New Faces, Big Moves: Why We’re Betting on Ambition in a “Challenging” Market

It’s been a great year for Thrive, and we’re grateful for that. New faces across every department, 20% growth and some exciting new clients – even returning ones, as we welcomed BPP back to the agency. And we celebrated turning 15 like a typical teen-agency, drinking cider down the park, whilst creative slammed the studio door because we asked them to turn Radiohead down.

Naturally, we’re looking ahead and setting ourselves ambitious plans for next year – and beyond. We’re aiming high, despite (let’s face it) the many challenges that agencies and businesses are experiencing. But when were things any different?

When people ask me “how’s business?” I can’t remember a time I didn’t respond with “challenging”. But we love a challenge, thrive on it even, “live for the struggle” – as a sagely old friend told me recently.

So, building on all that good stuff, here’s why I’m feeling positive…

• The incredible team we have in place. We’ve bolstered the squad with new skills and experience; from grizzled agency vets to raw recruits, all with equally valuable perspectives and a drive to make a difference.
• Our relentless drive to add value to our clients. I’m reading a parable, from a book sent to me by wise digital agency sensei Darren Ratcliffe*. There’s a lesson in it; one we’re already on to. It goes like this: ‘Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.’ Wise words.
• Our adaptability. Responding to, and even embracing, change is something we’re wired to do – we must be, it’s key to our job. Whether that’s harnessing AI to streamline workflow, and to free up more time for strategy and creative or helping clients manage change with clarity, to find a clear way forward.
• The impact we make to client’s business. When all’s said and done that’s our job. That’s what we’re here to do and all that matters. How many clients said we’d moved the dial for them in this year’s client survey? 100%.

If, like us, you’re planning ahead, I’d urge you to think big, set a big ambition for 2026, and don’t lose sight of it, whatever comes your way. As Leo Burnett once said: “When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get them, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either”.

*Checkout Darren’s agency Courageous. They’re sound people, ace at what they do.