LH-S poised to lose 6m Wickes business to C&T

Lowe Howard-Spink is understood to have lost the 6m Wickes DIY advertising account after the retailer handed it to another roster agency, Clark &Taylor, without a pitch.

Wickes started using Clark & Taylor on some of its regional press work about two years ago.

The company is now putting all the work, which includes heavyweight regional and national press into the agency. But it is thought LH-S will maintain media buying for the account.

Neither Wickes’ acting marketing director, Malcolm Dixon, nor Clark & Taylor would comment on the move. LH-S says it is still working on the account.

The DIY chain recently hired Shaun Birrell as its new sales and marketing director (MW May 17), replacing David Bradley who left in February. Birrell, who joins from cash and carry giant Nurdin & Peacock, starts in August.

The Wickes account will add to Clark & Taylor’s retail portfolio which includes Sainsbury’s and fashion chain Etam.

Last year, LH-S lost the 6m Littlewoods Lotteries account to Bates Dorland.