Richard E Grant’s rock star character Zac may find that his supply of Argos goods, sourced by his enterprising assistant Pam, is about to dry up as the retailer is on the verge of appointing a new advertising agency. Argos is in final discussions with Clemmow Hornby Inge over its &£35m advertising account. The move […]
The Government is to start an investigation into the sale of a powdered alcohol product, amid fears that its easy availability over the internet could encourage under-age drinking. Industry trade body the Portman Group has also expressed concerns over this product, Sub-You, which can be found on a German website. When mixed with water, Sub-You […]
Third-generation mobile phone operator 3 is being linked with a bid for Phones4U after the retail chain’s billionaire founder John Caudwell called in advisers to sound out potential buyers for his business empire. There is speculation that 3’s parent company, Hutchison Whampoa, will make a bid for Caudwell’s 350 Phones4U outlets in order to increase […]
Cadbury is extending its 76-year-old Crunchie brand with the launch of a popping candy variant. Crunchie Blast, to be launched in the autumn, will be its first major brand extension. The decision to launch a new product under the Crunchie brand could signal that Cadbury is planning to develop it as its third masterbrand after […]
Vimto has launched a newly designed version of its 250ml sports-cap bottle, which will be in shops in time for the start of the new school year. The single bottle will be available at a recommended retail price of 55p, with the multi-pack priced at &£1.49. The new ready-to-drink bottle is ergonomically shaped to fit […]
Beleaguered water company Severn Trent Water has handed all marketing responsibilities for the group to director of customer relations Jonathan Bailey, following the departure of Nic Budden. Budden, who was in charge of marketing, resigned as managing director of Severn Trent’s retail services division following an investigation into his CV and references. This is thought […]
The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is understood to have appointed former News International marketer Geoff Hurst as its marketing director. Hurst, who was most recently marketing director of the Consumers Association, the publisher of the Which? guides, will be responsible for raising the profile of the CIM. The organisation has been experiencing a membership […]
London’s tourist board, VisitLondon, launches its latest campaign tomorrow (Thursday), promoting the cultural, sporting and entertainment events taking place in the capital next month. The “London in September” campaign is part of VisitLondon’s &£3.2m investment to attract tourists worldwide to London. It comes after a raft of other activity in the wake the terror attacks […]
Ladbrokes has appointed Michael Simpkin as head of marketing for its UK retail division following the departure of Chris Edgington. Simpkin has worked for Ladbrokes since 1987, holding various positions in the marketing department. He takes over as head of retail after Edgington’s departure last month. Edgington left to join rival William Hill just after […]
Volvo, the Swedish car manufacturer owned by Ford, is planning to axe 1,500 jobs in a bid to cut &£72m of costs. It is understood that a majority of the cuts will be in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company attributes the job cuts to tougher competition and high steel costs.
Heinz has reported a 15.
GCap Media, the radio group, has appointed Neil Wyatt as marketing controller for its South-coast stations. He joins from concert promoter Metropolis Music and replaces Sophie Fenning, who has been promoted to regional marketing director.
PokerStars, the internet gaming site, has picked former Coral Eurobet marketing chief Chris Welch as group marketing director. Welch, who has been working with the company as a consultant, will report to PokerStars’ president Isai Scheinberg.
Lego has picked Fiona Wright as UK marketing director.
Express Newspapers group advertising controller Melanie Danks is taking a year-long secondment as publisher of the US version of OK! magazine. A senior member of staff will cover her position at the newspaper group in the interim.