PITCH TO PARTNERSHIP: Agency Success in an Evolving World
Building Powerful Relationships and Sustainable Growth
Following the success of our previous gatherings, the Bulletproof Agency Network returned to Manchester for our latest in-person conference. Hosted at a stunning VOCO venue overlooking the city, agency owners and leaders from across the UK gathered to explore the shifting landscape of new business and client retention.
The core theme for this event was the evolution from “Pitch to Partnership”. In a world dealing with constant disruption – commercial, technological and political, we wanted to provide a space for agencies to move beyond the “rollercoaster” of pitching and build deep, lasting value with their clients.
Navigating the Rollercoaster
The morning began with an energized atmosphere as attendees gathered for coffee, pastries, and networking before the official welcome. Hosted by Dan Archer, a B2B marketing leader and growth specialist, the day was designed to serve a community of founders and strategists looking to marketing themselves as effectively as they do their clients.
The morning sessions focused on setting up agencies for the next 12 months with a “bulletproof” foundation. The network’s partners provided expert advice on achieving financial maturity, managing modern risks, and navigating complex legal relationships. These opening presentations offered the technical confidence needed to ensure that agency success is built on real financial security rather than balance alone.
Trenton Moss: Getting Your Entire Team to Be Client Superstars
Trenton Moss, founder of Team Sterka, addressed the critical theme of growing an agency beyond just winning new business.
He shared the story of how he empowered his entire team to help the agency scale, boosting client revenue by 35% in the process. His session focused on equipping every team member to upsell work and reduce unbillable hours while keeping clients happier.
Katie Bolas: Why Trying to Impress is Costing You the Sale
Katie Bolas delivered a session aimed at helping agencies navigate the frustrations of the sales process, especially when access to decision-makers is limited.
She argued that many agencies lose the sale by trying too hard to “impress” rather than building trust and relevance. Katie offered a mindset shift and simple tools to help teams understand clients more deeply and win work more consistently, even without a clear brief.
Claire Richardson-Critcher & Steven Byrne: Get Serious About Referrals
Claire and Steve, founders of As The Crow Flies, challenged the room to focus on winning work through rigour and intention over “thoughts and prayers”.
Drawing on Claire’s 20 years of new business experience and Steve’s obsessive focus on what makes an agency truly different, they explored how to cultivate the “sticky habits” required to hit ambitious growth targets. Their session served as a masterclass in building systems that create proper confidence when forecasting new business.
Insights from the Network Founders
The opening sessions featured the network’s partners sharing expert guidance on building a robust foundation.
Paul Barnes (MAP) discussed “Beyond the Founder,” pulling back the curtain on the options available for owners looking to scale, step back, or exit on their own terms.
Sam Johnson and Gemma Kay (RiskBox) explored the rise in employment practice claims, offering practical actions leaders can take to reduce exposure in an increasingly complex environment.
Steve Kuncewicz (Glaisyers) rounded out the foundation sessions with “Value, Values & Being Valued,” providing clarity on how to avoid problem client relationships and get your legal house in order ahead of time.
The Agency Owners Panel
To wrap up the day, we held an interactive panel discussion featuring a mix of keynote speakers and seasoned agency leaders.
The panel featured Richard Hill, founder of eComOne, who shared insights on building a recognised brand in the eCommerce space , and Darryl Sparey, Managing Director of Hard Numbers, who brought his perspective from leading a performance-driven communications agency. They were joined by Dan Archer and Claire Richardson-Critcher to answer audience questions on growth and scaling.
The day concluded with a networking and drinks reception, allowing all delegates to connect and reflect on the day’s insights.
