The role of Intermediaries

Choosing the right agency is a lengthy, costly and time-consuming process and one where it may be helpful to seek outside advice.

The IPA does not, and cannot offer advice on choosing an agency.

However there are a number of other options.

The client trade body, ISBA, offers an agency search service, as do many consultancies.

We would recommend that you first read the industry-agreed best practice guide to agency search and selection FINDING AN AGENCY . This guide usefully details the ten key points you need to consider before you undertake a review or search. It covers: the why, the who (top management backing, procurement), the when (contracts and implications of TUPE), the what (your brief and type of pitch) and where (publicity and final decision).

This guide also gives you the contact details of the trade associations and consultancies that worked together to produce the guide who are:

ISBA

AAR Group

Agency Assessments International

Agency Insight

The Haystack Group

The Observatory International

Oystercatchers

In contacting any of them you will need to assess their offerings. The IPA, or its members, can take no responsibility for the conduct of these companies or their advice.