LONDON--Tech company Cisco Systems is reviewing its six-figure UK and Ireland PR brief, with incumbent firm Octopus Communications declining to take part. 

Octopus has handled the account since 2008, consolidating European duties in 2010. It is understood that the agency will continue to support Cisco's European PR activity.

The UK review follows the arrival of former CA Technologies global comms director Rachel Matthews at Cisco in late 2012. Matthews now oversees Cisco's communications across EMEA.

According to sources, an RFI was initially sent out to as many as nine firms, before being whittled down to a smaller group of agencies that has since received the RFP.

"Octopus has decided not to re-tender for Cisco’s UK PR brief but we continue to work alongside the brand as an agency and a partner in other areas of their business," Octopus MD Jon Lonsdale told the Holmes Report.

While Octopus has focused on building Cisco's brand, through such high-profile programmes as Business Heroes and the BIG Awards, it is understood that the company is now seeking a stronger focus on its technology architecture.

Cisco UK and Ireland PR manager Abigail Watts confirmed the review, but declined to provide further details.