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Spit or swallow?

Bitch is looking forward to the result of the Majestic Wine media pitch, with MediaCom, UM London and the7stars making it through to the shortlist, if rumours are to be believed.

However, one of the agencies on the longer list that didn’t make it through to the next round, tipped Bitch on what happened on the meet-the-client day.

Apparently, pitching up at the Majestic Wine head office in Watford, agencies were treated to a wine tasting by what looks like being a rather genial client.

However, it seems Majestic can take a joke and may have watched one too many 'Carry On' films, as Bitch hears that as Champagne buckets were placed in front of the agency, they were asked if they "spat or swallowed". Bitch hears that one of the larger agencies was heard protesting that they "never swallow".

Nice to see a client with a sense of humour though.

The graduate

Some might accuse Bitch of placing her favourite girl, Future Publishing chief executive Stevie Spring, too much in this weekly diary, but the fact is that she always gives a good quote and leads a more interesting life than the rest of you (some of whom really have to pull their socks up, darlings).

Well, this week she’s out-trumped you again, receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Kent for her achievements in business. As she’s not only Future CEO, but also the chairman of BBC Children in Need, and has been chief executive at Clear Channel, Bitch is sure she’s qualified, and she was good enough to drop Bitch a line about her achievements.

Stevie said: "It took me three years to get my first degree and 33 years to get my second."

Congratulations girl!

Marathon man

The ever-sprightly Paul Rowlinson, head of Mindshare’s trading group The Exchange, has been up to his old tricks again, Bitch is told.

Rowly seems to complete marathons like they are going out of fashion.

Three years ago he joined up with Luke Carmichael, business director at the WPP Group agency, and Mark Webster, formerly of the agency and owner of branded content agency Kameleon, to run four marathons (as you do) and then completing the 4Deserts "Sahara Race".

This involved four days of running more than 155 miles over sand and rocks in temperatures that touched 50C. Luke finished sixth and Rowly came in 18th, raising £18,000 for CHASE Hospice Care for Children.

After a year off, they are back for more in 2011. Namely, to the Himalayas for the Racing The Planet Nepal Race in November. Another 155 miles, another five to six days. Not quite so hot, but a little bit hilly and up where the air is a bit thinner.

Bitch knows that Rowly is physically fit, but if she didn’t know that he is one of the sharpest traders around and definitely firing on all cylinders, she would be questioning his sanity now…she's also sure he'll be wanting your cash soon, so dig deep.

Long service Lawson

Finally, another media luminary who has just completed a marathon of a different sort – Nick Lawson, the EMEA chief executive of MediaCom.

Bitch hears that the diehard cricket fan has just completed his 20th year at the media agency. Rumour has it that he celebrated with his MediaCom colleagues at Home House recently.

The details of the bash have been kept well under wraps, but Bitch is sure that Nick had a good time, as the MediaCom lot are not shy and retiring types, certainly not when Bitch has met them.

Here's to the next 20 Nick.

Until next week darlings, ciao. xxx