S1 in search for new agency as the Union faces stv account conflict
The Union and s1 have parted company following the agency winning the STV.tv account.
Recently launched STV.tv is now in direct competition with s1, offering a Glasgow lifestyle section, which goes head to head with s1play. STV.tv, which was launched by SMG, will also offer news, sports and dating services, with more developments to be announced soon.
S1 boasts s1jobs, s1play, s1homes and s1learning.
David Craik, marketing manager of s1, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for a new agency to work with a client that enjoys an enviable reputation for creative excellence and spectacular results. S1jobs in particular must be one of the most decorated Scottish brands of recent years.”
Craik continued: “We enjoyed an excellent relationship with The Union, but nothing stands still and nor should it. And the timing, in fact, couldn’t be better for us, coming as it does at a point when we’re reviewing not just what we require from an agency partner, but our whole approach to marketing.
“With audiences spending more time online and less watching TV, I want s1 to be at the forefront of a new type of more interactive and more effective communication. That’s the challenge for our new agency – to really demonstrate that they understand how to combine digital and traditional media, and also how the role of the brand is very different in the new media environment.
“We’ll be looking to appoint an agency before the end of the year, with a view to them working with us on a major new phase of activity for 2007.”
The Union was keen to stress it didn’t resign the S1 account.
Ian McAteer, managing director of The Union said: “We worked on S1Jobs for a long time, but as a result of winning the STV account we had a conversation with s1Jobs. We continued working for s1 until a couple of months ago – we didn’t resign the account, but we agreed with them mutually that it was best that we didn’t continue working with them for the time being.”