Pure Media faces review of £2m GNER planning and buying brief

Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) is reviewing its £2m planning and buying business.

2gner82793286_s.JPGGreat North Eastern Railway (GNER) is reviewing its &£2m planning and buying business.

The statutory review has been called as the company’s three-year contract with the incumbent Pure Media comes to an end. The agency is expected to repitch for the business.

The review is being handled by GNER’s sales and marketing director Clare Field.

Last month the rail operator launched its first national television campaign, created by Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest (VCCP), which has held the creative account since March 2004.

The TV ads focus on the company’s newly refitted fleet of trains – named after the famous steam locomotive the Mallard. The new trains offer new facilities such as Wi-Fi access.

VCCP was originally appointed alongside the agency Heresy (MW March 18, 2004) but the account was consolidated into VCCP when Chime Communications became the owner of both agencies in July.

Tullo Marshall Warren was appointed to GNER’s direct marketing account, worth &£900,000, in April this year (MW April 28). It had previously been held by Clark McKay & Walpole.

GNER, which runs East Coast services between King’s Cross, Yorkshire, the North-east and Scotland, was awarded a new ten- year franchise by the Strategic Rail Authority in March this year.