Brilliant Co-op coup as recruitment arm opens
Chris Broadent: Brilliant MD
Although details were limited at the time of going to press, it appears as though Brilliant Manchester has secured the substantial seven-figure media account for the Co-operative Retail Group’s non-food division.Previously held by Robson Brown, the media brief covers the Co-op’s 40 department stores, many of which are currently undergoing a revamp and re-opening as Homestores. The refurbishment programme is apparently being undertaken in an effort to attract younger consumers.
The move, although yet to be officially confirmed, marks a further erosion of Robson Brown’s long-standing relationship with the Co-op. The North East agency also previously held the sizable “food division” element of the media account, but lost this to Manchester’s Mediacom North.
Brilliant Manchester would not be drawn on the exact size of the account and, at this stage, refused to confirm that the business had actually been brought on board. The agency currently works with clients such as Poundstretcher, Pets at Home, Co-op Travel and Chiltern Finance.
Brilliant was able to confirm, however, that the Manchester office is opening a recruitment arm, which will be headed up by Fiona Halkyard. Halkyard is currently an account director at the Leeds operation, which opened in 1999 and boasts billings in the region of £8 million. The team also confirmed that Poundstretcher would now be using the firm for its recruitment requirements.