Starcom Mediavest faces COI review of 2m DVLA business

COI Communications is understood to be preparing to review the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s £2m media planning business, which is handled by Starcom Mediavest.

It is not clear when the review will begin and a brief has yet to be issued. A statement from the COI confirms a review is in its early stages. It says: “The DVLA is reviewing the campaign, though no brief has been issued yet.”

The department also works with DLKW and digital agencies Agency.com and I-level, which were appointed a year ago to launch a scheme to offer driving licences online. It is not known if they will be affected by the review.

Starcom Mediavest has lost a number of COI accounts over recent years. Earlier this year, Starcom lost the £3.5m media planning and buying account for the Department for Work and Pensions to MindShare. Last year, the agency lost the £70m TV buying work to Carat but subsequently won the £20m radio buying business from OMD.

The agency is still pitching for the Department of Health’s £4m NHS Careers account against Manning Gottlieb OMD, PHD and Experience.

The NHS recruitment business includes brand advertising aimed at encouraging potential recruits to enquire about working in the social care sector, ranging from domiciliary and residential care work, to professional degree-level social work.

The pitch also invited strategic proposals on potential future recruitment into careers in healthcare.

The DoH plans to launch its new campaign in the spring 2007.