In-depth features, interviews and insights into marketing’s biggest issues.
AOL UK is reviewing its 25m advertising account, held by Grey London, following the sale of its internet business to Carphone Warehouse last month. Grey, which is currently involved in rival BSkyB’s advertising review, has a contract that runs until the end of this year, when AOL is expected to call a pitch.
BT has reported a 26% rise in half-year profits, boosted by growth in its broadband and IT division. Reporting its results for the six months to September 30, the company said pre-tax profits rose to £1.24bn, up from £988m in the same period last year. BT’s overall revenues increased 3% to £9.8bn, while revenues in […]
First Direct, the HSBC-owned direct bank, is to trial “video call” mobile phone banking with third-generation (3G) operator 3.
Pizza Hut is backing the launch of its new Cheesy Bites pizza with an online campaign from Elvis Communications. It is the first time the company has supported a launch with significant online activity. Elvis has developed an online game called the Cheesy Bites Challenge to raise awareness of the new pizza. Players score points […]
Merlin Entertainments Group has appointed former Vodafone marketer Lincoln Clarke as marketing director for its pan-European Sea Life Centre network. Clarke becomes the first Sea Life marketing chief to sit on the board. He was previously marketing director for the Booths Supermarkets chain in the North West. Clarke set up and managed a 26-strong telesales […]
David Pattison, the co-founder and worldwide chief executive of PHD, has resigned from the Omnicom-owned network after 17 years. It is understood that his decision follows the roll-out of PHD as a global network. He is still in talks with Omnicom about moving to a different role at the holding company but is also thought […]
Twinings is launching a new TV campaign, featuring Stephen Fry, to support its speciality teas. The ads, which break next week, aim to introduce the range to mainstream tea drinkers.
Courvoisier Cognac is taking over Canary Wharf station for a month from this week as part of its “Earn It” advertising push, developed by Publicis Dialog.
Idio, the online magazine, has launched a new personalised digital design and music magazine, which will allow users to select the advertising content they receive. Idiomag.com, which is the brainchild of Warwick Business School graduate Edward Barrow (pictured, right), is a free service that enables advertisers to develop targeted audio-visual campaigns as users develop their […]
Jamie Oliver must be crying into his organic vegetables. Burger King, hit by falling UK sales, has embarked on a new marketing drive for its Double Whopper burger which blithely ignores the healthy eating debate. The burger chain’s “Mantham” ad, created by US ad agency Crispin Porter & Bogusky, launched last week. It is a […]
Brand owners are gearing up to launch a flood of environmentally friendly products as they seek to cash in on consumers’ fears about global warming. Early signs of the new gold rush are evident at electrical chain Currys, which is selling solar panels that cost £9,000. Meanwhile, Powergen has launched the WhisperGen boiler which heats […]
The Stern Report has exposed the urgency of cutting carbon emissions, and short-haul buget airlines have emerged as an early target. Several measures are on the cards to deter passengers and make the industry greener. Not all brands will survive the turbulance, says Mark Choueke.
Abbey’s announcement that it will offer mortgages worth five times the borrower’s salary is expected ti trigger a rash of offers in the home loans sector. But the move raises questions about the market’s sustainability and the scope for innovation from lenders. By Catherine Turner.
National Geographic Channel has launched a user-generated website in a bid to find new documentary makers. The Frame Your World competition goes live this week. Aspiring documentary makers are asked to submit a three-minute documentary on the theme of what makes an everyday object seem extraordinary. Other users will then be able to vote and […]
Turner Broadcasting is repositioning the sales team for its entertainment division in a move aimed at increasing its focus on interactive campaigns and producing in-house creative. The department, which handles sales for Turner TV channels including Cartoon Network, Toonami, Boomerang and Turner Classic Movies, it also launching a dedicated sales website to promote it services […]