Time drops BDH in 11m review

Time Computers Systems is understood to be reviewing its 11m advertising account only a year after it handed the business to BDH TBWA.

Time is talking to a number of agencies which were on the original pitch list last March. These include Bates Dorland, Cogent, and Tom Reddy Advertising.

Agency sources suggest that Time has become unhappy with the TV advertising set in its stores, created by Manchester-based BDH, and wants a more adventurous direction. BDH also handles national press for the company.

Time is owned by the Burnley-based Granville Technology Group, and manufactures and sells its own personal computers. The company was set up in 1987 to help first-time computer buyers choose the right system.

The company branched into retail from direct selling in 1996 and has opened 50 showrooms nationwide. Last August, Time also struck a deal with office suppliers Office World to sell computers through its 56 stores. Time has an annual turnover of 100m.

Time’s media agency is CIA Media Solutions, which was also appointed last March. This arrangement is not expected to change. Time and BDH refuse to comment.