Brann puts 10m media business up for pitch…

Brann, the Bristol-based direct marketing agency, is reviewing its 10m media buying account out of CIA Media Solutions. It is expected to appoint a new media buyer rather than handle the business itself.

Brann specialises in direct response press and television advertising. Its client list includes Norwich Union, CompuServe, Colonial Direct, Age Concern, Touchline Insurance and the RSPCA.

David Chalk, managing director of Brann, confirms that most of the agency’s clients have their media bought through CIA Media Solutions, but refuses to comment on any review. Media Solutions lost its chief executive Julian Neuberger to J Walter Thompson Brazil in the summer (MW May 31).

The move comes as Brann plans to add a London office to its Bristol and Cirencester offices in January. At present, it is test-marketing nationally six direct mail consumer magazines (MW November 8) for four Unilever companies. It also handles DM campaigns for Microsoft, Barclays, Midland, DHL and the Royal Mail, Guinness and Peugeot.

In a separate move Brann has landed a “substantial” slice of Marks & Spencer Financial Service business this week after a three-way pitch against WWAV Rapp Collins and Hamilton Wright. The business includes work on M&S pensions.