B&Q reviews 54m ad account

B&Q is reviewing its 54m advertising account currently held by JWT, but has appointed Rapier to work with it on an interim basis. JWT will repitch for the business.

B&Q is reviewing its £54m advertising account currently held by JWT, but has appointed Rapier to work with it on an interim basis. JWT will repitch for the business.

The review is being handled by the AAR, which is currently drawing up a shortlist. An appointment is expected to be made by the summer.

JWT has worked on the B&Q business since WPP Group acquired the retailer’s previous agency, Bates, in 2003.

In addition to the review, B&Q has appointed Rapier to work on a strategic project for an initial period of six months while B&Q undertakes its agency review.

Warren Scarr, B&Q director of brand, says: “As everyone is well aware, the retail marketplace is extremely competitive, and we owe it to our staff and shareholders to ensure that we are working an agency that best meets our needs in both the current environment, and the longer term.”

The retailer’s relationship with its media agencies ZenithOptimedia and Mediaedge:cia will be unaffected by the review.