UK businesses are continuing to put marketing firmly on the agenda, with the latest figures showing strong growth in spending and increasing confidence in the value of marketing.

Marketing budgets increased for the second consecutive quarter in Q2 2026, with a net balance of 6.9% of businesses reporting an increase in their marketing spend.

The wider advertising market is showing the same momentum. UK advertising investment reached £46.7 billion in 2025, up 6.4% year-on-year, with spending forecast to reach £50.5 billion in 2026.

Businesses are also looking ahead with confidence. 65% of businesses surveyed expect to increase their total marketing budgets in 2026, with almost one in five anticipating a significant rise.

For Why Media, the figures reflect what is being seen across the agency, as businesses increasingly look for marketing that brings their brand, digital presence and communications together.

Carl Piper, Agency Partner at Why Media, said:

“We’re seeing businesses take a much more considered approach to their marketing. There’s a real understanding that having a strong brand and digital presence isn’t something you can put on the back burner. It needs consistent attention and investment.

“What’s particularly interesting is that businesses aren’t simply looking to spend more. They want their marketing to work harder and have a clear purpose behind it. That’s where having the right strategy and bringing different areas of marketing together can make a real difference.”

That approach sits at the heart of Why Media’s work, bringing together branding, web, SEO, PPC, social media, content, PR, film and photography to help businesses create a consistent presence across the channels their audiences use.

The latest figures also show just how important digital has become. Search and online display, including social media, accounted for more than 70% of UK advertising spend in 2025, reflecting the growing role digital channels play in how businesses reach and engage their audiences.

For businesses considering where to put their marketing investment, the growing market presents more opportunities, but also more choice. A clear strategy can help make sure that investment is focused on the channels and activity that matter most.

As marketing budgets continue to rise, Why Media is continuing to work with businesses across the UK and beyond to turn that investment into stronger brands, better digital experiences and marketing with a clear purpose.