Churchill picks WCRS to handle £20m business

Churchill Insurance has moved its £20m advertising account out of EBP and into WCRS following a four-way pitch.

The pitch, which was overseen by , was also contested by MCBD and Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest.

EBP has held the Churchill account since the insurance company launched in 1989. It created the Churchill bulldog brand icon in 1994 and introduced the nodding dog in 1996.

WCRS already handles the accounts for financial brands Abbey and Prudential, but insisted that the win did not present a conflict of interest.

A Churchill spokeswoman said: 'WCRS demonstrated great planning and creativity to enhance (our) brand and take it to the next level.'

The Churchill media account, held by MediaCom, is not affected by the review.

The appointment of WCRS comes after Churchill owner Royal Bank of Scotland moved its retail banking and Direct Line brand advertising into M&C Saatchi.

RBS' retail advertising was previously held by Saatchi & Saatchi, with Direct Line handled by Clemmow Hornby Inge. M&C Saatchi also handles advertising for RBS' Privilege insurance brand.