It looks like the ESB is finally going to get serious about retail.

It has taken on a new managing director, Mr Patrick Cassidy, who was previously general manager at Texas Homebase.

And now the company is looking for an advertising agency.

The advertising activity for the ESB's chain of shops is currently handled in-house but it has now invited agencies to pitch for the business, which is likely to include heavy rebranding and a major revamping of the shops.

The agencies asked to pitch are a diverse group including Javelin, Cawley Nea, McConnells, CDP, AIM and Brindleys.