Precision Marketing articles from August 2004

Precision Marketing archives from August 2004

Alzheimer's Society sparks agency review.(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Alzheimer's Society, the care and research charity that helps people with dementia. and their families, is shaking up its direct marketing arrangements. The organisation is understood to be drawing up a pitch list. The account is held by...

Call centres face backlash as TPS registrations soar.(Telephone Preference Service)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The telemarketing industry has been rocked by a major consumer backlash, which in the past year has seen Telephone Preference Service registrations leap to nearly 6,000 a day. Some 5.3 million numbers are now registered--representing a...

Diageo pools data for cross-branded strategy.(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Diageo is creating a centralised data strategy across its drinks brands for the first time, as it adds fizz to relationship marketing drives. The drinks giant--which owns Smirnoff and Guinness--wants In develop an integrated, cross-branded...

P&G email offensive targets range at families with teenagers.(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Procter & Gamble (P&G) is planning a major e marketing offensive to target what ii has dubbed 'golden families', in a move which will see it promote its entire product range. P&G aims to reach families with teenagers that use a wide range...

Proximity rejigs digital team for boosted service.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Proximity London is over hauling its digital team as it prepares to boost its integrated offering. John Baker, who has headed the division since joining the agency in 2002, is leaving to follow his own business interests. Baker will...

ASA issues 'fake invoice' warning.(news)(Advertising Standards Authority)(European Advertising Standards Alliance)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is warning companies to beware of a devious ploy designed to encourage payment of fake invoices. The direct mail seam, which is being driven by unscrupulous companies based in the Czech Republic,...

Fiat probes European audiences for insight.(news)(Arc London)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Fiat Auto is preparing a pan-European blitz to fine-tune its customer insight strategy and create better targeted communications. The move comes as the Italian car manufacturer is expected to kick off a review of its marketing operations....

Volunteer recruitment sites to aid drug trials.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The pharmaceutical industry is to receive a shot in the arm with the launch of a network of websites to allow companies to recruit patients for clinical trials, build brands and offer medical information. The network is being developed by...

Suppression rises as brands 'get message'.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The number of UK companies using goneaway suppression for direct mail campaigns has risen sharply in the past six months. According to a report carried out by Experian Intact, one of Europe's leading online data cleansing services, over a...

Bango appoints Folk to bolster brand strategy.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Bango, a leading provider of mobile technology for content owners and media companies, is beefing up its direct activity to secure more clients. Agency Folk has been handed the brief, initially on a one-year contract, to boost brand"...

VisitBritain to pool global data with extra 2m names.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... VisitBritain is centralising its global database to encourage a flood of tourists. The tourism body aims to add 2 million names to its database by March 2006 and create more targeted marketing activity. VisitBritain is to pull all of its...

Consumer credit start-up plans direct blitz via WPN.(news)(Watson Phillips Norman)(Picture Financial Group)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Picture Financial Group, a start-up consumer credit company, is set to hit the market this autumn in a blaze of direct activity. The brand will target 'highly credit worthy individuals who are experienced in credit' and seeking a...

Renault pushes fleet cars with 'alternative' ads.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Renault UK is gearing up for a campaign to position its fleet brand as a refreshing alternative to rival offerings. The car giant hopes to align Renault Business Link with the changing employment landscape by meeting the need for a better...

Nestle targets kitten owners in Felix assault.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Nestle Purina is hoping to get its claws into rivals' share of the catfood market lay launching a major campaign for Felix. The company is rolling out a 12-month initiative, featuring direct mail, online, press and on-pack work, that will...

Wales Tourist Board plans data offensive.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The Wales Tourist Board (WTB) is planning to put data at the heart of its future marketing drives after completing a wide-ranging review of its agency arrangements. WTB has appointed Partners Andrews Aldridge to handle its direct marketing...

Virgin Mobile to launch 'fun' travel service.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Virgin Mobile is launching an entertainment service targeting people on the move. The company is rolling out 'Bites' to its 4.2 million customers in a bid to help people on journeys beat the boredom of travelling. Hailed as a cross...

Centrepoint rolls out DRTV awareness trial.(news)(Direct Response Television )(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Centrepoint, the homeless charity, is testing DRTV for the first time to raise awareness of its work and attract more donors. The organisation has appointed charity specialist agency Whitewater to handle the campaign, which asks donors to...

BSkyB paves way for non-subscribers assault.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... BSkyB has appointed data specialist Dunnhumby to develop a prospect database. The project will create a pool of non-subscribing UK households to be targeted with offers from the broadcaster. Sky is also overhauling its brand identity, with a...

Star Alliance appoints agencies for flyer scheme.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Star Alliance, the airline consortium, has appointed Harrison Troughton Wunderman (HTW) and International Customer Loyalty Programmes to handle a frequent flyer scheme that taps into members' own loyalty products. The agencies won the estimated...

Honda to launch customer magazine.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Honda is set to roll out a quarterly magazine to strengthen customer relationships and brand loyalty. Dream will initially be sent to 150,000 of its UK customers, although it will eventually target all 400,000. The title is to preview Honda...

Mitsubishi to hire direct agency.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Mitsubishi is set to appoint a direct marketing agency after inviting four to pitch for its account. The car manufacturer has been without an agency since it split with The Fine Company after the shop's acquisition by McCann-Erickson. Golley...

Hall Moore CHI hires Andrews Aldridge team.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Partners Andrews Aldridge creative team Phil Holbrook and Liam Donnelly have jumped ship after just over six months with the agency to be reunited with their former boss Warren Moore. They are joining start-up Hall Moore CHI as senior art...

Save the Children in online appeal for long-term givers.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Save the Children UK is rolling out its biggest ever online push in a bid to lure new donors and encourage them to pay by direct debit. The campaign, devised by Proximity London, aims to increase donors' lifetime value by turning their...

Sony rolls out 'trophy' PlayStation2 initiative.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) is planning a major data-capture campaign as it promotes a raft of new games for PlayStation2. The initiative targets sports fans and features a mailpack that will be sent to selected names from...

Sporting Index tracks website visitors' moves to enhance targeting.(news)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Sporting Index, one of the world's leading spread-betting companies, is overhauling its online data analysis to build a better view of punters. The company has appointed Site Intelligence to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of...

Fifth of global consumers purchase from spammers.(international)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Sunnyvale, California: A fifth of consumers admit to having bought products through spam emails, according to a survey by Yahoo!. The Internet service provider says its study among thousands of global online consumers also reveals that a...

Aegis buys Australia's MRM Group.(international)(Marketing Resources Management (MRM) Group.)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Sydney: Media and market research group Aegis has continued its spending spree by acquiring Australian network the Marketing Resources Management (MRM) Group. The MRM Group includes digital marketing agency One Digital, which will slot...

Equifax posts 50% hike in second quarter earnings.(international)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Atlanta, Georgia: Business intelligence provider Equifax has increased its quarterly earnings by almost 50 per cent. The company says earnings for the second quarter hit $73m (39.9m [pounds sterling])--a 49 per cent hike on the same period...

Italian spend upward curve.(international)
August 6, 2004... Milan: In Italy, there has been a significant increase in direct marketing spend during the past few years. According to the Utenti Pubblicitari Associati (UPA), which conducts the annual study Il future della pubblicita (The Future of...

Drinks sector puts on sober marketing front: with the Government voicing grave concerns about binge drinking, marketers must find a responsible brand positioning for alcoholic drinks if they are to avoid the same censorship as tobacco companies.(news analysis)
August 6, 2004... It is no secret that the Brits like a drink. After all, this is the nation that produced Richard Harris, Oliver Reed and Ozzy Osbourne. But while this trio's antics might raise a smile, the recent surge in binge drinking--especially among...

Simple solution to consumers' social concerns.(Direct Marketing Association)
August 6, 2004... I recently spoke at the first DMA West environmental conference. I would say that those present left the event in no doubt as to the huge role environmental consciousness will play in our industry over the next few years. Since the...

There's more to business TPS than obeying rules.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 6, 2004... The DMA (UK) did its best to lobby against CTPS legislation (PM July 23), but it's time to accept it and get on with it. A recent awareness survey conducted by The Database Group found that over 75 per cent or companies making unsolicited...

List brokers are far from 'lazy'.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 6, 2004... No doubt John Watson's main objective (Column, PM July 9) was to offend and belittle the work of everyone in every sector of our industry. I will leave the rest of the industry to take up battles with Watson, but I must respond as 'angry...

Sharper marketing could improve credit card companies' popularity: by establishing and following clear best practice guidelines, credit card firms would go a long way towards countering criticism of indiscriminate marketing.(comment)
August 6, 2004... The marketing techniques of credit card providers are constantly being criticised. And no wonder, when the papers are routinely filled with stories of people running up enormous debts that they can't afford, yet being continually offered vast...

Not quite that distinguished.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 6, 2004... In his ever-erudite Column (PM last week), Stuart Archibald attached the apology "Sorry Simon" to the mention of the "odd grey hair" (PM July 23). For the benefit of those readers who may not have bumped into me in Fitzrovia recently, this is...

Suppression goal premature.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 6, 2004... I think that Sue Tomalin raises some very interesting points regarding the future use of suppression (PM July 16), but before we can move forward as an industry, surely we have to he certain that we are covering the basics? While use of...

Local detail key for global mail.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 6, 2004... Michele Witthaus ('Taken to the cleaners,' PM July 23) clearly explains the ways in which we can work with international lists. But selling overseas is about far more than just picking the right lists--if only it were that simple. I had to...

Calling time on 'immature' ads.(leader; drinks firms promoting responsible drinking in marketing)
August 6, 2004... For many British people, a trip to the pub is as much a part of their daily lives as eating and sleeping. For years, a few hours spent in the local hostelry has been viewed as a venerable tradition, often culminating in comical tales of...

Creative critique: balloons, CD-zines, packaging. This week Simon Antenen, creative director at CCHM, takes a look at some different ways of getting messages through the mail, and decides whether the function deserves the form.
August 6, 2004... 1. Alliance & Leicester Ah. Someone's done their research and found out that people would rather eat their own eyes than look at another financial services mailing. So, to inject some interest, another someone's had the idea or sending out...

Match officials: in seeking a single customer view, address management practitioners are polarised between strict absolutists who believe accurate matching is essential and volume-hungry marketers with a 'nearly is good enough' approach.(address management)
August 6, 2004... ADDRESS MATCHING is often a strictly relative affair. Many high-volume mailers take the view that, when it comes to data matching, 'nearly is good enough'. They calculate that the wasted portion of the total mailing spend will be more than...

Bridging the gap: with digital communications taking an increasingly prominent role in consumers' and businesses' lives, marketing agencies cannot afford to leave the medium out of their mix. The most effective solution could be to buy in specialist agencies--but how do they feel about it?(Email marketing)(Direct memory access)
August 6, 2004... DIGITAL MARKETING IS SEXY AGAIN. Advertisers are pouring money back into online channels, with the latest DMA (UK) Census reporting a 29 per cent yearly rise in 2003, taking digital marketing expenditure to 677m [pounds sterling]. This...

Kenwood releases list via MMS.(list file)(Marketing & Media Solutions)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Kenwood is making 18,937 in-car entertainment buyer records available through Marketing & Media Solutions (MMS). The updated list features men aged between 20 and 35 who have home computers with Internet access and enjoy reading titles such...

Euromoney to reveal database.(list file)
August 6, 2004... Global publisher Euromoney Institutional Investor is releasing details of more than 800,000 senior business decision-makers through Prospect Swetenhams. The database comprises premium business-to-business (B2B) contacts in middle and...

MyOffers sells updated names.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Competition website MyOffers is making its updated postal file available through Wyvern Direct Response. The list comprises 1.2 million consumers who participate in a host of online competitions. They are asked to provide basic lifestyle...

The Good Book Guide lists file.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The Good Book Guide is putting its updated and cleaned list rental database of over 13,000 buyers on the market through Uni-Marketing. More than 70 per cent of the names are European, with most wealthy and mail order-responsive. More...

Aztec unveils new buyer data.(list file)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Aztec, the catalogue of classic children's clothing with a modern twist, is offering its list of 7,786 buyers through Isis Direct. Launched in 2000. Aztec targets parents of children up to the age of eight. All of the items are...

Communications Agency hands Martin account role.(moving people)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... The Communications Agency has appointed Xavier Martin account manager. His initial remit will be to manage the American Express Corporate Card, travel and insurance accounts. Martin joins from Melbourne integrated agency The Brand, where he...

Robinson and Day join Rapier ranks.(moving people)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Creative team Rachel Robinson and Louise Day are joining Rapier. They will work across the agency's accounts, including the AA, Telewest, Smart and Which?. Robinson and Day join from Tequila, where they won an award for their work on The One...

Metcalfe to chair DMA Scotland.(moving people)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... David Metcalfe, head of Wholesale Banking Development at Lloyds TSB Scotland, is the new chair of DMA Scotland. He takes over from Gillian Lyall, group sales director of Pillans and Waddles, following the completion of her three-year term as...

Davidson rises to Carlson Digital strategy director.(moving people)(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Carlson Digital has promoted Claire Davidson (left) to digital strategy director front digital strategist. Davidson, who has been at the agency for nearly three years, will be responsible for strategic marketing and communications for clients...

Nice work ... is a monthly column dedicated to those people who are happy at work. Don't think it's possible? Read on.(Brief Article)
August 6, 2004... Name: Omar Terywall Company: Highbury-Wyvern Department: Wyvern Direct Response Job title: Account manager Responsibilities: Managing business-to-business enquiries and orders Job perks: The major perk has to be the great...

Ferret roulette a massive gamble down ya trousers.(diary)(Column)
August 6, 2004... If Ms Diary lived in the real world, she'd say you know silly season's arrived when the president of the Royal College of Physicians is in the national press saying there are too many women doctors. But because we're working in direct...

Forthcoming events.(diary)(Calendar)
August 6, 2004... The DMA Interactive TV Council is supporting the two-day Interactive TV (iTV) Advertising & Enhanced TV Conference on September 28 and 29. Day one gives a complete overview of iTV advertising, from the creative and planning aspects, to response...

Too high-pitched.(hunter's tale)(Brief Article)(Column)
August 6, 2004... Needless to say, as London's premier new business director (working at London's premier aggressive communications agency), I'm going full-tilt to get on the Powergen pitch list. But, man, it's difficult getting hold of Suki Thompson. Her...

Companies rush to support IPA consumer study.(Multimedia planning tool )(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Media owners are flocking to support the launch of a project, led by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), to investigate consumers' interaction with marketing, including direct channels. The 'Touch Points' scheme is being...

LibDems demand 'junk mail' ban.(Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... MPs are being urged to throw their weight behind a campaign to help consumers fend off unwanted post, in the latest Parliamentary outcry against 'junk mail'. Liberal Democrat MPs Norman Baker and Don Foster are seeking House of Commons...

Telemarketers to be 'extinct in five years'.(CM Insight)(Telemarketing industry)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The telemarketing industry faces 'extinction within five years' unless it improves consumer relations, according to a scathing report. The grim findings are outlined in Death of the Cold Call--a study by contact centre customer management...

British Gas boosts inbound telemarketing to fend off backlash.(Outbound)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... British Gas is slashing its use of outbound telemarketing as part of a five-year plan that will allow the Centrica-owned group to focus on developing inbound services. The telemarketing shake-up comes in the midst of a general consumer...

Public voices fears over chip and PIN fraud.(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Consumers fear the introduction of chip and PIN cards will result in rocketing fraud. Some 56 per cent of just over 1,000 people surveyed by anti-fraud specialist Detica think their PIN will be at risk of exposure to unauthorised people....

Royal Liver to target airline call centre staff.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Royal Liver Assurance has signed an affinity deal with US Airways to target the airline's UK contact centre employees. Royal Liver has set up the partnership with the travel company in a bid to increase uptake of its financial products...

RAC appoints Andrews Aldridge.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The RAC is planning to overhaul its customer marketing drives by appointing its first direct shop in a year. The motoring organisation has appointed Partners Andrews Aldridge to manage its 10m [pounds sterling] direct account following a...

Ofcom fights back at premium rate scams.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, is stepping up its fight against premium rate scams after receiving thousands of complaints from consumers who have been unexpectedly charged for services. The body is kicking off a formal review of the issue....

Wales Tourist Board seeks outfit to push sport.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Wales Tourist Board (WTB) is seeking direct marketing shops to help promote the country's equestrian and water sports opportunities. In two separate tenders, the WTB says it wants to capitalise on the potential of horse- and...

Legal publisher in direct drive for Net service.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Sweet & Maxwell, the Thomson Corporation-owned provider of information to the legal and professional sector, is launching a direct marketing blitz to promote an online publishing product. The division, part of Thomson's Legal & Regulatory...

UK badminton group rethinks loyalty strategy.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Badminton Association of England (BAE) is serving up a new relationship marketing strategy to raise funds and develop the sport's national profile. The governing body wants to devise innovative ways to engage and communicate with...

News International starts reader database overhaul.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... News International, publisher of The Times, Sun and News of the World is shaking up its extensive reader database. The media powerhouse, which boasts 2.25 million records of national newspaper readers, is aiming to boost its file's appeal...

Panasonic picks IPT Direct to upgrade prospects file.(news)(Interactive Prospect Targeting)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Panasonic is upgrading its prospect marketing database to complement customer data. The company, which makes digital cameras, hi-fi systems, DVD players and mobile phones, has appointed Interactive Prospect Targeting's (IPT) list rental...

Cafedirect targets young in tea brand blitz.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Cafedirect, the fair trade company, is tempting younger consumers to turn over a new leaf and try its black tea brand with a burst of direct activity. The firm is encouraging 15-to 24-year-olds to sample Teadirect by encouraging them to...

Telegraph backs fantasy football with pizza deal.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Daily Telegraph is embarking on a major customer acquisition drive for its fantasy football game, in partnership with pizza company Papa John's. The paper, which encourages registrations at www. tffo.co.uk, is launching the promotional...

Bourne group in bid to boost e-bookings.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Bourne Leisure Group is unveiling an updated booking process on its revamped website for travel brands Haven and British Holidays. The company, which has taken on Internet specialists Amaze and Tridion for the work, is launching a...

Ebay develops mobile bidding update scheme.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Ebay.co.uk, the online auction giant, is launching a mobile service to allow people to check on their bids while they are on the move. Ebay Anywhere will he available on handsets using text message and GPRS services that enable users to...

Nestle launches fresh breath chew for dogs.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Nestle Purina is unleashing a direct mail blitz to back the launch of a Winalot product combating dogs' bad breath. The chew, called Winalot Dental Fresh, is to be promoted with a range of activity including a mailing campaign to 100,000...

WWAV wins DTI firework safety account.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Department of Trade & Industry has awarded an integrated firework safety campaign to WWAV Rapp Collins London following a three-way pitch. The initiative is to be based around the warning 'Don't let one night last a lifetime' and highlights...

Hobsbawn takes interim role at Itraffic.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Omnicom-owned digital agency Itraffic has installed Andy Hobsbawn as interim managing director following the resignation of Jon Sharpe from the role. Sharpe, sales and marketing director Ethan Segal and client services director Matt Gorzowski...

Gizmondo gadget offers targeting channel.(news)
August 13, 2004... Gizmondo, a handheld device that allows time-and location-sensitive marketing via GPS technology, is being launched next month. An application called Smart Adds will enable advertisers to reach potential customers with 'television-quality' ads...

Friends Reunited rolls out 'nostalgia' drive.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Friends Reunited, the online community for former classmates, is launching a 'nostalgic' acquisition campaign through Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw, The drive focuses on themes such as playground romance and classroom stunts and reflects users'...

Bonne Maman rolls out French holiday contest.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Bonne Maman, the jam manufacturer, is cooking up a holiday compelition to spread the word about its brands. The food company is launching an on-pack promotion, giving consumers the chance to enjoy four travel experiences in France. The...

Train Line to inject Internet bookings with speed factor.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Train Line, the Virgin Group-owned rail ticket retailer, is overhauling its online data capture system to speed up booking times and grab a larger share of the market. The company, which merged with National Express-owned Qjump.co.uk...

Children's Society in appeal for runaway kids.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... The Children's Society is aiming to help runaway kids get off the streets with a major donor acquisition campaign. The charity is sending out two test mailings to 85,000 people this month in a bid to secure over 10,000 new donors by the end...

Nissan devises 'rebel' mailpack to entice 'non-conformist' drivers.(news)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Nissan is targeting prospects with a mailing drive promoting finance offers for its Micra marque. Some 25,000 people, who earlier this year received a mailpack or requested a brochure, will be sent a postcard featuring the slogan 'Keep on...

Pfizer sues pseudo-Viagra sites as spam taints brand.(international)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... San Francisco: Pfizer, one of the world's largest drug manufacturers, is taking legal action against several online pharmacies and spammers for selling imitations of its Viagra drug. Pfizer is suing five websites For trademark in...

Singapore Post boosts direct push.(international)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Singapore: Singapore Post is boosting its coffers in the face of declining national mail volumes by stepping up its direct marketing operations. The strategy, which has led to a 10.5 per cent rise in profits to S$26.1m (8.3m [pounds...

OFT warns British tourists of fake road fines scam.(international)(Brief Article)
August 13, 2004... Madrid: The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning people to be wary of a 'fake fines' direct mail seam targeting British holidaymakers to Spain and the Canary Islands. Spanish firm Drayes has been sending fines to UK consumers who have...

Firms in Spain wake up to Net.(international)
August 13, 2004... Madrid: In Spain, we have a strong sense of nationality, so when we compare ourselves with the rest of Europe we use a well-known Spanish idiom: 'Spain is different.' But is this the case when you compare how Spain is integrating the Internet...