UK will lead 2012 ad spending

The UK will record the most robust advertising growth of the European big five territories, according to new forecasts from GroupM. Across all media the UK will register 3.4% annual growth in advertising spending, taking the total to £13.2 billion. The rate of growth in the UK will slow slightly to 3.2% next year, GroupM added.

“According to our forthcoming global forecasts, the U.K. is leading media growth among the larger western European countries,” said Adam Smith, GroupM Futures director. “Germany and France are barely positive in 2012 while Italy and Spain are expected to contract about 8%.”