Account handlers are just as important as creatives

I must defend account handlers against the opinions expressed by James Robinson (Letters, DW 8 January).

Do we expect designers to research and understand the client’s market while still having time to design?

Account handlers are more than middlemen – they are the conduit between the client and creatives. They ensure that designers have the information to meet the brief and that clients get the best work.

The creative brief is a vital tool, and account handlers are crucial to the process of crafting a clear, concise brief for the creatives to focus on.

Robinson seems not to understand the account handler’s role, which is based on a hunger for sales, the life-blood of every consultancy.

We don’t expect creatives to up-sell to clients, just as account handlers aren’t expected to think of and develop the big idea.

Let’s respect each other’s skill sets, and support each other to offer the best product and service to clients.

Lisa Thipthorp, Business development director, Woodreed, by e-mail