Marketing Week articles from January 2006

Marketing Week archives from January 2006

Viral marketers to flout ASA rules by moving sites abroad.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The UK's thriving online viral marketing industry is under threat of being driven abroad after the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) slammed a viral video for Midway Games' Mortal Kombat:Shaolin Monks for being overly violent. ...

Sainsbury's launches new Tesco-style loyalty scheme.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Sainsbury's has fired a warning shot at loyalty giant Nectar, which it helped set up in 2002, by launching promotion-led scheme Connections to improve supplier and shopper value. The supermarket chain denies this will spell the end of its...

Rodes primed for senior executive role at Havas.(Fernando Rodes)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Fernando Rodes, Havas vice-chairman and chief executive officer of media buying unit MPG, is being lined up to take a wider executive role at the Paris-based global marketing services group. According to those close to the negotiations,...

New Campaign: Visa Europe.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Visa Europe is launching its first pan-European advertising campaign to encourage consumers to use cards instead of cash and cheques to purchase everyday items. The campaign, created around the theme of "Love Every Day", will run across...

TS Media launches 'world's first' gay motor insurance.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The company behind gay motoring website TopGayer is launching what it claims are the world's first gay motor insurance policies. TS Media, which also owns Queernetwork.co.uk, is working with specialist insurer Lifesure to launch the...

IBM parts company with Merlin Stone.(International Business Machines Corp)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... IBM business research leader and marketing consultant Merlin Stone is cutting his ties with the technology giant after a 12-year association. Stone has spent five years on the IBM Business Consulting Services payroll, and was a sponsored...

Gambling firm to group sites under global 888.com brand.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Gambling company 888 has begun the process of grouping its different gaming sites under the 888.com brand as it launches a new advertising campaign in the UK. The gaming portal is planning to phase out its other brands, which include...

Bacardi raids spirits for marketing chief.(Bacardi-Martini UK promoted Andrew Carter)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Bacardi-Martini UK has promoted Andrew Carter, formerly director of marketing for spirits, to marketing director for its entire product range, with a seat on the UK executive board. The move follows the promotion in November of former sales...

ASA rounds on GSK and Colgate for ad rule dodge.(Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom) slamms GlaxoSmithKline)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Copy to start here. Nimrod MT 7.5 on 10pt Copy to start here. Nimrod MT 7.5 on 10ptCopy to start here. Nimrod MT 7.5 on 10pt Copy to start here. Nimrod MT 7.5 on 10ptCopy to start here. Nimrod MT 7.5 on 10pt Main body with para indents...

In Brief: Coca-Cola kicked off University of Michigan campus.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Coca-Cola has been kicked off the University of Michigan campus following concerns over the company's labour practices in Colombia. Nine other US colleges, including New York University, have banned Coke because of claims the soft drinks giant...

In Brief: iRadio subscription music service.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Motorola has unveiled details of its subscription music service iRadio, to be launched later this year. It will include 435 commercial-free radio channels, allowing users to download channels to their mobile phones, or on car or home...

In Brief: Considering move into residential phone market.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... DSG International, which owns Dixons, PC World and Currys, is understood to be considering a move into the residential phone market. It is believed to have considered Centrica's OneTel business, later bought by Carphone Warehouse. ...

In Brief: Superdrug to open 35 new stores.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Superdrug is opening 35 new stores this year as part of its plan to appear "in every UK high street". The AS Watson Group-owned retailer says the plan will create 350 jobs and marks an expansion into Ireland. Copyright: Centaur...

In Brief: Barclays takes on Bank of America.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Barclays is taking on Bank of America by offering a rival credit card linked to the US Airways frequent-flier programme. The Barclays card, co-branded by Mastercard, will be managed in the US. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

People: Johansen to leave PacifiCorp.(Judi Johansen)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Judi Johansen, president and executive of ScottishPower's US-regulated business PacifiCorp, will leave the company after its sale to MidAmerican Energy Holdings is completed later this year. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

People: IPC Advertising appointment.(Caroline McDevitt)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Former BARB chief Caroline McDevitt has been promoted to managing director of IPC Advertising, a position that carries a seat on the IPC Media board. She will chair the IPC Advertising Executive. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

People: PPA Marketing appointment.(Periodical Publishers Association)(Paul Keenan)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... PPA Marketing, which promotes consumer magazines as an advertising medium, has handed EMAP Consumer Media chief executive Paul Keenan the role of chairman. He replaces Victoria Scott, publisher of Reader's Digest. Copyright: Centaur...

People: Heart 106.2 appointment.(Priscilla Williams)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Heart 106.2, the Chrysalis Radio-owned station, has appointed Priscilla Williams as deputy programme director. Prior to going on maternity leave she was station producer. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

People: Deighton CEO of Logoc.(Paul Deighton)(London Olympic Games Organising Committee)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Paul Deighton has been confirmed as chief executive officer of the London Olympic Games Organising Committee. Deighton, chief operating officer of Goldman Sachs Europe, takes the reins from deputy chairman Sir Keith Mills, who was acting chief...

People: Masterfoods promotion.(Richard Kellam)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Masterfoods has promoted Richard Kellam, managing director of Masterfoods UK petcare, to the new role of president of the European petcare division. He has been replaced by Mark Johnson, European franchise director for dry dogfood and...

Poor sales hit The Sunday Telegraph.(telling the fact )(Brief Article)(Interview)
January 5, 2006... The Sunday Telegraph is to report its lowest December Audit Bureau Circulation (ABC) figure for ten years despite spending millions on a revamp and two new magazines launched in November last year. But marketing director Katie Vanneck says...

GSK is set to launch two new soft drinks in 2006.(GlaxoSmithKline)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is set to launch at least two new soft drinks this year, unveiling Blueberry-flavour Ribena and a new addition to the Lucozade Energy range. Blueberry Ribena will hit the shelves in squash and ready-to-drink formats...

RSPB rebrands as campaigning organisation.(Royal Society for the Protection of Birds )(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking to move away from its image as a "safe" charity and reposition itself as a more "campaigning" organisation. It is expected to hold a pitch later this year to find an...

Orange sponsors Virgin Radio breakfast show.(contract )(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Orange has signed up as the sponsor of the Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio. The year-long deal will start when the show launches on January 23. The deal, which was negotiated by Initiative, will see Orange featured in...

Constellation targets Pimm's with Stone's Wine extension.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Constellation Brands is planning to launch a brand extension for its venerable Stone's Ginger Wine in an attempt to take on Pimm's in the summer long mixed drinks sector. Stone's Summer Cup is in development, although a Constellation...

Analysis: Big brands commence battle for the pink pound.
January 5, 2006... The first same-sex civil unions took place in the UK last month, heralding a new "gay wedding" economy worth millions of pounds. The Civil Partnerships Act has thrown the spotlight on the pink pound, along with recent spats such as Ford's...

Job axe falls on Avis marketing chief after management rejig.(Penny Stoolman)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Avis UK sales and marketing director Penny Stoolman has left the company after her role was scrapped in a management restructure. It is not known if Stoolman, who joined the car rental giant two years ago (MW January 22, 2004), has a job...

Holiday e-brand plans above-the-line push.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Budget holiday website Lowcostbeds.com is planning its first above-the- line campaign in an effort to increase awareness of the brand. The #1m integrated campaign will break later in the year. The move comes as Lowcostbeds.com founder Paul...

K-C unveils #3m launch of gender-based DryNites range.(Kimberly-Clark)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Kimberly-Clark is ploughing #3m into the launch of gender-specific DryNites products aimed at older children. The personal care giant is launching a male and female version of its disposable pyjama pants, designed for children over four...

In Brief: Campaign for Virgin Holidays.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw has created a #1m advertising campaign for Virgin Holidays featuring a character called Doc Holiday. The press, radio and online drive breaks this week. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

In Brief: Leisure at Work wins account.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Leisure At Work has won the #1m creative and design account for the Next Generation chain of fitness and health clubs. LAW beat four other agencies to the account, including incumbents JJ Group. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

In Brief: Direct Know How appointed.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Direct Know How has been appointed by Mentzendorff to handle the direct marketing business for its Taylor's Port brand. The agency won the business without a pitch. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

In Brief: Doner Cardwell Hawkins campaign.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Doner Cardwell Hawkins has created a #4m campaign for Travelodge promoting its low room-rates and price cuts worth #20m in 2006. The campaign launches this week and is aimed at driving customers to the company website. Copyright: Centaur...

In Brief: Big Communications appointed.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Big Communications has been appointed by the British Heart Foundation to work on its Valentine Appeal, which raises money for specialist heart nurses. The agency has also been added to the BHF's roster for ongoing projects. Sister agency,...

In Brief: McCann Erickson win.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... McCann Erickson has won the advertising business for Cereal Partners UK's Cheerios brand from incumbent Saatchi & Saatchi following a restructure of its #21m advertising roster. McCann Erickson is now responsible for all Cereal Partners'...

#15m Hellmann's remains at Lowe after O&M wrangle.(Lowe London)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Unilever is understood to have performed a U-turn by handing its #15m pan-European Hellmann's Mayonnaise business back to Lowe, just two months after seeking to shift the business into Ogilvy & Mather. O&M was set to take over the brand...

Zinc picks up #2m Proton business.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Zinc has won the #2m advertising business for Proton Cars (UK) and will create the marque's first television advertising campaign to boost its appeal to younger drivers. The agency pitched against The Bank, Catchpole & Friends and...

Liverpool Victoria Friendly hunts DM agency.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society is looking for an agency to handle the direct marketing account for its insurance business. The account is thought to be worth several million pounds. The company is understood to be working with...

National Rail seeks ad agency for level crossing campaign.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Network Rail is in talks with advertising agencies about developing an awareness campaign to warn people of the dangers of level crossings. The body responsible for maintaining the nation's rail infrastructure says it has been in informal...

Liverpool culture body awards ad brief to Cheetham Bell/JWT.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Liverpool Culture Company (LCC), the body that will oversee the city's role as the European Capital of Culture 2008, has appointed Cheetham Bell/JWT to handle its advertising. It follows a competitive pitch against a number of undisclosed...

Analysis: A new year with added resolution.
January 5, 2006... Last year was hardly a vintage one for television advertising, with Heineken, Heinz and Superdrug abandoning the small screen and few memorable campaigns emerging. However, with a glut of accounts awarded late in 2005, the industry eagerly...

In Brief: NTL merge with TeleWest.(NTL Group Ltd., TeleWest Communications PLC)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... NTL's #3.5bn merger with cable rival Telewest has been approved by the Office of Fair Trading, which stated the deal had not failed the test for referring it to the Competition Commission. BSkyB's acquisition of internet specialist Easynet...

In Brief: Hit Entertainment reorganise UK group.(HIT Entertainment PLC)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Hit Entertainment has reorganised its UK group to exploit growth across its properties, which include Bob the Builder, Barney and Thomas & Friends. The multiple brand group structure is being replaced with UK consumer products, EMEA business...

In Brief: Monster reviewing UK media work.(Monster Worldwide Inc., ZenithOptimedia)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Monster, the online recruitment company, is reviewing its UK media buying and planning work, currently held by Zenith Optimedia. Monster spent #2m on advertising last year. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

In Brief: Wickes hands account to Mediaedge:cia.(advertising)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Wickes has handed its #9m media planning and buying account to Mediaedge:cia following a final pitch against MediaCom. OMD, BLM, Carat and BJK&E were all knocked out at an earlier stage. The review followed the #950m purchase of Wickes by...

In Brief: Pernod Ricard reviewing media planning.(Pernod Ricard S.A., Media Planning Group, Zenith Optimedia and Vizeum)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Pernod Ricard is reviewing its #10m media planning following its acquisition of Allied Domecq last year and has asked incumbent Media Planning Group, Zenith Optimedia (which worked for Allied Domecq) and Vizeum to pitch. Copyright: Centaur...

Barclays to review its media planning.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Barclays is reviewing its #30m group media planning and buying business. It has invited Walker Media, OMD UK and PHD Media to pitch for the account alongside incumbent Starcom. Barclays marketing director Jim Hytner says he has called the...

Mediaedge:CIA to handle #2m Plymouth Gin account.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Mediaedge:CIA has been appointed to handle the #2m media planning and buying account for Plymouth Gin ahead of a repositioning and a consumer advertising push later this year. The Coates Distillery, which distills the gin, wants to give...

Ex-Metro executives plan City AM expansion.(Jens Torpe and Lawson Muncaster of Metro International)(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... Former Metro international executives who launched London business freesheet City AM are understood to be planning City AM launches abroad. Chief executive Jens Torpe and managing director Lawson Muncaster are rumoured to be looking at...

MediaCom wins #20m Digital UK business.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... By Catherine Turner MediaCom has won the #20m media planning and buying account for Digital UK from incumbent PHD following a competitive pitch. Digital UK, which rebranded from SwitchCo in September, is the independent body charged...

LTA in hunt for sponsors of tennis centre.(Lawn Tennis Association )(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is looking for key sponsors for the UK's first national tennis centre, which is being built in south-west London. Details of the packages have yet to be confirmed, but it is understood that the...

Will legislation kill off mobile TV before it gains an audience?
January 5, 2006... The online industry is bracing itself for European legislation that threatens to squeeze the life out of the emerging mobile television industry. New media experts are concerned about proposals to extend the Television Without Frontiers...

LETTER: Ignore the claims of a pensions washout.(Letter to the Editor)
January 5, 2006... Having recently joined the pensions business, and with a background in packaged goods, I read your piece "Dousing the pensions fire" (MW December 15) with some interest. I'm pleased to report it feels somewhat less damp on the inside. They...

LETTER: Television looks the picture of good health.(Letter to the Editor)
January 5, 2006... We were delighted to read about Nationwide's decision to increase its investment in television advertising and the fact that its own research shows its TV advertising is proving more effective ("Sponsorship industry condemns Nationwide move...

LETTER: Murray complainers: the joke's on you.(Letter to the Editor)
January 5, 2006... I thought the two letters about Iain Murray's PR comment (Letters, MW December 15) were a joke at first. Alas and bloody alack, no. Once again, two paragons of some vague professional virtue were banging on seamlessly about unfair practice...

VIEWPOINT: New year, new whipping boys for this society's ills.
January 5, 2006... Apparently, alcohol advertising is "a contributory factor to youth drinking over time". This innocuous-sounding conclusion to a major piece of research on 4,000 people aged between 15 and 26 has created a media headline frenzy out of all...

HEAD TO HEAD: Rumble in the jungle.
January 5, 2006... 2006 is set to pit heavyweights against contenders who will strive to push their rivals into second place on the pitch, the supermarket or the living room floor. Enter Coca-Cola v Pepsi, Nokia v Motorola, Asda v Sainsbury's, Levy v Sorell? By...

HEAD TO HEAD: Branson v Murdoch.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... For more than a decade, Rupert Murdoch has been king of UK pay-per-view television through his stake in satellite broadcaster BSkyB. But this year he faces a rejuvenated challenge from cable in the guise of populist entrepreneur Sir Richard...

HEAD TO HEAD: Maurice Levy v Sir Martin Sorrell.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The confrontation between Britain's Sir Martin Sorrell and France's smooth-talking Maurice Levy for global share of advertising and marketing services will smoulder through 2006 and beyond. Sorrell has used his financial nous and deal-making...

HEAD TO HEAD: Justin King v Andy Bond.(Brief Article)
January 5, 2006... The battle for second place in the UK grocery market will heat up as Sainsbury's, which had a 15.9 per cent market share in the 12 weeks to December 4 (TNS Superpanel), challenges Asda (on 16.5 per cent) for the runner-up prize. Both trail...

BENCHMARK INTEL: Intel's power drive.
January 5, 2006... As it attempts to launch new products directly to consumers, the semiconductor giant's brand will be boosted by F1 racing. By Nathalie Kilby This year is set to bring major change for technology group Intel. It is splashing out $2bn...

INSIGHT CUSTOMER SEVICE: It helps to know the score.
January 5, 2006... Although retail staff are as happy to help as ten years ago, a mystery shopping study revealed that product knowledge is lacking, while a friendly attempt to meet your needs rates higher than slick ads Everyone remembers an instance of...

Can new players make inroads on royal mail's old stamping ground?
January 5, 2006... As full competition begins in the mail market, the operators licensed by Postcomm will be able to offer favourable deals to marketers. Yet Royal Mail's monopoly hardly seems under threat, says Sarah Chambers A recent survey commissioned...

MARKET RESEARCH: Lead them down the aisle.
January 5, 2006... Understanding the behaviour of shoppers, noting how they think and picking out the things that grab their attention is a key challenge for marketers in the cluttered retail arena. By Alicia Clegg How companies use language reveals a great...

DESIGN: Questions of identity.
January 5, 2006... Brands need a strong and memorable identity to stand out from the crowd, but to stay alive and well, they must change with the times. So what is the secret of longevity? asks Sarah Rayner In a competitive market, brands fall in or out of...

LAST WORD: This year, you can blame it all on global warming.(essex)
January 5, 2006... Tesco buying Essex, the world's first successful baboon-to-human buttock transplant, and Serbia winning the World Cup - could it really happen in 2006? January: In the New Year Honours there are knighthoods for Simon Cowell and Ozzy...

ASH threatens action over Camel motor racing tie-up.(Action on Smoking and Health)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Anti-smoking pressure group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has condemned a new sponsorship deal between tobacco brand Camel and the Yamaha MotoGP racing team. ASH says the deal undermines "the spirit of the law" and could cause legal...

Health groups slam binge-drinking body.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Plans drawn up by the Government and the alcohol industry to create a new national sensible drinking education programme have come under fire from health groups, which say the new body will be underfunded and too much under the influence of...

Future of X-Type in doubt as Jaguar moots withdrawal from US market.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Jaguar is poised to axe its mass-market X-Type model in the US, throwing the much-criticised car's UK future into doubt. Sources close to the company say the decision has already been taken to discontinue the X-Type in the US from the end...

Child Trust chief urges Gov't action over parents' delay.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... The marketing chief of one of the UK's leading Child Trust Fund investment companies is calling on the Government to compel parents to use vouchers more quickly following a late rush of applications ahead of the scheme's first deadline. ...

BT picks GCap boss to lead brand rejuvenation strategy.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... BT has appointed former GCap Media marketer Suzi Williams as its new brand chief. Williams, who was market development director at the radio group, replaces Simon Ingman, who left the company in September after 15 years (MW September 1,...

Dunlop plans youth range of clothing and merchandise.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Dunlop Tyres is launching a clothing and merchandise range in an attempt to increase the brand's appeal to young people. The decision is part of an image revamp by design agency Fitch, which will be unveiled this evening (Wednesday) in...

Golden Wonder halts ads as administrators are called in.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Golden Wonder's marketing team is facing an uncertain future after the company was placed in administration earlier this week. The team, which is headed by marketing controller Loretta MacFarlane, is waiting to hear its fate as the...

Nestle to overhaul Kit Kat extension.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Nestle Rowntree is understood to be relaunching its premium Kit Kat extension, Kit Kat Editions, just 18 months after its launch, after disappointing sales. The revamp, which is due for the first quarter of 2006, will include scaling back...

Senior Inbev marketer goes after restructure.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Former Nestle Rowntree marketer Liam Newton has left his role as brand controller at InBev UK following a restructure of the brewer's marketing department. It is not known if he has a job to go to. Newton joined Interbrew UK, as the...

IN BRIEF: 2005 car sales.(Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... The car industry is bracing itself for another tough year after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a five per cent fall in 2005 sales to 2.4 million cars. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Marketing director made redunant.(Waterstone's Booksellers Ltd.)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Waterstone's marketing director Lesley Miles has been made redundant amid a restructure that has created the position of commercial director, not yet filled. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: No plans to close stores.(Toys "R" Us Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... A Toys'R'Us spokesman says the retailer has no plans to close stores in the UK, following the company's decision to shut 75 US outlets and turn a further 12 into BabiesRUs formats. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Marks & Spencer sales.(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Marks & Spencer has reported a 2.9 per cent increase in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks to December 31, describing Christmas trading as 'particularly strong'. Chief executive Stuart Rose expects the UK retail environment to remain...

IN BRIEF: Health Bill amendment.(smoking ban in pubs and restaurants)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Tony Blair may allow Labour backbench rebels to vote for a Health Bill amendment calling for an outright ban on smoking in pubs and restaurants in England, say reports. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Nutrition in Schools Bill.(ban sweets and fizzy drinks)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... The Scottish Executive is understood to be planning to ban sweets and fizzy drinks from vending machines in schools. The Nutrition in Schools Bill is expected to be introduced before the end of the month. Copyright: Centaur Communications...

IN BRIEF: Tesco refused planning permission.(Tesco Express)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... Tesco has been refused planning permission to open an Express convenience store in Finchley, London, on the grounds that it would damage other local businesses, according to Barnet Council Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

People: More Than.(hired Mike Holliday-Williams)(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... More Than, the Royal & SunAlliance-owned credit card brand, has hired OneTel marketing chief Mike Holliday-Williams to fill its vacant marketing director post. He replaces Mike Tildesley, who left last September to become the top marketer at...

People: JWT.(appointed Dave Allen)(Enterprise IG appointed Simon Bolton )(Brief Article)
January 12, 2006... JWT former chief executive Simon Bolton has moved to the same position at WPP Group brand consultancy Enterprise IG. He replaces Dave Allen, who moves to JWT to become chief executive of Team Vodafone, co- ordinating 30 WPP companies that...