The move comes as COI Communications named i-level to its 拢4m online media planning and buying account, after a pitch against Profero, Starcom IP and Zed, part of ZenithOptimedia.
Reports say that COI's digital team, headed by director of digital media Jamie Galloway, looked at more than 100 agencies before choosing the 15 now on the roster. Others included are Publicis, Profero, Craik Jones Digital, EHS Brann, Wheel, Arc Interactive and Euro RSCG.
Previously, agencies have worked for the government on a project-by-project basis. The government is currently undertaking a campaign to promote the uptake of broadband among small business in the UK.
For the 2000-2001 financial year, the government spent 拢1.2m on online advertising. That figure more than doubled to 拢2.6m in the 2001-2002 year and is set to increase again to over 拢4m for 2002-2003.
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