Directgov makes marketing shortlist

The government has shortlisted four advertisers to bid for a £15 million contract to promote the services offered by Directgov.

Directgov, which brings together information on a plethora of public services from education to the environment, is aiming to become an integral part in the future of public service delivery.

The four advertising firms shortlisted are CHI &Partner, Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy, Farm and the current contract holders Chick Trott Smith.

Jayne Nickalls, Directgov chief executive, said: "Directgov will be the prime digital channel to government services for the public."

"The depth and breadth of what this could eventually encompass is as vast as government itself."

Directgov, which receives ten million visits a month, was launched in 2004 and the government plans to consolidate 3,000 websites onto the service by 2011.

According to a study published by Directgov two years ago, internet users regularly visit less than six websites, reports Digital Response Media.