HubXpert explains that digital agency net margins fell to 13% in 2025, down from a long-run average of around 15%, according to Promethean Research. For agencies delivering HubSpot projects, the pressure is not what they charge clients; it is what they pay to deliver the work.
HubSpot has grown from a marketing tool into a full CRM and operations platform. Projects now require CRM architecture, custom objects, automation logic, and revenue reporting. Most agency teams were not sized for that scope, and the specialist headcount it demands does not scale economically with project values.
The data reflects a structural issue. Promethean Research found that agencies of under ten people average 19% net margin, while those with 50 or more staff average 8%. At a sector-wide billable utilization rate of 66.4%, the lowest in 19 years, agencies are absorbing a third of their capacity as non-billable time. Specialist platform roles are among the hardest to flex.
“Most agencies are not pricing HubSpot projects incorrectly. They are staffing them incorrectly.” Says Ratul Rahman, Founder, HubXpert.
HubXpert works with digital agencies to deliver HubSpot projects under agency branding. The company handles CRM builds, automation, custom development, and portal migrations on a white-label basis, replacing fixed specialist headcount with on-demand capacity. More information can be found at hubxpert.com/hubspot-white-label.
“This is a business model problem, not a technical one. Agencies need HubSpot capacity that is available when they have work and not costing them when they don’t. The white-label model makes that straightforward. Clients see the work delivered under their brand. The fixed headcount cost disappears.”
About HubXpert
HubXpert is a specialist HubSpot white-label delivery partner working with digital agencies across the UK and internationally. The company provides on-demand HubSpot development, CRM configuration, automation builds, and ongoing platform support.
Sources
AGENCY NET MARGIN
~15% → 13%. Long-run avg to 2025 (Promethean Research 2026)
BILLABLE UTILISATION
66.4%. Record low in 19 years (Deltek/SPI 2026)