The IAB UK Podcast

In this special live episode of the IAB UK Podcast, we bring you into the room at The Last Thursday Club, our monthly networking event, where the focus was Retail and Entertainment: The Next Era of Retail Media.Live from IAB HQ in Covent Garden, our Retail Media Lead, Liv McCullagh, was joined by Paul Hackwell (Amazon Ads UK), Farah Souhail (TikTok) and Ash White (dentsu) for a lively panel discussion exploring how retail media is evolving from being performance-driven to becoming richer, more engaging, and often more entertaining.From shifting consumer behaviour and personalisation to brand engagement, measurement and the future of live shopping, this conversation covers it all.Sign up for future Last Thursday Clubs at iabuk.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 18 of The IAB UK Podcast kicks off with the latest Digital Adspend results. Host James Chandler is joined by Elizabeth Lane, IAB UK’s Head of Insight, and Jeff Youssef, Partner at Oliver Wyman, to unpack the findings from the first half of 2025. With Oliver Wyman newly on board as Adspend partner, this edition brings fresh depth to the UK’s most authoritative digital advertising study – including forecasts for the rest of this year and beyond. Expect data, analysis and industry context to help you navigate the months ahead. Members can access the full Digital Adspend H1 report at iabuk.com/adspend Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth and final episode of ‘Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we look at how AI and wearable tech are reshaping everything from brand discovery to the way people experience the world around them. By 2030, AI will be embedded in search, shopping and recommendations, while wearables – from smart glasses to biometric clothing – will make interactions frictionless, intuitive and deeply personal. James Chandler, IAB UK’s Chief Strategy Officer, is joined by Phil Rowley, Head of Futures, OMG UK, and Shruti Dube, UK Country Director, Meta. Together, they discuss why AI should be seen as augmentation, not replacement – an “extension of our brains” that removes friction from daily life – and how advertisers can prepare for a future where discovery may rely on AI agents making decisions on consumers’ behalf. From conversational interfaces to Ray-Ban Meta glasses generating some of the best-performing ads, they explore why experimentation is key, why trust will be critical when dealing with more intimate data and how AI can free marketers to focus on creativity while machines handle the heavy lifting. Plus, there’s debate on whether wearables will finally cross the adoption tipping point – and what that means for brand storytelling. Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/4M-Ot4YoG_o Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of ‘Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we tackle retail media – the fastest-growing area of digital advertising – and explore why the traditional marketing funnel could be obsolete by 2030. As platforms, publishers and broadcasters evolve into full-service commerce ecosystems, retail media is becoming a “spider diagram” at the centre of planning, blurring the lines between brand building and conversion. James Chandler, IAB UK’s Chief Strategy Officer, is joined by Claire Trbovic, Group Business Director: Incubation Hub, SMG, and Simon Andrews, Founder & Publisher, FIX Newsletter. They discuss everything from cross-retail measurement to immersive in-store experiences – including why data from the ‘long tail’ of retailers could be the key to future success, how brands can collaborate without losing their distinctiveness and why access to diverse data sets will transform planning. From digital screens turning supermarkets into experience destinations to the challenges of balancing commercial growth with positive customer experiences, this episode takes you inside the opportunities and growing pains of a retail-first media world. And yes, even cheese gets a mention – as a surprising example of how cross-retail brand visibility could work in practice. Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/8Y9UhbJq748 Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third episode of ‘Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we explore how stereotypes about age are breaking down – and what that means for advertisers by 2030. From festival-loving 40-somethings to Gen Z living at home but splurging on designer handbags, people’s behaviours and priorities are no longer predictable by life stage. And with older audiences redefining ageing, holding more spending power, and expecting brands to act responsibly on issues like sustainability, traditional targeting just doesn’t cut it. James Chandler, IAB UK’s Chief Strategy Officer, is joined by Lisa Boyles, Head of Go To Market and Media, giffgaff, and Kristie Naha-Biswas, Global Head of Media and Digital Marketing, Karo Healthcare. Together, they discuss why the obsession with youth marketing overlooks where real income potential sits, how five generations will need to co-exist in the workplace and why values-led targeting will be crucial as consumer expectations shift. From cash-rich Gen Zers selling clothes on Vinted to older consumers expecting brands to promote healthy tech habits, this episode reveals why advertisers need to think beyond demographics – and how planning for 2030 means understanding values, behaviours and need states, not just age. Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/u59AKkYXMEM Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our podcast mini-series ’Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we turn our attention to how tapping into communities - large and small - provides advertisers with a powerful way to authentically speak to consumers. It’s already happening, and by 2030, our Futurescape study shows that resonating with micro-communities will sit at the centre of smart planning as Gen Z’s values-led approach gains ground and Gen Alpha’s media habits enter the fray. So, from gaming to social platforms, how is the way people come together, connect and co-create reshaping how advertisers show up, be part of the conversion, and stay relevant?  To explore this, James Chandler, IAB UK’s Chief Strategy Officer, is joined by Sabrina Francis, Strategy Partner at the7stars, and Chris Bailes, EMEA Senior Sales Director at Activision Blizzard Media. Together, they delve into how community dynamics are shifting across digital platforms, what it takes to show up meaningfully, and why brands need to think long-term if they want to build lasting connections. From values-led planning to the rise of fandom marketing, the conversation reveals the power of communities to drive real impact when brands take the time to understand, respect and invest in them.  Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/1UXYOVYXp2A Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our new podcast miniseries ‘Futurescape: 2030 & beyond’, we’re tackling a big topic – how content is coming to the fore like never before as the lines between media channels crumble. From TV to news brands, the trend is the same: media owners are diversifying to engage audiences in new ways and planners need to discard channel-led thinking in favour of a content-centric approach. Our Futurescape study – which explores the attitudes, innovations and media shifts that will shape the advertising industry in the lead up to 2030 – unpacks this shift in more detail, concluding that this redefined landscape will require going back to the fundamentals of media to focus on ad formats, quality of content and audience fit, rather than channels or platforms. Drawing on these findings, James Chandler is joined by Pippa Scaife, Director of Digital Advertising at Sky Media UK, and Lauren Dick, Managing Director of Media & Commerce at Mail Metro Media, to explore why content remains such a powerful force – and how it’s evolving across TV, social, streaming and news platforms. From premium podcast storytelling to video virality, their conversation spans the entire content ecosystem, opportunities for advertisers, and how well-established media owners are embracing change while maintaining their distinctive voices. Plus, the trio share what they’re watching, what makes content cut through and why being on every platform isn’t always the answer. Listen now or watch via our YouTube: https://youtu.be/PLY8d2xvkMk?si=uRPAYWxv5u9FyUPL Explore Futurescape: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last month, IAB UK’s Policy Team hosted an event at Reach’s printworks in Manchester focused on how digital advertising can further support SMEs and regional journalism around the UK. The occasion brought together MPs, small business owners, local press and IAB members and marked the culmination of a nationwide roadshow of roundtables where we have heard from local leaders about how the digital ecosystem is benefiting communities - and what more can be done to maximise this. Lucy Powell (MP for Manchester Central and Leader of the House of Commons) and Sarah Lester (Editor of the Manchester Evening News) both spoke at the event and, in this special episode of The IAB UK Podcast, they sit down with Sinead Coogan Jobes (Head of Policy & Public Affairs at IAB UK) to share their thoughts on the role of the regional press in a digital-first landscape, what it has to offer advertisers, and how further growth can be unlocked.  The findings from the IAB’s roadshow and the recommendations we’re making to Government off the back of it are laid out in our latest report ‘Powering Up 2025’, available here: https://www.iabuk.com/news-article/powering-2025-recommendations-help-smes-unlock-power-digital Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at IAB UK’s Last Thursday Club, this episode explores how publishers are navigating the new AI-powered media landscape – and where the human touch still matters most. With insights from Cath Waller (Immediate Media) and George McMahon (UM Worldwide), hosted by IAB UK’s Director of Transformation, Sophia Haynes, the discussion covers everything from AI-assisted editorial tools to why trusted journalism is more essential than ever. Plus, find out how publishers are building stronger consumer relationships, protecting their IP and unlocking smarter content strategies in the age of AI.Explore more in our Futurescape research: https://www.iabuk.com/futurescape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is in-store retail media just DOOH in a new outfit - or is it a distinct space in its own right? In this week's episode, James Chandler is joined by Layla Soufi (Vistar Media), Simon Lonsdale (Tesco Media) and Roy Shepherd (Goodstuff) to unpack the creative, technical and commercial dynamics behind retail media’s latest frontier: the store itself.From programmatic pipes to power at-shelf personalisation, they explore where the overlap with digital out-of-home ends, what brands are getting right (and wrong) and how to unlock smarter, more joined-up campaigns in the aisles. Expect punchy perspectives, a few acronyms and a reality check on what in-store screens can really deliver. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time ever, we recorded a podcast live from Engage – IAB UK’s flagship event. Stationed in the bar area at Soho Place, the IAB’s Charlotte Robinson caught up with speakers fresh off stage and chatted to delegates about their standout moments.With this year’s theme centred on how content connects, you’ll hear from a brilliant mix of voices, including The Times and Sunday Times' Manveen Rana, Spotify’s Jenny Haggard and TikTok’s Callum Smith, as they reflect on connecting with their audiences, driving creativity and making culturally relevant content.Whether you joined us on the day or are catching up after the fact, this special episode is your bite-sized guide to the biggest themes and takeaways from Engage 2025. For more, head to https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025Podcast guests:Manveen Rana, Journalist & host of The Story podcast from The Times & Sunday TimesCallum Smith, Head of Marketing Solutions, TikTokAlex Partridge, podcaster & content creatorJenny Haggard, Global Thought Leadership Lead, SpotifyRob Biagioni, Managing Director, Time OutOllie Presswell, Innovation Lead, Wanderlab by TripadvisorMolly Griffin, The Goat AgencyIsvana Da Silva, ImmediateMaddie Torbati, Mindshare Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to The IAB UK Podcast, recorded live from our May Last Thursday Club. This month’s event unpacked Google’s recent decision to keep third-party cookies on Chrome and what privacy-first advertising looks like today without a universal identifier. Chaired by IAB UK’s Ad Tech Manager, Pat Hann, the session explored how advertisers, publishers and tech providers can continue innovating in a privacy-preserving way with panellists Clara De Rosa (Adform), Ruth Reynolds (Havas Media Network) and Matt McIntyre (choreograph) sharing practical insights on media buying strategies, the future of first-party data and whether AI could help solve for addressability.Explore IAB UK's resources relating to cookieless solutions: https://www.iabuk.com/cookie-alternativesAfter more from us? Engage 2025 is happening on 10 June - see the agenda and book here: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this emergency podcast, James Chandler is joined by the IAB's Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Sinead Coogan Jobes, to break down the Government’s latest announcement on the upcoming less healthy food and drink (LHF) advertising restrictions.With brand advertising now formally exempt from the restrictions, and the implementation date pushed back to January 2025, this conversation provides essential clarity on what’s changed, what the voluntary period means for advertisers and what still needs to happen before the new rules come into force. Sinead also shares how we got to this point, what happens next on legislation and guidance and why industry support has been so crucial in securing this clarity.For more information, visit: https://www.iabuk.com/news-article/government-confirms-brands-ads-exemption-lhf-ad-ban Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s broken in creator marketing – and how do we fix it?In this episode, James is joined by Tim Mitchell, founder and CEO of DRPCRD, to talk about how its platform, CreatorOS, is taking the faff out of creator campaigns. From finding and briefing talent to automating contracts and collecting live performance data, Tim explains how DRPCRD is helping brands and creators work smarter – and faster.They get into what makes a great TikTok, why creators obsess over watch time, the subtle tricks behind scroll-stopping videos and how AI is quietly reshaping pricing and production. If you’ve ever struggled to wrangle creator content (or understand what it should cost), this one’s for you.10 Dark Arts of TikTok: https://www.creatoros.xyz/resources/creatoros-10-dark-arts-of-tiktokBook Engage 2025: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The All In Census is the UK advertising industry’s largest inclusion survey, designed to build a more supportive workplace for everyone. In this episode, IAB UK’s Director of Transformation Sophia Haynes sits down with Dan Wilks, Director of Credos, to unpack the data behind the initiative.They explore how the census began, the insights it's uncovered over time and how companies can use the All In Action Plan to drive meaningful change. Whether you’ve already taken part or are looking to strengthen your DEI strategy, this conversation offers plenty of practical takeaways.Find our IDE hub here: https://www.iabuk.com/diversityLearn more about All In here: https://advertisingallin.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the IAB's Charlotte Robinson sits down with Sandra Arnold, the Regional Head of Learning at GroupM UK & EMEA, to discuss the importance of accessibility in leadership and the workplace and why it isn't just a moral imperative - it’s a powerful driver of productivity.Sandra reflects on her own experiences with hearing loss and delves into the economic potential of accessibility, the barriers preventing organisations from fully embracing accessible practices and discusses why accessibility should be seen not as a luxury, but as an essential investment that can lead to increased creativity and better business outcomes.Book Engage 2025 now: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, our Chief Strategy Officer, James Chandler, is joined by Tom Stevens, IAB UK’s Director of Marketing & Insight, to unpack the key findings from IAB Digital Adspend 2024 — the definitive view of where digital advertising pounds are being spent in the UK.Together, James and Tom delve into what’s behind the market’s 13% growth, the continued dominance of mobile, video and social formats and what the numbers could mean for 2025. From shifting consumer behaviour to macroeconomic headwinds, it’s a deep dive into the trends shaping digital ad investment.Plus, listen out for a cheeky cameo from our very own Chief Digital Cheerleader, Joy!Explore Adspend here: https://www.iabuk.com/adspendBook Engage now: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, our Chief Strategy Officer James Chandler is joined by Paul Wright, Head of International at Uber Advertising, for a personal conversation about dyslexia, creativity and leadership. Paul opens up about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and how it shaped both the challenges he faced and the strengths he’s come to embrace. From storytelling to big-picture thinking, Paul shares how his neurodivergent traits have become assets in his advertising career - and how his love of sci-fi, music and collaboration helped him find his voice.Book Engage 2025 tickets here: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, our Chief Strategy Officer, James Chandler, sits down to chat with Global's Group Strategy Director, Ailsa Mackenzie, about the fascinating differences between audio and visual attention, how advertisers can tap into the full spectrum of listening behaviours and why the lines between radio, podcasts and streaming are blurrier than ever.Download Global's 'The power of not paying attention' report here: https://content.global.com/wl/d58672Book Engage 2025 now: https://www.iabuk.com/events-training/engage-2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

* Trigger warning: suicide is covered in this conversation.*Following on from her fantastic session at Leadership Summit 2025, Blis' VP of Governance, Ethics, and Data Protection Officer Kelly Jacobson Collins joins the IAB's Charlotte Robinson for a conversation about the often-overlooked topic of menopause in the workplace.Kelly shares her personal journey with menopause, including the impact it has had on her daily work life and outlines the necessary changes that need to take place on a macro level, as well as steps that individual managers and team members can take to foster a more supportive and understanding environment.The episode also delves into the intersection of menopause, ageism and stigma - especially in industries that often prioritise youth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.