How to shape brand growth in 2026.

As 2026 approaches, one truth stands out: technology keeps changing, but local relevance still wins hearts.

AI now personalises creative at scale.

Data tools uncover micro-markets with remarkable precision.

Yet one question still matters most for national brands:

Are your local outlets truly bringing your brand to life where it counts — in their own communities?

You’ve built a powerful national presence. You’ve invested in brand, strategy, creative, and technology. But how consistently are those investments being activated at a local level?

Are your outlets embracing the tools and guidance you’ve provided, or are they drifting back towards local agencies who “know the area” but gradually dilute what you’ve built?

Now is the time to assess how effectively your local marketing ecosystem is working.

• Are your brand standards protected everywhere you show up?
• Is there the right balance between governance and autonomy?
• Are local teams using your data and insights, not guesswork?
• Is your Local Marketing Hub being used to its full potential?
• And are all your teams, national, regional, and local aligned?

If you’ve already built a Local Marketing Hub, these are the areas to sharpen and strengthen.
If you haven’t, the question becomes simple: why not?

Because in 2026, whatever your sector, whatever your business model, local and regional marketing isn’t a side project — it’s where your brand proves itself every single day.