In-depth features, interviews and insights into marketing’s biggest issues.
The Energy Savings Trust (EST) is gearing up to roll out a new marketing strategy that aims to take its message to the mass market. EST director of marketing Matthew Wright says the government-funded organisation will take a new direction with its marketing communications and aims to focus people’s attention on the local and personal […]
Retailers have slammed the Government for a “woefully inadequate” publicity campaign to inform people about the change in the legal age limit to buy tobacco products. The Association of Convenience Stores spokesman, Shane Brennan says: “We are very critical of the way the communications have been handled. We did a poll that showed over a […]
Former Golden Wonder chief executive Ed Jackson has been appointed managing director of independently-owned sports drink brand Taut. Jackson’s appointment to the newly-created position comes as Taut’s co-founders, Vincent Bassch and Sarah Lang, take on new roles in the four-year-old company. Jackson joined Golden Wonder in April 2003 following its sale to Middle Eastern packaged […]
Coca-Cola is launching its first reward scheme specifically for the UK, as it looks to build brand loyalty across its portfolio of drinks. It is seeking partners in the music, fashion and entertainment sectors to pilot the programme, called Coke Zone, next month. The programme will initially focus on three Coke brands, Coke, Diet Coke […]
The advertising regulator has censured household goods giant Reckitt Benckiser for making “unsubstantiated” claims about its Dettol Surface Cleanser in a television ad. The commercial claimed that a chopping board harbours 50 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. The campaign, created by Euro RSCG London, has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) […]
The videogames industry is taking another step to shed its violent reputation with a new tie-up that marks a first in the UK. US-based videogames publisher Activision together with Spider-Man Merchandising have teamed up with charity Bullying UK to support next month’s Anti Bullying Week. The tie-up sees the games publisher support the recent release […]
The car industry has hit out at London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s plans to base the congestion charge on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, saying the proposal will neither reduce congestion nor significantly benefit the environment. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called for an extension to the consultation period because of the “complexity” […]
Heineken’s proposed takeover of Scottish & Newcastle’s UK brewing interests, announced last week, would create an unwieldy beer giant saddled with conflicting brands, according to some observers.
Lobby groups have hit out at a new ad campaign for mint brand Mentos, which targets schoolchildren, slamming it as a “sneaky way of advertising through the back door”. The campaign, launching next month, is designed to inspire school pupils to enjoy science lessons by asking them to recreate the Mentos and Diet Coke phenomenon […]
McCain has reshuffled its top commercial team as part of its bid to increase its non-potato portfolio. The frozen food company has promoted marketing director Sue Jefferson to the new role of prepared foods director. Director of communications Simon Ey-les will take over her former duties, in addition to his own, in an expanded marketing […]
Bentley Motors is introducing a children’s gift and clothing range to boost the brand’s appeal with younger consumers. The luxury marque is also increasing the number of items in the range aimed at women. Bentley is the latest car company to extend its branded products range. Mini is about to launch a range of branded […]
Eon, the German utility company, which is gearing up to ditch its Powergen brand in December, is rolling out an ad campaign this week to promote its new green energy product for businesses, called EasyGreen. The integrated national campaign, created by TBWA/ London and sister agency Tequila/London, will cover television, press, posters, direct mail and […]
Japanese consumer electronics brand Hitachi has appointed Swarm, the conflict shop set up by RKCR/ Y&R, to handle its estimated £10m pan-European advertising business. It is understood that the agency snatched the account from incumbent Banner. Sue Tucker, Hitachi UK head of marketing has confirmed the appointment. Swarm has been given a brief to manage […]
Japanese skincare brand DHC is reviewing its advertising and media planning and buying agencies ahead of a multimillion pound launch in the UK. The skincare brand is understood to be in talks with a number of media and advertising agencies about the account, believed to be worth about £5m. DHC is the largest direct mail […]
Accusations of cronyism and disloyalty are flying after Times Media last week dismissed its long-stand-ing agency RKCR/Y&R and hired CHI&Partners without a pitch. CHI was gifted the £15m Times and Sunday Times ad business by incoming marketing director Katie Vanneck just weeks after she took up the job. She previously worked with CHI in her […]