Havas Red

In just five years, Havas Red has evolved from a ‘start-up’ within the French-owned marketing services group, to being fast-growing ‘micro-network’ to pay attention to. With a 21% average annual growth rate and £5.7 million in revenue, the agency delivers work that drives real impact for brands including American Express, NBA, Reckitt, and Jaguar Land Rover.

Havas Red’s winning formula combines bold creative thinking with senior-level consultancy. Its LEAP methodology helps clients break through a fragmented media landscape by identifying the biggest opportunities for influence. This approach powered major campaigns in 2024, including American Express’s first-ever Wimbledon ‘zine’, a limited-edition print publication that engaged Gen Z audiences and drove 80% brand consideration among ‘Zillennials.’ For Coors, the agency brought the brand’s US heritage to life for UK audiences with a content-led campaign featuring influencers Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks that delivered a 10% sales uplift and a 49% increase in QR code engagement.

The agency has built an impressive new business pipeline, winning two-thirds of all competitive pitches in 2024. This resulted in £1 million in new fee income, with The Macallan, NBA, Jaguar Land Rover UK, Reckitt, and Heineken joining its growing client roster. At the same time, Havas Red prioritises long-term client partnerships and organic growth, ensuring every account receives daily board-level input.

Beyond client success, Havas Red remains committed to industry leadership and social impact. Its ‘Red Sky Thinking’ podcast and sector trend reports position the agency at the forefront of PR innovation, while its pro-bono work for Luminary Bakery and Rites for Girls has helped elevate social enterprises supporting disadvantaged women. Chief impact officer Rosie Kitson plays an active role in shaping client sustainability strategies, from carbon calculators for creative campaigns to advising on corporate transformation journeys.

In the UK, Havas Red has a 60% female-led board – including EMEA CEO Rachel Sansom and London MD Sophie Raine, who joined last year from Ketchum — 25% LGBTQI+ representation, and a quarter of its team are from mixed or minority backgrounds. Its wellness programme, Equalise, offers everything from meditation and fitness classes to puppy therapy, while its career development framework, international exchange programme, and structured mentoring provide clear pathways for growth, with 90% of employees citing strong role models within the agency. — MPS