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Royal Bank hits Scottish industry where it hurts

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

June 20, 2002 | 2 min read

The Royal Bank of Scotland is being strongly tipped to turn its back on the Scottish ad industry as rumours circulate that marketing chiefs at the financial giant have shortlisted eight advertising agencies for the forthcoming review of its £10m advertising account – none of which are believed to be Scotland-based.

The shortlist being spoken about in agencies throughout the UK is believed to include M&C Saatchi, TBWA London, Musto Merriman Levy, St Lukes, HHCL & Partners and three other agencies.

When questioned about the shortlist, a spokesman for The Royal Bank of Scotland refused to identify the agencies which are on the shortlist or to confirm or deny the raft of industry speculation that the prestigious business is set to be handled from out with Scotland.

Such a move will come as a blow to Scotland’s advertising community as another large account looks likely to leak south of the Border, following its closest rival, the Bank of Scotland.

Faulds, the Royal Bank of Scotland’s incumbent, decided against re-pitching for the account, which now looks to be heading to London, with TBWA being tipped as a favourite to secure the business by insiders north of the Border. Faulds is still handling the business until the review is concluded, however. MD Dennis Chester said that how the loss will affect the agency is as yet unknown. The future of the Kwik-Fit account is also in some doubt as suitors continue to vie for ownership of the tyre and exhaust retailer.

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