Quiet Storm abandons Lastminute business
Quiet Storm has resigned the Lastminute.com account, citing differences over fees and the future working relationship.
The agency was appointed by the holiday and entertainment internet company on a project basis after a competitive pitch (MW September 18), but it wanted a longer-term commitment from Lastminute.
Quiet Storm has worked on three projects, including the “Keep weekends sacred” campaign, and developed Lastminute’s current Christmas activity. A statement from the agency says that the resignation is “due to renumeration”.
Managing director Trevor Robinson adds: “As an agency, we have moved away from project-based work. More than 90 per cent of our client relationships are now on a long-term footing.”
Prior to the appointment of Quiet Storm, Lastminute’s advertising was handled by M&C Saatchi’s Immediate Sales Agency.
Quiet Storm was appointed by marketing director Vijay Solanki, who joined Lastminute.com in August. Solanki is overseeing a media agency review – the incumbent is PHD.
Lastminute managing director Helen Webb confirms that the company will not work with Quiet Storm on the company’s next marketing project. She adds that the company chose to work on a project basis as it offered the best value for money.
Webb says the company is considering a number of agencies for its next campaign.
Lastminute.com has recently bought internet agency Med Hotels for &£16.1m, in order to expand its presence in Europe and to compete with US rival Expedia.
