The ALF events calendar officially kicked off with Agency Hackers’ Agency Growth Summit! This highly anticipated event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and ambitious agencies eager to share ideas for business growth. 

With insightful discussions, expert panels, and invaluable networking opportunities, attendees are left equipped with fresh strategies to drive their agencies forward in an increasingly competitive market - let’s dive into the key learnings. 

The Power of Small Changes 

Ian Harris, (Founder – Agency Hackers), kicked off proceedings by making a thought-provoking observation: the only difference between arsenic and selenium is one electron—one is poison, the other essential. His point? A single small change can have a massive impact on your business growth. Finding the right "electron" is the key to standing out in a crowded industry. 

The Competitive Landscape 

The UK agency market has exploded, with the number of agencies tripling since 2010 according to research by Agency by Agency. However, post-pandemic, the birth rate of new agencies has dramatically slowed—especially outside of London. With modest ad spend growth forecasted for 2025 and shifting consumer confidence, agencies must refine their strategies to remain competitive. Notably, website and UX/UI design remains the most saturated field. 

Three Ways to Differentiate Your Agency 

1. What You Do – Define your unique services. 

2. Who You Serve – Identify your ideal clients. 

3. When You’re Needed – Timing is everything. 

Bigger Fewer Clients 

Anant Sharma (CEO - Matter of Form) talked a lot about targeting high-value clients with a big turnover. He often found that smaller clients can be the most time-consuming with limited returns and therefore made the strategic decision to target C-suite decision-makers for three-year, high-revenue engagements. The overall aim was to move beyond commoditized digital services to strategic, brand-led offerings. 

The Strategy of "Pruning the Plant" 

Anant also introduced the concept of cutting 5% of toxic revenue annually to promote sustainable business growth. Instead of reducing rates for your biggest clients, identify services that are resource-intensive but yield low returns. Eliminating these allows your agency to focus on high-value pitches and clients. 

Reaching C-Suite Decision Makers 

C-suite executives are notoriously difficult to access. If you don’t have access to their direct contact details, a great way to connect is to engage with them at events, feature them on podcasts, and build relationships that evolve into strategic partnerships. 

Pro-tip: With our platform, which offers up-to-date contact details on C-Suite level profiles, you can reach out to the decision makers you need, directly! 

Industry Challenges: Outdated Tools and Processes 

Teamwork.com shared an eye-opening insight: 39% of agencies feel they are stuck using outdated tools and manual processes. This highlights the need for continuous innovation in workflows and technology. 

Pro-tip: ALF Insight can streamline your lead generation strategy. One of our agency clients Ever Forwards says ‘With its quick access to relevant contacts, we've experienced an incredible 60% time saving in our research process. This tool is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their outreach efforts and connect with the right people effortlessly.’

See for yourself how we can help your business thrive by booking a demo with ALF Insight. 

Recommended Partner 

Agency Hackers produces fantastic events, and the Agency Growth Summit was no exception – packed with invaluable insights. ALF Insight is proud to be a Recommended Partner. As the industry continues to evolve, it is clear that agencies that embrace strategic change, invest in relationships, and refine their offerings will be best positioned for long-term success.