There was a distinct lack of automotive ad pitches in 2011, so agencies should be revving up at the news that Mini is looking for a new global advertising partner. Word is that the reported US pitch is actually broader than first anticipated, with Mini looking for an agency to work on a series of global campaigns, which are currently handled by the Dutch agency BSUR. The Observatory is overseeing the review.
Another sector that's been lacking in reviews of late is high-street fashion, but a glimmer of light has come through with news that Hobbs, the women's fashion label, is looking for an agency to handle an upcoming campaign.
Now a tip that many will hope doesn't materialise. Following last week's news that GoCompare.com is reviewing its ad account, adland viewers rejoiced that this would spell the end for the brand's annoying mascot, Gio Compario. Word is, though, that agencies have been asked to look at ways to develop the character, rather than get rid of him completely.
The £10 million Macmillan Cancer Support advertising pitch, called in November and handled by Oystercatchers, has progressed. M&C Saatchi, VCCP and Creature London have all made it on to the shortlist and move to the next round as the charity seeks to achieve its new mission to "reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer and inspire millions of people to do the same".
Agencies on the EDF digital pitch have yet to be put out of their misery. EDF has informed competing shops that an approval process needs to be completed before a decision is taken. Sadly, the company has given no indication as to how long the approval process will take. The result was scheduled to be announced on 12 December last year.
Need a challenge for the new year? Then you might enjoy getting to grips with a tricky brief from Gloucester Police. The boys in blue are looking for a digital agency to come up with an online solution to make the force "relevant and engaging" and to communicate the fact that they are introducing new directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners from November 2012.
With a mixture of excitement and fear, media agencies are bracing themselves for the massive £3 billion Unilever media review document to land with a mighty thud on their desks in the middle of February. The pitch was called just before Christmas and, while the global incumbents - PHD, Mindshare and Initiative - are all planning to pitch, there is some interest as to whether any other networks will throw their hats in the ring.
As one of the world's biggest advertisers, the process is likely to be lengthy and time-consuming - so entering this particular fray is not for the fainthearted or poorly staffed.
The Royal Mail and Post Office media agency presentations are taking place this week and next. OMD, the incumbent on both the businesses, is defending against Mindshare, MediaCom Edinburgh and UM London.
The Suzuki media review, which is running alongside a creative review, will see Arena Media, UM London and the7stars pitch against the Kent-based incumbent, Media By Design, part of the full-service agency Nexus/H. The car and motorcycle manufacturer spends around £7 million in the UK.
After chemistry meetings with six agencies, Tata Global Beverages has shortlisted four shops to pitch for its £4 million Tetley tea account. The incumbent, Starcom MediaVest, will face Manning Gottlieb OMD, MediaCom and Walker Media.
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