Havas has reported strong results for the first half of 2007 due to new business wins including Reckitt Benckiser, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and Barclays. It says net new business grew at its highest level for five years during the first quarter of the year.
Ofcom has fined breakfast broadcaster GMTV a record 2m for misconduct in viewer competitions run between 2003 and 2007. The broadcast watchdog has also ordered the morning show to broadcast a summary of its findings on three separate occasions.
Norwich Union is axing almost a third of its 430-strong marketing department in a bid to cut costs. It is thought that the Aviva-owned company will also slash its marketing spend by up to £80m next year as part of the move. The insurance giant will lay off 140 marketers by January. It says in […]
The lessons to be learned from the consumer run on the bank at Northern Rock will fill the marketing text books for years to come. For those brand managers who have ever struggled to justify marketing’s role to the accountants, it’s a dramatic demonstration of the intangible value of the brand – and the dangers […]
The global product recall crisis that has left the toy industry reeling shows no sign of abating following Sainsbury’s decision to recall thousands of toys from its stores at the weekend over fears of lead contamination. The move comes just weeks after Mattel came under fire for distributing almost 21 million potentially harmful products. But […]
Bandwagons have a habit of careering towards advertising, and the latest one to hurtle into the industry is an unmistakable shade of green. Crammed full of politicians desperate to be seen to be taking action on climate change, it has a number of sectors in its sights, but it seems the car industry is first […]
The Conservatives are set to work with senior M&C Saatchi figures on its election brief, as advertising agencies turn their backs on the Tory Party under David Cameron.
Plans to introduce tough new regulations on car advertising could force the industry’s biggest players to stop advertising altogether, according to Kia UK managing director Paul Philpott. The automotive sector spent more than £550m on advertising last year (Nielsen Media Research). The Tories and the Liberal Democrats, as well as the European Parliament’s Environment Committee, […]
Almost 40% of UK consumers are less likely to buy Chinese-manufactured products because of Mattel’s toy recall crisis, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Marketing Week. The toy giant has been forced to withdraw nearly 21 million potentially harmful products from retailers over the past month. A survey of 2,000 consumers reveals that 37.1% […]
Virgin Media has extended the role of chief marketer James Kydd, following the promotion of Ashley Stockwell to managing director of people. Kydd, who is currently managing director of marketing, becomes managing director of marketing and brand, and will now be responsible for the internal branding, previously overseen by Stockwell. Both men joined the cable […]
Zurich Financial Services has poached Churchill marketing director Peter Corfield to spearhead the pan-European launch and roll-out of direct brand Zurich Connect.
Comet parent company Kesa Electricals says strong demand for flat screen televisions and laptops have helped drive sales growth but warns trading conditions for the second half of the year remain uncertain. Revenue at Comet was up 3.3% for the six months to July 31 while like-for-like sales at the high street retailer grow 0.9%. […]
COI has drafted in radio advertising expert Douglas McArthur to audit its media buying systems. His brief will be to ensure value for money for Government advertising.
Digital agency Steak Media has appointed advertising agency veterans Robert Campbell, founder of Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R (pictured), and Matt Clark, partner at Mother, as non-executive board directors. Campbell and Clark will help the agency to devise campaigns and “improve digital integration with above-the-line media”. Campbell was managing partner at United London, the now defunct […]
Ribena is relaunching its full range of ready-to-drink products into 100% recycled plastic bottles next month. It claims it is the first soft drinks company to make the change.