Wavemaker Retains £2M UK DWP Media Planning Business

Wavemaker has retained the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)’s media planning business following a competitive pitch process. The newly-awarded contract is for four years.

The selection follows the announcement in 2021 that Wavemaker had secured its place on the government’s new four-year agency roster, Campaign Solutions 2 framework to handle media planning and strategy. The DWP review was open to all agencies on the roster, including Havas UK, Manning Gottlieb OMD, and MediaCom UK. Prior to the tender, Wavemaker had worked with DWP for seven years.  

As part of the brief, Wavemaker will continue to lead on annual planning for DWP’s ‘JobHelp’ campaign, which was launched last year. As the labour market recovers from the impact of COVID-19, the campaign aims to support job seekers looking for new opportunities or thinking about making a change. It offers training, advice and practical options on a new career. 

In addition, after playing a key role in planning the Benefit Information campaign which successfully directed people to the financial support made available during the pandemic, Wavemaker will continue to work with DWP to plan the Universal Credit campaign.

Katie Lee, chief growth officer, Wavemaker UK said: “We've worked closely with the DWP for many years, and we're delighted to be asked to continue supporting them, especially since the drive to get people into work is more important than ever before. In the wake of the pandemic, we have a great opportunity to make a positive impact. We look forward to helping deliver on departmental objectives that will produce jobs, opportunities, and prosperity across the nation."