Blink and you’ll miss it. One minute you’re scoffing the last of the Celebrations and making empty promises about Dry January. The next, it’s 28 degrees outside, Glastonbury’s on the telly, and we’re deep in the weeds of Christmas 2025 media plans.

 

Yes, Christmas. Again. Already. No, we can’t believe it either.

 

The first half of 2025 has been a whirlwind at PASHN HQ. A proper belter. Fast growth. Big wins. Some unexpected left turns. And more biscuits consumed in media owner meetings than we care to admit.

 

So here’s a quick check-in on where we are, what’s changed, and what’s next.

 

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The Industry’s Had a Few Moments, Too

 

Before we get too self-congratulatory, it’s worth reflecting on the year so far in UK advertising. It’s been… eventful.

 

Linear TV? Still wobbling. No real surprises there. The exodus of ad budgets continues, with AV dollars flooding into YouTube, TikTok, and ad-supported streaming. What we used to call “TV” is now a many-headed beast—and we’re finding new ways to tame it daily.

 

Meanwhile, the influencer bubble has finally lost its shine. Marketers are waking up to the simple truth: fake followers don’t buy handbags, gaming headsets, or shampoo. Real audiences do. And real audiences want stories, not spawn-con.

 

Big tech’s still meddling with cookie deprecation (snooze), but smart brands have pivoted to context, creativity, and community. That’s our turf. That’s where we live.

 

And then there’s cinema, quietly staging a comeback. With feel-good films leading the charge, it’s becoming a powerful emotional shortcut for advertisers who want to be remembered for more than just shouting at you in the middle of Love Island.

 

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Our Crew: Bigger, Bolder, Busier

 

Back at basecamp, we’ve been busy growing. We’ve added new talent across media, strategy and client service—people who are razor-sharp, culturally clued-in, and know their value. There’s a real energy in the place right now. more brilliance.

 

We outgrew our old office (and its dodgy kettle), so we packed up and moved into somewhere with actual meeting rooms, more natural light, and the sort of coffee machine that makes people think you’ve made it. Or nicked it. Spoiler: we haven’t. But it’s nice to pretend.

 

The bigger space fits our growing ambition—and our ever-growing list of clients. In the first half of 2025, we welcomed brands in fashion, gaming, food, and film. Some big names. Some exciting up-and-comers. All of them creatively brave, commercially ambitious, and up for shaking things up. Just how we like it.

 

We’re not just UK-based anymore either. PASHN campaigns now run in markets across Europe, North America, and a few spicy test territories we’re keeping an eye on. We’re playing wider—and smarter.

 

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Talking Loud and Saying Things

 

One of the most exciting growth stories? The podcast we sponsor has really worked. Audience up. Buzz up. Brand value through the roof. It’s proof that great storytelling—genuinely great storytelling—still cuts through. Especially when you back it with a smart media strategy (yes, we’re claiming some credit).

 

We’re seeing more interest from brands who want to build longer-term love with their audiences. Not just eyeballs. Not just reach. Proper, lasting connection. Whether it’s audio, film, gaming, or classic media with a twist, that’s where we come in.

 

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The Summer Slowdown (That Isn’t)

 

Now, truth be told, the summer’s not quite as busy as we forecast. Some clients are holding back spend till Q4. Others are watching the North American soap opera coverage like it’s the new Succession. Fair enough.

 

But here’s the thing: we’re not sunbathing. We’re sharpening our tools.

 

Summer is where we go harder on business development. New business. Bigger partnerships. Better ideas. We’re not sitting back with an Aperol. We’re booking meetings, refining strategy, and getting ahead while the industry has a breather

 

Well actually thats exactly what I have next to my computer right now.

 

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The Numbers? Looking Good.

 

Let’s not dance around it: 2025/26 is shaping up nicely. Our billings are up. Our pipeline’s strong. And—we say this with pride and maybe just a little relief—we’ve turned a profit. Real one. Not the creative accounting kind.

 

It’s a massive milestone, especially in year three. A proof point that what we’re building works. Clients are sticking around. Word is spreading. And we’re only just getting started.

 

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So, What Now?

 

Now we build. We pitch. We create. We learn. We go again. The second half of the year is already stacked with exciting projects—from blockbuster campaigns to category-breaking experiments. (And more biscuits and thank God for the Nellie Dean)

 

We’ll keep investing in talent, testing new platforms, and putting our clients in places where they actually matter to their audience. If you’re looking to shake things up, we’re ready.

 

Because while some agencies slow down in summer, we’re just heating up.

 

So from all of us at PASHN: have a great one. Stay curious. Stay sharp. And if you’re planning Christmas in June too, give us a shout. We’ve got ideas.

 

And with testament to the Chiltern Digital gathering last friday, don’t forget your suncream.