BDH wins 11m Time Computer

BDH, part of the Omnicom-owned BDDP-GGT group, has won the creative account for Time Computer Systems reported to be worth 11m.

CIA Media Solutions has been appointed to handle media for an advertising campaign for the Burnley-based company.

Seven agencies from Manchester, the Midlands and London held talks with the direct PC seller. They are understood to include J Walter Thompson Manchester, Bates

Dorland, Cogent – in association with Compass – and Tom Reddy Advertising.

Steve Simpson, Time Computer’s marketing manager, says: “We were surprised and impressed by how close all the agencies got in such a short space of time to understanding the dynamics of our market.

“In the end, it came down to the creative work we felt most comfortable with.”

The new campaign, to be launched in the autumn, will help build awareness of the brand. Until now, the company has used off-the-page ads in broadsheets and computer magazines. This work will continue to be carried out in-house.

Time was set up in 1987 to help first-time buyers with little knowledge of computers.

Since branching into retail in 1996, Time has opened 43 showrooms and claims a turnover of more than 100m.