Why industry commitment matters to DNA

Backing our industry has never just meant turning up to events or clapping from the sidelines. It means being in the room, part of the conversation, listening hard and contributing meaningfully, whether that’s recognising the best business developers in the UK, supporting standout brand activations, or showing up as a Preferred Talent Partner at MAD//Fest.

This isn’t new for us. Supporting the people and ideas that drive this sector forward has been part of our rhythm for over 15 years. But in a year like 2025, with so much change and possibility in the air, it’s become even more important.

MAD//Fest London

We were proud to partner with MAD//Fest again this year, showing up as the Preferred Talent Partner across the three-day marketing festival in London. From our conversations with agency leaders and brand builders to chats with ambitious founders and rising stars, one thing stood out: everyone’s gearing up for a big second half of the year.

There’s a clear energy returning, optimism paired with action. Leaders are shifting their focus to capability and growth. They’re thinking seriously about the people they need around them to deliver on bold goals. And that’s where our role comes in.

We don’t just meet talent demand, we anticipate it, we shape it and we make it happen.

Being part of the ecosystem

We believe industry involvement has to be active, and consistent. That’s why we continue to support major events and platforms that champion the work and the people behind it.

Whether it’s sponsoring the BD100, celebrating excellence at the FMBE Awards, or supporting independent agencies through our partnership with the Independent Agency Awards, we’re always thinking about where we can add the most value.

These aren’t just logos on a deck. These are partnerships built on real relationships, deep sector insight, and a shared belief that brilliant people are what keep our industry moving forward.

Supporting our clients means understanding their world

When we show up at the likes of MAD//Fest and SXSW London, we’re not just attending. We’re tuning into what’s next.

From the shake-ups at WPP and the rise of hybrid-first working models, to the shift in talent priorities (training and flexibility now outranking pay), our consultants stay plugged in. Because if we’re not understanding what agencies and brands are facing right now, we’re not doing our job.

Backing talent internally too

Industry commitment isn’t only external. At DNA, it’s also about how we support our own team.

From our remote-first model (work from anywhere, for real) to monthly in-person get-togethers, we make sure our people have the space, trust and tools to grow. And the results speak for themselves, high performers and brilliant recruiters doing the best work of their careers.

We’re proud to work this way, because how we show up internally reflects how we work with our clients.

Looking ahead

As we head into the second half of 2025, we’re feeling energised by what’s coming.

The conversations we had at MAD//Fest reminded us that ambition is everywhere, from brand teams thinking ahead to Q4, to agencies rethinking how they build new business pipelines, to scale-ups getting serious about employer brand.

We’re here for all of it. As recruiters, yes. But also, as supporters, sponsors, partners and peers. That’s the DNA way.