For many UK businesses, the idea of hiring an in-house marketing manager might seem like the logical next step. Having someone in-house, dedicated to your brand, sounds ideal in theory. However, in 2025, with rising employment costs, outsourcing to a marketing agency could be the smarter, more cost-effective choice.
The Rising Costs of Hiring In-House
One of the biggest considerations when hiring an in-house marketing manager is cost. With the UK’s national minimum wage increasing and national insurance contributions rising, employing a full-time marketing professional has never been more expensive. Beyond salary, businesses must account for:
Employer National Insurance contributions (currently at 13.8% for earnings above the threshold)
Pension contributions
Holiday pay, sick pay, and other benefits
Training and development costs
Office space, equipment, and software subscriptions
In contrast, outsourcing to a marketing agency means you only pay for the services you need, in the form of a predictable invoice... no additional overhead, no tax complications, and no hidden costs.
The Expertise of an Agency vs. One Employee
Marketing is a broad field that encompasses multiple disciplines, including SEO, content marketing, social media management, email marketing, PPC advertising, branding, and more. Hiring one in-house marketing manager may give you a generalist, but it’s unlikely they’ll have deep expertise in all areas or if they do, they may be too stretched on the task wheel to effectively use one branch and ultimately end up on a never-ending task wheel.
A good marketing agency, on the other hand, provides access to a team of specialists or has the resources available to carry out the necessary work. Instead of relying on one person to manage everything, you get the benefit of SEO experts, content strategists, email marketing professionals, and social media managers... all working together to create a comprehensive strategy for your business. For instance us, as a consultancy, have the capabilities of finding the right people to get the job done removing that stress factor businesses often face in wondering if they've hired the right person for the job.
Keeping Up with Trends and Technology
Digital marketing evolves rapidly. Google updates its algorithms constantly, social media platforms introduce new features, and consumer behaviour shifts frequently.
A marketing agency has its finger on the pulse, ensuring your business stays ahead of industry changes. They invest in ongoing training and cutting-edge tools that may be too costly for a small business to afford on its own. When you outsource, you benefit from the latest strategies without having to pay for costly software, training, or constant upskilling.
More Flexibility, Less Risk
Committing to an in-house hire means salary obligations, redundancy risks, and performance uncertainties. If your business needs change, making adjustments to staffing can be difficult and costly.
Outsourcing to a marketing agency offers scalability and flexibility whether you need to ramp up efforts for a product launch or scale back in quieter months, you have full control without employment-related constraints.
The Smarter Investment for 2025
While having an in-house marketing manager might seem appealing, the reality is that in 2025, outsourcing is the more strategic and financially sound option. Working with an agency, you can often gain access to a full team of experts, avoid rising employment costs, and stay ahead.
Thinking About Outsourcing Marketing in 2025? Let’s Talk First!
Before making a long-term hiring commitment, consider the benefits of outsourcing. Book a free consultation with us and discover how we can provide expert marketing support tailored to your business needs and more importantly without the overheads of hiring in-house.
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