Integrated Business Development Apprenticeship

For over a decade, we’ve proudly run the AAR Business Development Apprenticeship; a programme led by the expert guidance of Martin Jones. During this time, hundreds of agency new business personnel have completed the course and the apprenticeship has become a cornerstone of our commitment to the next generation of talent.

In 2023, Hannah Astill joined the AAR team to lead our Media Practice and, alongside AAR Partner, Paul Phillips, launched the Media Business Development Apprenticeship, designed for individuals entering media agency new business.

With the increasing demand from clients for better cross-agency integration, we are deilghted to now launch the inaugural AAR Integrated Business Development Apprenticeship led by Paul Phillips, Hannah Astill and Rebecca Nunneley, Lead Consultant for Creative at AAR. This replaces the previous Media and Creative BDA courses. 

The IPA and IDM accredited course, is launching on 18th March 2025 and will run for six weeks. We have updated the course to give more time for interaction amongst all delegates as well as to debate and deliver the practical work. We also have two giants of agency marketing and growth joining us to share their insights on all things new business and pitching. 

The brand on which the practical work will be focused (written response to an RFI and mock chemistry meeting) is SEGA, with representatives from their marketing department assessing your work.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

Course outline 

Week 1: Tuesday 18th March Course set up; Team introductions; Developing a growth strategy; Public sector vs commercial opportunities; Winning over Procurement; CMO mindset when pitching media 

Week 2: Tuesday 25th March A view from the best. This week we’ll be joined by a renowned media agency new business lead; What makes for a compelling RFI (in preparation for the first assignment: completing an RFI) 

Week 3: Thursday 10th April Feedback on RFI submissions; What makes for a successful chemistry meeting (in preparation for the second assignment: an in person chemistry meeting) 

Week 4: Thursday 17th April A view from the best. This week we’ll be joined by a renowned creative agency new business lead; What makes for a compelling chemistry meeting (in preparation for the final chemistry meeting assignment) 

Week 5: Thursday 24th April Team chemistry meetings with SEGA Marketing 

Week 6: Thursday 1st May Chemistry meeting feedback; Course wash up; Award presentation; Drinks! 

Where

Sessions 1-4 & 6 will take place at FORA, 210 Euston Road, London, NW1 2DA.

Session 5* (final assignment) will take place at FORA 91 Wimpole Street, London W1G 0EF.

Time will vary by week.

Please note sessions 1-4 will run from 9am to 11am. 

In Week 5 (final assessment) you will be required for 45 minutes for your final presentation. We suggest delegates block the full day in diaries (9am - 5pm) as we will not be able to confirm your slot until the course has commenced. We will try to accommodate any requests but cannot guarantee.

Week 6 will take place from 3pm – 5pm followed by drinks to celebrate graduation 

Who’s the course designed for? 

• Team members who are new to new business.  
• Those who want to get involved in an agency’s growth and business development. 

How much and when? 

Places cost £1,250 (plus VAT) for subscribing agencies and £1,450 (plus VAT) for non-subscribing agencies.

To reserve a place, please email events@aargroup.co.uk with the name, job title and email address of your delegate.