EUROPE: Freedom to flex business muscle
Marketing WeekMore relaxed rules on mergers and acquisitions, as well as new member states and a stronger euro, will help to develop a thriving commercial market in Europe
More relaxed rules on mergers and acquisitions, as well as new member states and a stronger euro, will help to develop a thriving commercial market in Europe
Advertising is a vital ingredient in helping premium brands sustain their market leadership, according to a new study commissioned by the Advertising Association (AA). The report, Advertising and the Long-Term Success of the Premium Brands, analyses sales data for 52 grocery brands in 26 categories, such as baked beans, household cleaning products and washing powders, […]
Time Computers’ marketing director Mike Phillipson has made an abrupt exit from the group, after less than six months in the job. The Lancashire-based computer manufacturer confirms that Phillipson left on the same day that he tendered his resignation. The company says that he has left to write a novel and screenplay, with no suggestion […]
After the Inland Revenue’s recent decision to give itself a more shiny and cuddly image, another seemingly stuffy organisation is taking similar steps. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has had a makeover for the 21st century, to persuade clients and potential employees the industry is slightly more interesting than a brick wall. Complete […]
Hasbro’s technology division, Tiger Electronics, is developing a line of robotic pets including a cat and a bird, following the success of its interactive toy dog Poo-Chi. The US company says it is looking at building a Robo-Chi brand after selling more than 10 million of the original robo-pups worldwide in the past eight months. […]
Fashion retail chain French Connection has had its knuckles rapped by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for the second time over the use of its trademark “fcuk” in an advertising campaign. Press ads for the company’s new Oxford Street store, created by TBWA/London and headed “World’s biggest fcuk”, flouted an ASA ruling made two years […]
ITV advertising revenues are set to plummet by up to nine per cent in January and February compared with the same period last year. The dip – a disappointment for ITV owners Granada Media and Carlton and a worrying indicator for the whole ad industry – comes after a record year when revenues were bolstered […]
Sony Computer Entertainment has appointed Darren Carter as marketing chief for PlayStation following the departure of Alan Welsman. Carter joined Sony five years ago as senior product manager and was promoted to marketing manager two years later. His main task will be to ensure that Sony maintains its lead in the games console market in […]
Banks Hoggins O’Shea/FCB has created its first £2.5m ad campaign for Ferrero UK’s Tic Tac brand. Called The Small Guy, the ad, which breaks on January 17, features a man who is less than four feet tall, but very chic. He attracts a beautiful, tall woman back to his flat where he flips a Tic […]
Quick-witted Internet users could become very rich this year, thanks to an online treasure hunt game which threatens to become as popular as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? In Treasure Hunt 2001, shadowy author Max Valentin is offering $1m to surfers who can solve a series of labyrinthine puzzles and track down a fictional […]
Sholto Douglas-Home, the director of marketing and communications for the Dome, is to become marketing director of new Reuters Internet venture Kalends. Douglas-Home, who will take up the position on February 1, was expected to return to BT, the company he has been seconded from for two years at the Dome. He was appointed by […]
David Robey’s quest for marketing perfection has taken him around the world. Justine Storey reports on the man who likes to get his own way when it comes to revamping corporate marketing strategy and identity
Online gambling, which has already made big inroads on the Web, has moved to mainstream interactive TV (iTV) with the launch this week of NTL’s interactive betting service. NTL says it wants its customers to enjoy “a harmless flutter” in a “relaxing” environment. Consumers and would-be punters will be able to access “the best of […]
Quantum New Media Services, the interactive television (iTV) and Internet planning and buying agency which is a division of media independent Booth Lockett Makin, is to expand its European operations. The development follows the creation of a UK new business unit to seek UK clients. Former managing director of The Media Factor Paul Booth – […]
Scottish Courage is preparing for a national roll-out of its pre-packaged tequila and lemon flavoured drink, Slamba. Slamba, sold in a 250ml can inside a 440ml clear plastic container, used to hold the drink while it is slammed, is available in selected city-centre bars across the country. The “can in a slam container” allows drinkers […]