On 18 September 2025, the North’s creative industry will gather in Manchester to celebrate the return of Prolific North’s Independent Agencies to Watch list.
Now in its third year, the list has become THE list to be on for the most ambitious and innovative independents, shining a spotlight on those breaking boundaries, delivering bold work, and reshaping client expectations.
Supported by SBS, Glaisyers ETL and Brands & Agencies the 2025 launch event will bring together agency leaders, clients and industry peers for an evening of networking, insight and celebration.
Tickets are free for those working at an Independent Agency and just £52.04 + VAT if not. Book your place here.
We spoke to Jason Warner, Managing Director, UK and EMEA at SBS to find out why they are supporting this event.
Why now is the moment for independents
For SBS, backing this year’s event was an easy decision.
“SBS is proud to sponsor this Independent Agency list at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” Jason explains. “Right now, the market is undergoing a seismic shift: independent agencies are finally gaining the recognition they have long deserved, and the North is at the heart of this momentum.”
The company points to the influx of investment into the region, from AI start-ups to new marketing companies and established brands looking beyond London. Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and across Scotland are all buzzing with opportunity.
“For SBS, the North represents more than just a growth market, it’s a community we’re committed to championing. We believe it’s time the exceptional work being done outside of London is celebrated, and we’re excited to play a part in supporting and building on this thriving ecosystem.”
Levelling the playing field
One of the recurring themes in SBS’s recent Adapt to Thrive whitepaper is access (or the lack of it).
“One of the biggest challenges independent agencies face today is a lack of resources,” the paper highlights. “Many struggle to move beyond their usual playbooks, often due to knowledge gaps, technology barriers, or being locked out of certain platforms because of thresholds.”
For Jason, the solution lies in creating a more open ecosystem.
“As we outlined in Adapt to Thrive, SBS believes that building community and empowering both agencies and clients is key to unlocking opportunities that have traditionally been reserved for larger holding companies,” he says. “By levelling up our community with access to programmatic services, we aim to create a more inclusive and collaborative ecosystem.”
Collaboration as a growth engine
Looking ahead, SBS sees collaboration as the single biggest opportunity for independents.
“Across the UK and internationally, like-minded agencies are forming alliances, creative shops working with media specialists, programmatic teams, and others to share strategic partners and create building blocks that challenge the status quo,” he explains.
Agility, less red tape, streamlined fees and openness to new ideas are the qualities SBS believes will continue to set independents apart from their networked counterparts.
“Clients are no longer looking for rinse-and-repeat approaches,” Jason says. “Instead, they want agencies to take the building blocks they’re given and create something new and different. Ultimately, clients are looking for real return on investment and the best way to deliver that is by doing things differently and challenging the status quo.”
Why the launch event matters
The 2025 Independent Agencies to Watch launch isn’t just about unveiling a list, it’s about bringing the community together.
“This year’s event is about celebrating creativity, adaptability and collaboration,” Jason adds. “Independents, particularly across the North, have shown real strength here bringing cutting-edge technologies to the forefront, exceeding client needs, and showing what’s possible when you combine curiosity with agility.”
Jason says being associated with the campaign is about more than just visibility.
“We’re all growing together, and our goal is to help each other, build community, and tap into the incredible talent and opportunities across the North of the UK. Prolific North has cultivated a strong community, creating valuable connections. Looking ahead, we’re excited to be part of this new evolution of agencies and to deliver outstanding results for our clients.”
The Independent Agencies to Watch 2025 launch event will take place on Thursday 18 September 2025, 17:45–20:30, at Colony One, Silk Street, Ancoats, Manchester.
