WWAV and EHS Brann ‘in negotiations’ as Leeds’ DM industry struggles
WWAV Rapp Collins and EHS Brann are poised to close their Leeds’ offices.
Both agencies are in negotiation with clients and staff about relocation, with consultation expected to take the next few weeks.
Marco Scognamiglio, WWAV Group’s CEO, said in a statement; “Leeds has been a key contributor to the success of the group over the years but the Northern marketplace has increasingly been an extremely tough one to operate in and revenues have declined significantly.
“The harsh reality is tht we could not see the business in its current format returning to the scale or profitability that is required.”
EHS Brann issued a similar statement, with a spokesman saying; “EHS Brann has commenced consultation to close its satellite office in Leeds. EHS Brann is working with employees affected by this decision to identify alternative roles within EHS Brann Group where possible. All current activity from the Leeds office will be moved to other EHS Brann Group offices.”
The closure of the EHS Brann Leeds’ office will affect four full-time employees.
Scognamiglio’s statement went on to suggest the group didn’t feel investing in Leeds was worthwhile.
“We operate in an extremely competitive agency environment and it is essential that we consistently evolve to meeting changing client requirements,” he said. “That evolution involves ongoing investment and we have to ensure that investment goes to businesses where we see real growth potential. Until we talk to staff and discuss client requirements it is impossible to determine the scale of the impact this will have on our people in Leeds.”
WWAV Rapp Collins’ businesses in the regions have suffered over the last twelve months. In September 2006, the agency’s Bristol office issued a stark denial that it was closing. However, several phone calls made by The Drum to the agency’s Bristol office rang out and its website directs users to the London office.