The Marketing Watchdog

I audit UK marketing agencies on behalf of the businesses paying them. Independent, anonymous, with no agency services to sell on the back of it.

The Marketing Watchdog exists because of a specific story. I spent years running a marketing agency, watching competitors win business with promises of overnight miracles while I tried to be honest about what was actually achievable. Prospects nodded politely at my realistic timelines, then signed with whoever promised faster. In this industry, honesty wasn't just undervalued. It was actively punished. Eventually I walked away and turned the lens around. Now I audit the agencies that play those games, this time from the client's side of the table.

Who this is for. UK small and medium-sized businesses spending £3,000 or more per month on an external marketing agency, and suspecting something is wrong without being able to prove it. You know the feeling. Reports full of impressive-looking metrics that say nothing about ROI. The senior strategist who sold you the contract, then vanished from the account. The quiet sense that you're throwing money to the wind and don't know what's actually working.

What I do. Structured one-off agency audits, and ongoing monthly oversight for businesses that want continuous, independent eyes on their agency's work. Evidence, not opinions. A published methodology. A sample report. What you do with the findings is your decision; I give you the information.

Why anonymous. Two reasons. Your audit stays confidential from your agency, which matters if you decide to use the findings to renegotiate terms or part ways. And the service is about your business, not a founder brand. You're not paying to promote someone's personal profile.

77% of UK businesses are neutral-to-dissatisfied with their marketing performance. Most cannot pinpoint why with any specificity. The audit exists to close that gap.