2025 started off relatively sedately. But there were already some indications of the seismic shifts that lay ahead. Speculation on one of the biggest mergers in this industry’s history had started, Donald Trump’s imminent return to office was upon us and NASA confirmed that 2024 had been the warmest year in history. But what has […]
What it comes to pitching, if you’ve been around the block, you will have trodden the well-worn path of traditional pitch processes many times. You know, the one that starts with a chemistry session, moves onto a briefing with Q&A, followed by a tissue session, and ultimately a pitch meeting. At the most basic level, […]
A critical step in most – if not all – pitch processes is the chemistry meeting. It’s the first opportunity for brand and agency side marketers to meet. It’s when clients start making their assessment about whether they want to spend their time and money with your agency. Equally, it’s when agencies get to meet […]
At first glance, the world of marketing intermediaries might seem straightforward. After all, how many ways can you run a pitch process? And while that’s partly true, the real differences, beyond expertise, lie in the business models underpinning intermediaries. That’s where things get interesting, and where transparency becomes essential. Introducing the new ISBA Guide to […]
According to the Association for Talent Development, “companies that invest in employee training see 24% higher profit margins.” Now you might say there’s a clear conflict of interest there, after all, what else is that Association going to say, right? But if you want some additional evidence of the value of investing in your people […]
By the Oystercatchers Team Cannes 2025 was as hot, frantic and energising as ever – with the step count to prove it. Amid both the reunions and new conversations against striking sea views, the festival remained a vibrant celebration of creativity and connection. Yet beneath the sun-drenched surface, a more serious undertone was present. With […]
In the latest episode of the IPA New Business Diaries podcast, Cogent Managing Director Gareth Evans is joined by Becky McKinlay, MD at Oystercatchers. Together they explore all things new business, agency search and selection and how brands optimise their agency partnerships. Becky discusses how the pitch process is evolving, the changing role of CMOs […]
Annie Mallin, Programme Manager at Oystercatchers explores how brands and agencies can capitalise on the opportunities presented by the global gaming revolution. Sometimes, walking through London on a dazzling winter afternoon, I feel like I’ve wandered into a video game. The colours pop, the edges are crisp, and everything feels hyper-real. Maybe I’ve spent too […]
