JWT Manchester beats 19 to Holland & Barrett

JWT Manchester is understood to have won the 20-way account pitch for the healthfood retail chain Holland & Barrett.

According to sources the account does not represent a huge win in terms of budget for JWT but the pitch has already attracted headlines. A series of agencies are reported to have been angered by Holland & Barrett and have accused the chain of having a flawed advertising strategy.

Agencies invited to make speculative pitches to Holland & Barrett marketing manager Rob Warner later accused the company of appearing unprofessional and unprepared for the pitches. Other sources dismiss these reports, attributing agency criticism to sour grapes at not winning the pitch.

Although Holland & Barrett is understood to have awarded JWT the account it is said to be waiting for JWT to make a final presentation to the board before making an official announcement.

Neither JWT nor Holland & Barrett would comment on the appointment.