… as Manchester division gains Portland Direct account but loses Eurocamp work

McCann-Erickson Manchester has lost the account for holiday company Eurocamp but has picked up 2m business for Portland Direct. The outfit specialises in direct package holidays.

McCann Manchester will work on the repositioning of Portland with the aim of broadening its appeal. Its parent company, the Thomson Group, has decided to put more effort behind the brand in an increasingly volatile holiday market. McCann will produce a press campaign and handle some below-the-line activity. A TV drive is under consideration.

Meanwhile, Manchester-based BDH has prised away Eurocamp business worth 221,000, according to Register-MEAL. Sources suggest that the budget may be increased.

McCann Manchester repitched for the business but direct marketing director Nick Backhouse says: “The gain of one account and loss of the other are not related.”