Millennium shortlists seven

The seven consultancies which have made the shortlist to create a new brand and image for the Millennium Commission are being informed this week.

Lloyd Northover Citigate and Wolff Olins are believed to be the only two design groups shortlisted. They are up against PR and advertising companies. Those shortlisted must now prepare a tender bid for the project.

Sampson Tyrrell Enterprise was one of the 44 groups which expressed an interest but did not make it to the next stage.

Meanwhile, the Millennium Commission has confirmed that applicants competing for funding, in the third overall round of applications, will be the last round considered.

A fourth round of applications had been a possibility. But the formation of a sixth good cause for Lottery funding means the commission is unsure of its final budget. The current applications were all submitted to a November 1996 deadline.

A longlist of projects has been established, with a reserve list should any funds be left over after the awards are made. Announcements of the successful bids are expected in November this year.