We’ve had exclusive access to SUMO’s latest UK talent management insights report — typically only shared with its clients — and the data paints a clear picture of where the market is heading.
Covering July 2025 to February 2026, headcount growth has climbed to 12.91% year-on-year (up from 11.34% previously). At the same time, attrition has dropped to 18.03% and average tenure has increased to 3.22 years. Across talent management agencies of every size and type, the fundamentals are moving in the right direction.
Small agencies are leading the charge
The strongest growth is coming from smaller talent management agencies (1–10 employees), where 1-year growth has jumped to 25.36%. Alongside that, attrition has fallen to 17.45% and tenure has risen to 2.61 years. This makes it the most improved segment in the report.
Medium-sized agencies remain the most consistent performers, with tenure now at 3.04 years, while larger agencies continue to set the benchmark for stability, reaching 4.27 years tenure.
Digital agencies are stabilising
Within the talent management landscape, digital-first agencies are showing the biggest turnaround. Attrition has dropped from 26.13% to 19.27%, tenure has increased to 2.19 years, and growth has accelerated to 17.13%.
Scripted talent agencies remain the most stable segment overall, with the lowest attrition (8%) and longest tenure (6.80 years). Multi-offering talent agencies are also trending positively, with growth at 15.25% and tenure rising to 3.38 years.
The bigger picture
Nick Brand, Founder and Director of SUMO, sets the tone clearly: “This is an industry in confident expansion, and the data reflects that.” With tenure improving across every agency size and type, and attrition trending downward, the fundamentals are moving in the right direction.
SUMO’s report also highlights several structural shifts shaping the market beyond the numbers – from the rise of expert-led divisions and agencies moving into corporate territory, to athlete representation expanding beyond sport and model agencies evolving into full-service talent businesses. The agencies building capability in these areas now, the report suggests, will be best placed to unlock new revenue streams through 2026 and beyond.
Full data breakdowns are available to SUMO clients on request, including bespoke reporting.
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