Phil Hesketh, one of the founders of Leeds-based Advertising Principles, has vigorously denied that he is set to leave in the imminent future, and quashed rumours of a fall-out with another member of the senior management team.
Hesketh, widely respected by clients as one of "the best new business men in the North", has admitted that he is planning to leave the agency full-time within three to four years, but insists that he will not be completely severing his links. "Yes it is true that I'm going," acknowledged Hesketh, "but not this week. Eventually I want to try and split my time between here and New Zealand and earn a living as an 'entertrainer'." Explaining this he described the job as "a mixture of Billy Connolly and Billy Graham", consisting of after-dinner speaking and sales and presentation training.
Commenting on the rumour of a fall-out with another member of the management team, Hesketh stressed that some people might just be "making mischief". He added, "Both the clients and the team want me to stay attached to the agency when I do eventually leave."
In other news at the agency, Ultralase, an eye treatment specialist with ten clinics in the UK, has appointed AP, following a six-way pitch. A £3.5 million campaign is now planned to promote the firm, including a national TV ad with swimmer Sharon Davies. Media Principles will handle the media account.