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Zoopla Albion

Zoopla hunts creative agency following uSwitch buyout

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By Jennifer Faull, Deputy Editor

July 15, 2015 | 2 min read

The Zoopla Property Group is looking for a new creative agency after Albion was forced to resign the account following its acquisition of price comparison site USwitch earlier this year.

The buyout resulted in a conflict of interest with another Albion client, Comparethemarket.com, and Albion chose to stick with the latter.

Jason Goodman, founder and chief executive, Albion said he was disappointed as the agency had worked with Zoopla since 2010 when it won the account for the website. Last year, the group extended the breif, asking Albion to service its entire brand portfolio which included PrimeLocation and HomesOverseas.

“But it's a conflict that can't be resolved,” said Goodman. “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with ZPG and wish them continued success in the future."

Alex Chesterman, founder and chief executive of Zoopla Property Group and someone who has worked with Albion for a number of years starting with his other venture Lovefilm, said: “They are a great firm and we are grateful for the value they've added. No doubt we'll work together again in the future.”

The Drum understands that a new agency will not immediately work on the combined Zoopla and uSwitch business. However, recently appointed chief marketing officer Gareth Helm is searching for an agency that could manage both.

The five-year partnership with Albion spawned work such as the ‘Smart Knows’ proposition, which helped Zoopla overtake the market leader Rightmove to become the most searched-for brand term in the sector.

It is understood a number of those Albion staff who worked on the account have been let go as a result of the decision.

Zoopla Albion

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