Winter Newsletter 2026

By Vicky Grant

10 minute Read

Category:

  • News

As we push in to January, most people are celebrating the New Year with new beginnings. Us, on the other hand, we're staying exactly who we've been for the past 14 years - your award-winning, strategic direct marketing partners. We’re excited about what's ahead going into our 15th year. But the best part? We're bringing the same Dragonfly commitment, expertise, and energy that our clients can count on.

So, what will 2026 bring?

In this winter’s edition, we’ll explore the latest trends in direct mail, discuss upcoming events, and share what team Dragonfly have been up to. Let’s dive in.

Client spotlight – Voice of the client

Norty
A leading provider of quality blank garments to the print wear and promotional market overseeing brands including Pro RTX and Anthem.

“Dragonfly’s team were incredibly supportive throughout our photoshoot and brochure project. They are creative, organised, and have outstanding attention to detail. As a new client, we’re genuinely glad to have found them and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their work. We’re already looking forward to future collaborations”

Golden Charter
One of the UK’s top funeral plan providers, working with more than 2,900 independent funeral directors across the country.

“We started working with Dragonfly in May to manage our door drop activity, and we’ve been impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail. They’ve made the process of moving to a new agency seamless; consistently delivering on schedule. The team is not only knowledgeable and responsive but also genuinely lovely to work with, making them a valuable partner in helping to reach our audience effectively.”

Absa Bank

The leading pan-African bank, offering personal, business, corporate, and investment banking, known for its extensive presence across Africa.

“We told Dragonfly about our challenges and they found solutions. Took all the planning and negotiation off us. They were patient, friendly, turned things around in a few hours/days. Dragonfly South Africa is the best agency I have ever worked with in my career. Good quality work and very professional. Thanks Team DFSA for all you have done!”

What’s hot.

The trust factor
Marketreach released research exploring trust in consumers. The report found that 92% of consumers act positively if they trust a brand, but how do you build that trust? The report showed that direct mail is the single most trusted communications channel. As well as this, organisations who send direct mail increase their chances of being considered by consumers by 3%.
Source: Market Reach, “The Trust Factor”, 2025

JIMAIL Q3 2025 result
JICMAIL finds that direct mail continues to be a super touch point with a five year high of mail being shared in the home at 10.1%. As well as this, website visits prompted by mail rose to 9.4%, matching the Q2 2020 record. JICMAIL have also launched a new Carbon Footprint Calculation in partnership with Carbon Quota with mail recycling rates hit an all-time high of 88%.
Source: JICMAIL, “Q3 2025 Results”, 2025

Love Paper week
As proud members of TwoSides, the first week in February brings Love Paper Week. This is a week dedicated to highlighting the unique role that paper plays in our everyday lives, our marketing, and its environmental credentials. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn for some exciting content and find out more here.

The secrets of Dragonfly

Did you know that team Dragonfly have over 210 years’ experience in the marketing industry? From out of home, to digital, to field marketing, and of course, direct mail. We have worked across 150 brands, including Scottish Power, CHAS, Denplan, Disney, American Express, BUPA, Lipton Tea, Ladbrokes, NedBank, People’s Postcode Lottery, William Hill, RSPB, Haven Holidays, Tru Diamonds and more!

Our CEO Vicky has extensive experience in managing the complexities of mailing internationally in multiple languages across the world including; Japanese, Swedish, German and French.

Chloe, one of our Senior Account Managers, is our charity expert and has worked with many brands in the UK and Australia. Chloe has a great understanding of the charity sector as well as donor behaviours.

Debbie, our Head of Strategy, has partnered with many household brands, delivering successful end-to-end integrated campaigns with a fully strategic approach.
Ask us anything and find out how we can help you.

Agency updates

ProRTX Photoshoot
We partnered with ProRTX to create a fresh, bold look for their 2026 catalogue, handling the entire creative journey.

Starting from concept development, Dragonfly working closely with Norty, nailed down a creative direction that really differentiates the brand. The agency managed a four-day studio photoshoot, directing every shot to showcase their products. Dragonfly took care of all the post-production and final artwork to bring it all together.

This project shows what we do best: taking the client’s vision from initial idea generation through to polished reality. Dragonfly is more than just mail.

Team Dragonfly win awards!

Dragonfly South Africa (DFSA) attended the Assegai Awards in Johannesburg and what an incredible evening it was! Our amazing team excelled and brought home not just one award but THREE Bronze Awards!

Working with our wonderful clients at Homechoice, DFSA delivered high quality catalogues to their customers, with real time reporting of when the customer received the catalogues, using our innovative tracking technology. This combination of technology and print ignited a truly effective campaign.

Each award showcases the team’s creativity, hard work and innovation. Huge congratulations to DFSA and our clients for their dedication and passion

Christmas celebrations

What a way to wrap up the year at Dragonfly.

Team Dragonfly came together for a jam-packed day of festivities to celebrate Christmas that reminded us why we love working together. From a festive breakfast to kick off the morning, to the excitement of our Secret Santa gift exchange, the Christmas spirit was in full flow. As usual, competition was high during our team quiz, with congratulations going to team Christmas Crackers for taking home the crown.

We finished off the day with a wonderful lunch at Lady Libertine, sharing great food, even better conversations, and lots of laughs.

Days like these aren’t just about celebration—they’re about the connections we build, the culture we create, and the incredible people who make Dragonfly special.

2026 News

Dragonfly events incoming

We’re busy planning an evening event in Edinburgh, in partnership with data supplier, DBS Data. The event entitled, ‘Unleashing Data-Driven Creativity’ will reveal how top brands are fast-tracking their marketing success through smarter, sharper targeting strategies. All fused with creativity to drive commercial return. Get in touch if you want to attend – 26 March, 2026

And Stop Press: Summer 2026 client innovation event! Look out for more details.

January meetings

New Business Meetings. Our January calendar is filling up with new business meetings. We’re excited to be connecting with prospective clients from a wide range of industries to talk all things direct marketing.

Existing Clients Strategy. We’re kick starting 2026 with investing time into our clients with strategy meetings. These collaborative workshops are designed to align on priorities, set ambitious and achievable goals, and map out integrated campaigns. Talk to us if you’d like to setup a strategy workshop.

South Africa trips

Dragonfly UK are set and ready to visit Dragonfly South Africa in January, March and August, to meet up with clients and make big plans for 2026. Keep an eye out for further updates.

Let’s stay connected

For more insights, industry news, and behind-the-scenes updates, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to The Dragonflyer.

We’re thrilled to have you on our journey and can’t wait to tackle 2026, helping you and your business thrive.

Cheers,

Vicky Grant image

About the author

Vicky (CEO) Founded The Dragonfly Agency UK, in 2011 and Dragonfly Direct Marketing South Africa in 2017. She has over 20 years’ experience in direct marketing and international distribution. She has built both businesses based on strong relationships with clients and suppliers both in the UK and internationally. Her long-standing clients are testament to the hard work and dedication that she has instilled at Dragonfly. Always smiling, Vicky loves nothing more than seeing clients achieve positive results that are delivered efficiently and effectively.