Consumer & Market Trends

Jamie Oliver’s crusade against Turkey Twizzlers, animal cruelty allegations and an outbreak of avian flu have damaged the Bernard Matthews brand. Caroline Parry finds hope for the future

Strong licensing deals, shrewd advertising and a willingness to broaden its remit have given EA brand-visibility in a games market dominated by a trio of consoles. Nathalie Kilby reports

Paid-for search may be a success story, but consumers have far more trust in natural search results, suggesting a need for a more joined-up approach to search engine and online sales strategies

Traditionally, the definition of a full search agency is that of an agency which offers a wide breadth of search engine optimisation and pay-per-click services. As the responsibility of affiliate management increasingly slides towards search-savvy agencies and with Google offering cost-per-action advertising, it seems likely that the full search quality mark will be lifted even higher to include affiliates. You now need to be able to compare Affiliate Network X to Google.

With resurgent sales and a revamped brand image, Mothercare has Early Learning Centre in its takeover sights. Matthew Gorman examines what could shape up to be a perfect mix. News that Mothercare, the UK’s leading retailer for expectant mothers and infants, is eyeing an £85m acquisition of Chelsea Stores, owner of Early Learning Centre. It […]

Private equity investment has spread to the marketing services sector. But how compatible is it with the objectives of marketing entrepreneurs? asks Bob Willott. While most of the business community has been preoccupied with private equity deals in the retail sector, the recent sale of a controlling stake in AKQA to General Atlantic Partners has […]

Despite wide predictions of a decline in the business hotel market, the sector is booming and chains are planning major expansions. But the needs of customers are changing with technological advances.

There is more to Royal & SunAlliance than its consumer-facing More Than brand. But questions remain about the RSA brand’s focus and whether it needs a makeover. Catherine Turner reports

Large-scale investment is working wonders for John Lewis. Other retail brands should take note – as should private equity companies, says Richard Hyman

Despite recent price cuts, utility and energy providers still face a steep uphill struggle to repair the damage to their reputations resulting from widespread customer dissatisfaction and bill increases

There is such variety in marketing careers that almost any skill or training is useful in the right circumstances. Whether you have a degree in the arts, sciences or in life, there is a marketing niche where your expertise can be put to good use. In this supplement we highlight managers from industries ranging from […]

Absolut has held its own in the premium spirits sector for over 20 years and manufacturers are now preparing to battle to win the brand by taking over its parent firm. Noelle Waugh reports

The latest MCCA salary survey does not make easy reading for some people in the marketing profession, but looks very appealing to others, and as such, reflects the nature of the industry

After being bought by a US billionaire, the Premiership team whose glory days seemed far behind it, has the financial clout – and new management team – to help it return to form, says John Reynolds

As the percentage of the population over the age of 65 increases, the so-called swing generation is spending more on lifestyle and health and, as such, is an untapped market for many companies