Growth in traditional display advertising, including television, radio and outdoor, was particularly strong. TV spot advertising rose 11.5% to reach £1.2bn for the quarter, with display advertising overall rising 8.5% to reach £3.2bn.

Mobile’s rapid rise continued, with spend increasing 50.9% for the quarter and passing more than half a billion pounds. 

The 8.2% growth posted in Q1 was well ahead of the previous prediction of 6.2%; forecasts for full year 2015 have been revised up 0.6pp to 6.2%.

Tim Lefroy, chief executive at the Advertising Association said: “Despite uncertainty in Europe and at home prior to the election, these figures come as a welcome boost. Adspend is growing faster here than anywhere in Europe, to the benefit of our digital economy, creative industries and UK plc.”