UK adspend hits new high

Results revealed that television spot advertising rose 10.8% to surpass £1bn for the first time in a third quarter, in part driven by the Rugby World Cup, which took place during September and October. 

Internet ad spend grew by 13.2% and mobile increased by 40.2% for the quarter. Mobile spend accounted for 29% of the internet total, up from 23.5% in Q3 2014. 

Given that Q3 has outperformed expectations by 0.6pp (percentage points), the full year adspend estimate has been revised upwards by 0.3pp to 6.1%, and the 2016 forecast revised upwards by 0.2pp to 5.6%. 

"This is the 9th successive quarter in which advertising growth ahead of GDP has helped to fuel the wider economy," said Tim Lefroy, chief executive at the Advertising Association. "With growth of 5.6% expected this year ( 2016 ) our adspend forecasts remain strong."