Precision Marketing articles from August 2005

Precision Marketing archives from August 2005

Postal chiefs in dark over Bain official remit.(appointment of George Bain)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The postal industry is calling for an official summit with newly appointed Government adviser Sir George Bain, who will scrutinise key proposals in the run up to market liberalisation. Despite overwhelming industry support for his...

Web bosses reject 'costly' DMA war on spam filters.(direct marketing association)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The Internet Service Providers' Association (ISPA) has snubbed DMA (UK) proposals to create a 'white list' of legitimate online businesses. The DMA claims the register would prevent emails to people who have opted in to receive marketing...

Weight Watchers hands brief to RMG Connect.(RMG Connect)(Weight Watchers (UK) Ltd)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Weight Watchers has appointed RMG Connect as its direct marketing agency. The decision comes after JWT Label won the #7m UK advertising account in April. Frog had held the slimming club business since 2001. Jonathan Harman, chief...

Thomson Intermedia swoops for #13m Billetts.(Thomson Intermedia PLC)(Billetts Media Consulting)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Thomson Intermedia is poised to take over marketing consultancy Billetts to expand its global data offering. The deal will enable Thomson Intermedia to combine its data technology with Billets' media consultancy skills. Thomson Intermedia...

Proximity lifts six employees to boardroom.(appointments)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Proximity London is refreshing its boardroom by promoting six senior staff. New business director Paul Neal, who joined the agency eight years ago, and Sophie Grender, the business development director who started in 2002, have both...

NSPCC drive exposes 'defenceless' children.(National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The NSPCC is unveiling its latest DRTV campaign to drive donor recruitment, featuring children in distressing circumstances. The ad, created by WWAV Rapp Collins London, points out that youngsters are unable to stop abuse on their own. It...

Experian promotes data chief Lloyd.(Experian Information Solutions Inc. promotes Richard Lloyd )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Experian has promoted Richard Lloyd to managing director of Business Information. He replaces Phil Cotter, who moves to managing director of the Information Solutions division. Lloyd was previously director of Experian's B2B Marketing...

Terror attacks rock UK financial services.(United Kingdom)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The London bomb attacks are denting financial services providers' direct marketing campaigns, according to a report by database marketing specialist KDB. The sector is reporting a sharp drop in response rates. It blames the 'shock...

Nationwide in major push for 65+ account.(Nationwide Building Societys contract with Direct marketing agency TDA)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Nationwide is building an integrated campaign to promote its Monthly Income 65+ savings account. Direct marketing agency TDA has teamed up with radio specialist Radioville to develop the creative work, which will include press and outdoor...

RSPB to bolster membership via affiliate activity.
August 5, 2005... The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), the charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, is boosting member acquisitions through an affiliate marketing programme. The society is using...

HSA singles out families in DRTV campaign.(CCHM:Ping behind advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... HSA, the healthcare cash plan provider, is launching a DRTV campaign aimed at young families. CCHM:Ping is behind the push, which is based around 60-second brand and direct response ads, featuring HSA's telephone number and website. ...

Which? draws up strategy for magazine subscriptions.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Which?, formerly the Consumers' Association, is overhauling its media strategy in a bid to increase magazine subscriptions. MC&C has been appointed to develop media channels for the organisation. The agency, which has been carrying out...

Ex-Barclays boss scoops client role at Meteorite.(Simon Gulliford )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Former Barclays group marketing and communications director Simon Gulliford has joined Meteorite to boost its client relations. Gulliford, who was responsible for signing Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson for the bank's 'Fluent in Finance'...

Harvest Help in search of wider donor network.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Harvest Help, a charity committed to developing rural Africa, is sowing the seeds of a long-term fundraising and donor recruitment strategy. Reading-based non-profit direct marketing agency Cascaid has been appointed to develop a series...

Trade bodies devise accountability guide.(Institute of Practitioners in Advertising)(Incorporated Society of British Advertisers )(Marketing Communication Consultants Association )(Public Relations Consultants Association)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Direct marketers are set to benefit from a joint trade body initiative outlining the best ways to evaluate campaigns. The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, Incorporated Society of British Advertisers (ISBA), Marketing...

Setanta Sports lures viewers via online push.(through marketing agency Dog Digital )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Broadcaster Setanta Sports is launching its biggest online marketing drive to date, in a bid to increase subscription volumes. Marketing agency Dog Digital is behind the push, which is to include online ads, interactive viral campaigns...

Felix plans 'delicious' blitz to build presence.
August 5, 2005... Nestle Purina Petcare is hoping to get its claws into cat owners with a major direct drive for the Felix brand. Integrated agency Geronimo has devised an offensive incorporating online and onpack work, supported by field marketing, outdoor...

BT Privacy registrations soaring.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... More than 25,000 people a day are signing up to BT Privacy, a free service registering the telecom giant's customers on the Telephone Preference Service (PM July 15). BT's unveiling of the service has caused uproar among direct marketers, some...

IAB forms leadership council.(Internet Advertising Bureau )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) Europe is launching a leadership council to help companies that operate online facilities across the continent - such as media owners, advertisers and technology firms - boost their interactive...

First Resources acquires Renwood.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... First Resources, which owns catalogue retailer Scotts of Stow, has bought novelties and problem-solver specialist company Renwood for an undisclosed fee. Its catalogue is mailed to approximately 1 million people. First Resources chairman Nigel...

Thomson appoints Vallance Carruthers.(Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Thomson, the travel group, has appointed the channel marketing arm of Vallance Carruthers Coleman Priest (VCCP) to create strategic partnerships for its incentives division, following a competitive pitch against Geoff Howe Associates and DML...

Ladders Agency picks up Express Gifts account.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The Ladders Agency has secured a direct marketing brief from mail order gift company Express Gifts, following a pitch. The agency will initially produce a mailing targeting people who have received brand catalogues including Studio, Ace, Webb...

Honda pushes Civic Type-R in mailing assault.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Honda is rolling out a direct mail drive to prospects and customers, featuring the latest modifications to its sporty Civic Type-R. The campaign includes the chance to win a remote-control model of the hatchback. Hicklin Slade &...

Scope reveals 'compelling' campaign to lift donations.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Scope, the disability charity that focuses on cerebral palsy, is launching a direct mail fundraising drive to support its community fieldworkers and encourage donations. The campaign, created by Archibald Ingall Stretton (AIS), will...

Web security firm targets global boardrooms.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... First, the global body which monitors security on the Internet, aims to broaden its membership from IT specialists to company boardrooms through a marketing drive. The organisation has hired Chemistry to raise awareness of online...

Mazda direct blitz supports MX-5 roadster pre-order microsite.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Mazda is unveiling a pre-order microsite campaign for its new sporty MX- 5 roadster, in a bid to increase sales before the car is launched in November. Interactive agency Syzygy has designed www.mx5liveit.co.uk, where consumers and...

Private equity firm seals $1bn DoubleClick buyout.(Click Holding Corporation)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... New York: DoubleClick, a provider of data and technology solutions for marketers, has been bought by Click Holding Corporation. Click Holding is a subsidiary of private equity investment funds affiliated with investment firms Hellman &...

Seven agencies join InterDirect.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Borken, Germany: The InterDirect Network, a global network of independent direct marketing agencies with Tullo Marshall Warren as its UK member, has boosted its coverage with seven new shops. The new members are: Family Relations of...

Alterian signs deals to bolster global client base.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Copenhagen: Alterian, a provider of database marketing and customer insight solutions, has agreed deals with two more European partners, continuing its expansion into the region. The announcement brings the firm's total number of partners...

Bali could use some direct aid.
August 5, 2005... Denpasar: Bali, an island with all the right ingredients for a perfect holiday: azure seas, blue skies, swaying palms, interesting culture and tasty food. And yet, as a tourist destination, it's struggling. The Bali bombing, SARS and the...

NEWS ANALYSIS: Are newspapers giving loyalty enough space?
August 5, 2005... The Telegraph's recent slump in circulation figures serves as a warning to all newspapers that retention should be at the heart of their marketing strategies. Sebastian Burford gauges how confident they are of their readers' loyalty Doom...

NEWS ANALYSIS: Bain seeks to end pain at Royal Mail.(Sir George Bain )
August 5, 2005... In his new role as chief Government adviser on Royal Mail, Sir George Bain has broad industry support. But he has his work cut out as critics of pricing in proportion keep up the pressure. Jessica Phillips reports Two weeks ago, Alan...

Creative critique.
August 5, 2005... This week's Critique has been provided by Shaun McIlrath, executive creative director at Heresy Have you ever noticed that organisations that behave with human characteristics seem to be more popular with consumers? Think about Innocent,...

CHRIS GORDON: Regional shops' charges reveal their insecurity.
August 5, 2005... As a proud Scot and founder of WWAV Rapp Collin's Edinburgh outpost, I've always fervently supported the strengths and abilities of so- called regional agencies. Now, as the head of a direct marketing organisation that has agencies...

Letter: BT Privacy just reflects telemarketing's demise.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... There's been much 'crying foul' over BT's Privacy service (PM July 15) and the world of telemarketing, but, whether it's a #3bn industry or not, isn't the furore a diversion from the main event? Isn't the main issue the fact that...

Letter: Briefs asking daft questions.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... Stuart Archibald was correct to assert in his Column (PM July 15) that there is far too little industry comment from procurement departments. This need for a two-way dialogue must be addressed, before the procurement process descends from...

Using only one external supplier may weaken your brand offering.
August 5, 2005... COMMENT: NOEL WHITMAN When selecting third-party suppliers, there's a lot to be said for putting in place an entire network. That way, you ensure you get the best service for each area Whether to outsource is no longer the question...

Letter: Getting in tune with emotions.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... Tod Norman's Comment (PM June 10) missed the point in saying that Millward Brown's enhanced advertising measurement tool, Link, 'forgets' about such things as product, price, place and promotion. The product is constructed specifically to...

Letter: Let's celebrate success stories.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... It is ever heartening when we can applaud extraordinary individuals who fly the flag for our medium, especially young new talent that pushes up through the ranks with gusto. Ruth Ruderham, aged 28, is a shining example, as direct...

LEADER: Why local press is cutting edge.
August 5, 2005... It's fair to say the days when newspaper owners trousered millions of pounds a year from the printed word are long gone. Much like Premiership football club chairmen, being a print baron nowadays is more akin to having an expensive hobby...

SPECIAL REPORT - LIST DEVELOPMENTS: Out of the shadows.
August 5, 2005... In the B2B realm, marketers often target companies according to their overall 'psyche', with little thought given to the individuals behind them. Yet the latter often informs the former. David Reed considers the benefits of getting to know...

Vision of Health lets mature file.(Vision of Health )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Vision of Health, a holistic health specialist for the over-50s, has released its customer list through Avongate. The company offers supplements that it claims increase vitality and well-being. Its database contains 27,500 names,...

ArtRoom rolls out list update.(through Go Direct Marketing)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Mail order company ArtRoom is releasing its updated customer list through Go Direct Marketing. The catalogue offers pictures, jewellery and gift ideas. The 50,000 people on the database are mainly professional, upmarket women, with an...

Linen company reveals buyers.(through Go Direct Marketing)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Linen and bathroom accessories catalogue Natural Linen Chest is putting its customer database on the market, also through Go Direct Marketing. The list consists of 36,000 professional women, with an average income of #25,000. The average...

Design buyers link unveiled.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... AP Information Services, the UK's leading provider of business contact information, is launching the Design Buyer's Yearbook 2005. The annual directory enables suppliers of design products and services to access 6,200 design buyers, at...

Puzzlers names put on market.(Puzzler Media)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Puzzler Media, a specialist publisher of puzzle magazines, is releasing its customer file through Caspian List & Data Management. The list is made up of 121,900 respondents to competitions in publications such as Puzzler and Chat...

Triple appointment at Toast.(Agency Toast makes appointments and promotion)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Agency Toast has made three appointments. Gary Shacklady joins as creative director after a stint at the defunct Cramm Francis Woolf; David Barclay has been promoted to associate director, and will oversee the Post Office account; and Victoria...

Handford takes top Redtag planning role.(Paul Handford )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Financial specialist agency Redtag has appointed Paul Handford planning and strategy director, joining from Axa. He will work on the Royal Bank of Scotland account. He comments: "I look forward to offering a seamless service to the client,...

Condrington Fernandez joins 141 Worldwide.(Marcus Condrington Fernandez)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Global integrated marketing communication agency 141 Worldwide has created a new position for Marcus Condrington Fernandez, who will head its British American Tobacco account as global creative director. During his 20-year career in the direct...

Nice work: Samantha Laws.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Name: Samantha Laws Company: Rocket Science (and University of Teesside) Department: Client services Job title: Resident academic Responsibilities: Research, analysis of customer data and customer profiling Job perks: I...

Penhaligon's to launch designer range with KBK.(Keevill Barton Kershaw )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Penhaligon's, which supplies fragrances to the Royal Family, has appointed Keevill Barton Kershaw (KBK) to handle direct marketing for the launch of a designer range. The company, which holds the royal warrant of The Prince of Wales and...

International Masters Publishers forces out chief executive.(Joanna Reynolds)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Joanna Reynolds, the DMA (UK)'s first chairman, has been squeezed out of her role as chief executive of global new channel development at International Masters Publishers. The continuity publishing specialist says Reynolds' departure is...

DMA chief cleared of deception.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... DMA West chairman Ian Hughes has been acquitted of giving himself a #23,000 pay rise, and his wife a #5,000 salary, without the authorisation of company investors including David Payne, Colin Lloyd and Andrew Stracey. Hughes, managing...

Perkins departs lead role at Wegener DM.(David Perkins)(Wegener Direct Marketing)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Wegener DM UK chief executive David Perkins has left, to be replaced by Netherlands-based boss Otto Oosterwijk. Perkins is understood to have departed without a job to go to. Wegener would only confirm that he has been replaced and is to...

Telegraph hunts staff to bolster subscriptions.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The Telegraph Group is creating two departments to put data and customer management at the heart of its subscription drives. The firm has launched a recruitment push to fill posts in separate customer and data management arms, reporting to...

Volvo promotes XC90 marque engine upgrade.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Volvo is rolling out a direct assault to promote the latest engine technology in its XC90 range. A mailpack, created by EHS Brann Cirencester, will go out to current and previous XC90 owners, as well as warm prospects. It leads with the...

Vauxhall pushes 'new kid on block' MPV Zafira.
August 12, 2005... Vauxhall is launching an online and direct mail campaign to promote the new compact MPV Zafira. Draft London is behind a push that includes a mailing to customers and prospects. The pack highlights the car's panoramic glass roof and...

CACI lures Experian group chief.(Paul Lewis )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... CACI is bolstering its operations with the appointment of Experian boss Paul Lewis as head of marketing. Lewis is charged with developing the CACI brand through advertising, marketing, events, sponsorship, PR and strategic partnerships....

Postcomm to rule on PIP within fortnight.(pricing in proportion )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Postcomm is to announce its long-awaited verdict on Royal Mail's pricing in proportion (PIP) scheme within the next two weeks. The regulator has told interested parties to expect an imminent decision on the controversial scheme, ending...

Financial mail 'designed to confuse public'.(Public Survey on Financial Services)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... More than two-thirds of the public believes financial services companies deliberately make mailpacks hard to understand, according to a survey. A study by mail solutions company Pitney Bowes, in conjunction with financial specialist...

Scottish Friendly drive to bolster Child Trust Fund.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Scottish Friendly is developing an integrated blitz to push its Child Trust Fund (CTF) account. The financial services provider has appointed Edinburgh-based Union Direct to oversee the business, following a pitch against incumbent The...

Great Ormond Street in 'real' DRTV initiative.(Direct Response Television (media))(Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC) is rolling out a DRTV ad to recruit long-term donors and raise awareness of the charity's work. The spot, created by WWAV Rapp Collins, shows real children in the hospital, with a...

Opodo suspends search for agency to find pitch leader.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Opodo has put its search for a data and direct marketing agency on hold while it recruits a member of the marketing department to oversee the pitch process. Although pitches have already been seen by the travel company (PM July 8), no...

EHS Brann appoints Sims to handle client services.(EHS Brann London)(Mike Sims )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... EHS Brann London has appointed Mike Sims joint managing partner following the departure of Alison Hamer. Sims will join fellow managing partner Graham Bentham on the agency board, and report to chief executive Matt Atkinson. Sims will be...

ID fraud 'on the rise but losing momentum'.(Identity fraud )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Identity fraud cases increased by 13 per cent in the first six months of 2005, compared to the same period last year. But the rate at which the crime is increasing is slowing, according to fraud prevention service Cifas. The increase...

Grolsch takes SMS competition to bars.(Short messaging service)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Grolsch is launching a mobile marketing campaign based around its Grim Reaper TV ads. The beer brand is looking to drive sales with a 12-week campaign aimed at customers purchasing Grolsch at participating venues. They will be given...

Moss Bros set to roll out mail order service.(through Gyro International )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Moss Bros Group has appointed integrated brand communications agency Gyro International to launch its new mail order catalogue. The 28-page catalogue is to be released next month, with an initial print run of 500,000. It will be the first...

Norwich Union push to draw grey market.(through advertising agency TDA)
August 12, 2005... Norwich Union is targeting the grey market with an information-based campaign promoting equity release advice. TDA is behind the creative strategy, which includes a magazine for prospects aged 55 and over. The guide outlines key facts...

RNLI overhauls marketing strategy.(Royal National Lifeboat Institution )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The RNLI is revamping its marketing department and fundraising strategy, following the appointment of Richard Popper as head of central fundraising and communications. Formerly head of marketing at Zurich Bank, Popper aims to invest in core...

NCP plans repositioning activity.(through EHS Brann )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... NCP, the car-park operator owned by 3i, has appointed EHS Brann to handle its direct marketing business. NCP aims to change people's perceptions of the company, highlighting its involvement in business-to- business projects, as well as car...

Frosts Garden Centres in dual assault.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The Frosts Group of Garden Centres has appointed direct shop LinkDirect to handle two major campaigns before the end of the year. The first drive, taking place next month, will promote autumn planting using bulb- bags, with the offer of free...

Brien leaves Arc for Universal McCann.(Nick Brien)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Nick Brien, chief executive of Arc Worldwide, has quit his job to take the reins at Interpublic Group-owned media agency Universal McCann. Arc company president Marc Landsberg will temporarily deal with Brien's Chicago-based...

Samsung hands direct account to HTW.(Samsung Electronics )(Harrison Troughton Wunderman )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Samsung Electronics has awarded its #6m direct marketing account for its IT division to Harrison Troughton Wunderman (HTW). Direct mail, press ads and telemarketing campaigns will be used to push Samsung's positioning in the IT market. The...

RAC launches major drive to push advice line.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The RAC is unleashing a series of campaigns to boost its membership and build awareness a new traffic and travel information advice line. The service goes live at the end of August. Partners Andrews Aldridge is behind a marketing push...

Bupa Individual Protection targets online offer at IFAs.(independent financial advisers )(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Bupa Individual Protection (BIP) is unveiling an online system to help independent financial advisers (IFAs) to make quicker decisions. The programme, developed in partnership with insurance services and business consultancy Practiv, will...

Alzheimer's Society poses mental challenge.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The Alzheimer's Society is rolling out a campaign featuring a mental challenge, to stimulate interest among potential donors. The national press ad, created by WWAV Rapp Collins Bristol, shows how the mind can be confused by a simple...

Volkswagen rolls out Fifth Gear mailing offensive for MK V Golf GTI.
August 12, 2005... Volkswagen is launching a direct push to boost sales of the MK V Golf GTI. Proximity London is behind a mailing to 45,000 GTI owners and prospects throughout August, featuring the strapline: 'You've certainly seen this before.' It...

US industry warned over threat to consumer trust.(John Greco is warning thedirect marketing industry)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... New York: US DMA chief John Greco is warning the direct marketing industry it is coming under scrutiny from authorities desperate to tighten up the use of data. In a message to attendees of the DMA's 2005 List Vision Conference in New...

Dutch public 'guarding their data'.(Consumer Research)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The Hague: Dutch consumers are neglecting to notify companies of changes to their details, according to research by Experian Netherlands. The data giant says consumers' reluctance poses far-reaching implications for businesses operating in...

EuroDirect joins Sharedata for Portuguese offering.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Lisbon: EuroDirect has teamed up with Sharedata Marketing Systems to provide its range of marketing intelligence products to the Portuguese market. Sharedata is a specialist in data intelligence based in Portugal. It claims to be the...

Huge potential of South Africa.
August 12, 2005... Cape Town: "Are you crazy, moving to South Africa?" When I first told friends and family that I was giving up a comfortable life and career in London to launch an integrated agency in South Africa, this was the typical reaction I was met...

NEWS ANALYSIS: Has financial services discovered targeting?
August 12, 2005... It seems the financial services sector's notorious carpet-bombing strategy is no longer working, with this year's mail volumes taking a huge fall. Sebastian Burford asks if firms are finally learning the art of selective targeting? Last...

PROFILE - STEVE OLIVER: Oliver engine driving Honda.
August 12, 2005... Steve Oliver has certainly made his mark at Honda since launching its customer division, making an open dialogue central to its marketing ploy. He tells Sara Kimberley why listening to prospects makes all the difference It is every car...

Creative critique.(advertising)
August 12, 2005... Michael Cavers, executive creative director, Publicis Dialog In today's fast-moving, multichannel, multimessaging world, it's vital to keep messages simple to make it easy for consumers to see your brand's offering. Client: Abbey ...