Marketing articles from March 2006

Marketing archives from March 2006

John Lewis puts pounds 13m ad account up for review.(John Lewis Partnership PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... John Lewis is reviewing its pounds 13m advertising account, which is handled by Burkitt DDB, the agency that created the retailer's first brand campaign. The review, which will be handled by the AAR and is being overseen by the retailer's...

Lloyds TSB's Stevenson quits top marketing role.(Lloyds TSB Group PLC, Helen Stevenson )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Lloyds TSB group marketing director Helen Stevenson is to leave at the end of March 'to pursue new marketing opportunities', according to the bank. Former Western Union chief executive Alan Silberstein will serve as interim director of...

Virgin Trains riles BA air stewards.(British Airways )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... British Airways staff have reacted angrily after Virgin Trains staged a guerrilla marketing event on one of its planes. A Virgin team, including a dwarf wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the line 'Shorter journey times on Virgin Trains' and...

Alpro to consolidate pounds 30m European media work.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Soya brand Alpro is reviewing its pounds 30m pan-European media account ahead of a major increase in promotional activity. It is understood the brand is talking to networks with a view to consolidating its account. Its UK media planning and...

Direct Line moves pounds 15m work from CHI into M&C.(Clemmow Hornby Inge, M&C Saatchi London)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Direct Line has shifted its pounds 15m financial services business out of Clemmow Hornby Inge and into M&C Saatchi after less than a year with the agency. CHI was awarded the business last April without a pitch, resulting in the agency...

Baileys supports The A-List chart.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Baileys has signed a seven-figure deal to sponsor music radio chart show The A-List, the first chart to be launched in 20 years. The show will make its debut on 5 March, targeting 25- to 45-year-olds. The tie-up with Baileys was...

Quorn shortlists four for account.(Quorn Foods, FCB, MCBD)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Premier Foods has invited Mother, FCB, Publicis and MCBD to pitch for the advertising account of its recently acquired Quorn brand. The review, handled by Agency Insights, is a blow to incumbent Farm, which will not be repitching. Premier...

Beef promoter in SportsAid tie-up.(English Beef and Lamb Executive)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The English Beef and Lamb Executive is to support young sporting talent through a link-up with SportsAid. The partnership, part of a three-year pounds 5.5m campaign to drive beef sales, has launched its 'Be A Sport' appeal in supermarkets,...

New campaign: Ask.com.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Ask.com has launched its first campaign since dropping its Jeeves the butler brand icon. The activity, which breaks on 5 March, promotes the search engine's new identity of ask.com. A series of 10- and 30-second TV ads will be accompanied by...

Abbey puts pounds 8m work into Carat.(Carat Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Abbey is set to appoint Carat to its pounds 8m online media account following the decision to end its relationship with MindShare's digital division, mOne. Abbey said the contract for its digital media and search activity with MindShare...

FA work seeks to halt hooliganism.(Football Association )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Football Association has relaunched its 'Alltogethernow' campaign in an attempt to stamp out hooliganism among England fans at this summer's World Cup. The campaign, which first ran prior to Euro 2004, will promote good behaviour...

Soil Association hits out at EU Organic label plans.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Soil Association has criticised plans to introduce a compulsory 'EU Organic' label on the grounds that it will confuse consumers seeking local produce. The body added that under the draft proposal, organic standards would be lowered by...

MasterCard Europe boss shifts to global role in US.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Jeremy Nicholds, MasterCard's general manager for sales and marketing Europe, is moving to a global management role in the firm's New York office. MasterCard will not replace Nicholds directly, but will restructure its European management...

Tesco set to add 300 Apple zones.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Tesco is to roll out standalone areas for Apple in 300 of its biggest stores by the end of the year, as it aims to become one of the biggest multimedia retailers. The retailer was trialling its first dedicated Apple zone in its Milton...

Playboy develops premium Beauty cosmetics line.(Playboy Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Playboy, the company synonymous with 'bunny girls' and top-shelf magazines, is to launch a range of make-up in the UK this month under the name Playboy Beauty. Positioned as a high-end colour-cosmetics line and targeting 16- to...

Salton gives pounds 6m job to Principles.(Salton Europe, Principles Agency )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... George Foreman Grill owner Salton Europe has appointed Principles Agency to its pounds 6m creative and media account. The agency, formerly known as Advertising Principles, won the account following a seven-way pitch. The incumbents were...

Continental eyes City commuters.(Continental Airlines Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Continental Airlines has signed up as the first brand to advertise on Viacom Outdoor's latest special-build site, called The Globe, as part of a brand-building campaign targeting the financial community. The Globe is a series of extra-long...

Thomas Cook cuts jobs in holiday brands merger.(Thomas Cook Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Thomas Cook is folding the marketing departments of its Signature, Latitude and Tours brands into a single division under the Thomas Cook Holidays banner. The move is part of a major restructure bringing the group's tour operations into a...

Campbell's embarks on salt-reduction initiative.(Campbell Soup Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Campbell Soup Company has launched a programme to reduce the sodium levels in its soup and beverage products and is introducing a low-salt range called Healthy Request. The initiative, which has already begun in the US, will see a 25%...

T-Mobile in pounds 10m Flext tariff drive.(T-Mobile (UK) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... T-Mobile is spending pounds 10m on an ad campaign to support its Flext flexible tariff, which lets consumers decide the mix of voice calls, texts and picture messaging within their monthly allowance. The campaign, created by Saatchi &...

Ian Macleod introduces Smokehead malt whisky.(Ian MacLeod and Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Ian Macleod Distillers is launching a contemporary Scotch called Smokehead. The 43% ABV malt whisky, which will be sold in bars, off-licences and supermarkets, is aimed at younger drinkers who want a more distinctive modern whisky. ...

Cider company rolls out range.(Brothers Drinks Co)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Brothers Drinks Co is launching a premium line of bottled ciders in the UK, following its popularity at the Glastonbury Festival. The range will comprise Pear Cider, Original Apple Cider, Strawberry Mixed Pear Cider and Festival Strength...

3 UK hunts agency to step up digital work.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... 3 UK, the telecommunications network owned by Hutchison 3G, is hunting a direct agency as it revamps its customer communications. 3 has been using a number of different agencies for its direct activity - predominantly MMS messaging - but...

People moves: Maytag UK.(Andrew Long promoted)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Andrew Long has been promoted to marketing director at household appliances manufacturer Maytag UK. Long joins from Electrolux, where he worked on the launch of a built-in range of appliances.

People moves: ProjectScotland.(Derek Scobie appointed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Derek Scobie has been named marketing director of ProjectScotland, the volunteering programme for 16- to 25-year-olds. He joins from Procter & Gamble, where he was brand manager for healthcare products.

People moves: Music Choice.(Ashley Mackenzie appointed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Ashley Mackenzie, former managing director of The Wireless Group, has been named managing director of the satellite and commercial division of digital media service Music Choice.

People moves: Hi-Tec.(Hi-Tec Sports PLC promotes Tony Linford)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Tony Linford, head of group marketing at sportswear company Hi-Tec Sports, has been promoted to vice-president of group marketing and head of the Hi-Tec brand.

People moves: Travelodge.(Rachel Dawson appointed by TraveLodge International Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Rachel Dawson has been handed the new role of head of marketing at Travelodge. She takes up the post following the promotion of Travelodge's former sales and marketing director, Guy Parsons, to chief operating officer.

People moves: The Caledonian Brewing Company.(Chris Marsh appointed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Caledonian Brewing Company has hired Chris Marsh as head of marketing. Marsh is a former brand manager for Beck's and was a senior brand manager at John Smith's, where he launched John Smith's Extra Cold.

Princes holds agency talks about strategy.(food and drink manufacturer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Food and drink manufacturer Princes is talking to agencies about an overhaul of its brand strategy. The Princes brand is currently handled by Tayburn, while its sister brands Juicy and Napolena are handled by Big Communications and Poulters...

News Brief: Lambrini sponsorship.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Lambrini has sealed a three-year sponsorship of Pink Ladies, a private-hire car service for women fronted by ex-Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona, as part of its 'Lambrini girls don't drink and drive' campaign.

News Brief: Pure Purple strategy.(Clark McKay appointed to develop a digital strategy for its Hugo Boss women's fragrance)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Procter & Gamble has hired Clark McKay and Walpole North to develop a digital strategy for its Hugo Boss women's fragrance, Pure Purple. The activity, aimed at 16- to 30-year-olds, is intended to drive users to the brand's website.

News Brief: Focus funds programme.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Focus International, the UK licence holder for the Ecko clothing brand, is funding a programme on MTV Base in Europe and South Africa. The half-hour show, created by Freewheelin' Media, is hosted by DJ Trevor Nelson.

News Brief: Spree card.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Performance & Motivation Management, the corporate incentive company, has launched the UK's first pre-paid Visa debit card for the incentive market. Companies can use the Spree card, which can be personalised, to offer employees incentive...

News Brief: Pole Position launch.(David Coulthard endorses male grooming brand and club)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... David Coulthard is fronting the launch of Pole Position, a male-grooming brand and club. For payment of a monthly fee, subscribers will receive a supply of shaving balm and face and body wash, access to member events and the chance to meet the...

News Brief: Schwan's launch.(Schwan's Consumer Brands North America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Schwan's is launching a thin and crispy variant of its Chicago Town pizzas. The products will be backed by in-store activity and TV ads.

News Brief: NSPCC campaign.(National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The NSPCC is breaking the second tranche of its 'Just children' DRTV campaign this week. The ad, by WWAV Rapp Collins, focuses on the daily experience of children suffering physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

News Brief: Carlsberg TV campaign.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Carlsberg is running a pounds 5m TV campaign for Tetley's. The work, which breaks today (Wednesday), was created by Saatchi & Saatchi. It is part of an pounds 11m spend on the brand this year.

This week: Marketing news from the national press.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... McDonald's is drawing up contingency plans to remove chicken burgers and nuggets from its menu as concern about bird flu continues to grow - The Daily Telegraph. Waitrose is to introduce the Food Standards Agency's traffic-light system for...

Moneysupermarket set for first TV drive.(Doner Cardwell Hawkins appointed)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Moneysupermarket.com, the financial products price-comparison site, has hired Doner Cardwell Hawkins to handle a multimillion-pound ad campaign. The activity, which breaks today (Wednesday) and runs for six weeks, is the company's first TV...

Orange supports snow sports tie.(Orange Brits 2006: British Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Championships)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Orange is backing its sponsorship of the Orange Brits 2006: British Snowboard & Freestyle Ski Championships with a branded online snowboarding game. Stoked Rider, which features Orange-branded elements throughout, was developed by Bongfish...

Volvo in overhaul of customer magazine.(Volvo Car UK Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Volvo Magazine, the car marque's customer title, has been redesigned, and renamed Liv. The title is produced by Redwood Publishing, which holds the licence for it in more than 70 countries. It is translated into 25 languages and...

New Campaign: Fairtrade Foundation.(Jemma Kidd and Vic Reeves signed to promote Fairtrade Fortnight)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Ethical trading body Fairtrade Foundation has signed up stars including model and make-up artist Jemma Kidd and comedian Vic Reeves to raise awareness of Fairtrade Fortnight, which begins on 6 March. Portrait photographer Trevor Leighton has...

Media news: Powergen extends ITV deal.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Powergen has renewed its broadcast sponsorship of ITV weather on a rolling annual contract. The decision ends rumours that the utilities provider was to pull the plug on the relationship, which is the longest running sponsorship in ITV's...

Media news: Haymarket chief set to step down.(Patrick Fuller left Haymarket Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Patrick Fuller, the founder and managing director of Haymarket Group's customer publishing division, Haymarket Network, is to step down from the role. Fuller joined Haymarket 32 years ago and held various positions within the group before...

Media news: Media choice - The Famous Grouse.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... As The Famous Grouse celebrates its 15th year of sponsorship of Scottish rugby union, its activity around the ongoing 6 Nations tournament is a multimedia affair, with a website fans can appear on, viral activity, prize draws, match guides and...

Media news brief: Ford sponsorship.(Ford Motor Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Ford has signed a sponsorship deal with AM and digital radio station talkSPORT worth pounds 1.5m. The package includes sponsorship of the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show. Ford also becomes an official partner of the station's coverage of this...

Media news brief: News Magazines campaign.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... News Magazines is backing the launch of glossy homes and interiors magazine The Sunday Times Inside Out with a pounds 6m ad campaign. The magazine debuts on 16 March, priced pounds 3.20.

Media news brief: Kiss 100 podcast.(radio stations)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Kiss 100, the London radio station, has created a podcast to showcase new music talent. Kiss podcast - unsigned is the first in a planned series and offers nine free hip-hop, grime and house tracks.

Media news brief: What Car?(video-on-demand channel )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... What Car?, Haymarket Publishing's car buyer's guide, has launched a video-on-demand channel on Homechoice that lets viewers choose from more than 260 three-minute videos showing tests of cars available in the UK

Media news brief: Manchester Evening News move.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Manchester Evening News has moved its national advertising display sales in-house. The business was previously held by Trinity Mirror-owned regional sales company Amra.

Media news brief: Style Journal magazine.(glossy lifestyle and fashion magazine)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Wall Street Journal Europe is partnering with Show Media to produce a quarterly 64-page glossy lifestyle and fashion magazine with the working title Style Journal. The first issue will be distributed with the paper on 21 April.

Media news brief: EA Sports campaign.(Electronic Arts Inc. EA Sports)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... EA Sports is running a campaign with in-stadia screen company Sports TV to promote its Rugby 06 game. The drive will run in four Welsh rugby and five English Premiership clubs.

Branding news: Adnams in redesign to broaden appeal.(Adnams and Company PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Adnams is redesigning its font badges, bottles and glasses to raise its profile beyond specialist beer drinkers. The activity, which has been overseen by marketing director Steve Curzon, will coincide with the Suffolk beer brand's...

Branding news: Kellogg unveils centenary pack.(Kellogg Company of Great Britain Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Kellogg is producing a special-edition Corn Flakes pack to mark the brand's 100th anniversary. The packs, which have been developed in-house, will be rolled out in April. As part of the centenary celebrations, Kellogg is running an...

Branding news: Molton Brown to bolster spa line.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Molton Brown, the luxury cosmetics and skincare brand, is expanding its range of spa products. The range, designed by Jones Knowles Ritchie, includes face and body oils, de-stressing body exfoliaters and a snowberry and oat nourishing...

Branding news: Design choice - Electrolux Trilobite.(robotic vacuum cleaner)(Product/Service Evaluation)
March 1, 2006... Although this robotic vacuum cleaner may seem like a real boy's toy, it is an ideal solution for anyone who shares my aversion to steering a vacuum cleaner around the house, avoiding all the usual domestic obstacles of pets and furniture. ...

Branding news brief: Nicky Clarke overhaul.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Procter & Gamble has overhauled its Nicky Clarke haircare range. The work, which will be rolled out at the end of March, includes a revamped brand identity and packaging by Dew Gibbons. The activity is the first change to the brand's look since...

Branding news brief: Millward Brown appointed.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Morgan Stanley's UK consumer banking group has appointed Millward Brown to handle the research and brand tracking for the relaunch of its Goldfish brand and to build the profile of its Morgan Stanley credit card.

Branding news brief: Toni & Guy launch.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Toni & Guy is to launch a branded Style Pallette as part of a drive to promote its styling ranges. The palettes, created by Pure Design, contain gel, cremes, gums, and waxes and are available in Work and Play variants. They will be sold in...

Branding news brief: TV2 appoints.(Lambie Nairn)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... TV2, Norway's leading commercial TV channel, which recently acquired the rights for all the country's football programming, has appointed Lambie-Nairn to create an identity for its sports brand 2 Sporten. It will be rolled out next month to...

Branding news brief: Silk Pearce hired.(Royal Mail Group PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Royal Mail has hired design consultancy Silk Pearce to develop the branding for a special postage-stamp issue marking the official opening of the Welsh National Assembly Building in Cardiff Bay.

Branding news brief: TMA appointed.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... CEPS, the European trade organisation for spirits brands, has appointed TMA to boost its profile.

Branding news brief: Crazy Horse hired.(MMA Insurance's corporate communications)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... MMA Insurance has hired brand response agency Crazy Horse to handle branding for its corporate communications. MMA is owned by Les Mutuelles du Mans, one of the biggest general insurers in France.

Branding news brief: Cicero appointed.(Rullion, the national recruitment agency)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Rullion, the national recruitment agency, has appointed marketing agency Cicero to rebrand it. The work will include a visual identity, website, internal launch material, PR and signage.

Direct news: Privilege seeks direct shop.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Privilege Insurance is hunting a direct agency to support its latest TV ad campaign. The Royal Bank of Scotland-owned insurance company has previously worked with Tullo Marshall Warren, which was appointed by Lloyds TSB last year. The...

Direct news: Black & Decker in World Cup DVD.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Black & Decker is planning an EMEA ambush marketing campaign to capitalise on this summer's World Cup. The activity, created by direct agency DS-J, will be fronted by retired Italian football referee Pierluigi Collina. Customers buying...

Direct news: Direct choice - Royal Mail.(Royal Mail Group PLC's direct marketing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... There is something rather ironic about Royal Mail choosing direct mail as the main medium for the introduction of its pricing in proportion policy, which comes into effect in August. Ironic because it is the direct marketing industry that is...

Direct news brief: Gyro appointed.(Rentokil Initial PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Rentokil Initial has appointed Gyro international to launch a campaign for the company's integrated services, which range from pest control to heating maintenance. The activity will include press, direct mail, web, email and events.

Direct news brief: Sonaa hired.(Warner, the short-breaks company)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Warner, the short-breaks company, has hired digital creative agency Sonaa to handle its online marketing, covering microsites, viral and banner advertising.

Direct news brief: Consortium catalogue.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Consortium, the educational and social care products and services supplier, is to target care homes with a catalogue accompanied by a mailing created by TDA.

Direct news brief: Hiscox campaign.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Hiscox, the insurance company, is launching a press, direct mail and door-drop campaign through inferno, comparing its cover to standard insurance offerings.

Direct news brief: Levi's exposed.(Levi-Strauss U.K. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Levi's Ones To Watch, the music platform run by the clothes company to give undiscovered talent a chance to gig, has handed its event management, brand communication and media relations to exposure.

Direct news brief: Whippet appointed.(British International Motor Show)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The British International Motorshow has appointed direct agency Whippet to oversee promotional activity for the event this year. The campaign will involve outdoor, press and direct marketing.

Direct news brief: Loewy appointed.(The Rugby Store)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... The Rugby Store, the RFU's retail division, has appointed Loewy to work on initiatives including press, direct and online activity. It will also revamp the Rugby Store catalogue for the 2006/7 season and handle a Christmas mail shot.

Retail news: DSGi prepares pounds 10m warranties offensive.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... DSGi, the retail giant that includes Dixons, Currys, The Link and PC World, is planning a pounds 10m promotion for its Coverplan warranty scheme after shifting the business out of its in-house department and into retail specialist Baber Smith....

Retail news: Amazon sets up Mattel doll store.(Amazon.co.uk Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Amazon.co.uk has created a dedicated online store for Mattel's Polly Pocket miniature dolls range, its first for a girl's brand. Offering merchandise and themed content, the site will be central to the promotion of a Polly Pocket DVD range...

Retail news: Asda adds heart health web 'aisle'.(ASDA Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Asda is preparing to add a 'heart-friendly' aisle on its online shopping site as part of its healthy-eating drive. The page, which will launch on Asda.co.uk in April, will be aimed at people who are suffering from heart disease and will...

Retail news: Retail choice - Mexx, Oxford Street, London.(clothing chain stores)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Among all the big names on Oxford Street, fashion-chain Mexx's flagship storefront has little standout. Its external branding is discreet and safe. The interior has more to offer, however. Inside, the product is displayed in a basic system...

Retail news brief: Superdrug renews call.(Superdrug Stores PLC)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Superdrug is renewing its call for the government to cut VAT on condoms to 5% at the next budget on 22 March. The retailer said condoms were an essential health item and should be placed under consideration for tax-free status.

Retail news brief: Park and Shop redesign.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Park and Shop, the forecourt convenience store chain in Jet and Total petrol stations, has had its identity redesigned by branding specialist Flb. The revamp uses the strapline 'For life's essentials' on POS material.

Retail news brief: Asda to open stores.(ASDA Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Asda is to open 25 stores this year as part of its plan to preserve its position as the UK's number two grocery retailer. It will also invest in town centre-regeneration schemes, including combined developments of stores with affordable...

Retail news brief: Castel threatens action.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Castel, owner of the Oddbins off-licence chain, is threatening legal action after being refused permission to buy any of the remaining 150 Unwins stores. Last year Thresher bought 200 Unwins stores on the condition that administrator KPMG could...

Retail news brief: Kesa appointment.(Simon Fox promoted)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2006... Kesa Electricals, owner of Comet, has appointed the retailer's managing director Simon Fox as its chief operating officer. Fox will be responsible for Comet as well as businesses in Europe.