The Diary would just like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Mattel, which has named its latest Barbie variant ‘Cali Girl Barbie’. Surely the toy company has enough long-sighted staff for someone to have realised that this particular product should have set the red lights flashing?
So yet another company is embarking on a corporate social responsibility programme, but this time its the housewives’ favourite, Marks & Spencer that has jumped on the CSR bandwagon (MW last week). Programmes like Marks & Start can only work if there is real commitment to the cause, as opposed to a public relations exercise […]
Boots has struck an exclusive deal with the National Magazine Company’s Cosmopolitan magazine to sell a branded range of bags and swimwear. The move builds on its existing relationship with the publisher. Last Christmas Boots produced gardening gifts under the Country Living magazine brand. This summer Boots will produce other gifts under the Country Living […]
BLM has launched a sports marketing company – BLM Sports Marketing – with clients, which include Thomas Cook and Fullers.
Capital Radio Group has signed a content and advertising deal with Twentieth Century Fox for new film Cheaper by the Dozen. It will include a ‘must see movie’ feature about the film and reviews.
United Biscuits UK marketing director for McVities Mandy Ferguson has been appointed as managing director at Premier Foods-owned desserts brand Ambrosi. She will join in March.
The Government has been criticised by health groups, The Food Commission and Sustain, for extending its Food Welfare Scheme to include fresh fruit and vegetables without putting any new money into it. The means-tested scheme will allow pregnant women and families on low incomes to spend up to &£5.60 a week on milk and fresh […]
Premier Lodge, the number three brand in the budget hotel sector, has been put up for sale by owner Spirit Group. Rivals Travelodge and Travel Inn are both expected to bid for the company which has 130 hotels.
J Sainsbury has abandoned plans to appoint Sir Ian Prosser as chairman.
Eurostar head of marketing Joanna Howard is leaving the company. She will be replaced by communications manager Greg Nugent. Howard, who started at Eurostar as a marketing manager, is going to an as yet unknown travel company. Nugent joined Eurostar last year and is a former marketer at GlaxoSmithKline Nutritional Healthcare, where he held the […]
WH Smith will be appointing a new agency to handle its £10m creative account, after incumbent Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO declined to repitch for the business.
Maiden Outdoor has lost its contract to sell advertising on train operating company Merseyrail, but has retained the contract for the railway “super franchise” National Express. The outdoor company pitched against Viacom Outdoor for both Merseyrail and National Express. Maiden has already lost out to Viacom, when the US-owned media giant snatched its GNER contract […]
The Financial Services Authority has forced changes to be made to 73 ads from 63 different companies and on five occasions made companies allow consumers to request their money back, in the last six months of 2003. The regulator is also considering enforcement action against two daytime television commercials.
It is not always necessary for an incoming senior manager to throw the baby out with the bath-water to make their mark. Sometimes re-energising the existing set-up proves to be the real challenge, says Caroline Parry
Britvic Soft Drinks’ Tango brand is facing increased pressure following a number of major retailers’ decision to stop stocking its Tango Fruit Fling flavour. The move follows the recent decision by Britvic to axe another part of the Tango portfolio. Tango Strange Soda, originally launched as Freekee Soda, was ditched last month (MWJanuary 22). Tango […]