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The Future of Skills and Hiring
in the Age of AI

149 UK agency leaders reveal how AI is reshaping talent, skills, and leadership in creative agencies.

In this report you'll discover:

  • The 4 stages of AI maturity - and where UK agencies actually sit

  • The paradox of the most AI confident leaders citing least AI capability in their organisations

  • The different hiring and AI skills strategies of independent, network and in-house agencies

  • Hiring vs upskilling: what's actually working

  • The commercial gap: why only 17% can sell AI services confidently

  • Why operations is the next AI frontier

  • How the 7% who are innovating differ from everyone else

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We surveyed 149 UK agency leaders with The Industry Club to understand the real challenges of AI adoption.

The findings reveal a confidence-capability gap. As one CEO told us:

"Currently AI is used to differing degrees and capabilities on an individual basis, but we need to move to an agency-wide model with clear training, guardrails and consistent usage."

In this report you'll discover:

  • The 4 stages of AI maturity - and where UK agencies actually sit

  • Why confident leaders often have the least structured AI option

  • Hiring vs upskilling: what's actually working

  • The commercial gap: why only 17% can sell AI services confidently

  • Why operations is the next AI frontier

  • How the 7% who are innovating differ from everyone else

When you download, we will also send you Chapter One of Shift - AI for Agencies (#1 bestseller) - introducing the Spark AI Maturity Model in more detail.

We found that:

  • 63% feel confident about AI adoption, but only 37% still use AI sporadically

  • 65% of agency leaders are hiring for aptitude over technical expertise

  • 53% of agency leaders are building capability through upskilling

  • Only 17% are confident in selling AI services

AI training for creatives & agencies

We specialise in proven training programmes that are designed specifically for agencies, creative and marketing teams, and based on insights from industry leaders. We'll help you to integrate AI to streamline processes, spark new ideas, and deliver more impact for your clients.

AI FUNDAMENTALS

for agencies

Kickstart your team's AI journey with a hands-on workshop designed specifically for creative agencies. Gain the knowledge and skills to enhance creativity and stay competitive with AI.

Learn more

AI ACCELERATOR

for agencies

A transformative 3 month programme with tailored modules for your leadership team, designers, and strategists. Practical training with ongoing coaching to accelerate adoption across your team.

Learn more

Proven results for agencies

After working with Spark AI our clients tell us:

9.3/10

Average course rating

100%

Agency Leaders would recommend Spark AI

100%

Felt more confident

4/5

Felt more or much more optimistic (nobody felt less!)