Steal a March on New Business Opportunities for 2026

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by jim-piper

What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond

As we move further into September, the run in to the end of the year is now well and truly upon us. Agency life moves at a frightening pace and, if you haven’t started already, you need to act now to make a real difference to your new business revenue next year.

Whilst the ONS calculated the UK economy grew by 1.1% in 2024 and a slightly stronger-than-expected start to 2025, growth is expected to slow in the latter half of this year.

What Slower Growth Means for Agency New Business

As it stands, business investment is predicted to be flat in 2026. This is a significant downgrade from earlier forecasts, as companies pause investment decisions amid increased global trade disruption, higher energy prices, and uncertainty surrounding US tariffs.

Unfortunately, all of these factors are expected to reduce consumer and business confidence, impacting overall economic momentum.

A Glimmer of Recovery as 2027 Forecasts Look More Positive

Whilst it may seem all doom and gloom, the forecast for 2027 is expected to pick up to 1.5% as these uncertainties subside.

But agencies will need to weather the storm in the meantime and ensuring you maintain a robust new business pipeline is going to be essential during this time.

How Smaller Agencies Can Win Big in a Tight Market

In the event that budgets are squeezed in 2026, brands will be looking to achieve “the best bang for their buck” and this will often benefit agile and efficient smaller to mid-size agencies.

Companies will not simply stop their marketing output, but they will be discerning about how they use it.

Why Now Is the Time to Focus on Your 2026 New Business Pipeline

In order to secure new clients for 2026, you need to be prospecting right now. The September to January period is critical for planning and budgetary decisions. With so much competition out there, If you are not in the shop window, you simply won’t be considered.

Tactical New Business Campaigns to Kickstart 2026 Revenue

With this in mind, as well as our standard, always-on new business programmes, we are also offering shorter, fixed term tactical campaigns. These can start from as early as this month and run through to January or February 2026 to help agencies enter next year with a pipeline of live opportunities. The companies and prospects you meet in the next few months will be the ones to increase your revenue next year. You might also benefit from marketing decision makers wanting to use their budgets up by the end of 2025.

If you would be interested in a standard campaign or a shorter-term tactical new business sprint to maximise your new business efforts in 2026, please get in touch to find out more.

Please email jim@alchemis.co.uk or call on 020 7836 3678.