The latest Advertising Association and Warc Expenditure Report has revealed that UK adspend grew 5.8% to reach a record high of £9,424m in the first half of 2015.
Adspend growth continues to be driven by a strong performance in digital channels – with internet spend increasing 13.3% to £3,975m, with mobile accounting for 79% of this growth.
Mobile adspend grew 52.1% to break the billion pound barrier in a half-year period for the first time (£1,079m).
Steady growth was also reported in the first half for radio (+2.9%), out-of-home (+2.3%), cinema (+2.7%) and direct mail (+4.5%). TV spot advertising performed especially well, increasing 7.1% year-on-year.
“Advertising’s resilience points to the strength of the broader economy in the first half,” said Tim Lefroy, chief executive at the Advertising Association.
“The UK leads the world in e-commerce and the trend to mobile means serving the public better – ads in the right place at the right time.”
Advertising spend is predicted to break the £20bn barrier in 2016, with a 5.8% rise in 2015 and a 5.3% rise in 2016.
