Could Beattie be bowing out?

Before you cry: “Oh no, not more column inches dedicated to the ramblings of Babbling Beattie,” read on. Believe me, you are going to want to know Beattie’s latest gem.

In the July issue of GQ magazine, TBWA’s Beattie is featured in conversation with Simon Kelner, editor of The Independent.

All the usual Beattie-isms are there: “People don’t like me because I don’t do things their way”; “Who rattled David Abbott’s coffin?”; “The enemy in advertising is mediocrity”; “I’ve never read a novel in my life”.

But one priceless piece of information about his advertising career stands out: “I’m not going to be doing this for much longer.” Should his boss, Paul Bainsfair, be told?

The Diary incorrectly described Holmes & Marchant International as a PR company in MW May 25. It is in fact a design consultancy specialising in packaging and branding design, while sister company Holmes & Marchant Counsel handles PR. Three smacks on the wrist with a birch twig.