The IPA’s 2014 Agency Census painted a positive picture for the industry, reporting a 7% increase in overall employee numbers, a 12.2% rise in digital roles and a 31.4% increase in first year-trainees.

The total number of employees in IPA member agencies is now 23,231, up from 21,715 in 2013, marking the fifth year of consecutive growth.

Men and women are now represented in agencies equally and the IPA said there was evidence that agencies are adopting flexible working practices. However, when it comes to senior positions the picture is less representative: 5% of employees are in senior management positions and only 25.6% are women (although this is up from 22.2% in 2013 ).

Paul Bainsfair, IPA Director General, said: “With overall staffing levels up, the number of people from BAME backgrounds up, and with the number of women in executive management positions on the rise, the 2014 Census paints a positive picture as we move into 2015. If we are to maximise our commercial creativity it will be essential to continue to grow, nurture and retain this diverse talent.”