Consumer watchdog Energywatch could soon be at loggerheads with energy regulator Ofgem over the existing marketing licence conditions, which are designed to outlaw malpractice in marketing utilities. Ofgem has extended the licence conditions – due to expire on April 1 – by two years, but no amendments have been made. Energywatch has been pressing Ofgem […]
Sunday’s family-oriented market is no place for a paper with a core ‘Star’ offering, and extending it will only result in a bruising from the NoW
Last week ailing Vauxhall began its search for an agency to revitalise the brand and reverse falling market share. But is a fresh brand-building strategy enough to distance the UK marque from its dull ‘sales rep’ reputation, or is Vauxhall jus
The Diary was happy to attend Metro’s third birthday party recently and was more than happy to receive pictures of the event. Metro, which is up to £7m in debt, managed to scrape together enough money to enlist Boy George as headline DJ. The Diary was disappointed that his record selection didn’t reflect the financial […]
Dr Oetker, the European food manufacturer, has appointed Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO (AMV) to its &£5m advertising launch of its Pizza Ristorante brand. Pizza Ristorante, which went on sale earlier this month, is the company’s first foray into the UK market. The launch of the frozen pizza brand will be supported by a television advertising campaign […]
Bitter remains a staple choice of the British pub-goer, but the popularity of alcopops and bottled lagers demonstrate a public willingness to experiment
Unilever is to launch an aloe vera variant of Persil tablets and powder detergent to capitalise on the growing popularity of alternative remedies. Industry insiders say that this will be the first time the plant, known for its natural healing properties, has been used in a cleaning product. The launch, in April, will be supported […]
The Government’s ambivalent attitude to Railtrack shareholders, bank’s profits and a privatised Post Office shows it doesn’t understand capitalism, says George Pitcher
The Outdoor Advertising Association has appointed former CDP Media managing director Alan James as its chief executive. James joins in April, replacing OAA chairman Matthew Carrington, who is leaving to become chief executive of the Retail Motor Industry Federation. James’s appointment coincides with wider moves to strengthen and develop the outdoor industry. Outdoor as a […]
Boots is relaunching its Advantage Card loyalty scheme with a £3m marketing push. It will be the first major revamp of the scheme since it launched in 1997.
News International’s daily tabloid The Sun is linking up with Nestlé Rowntree to run a Kit Kat supplement, in what is claimed to be a first for a confectionery brand.
Hoegaarden, the Belgian wheat beer distributed by Interbrew, has awarded its global advertising business to McCann-Erickson. The agency has been briefed to increase the brand’s market share globally. Media spend for the UK is understood to be worth about &£2m. In the UK, Hoegaarden has not had a large-scale advertising presence since its launch in […]
Ford Europe is to sponsor popstar Kylie Minogue’s European tour to raise awareness of the latest Ka model. As part of the deal, the StreetKa will tour with Minogue on her European “Fever” tour. The new Ka is not available until next year but will be showcased on Minogue’s tour this summer. Ford claims the […]
COI Communications roster agencies were quick to defend themselves this week against Carol Fisher’s accusation that they cannot create integrated campaigns. “Well she may have a point,” said one agency managing director, hiding under his desk. “I mean, we are a bit poor aren’t we? She’s not in the building is she?” “Now I think […]
Cussons, manufacturer of Imperial Leather and Foamburst, has moved international marketing director Dominic Box back to his old position of UK marketing director, after less than nine months in the global role. Box’s promotion last August to international marketing director for personal cleansing saw the creation of a new role at Cussons as an extension […]