Why are European digital, creative and marketing agencies looking at the UK for growth?

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by jim-piper

Over the past few years, there has been a flurry of European creative, communications and marketing agencies opening London offices and bases elsewhere in the UK. It is not surprising as the UK advertising and creative marketplace is one of the biggest and most dynamic in Europe.

UK advertising spend has re-accelerated, with WARC reporting an 8% jump to £10.6bn in the first half this year. Digital formats (especially SEO and Paid Online) continue to lead the gains. Bellwether reports show marketing budgets expanding again in the third quarter of 2025, signalling a growing client appetite.

London remains Europe’s international shop window. Many global budgets are influenced or run from the UK. Connectivity makes a UK base a practical launchpad for global or multi-market opportunities.

This backdrop explains the steady flow of openings and expansions. Even outside pure agency land, European Martech and AI firms are setting up in London to be closer to UK tenders and opportunities.

Alchemis has supported marketing, creative and communications agencies for the past 35 years, delivering opportunities and new accounts with companies our clients want to work with.

Post the pandemic, previous international boundaries and barriers have been broken down, with more European agencies working with UK companies and vice versa. Alchemis has supported a range of international agencies looking to:

• Find new clients, grow and expand in the UK as well as further afield (US/EMEA)
• Establish a UK office/base
• Grow current clients in UK headquarters
• Establish complementary partnerships with other UK agencies to fill skills gaps or facilitate swifter opportunities
• Provide white label services to UK agencies across multiple marketing services and digital disciplines

The UK remains one of Europe’s most valuable creative and digitally advanced markets. For European agencies looking to expand, either directly with new clients or though smart agency collaborations and partnerships, a London or UK foothold isn’t just a prestige move, it’s a platform for growth.

If the UK is a key market for you going into 2026 and beyond and you might require support, please get in touch.