TBWA outfit holds onto 11m Time Computers

BDH TBWA is tipped to hold onto the 11m Time Computer Systems advertising account after it was reviewed by the PC manufacturer.

Sources say Time is likely to retain BDH TBWA’s services after talks with a number of agencies, including Bates Dorland, Cogent and Tom Reddy Advertising. The final pitch is believed to have come down to Tom Reddy and BDH.

It is believed that Time became unhappy with the TV advertising set in its stores, created by Manchester-based BDH, and wanted a more lively direction.

Steve Simpson, marketing manager at Time, says: “We have not yet come to a decision. We reviewed the account with a number of agencies and a decision could be made within two weeks.”

Simpson did not deny that BDH TBWA was the favourite but declined to comment further.

Time is the UK’s biggest mail order PC company with an annual turnover of 100m. The company, owned by the Burnley-based Granville Technology Group, was set up in 1987 and targeted first-time computer buyers.

Time branched into retail in 1996 and now has 50 showrooms across the country.

Time’s media agency, CIA Media Solutions, which was appointed last March, is not expected to change.