Poster firms suffer 2m election loss

Poster contractors are at least 2m out of pocket after the expected election windfall failed to materialise.

The fall-off in spending is blamed on the long campaign and the fact that despite expectations, the two main parties have not spent as much as in previous elections. A total poster expenditure of 13m since the start of January is anticipated.

“Elections are when contractors fill their boots,” says Mills & Allen commercial director David Pugh, “but there has not been the big slush fund for last-minute activity.”

One contractor admits it had budgeted for the main parties to spend a total of 5m in April but less than 3m has been spent. John Major is believed to have rejected plans for an 11th hour “advertising blitz” on the grounds that the party had to stay within budget.

Another source says: “We thought there would be an extra tranche (of money) in April but the reality was they had spent all they had.”

He says the contractors lost twice because advertisers were reluctant to use the medium at the same time as the anticipated heavy electioneering.

Francis Goodwin, joint managing director of Maiden Outdoor, agrees: “We saw some normal advertisers avoiding April. “

But the contractors report healthy bookings for May, with Maiden predicting a record month.

Cover Story, page 38

Recommended

Midland’s chief moves to Amex

Marketing Week

Midland Bank marketing chief Peter Godfrey, who oversaw the return of the “Listening Bank” strapline and dropped the griffin logo, has quit to join American Express as regional president for Europe. Godfrey’s role as general manger, marketing, card and electronic banking has been divided into two positions. Griffin Credit Services managing director Alan Hughes, who […]

Carlsberg boss quits to join The Unique Group

Marketing Week

Carlsberg-Tetley national account manager David Edwards has left to join Noel Edmonds’ company The Unique Group as its first director of commercial affairs. Edwards joins a growing list of marketing personnel to leave the Burton-based brewing company, which faces an uncertain future while its potential takeover by Bass is reviewed by the Monopolies & Mergers […]