, 2022
The changing dynamics in the marketing and media industry mean almost constant demand for new and emerging talent. A sister project to the Future 50, this scheme follows the same design and methodology as before, but focused on agency talent rather than brand marketing talent. The final 50 are chosen by the editorial team, following a shortlisting and longlisting process.
Digital Agency Census US
December, 2022
The USA continues to be the world's biggest market for digital, tech agency services. This report looks at the best and brightest US agencies providing digital services and will be a comprehensive survey of the US’s digital agency sector using client ratings as a key component. The findings will reveal which US agencies have the strongest client relationships, the best reputation amongst rivals and the best service performance. An overall rank that combines all three measures is also included. Alongside the findings from the Census, our coverage will include case studies, features and interviews with some of the agencies highlighted in the study.
Agency of The Year Awards
This year, our global awards programme, The Drum Awards will feature a new approach to two categories which identify the best companies and people in the world of marketing and media. Across competitions The Agency of the Year and Rising Star award will now be based on a research-based approach and will be free to enter.
Nominations for these prestigious global awards can be made here
Digital Agency Census UK
April, 2023
A comprehensive review of the UK’s digital agency sector. The UK remains one of the world's key markets for tech and digital agency services. This study identifies the agencies with the strongest client relationships, the best reputation amongst rivals and the best service performance. An overall rank which combines all three measures is also included. Editorial coverage via thedrum.com will encompass case studies, interviews and features throughout March and April.
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