Marks & Spencer is considering axing a number of jobs in its store design and development and property departments. The move is part of the retailer’s decision to scale back growth plans in the wake of the economic downturn.
The Royal British Legion is launching its annual Poppy Appeal into social networking in a bid to target a younger audience. Its Poppy Man, a life size figure made from poppies, will host his own blog as part of the campaign. The strategy, which launches today (October 20), aims to appeal to the “Web 2.0 […]
Guy Zitter, the Daily Mail managing director and Associated Newspapers commercial director, has been appointed to the expanded role of managing director of Mail Newspapers. Zitter will now take on responsiblility for The Mail on Sunday. The group says the move is “part of an ongoing management restructure to better position us through the current […]
Carlsberg chief executive Doug Clydesdale is leaving the company in a sudden departure after 11 years with the company. He will be replaced by the chief executive of Carlsberg South East Europe, Issac Sheps. Clydesdale had been in the chief executive role for three years and was previously the managing director of brands and sales […]
Alan Sugars bid to buy a 3.88% stake in ailing retailer Woolworths has failed after his shares did not arrive. It has prompted speculation that he had acquired the stake from an Icelandic investor whose assets have been frozen.
Its a funny old world isnt it? Especially where global brands are concerned. Take the eternal duel between Coke and Pepsi as an example.
Hutchison Whampoa, parent company of mobile operator 3, is launching a standalone handset manufacturer in a move that will take it head-to-head with brands such as Nokia. It is understood that its first phone will launch on 3 next month. It is thought that the Inq will produce phones aimed at the mass-market and will […]
Google has reported a 26% profit surge to $1.35bn (778m) to beat analyst forecasts, despite the global financial crisis and downturn in the advertising market. The internet giant reported its results for the third quarter, which ended September 1, today (October 17).
Match.com is launching a new consumer panel that aims to provide an “on-the-ground” view of dating in 21st century Britain. The “match100” panel will also be consulted on potential new services from the dating site. The panel, which has been launched to mark its 1 billionth email and 1 billionth “wink”, will be made up […]
John Lewis Partnership today (17 October) reported a downturn of 4.8% on net weekly sales, despite a positive response to its seasonal and fashion ranges. The retailer blamed the unusually good weather, as well as consumers’ response to the world financial crisis, for the downturn. Sales started well on Sunday (12 October), with an increase […]
Ofcom has awarded high definition licenses to Channel 4 and ITV to broadcast on digital terrestrial TV, including Freeview. The move means that sport and hit dramas, such as Desperate Housewives, will be available in HD in some regions by the end of next year. The awards, which follow a tender process, see the commercial […]
The Government has threatened to bring in legislation forcing energy companies to introduce fairer pricing rates for pre-payment meters. The push follows an Ofgem investigation that found the utility giants have been over charging vulnerable customers. Climate Change and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) made the statement to MPs yesterday (October 16), saying that unless […]
Cosmetic surgery group SurgiCare is undergoing a major brand overhaul, which it is planning to unveil early next year.
The Financial Times is launching an ad campaign this weekend urging companies to continue advertising. The move comes just days after the Bellwether Report showed that marketers are severely cutting back their ad budgets as the economic downturn deepens. The campaign, created by DDB London, will deliver a series of messages tailored to the current […]
John Bevan, managing director at Lastminute.com, is leaving the online travel portal after four years. It is not known if he has a job to go to. Simon Thompson, group managing director, will take over his responsibilities while a replacement is found. It is understood that the company is looking both “internally and externally”. Bevan […]