Incentive Today articles from September 2005

Incentive Today archives from September 2005

Signs of growth despite tough environment.(Editor's note)
September 1, 2005... A Year ago, promotional marketing agencies presented an upbeat picture in Incentive Today's annual survey into where they see the sector going. This year, the feedback is more uneven, haunted by the ghosts of agencies that went out of business...

Harness olympics for staff and customer motivation.(Letter of the month)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... With the London Olympic Games in 2012 expected to attract more than 2.5bn [pounds sterling] in sponsorship investment, the official sponsors' marketing spend in the host nation is likely to be even greater than in any other territory. Top...

Rogue trade suppliers are letting us down.(Letter of the month)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... In the promotional merchandise market where a surefooted quick response is essential, some trade suppliers are failing to keep up. The performance of these rogue suppliers simply does not match the rigorous demands of our customers'...

Investment in communication is key.(Letter of the month)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2005... Reward packages have recently been labelled as the "pay rise" of the 21st century, and are being used by forward-thinking organisations as a tool not only to attract new staff, but to retain them and keep them motivated. Used effectively,...

The British Promotional Merchandise Association.
September 1, 2005... The British Promotional Merchandise Association is among organisations and companies at roadshow exhibitions at airports around the UK and Ireland, organised by the Advertising Products Group. It showcases suppliers to the promotional...

Associated Newspapers.
September 1, 2005... Associated Newspapers is offering advertisers integrated packages of advertising linked to sampling on station forecourts for its London free newspaper, Metro. Alison Sugden has joined from experiential agency i2i Face to Face Marketing to head...

Total Greek Yoghurt.
September 1, 2005... Total Greek Yoghurt, owned by Greek dairy group Face, has partnered West End musical Mamma Mia! for an on-pack promotion on 600,000 500g pots. It features a competition to win a Greek island cruise and runner-up prizes of a pair of VIP tickets...

Scottish Courage.(promoting its five leading brands)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Scottish Courage is promoting its five leading brands, Fosters, Kronenbourg, Kronenbourg Blanc, John Smith's and Strongbow, through an on-trade campaign, Biggest Round. Created by LoewyBe, it sees uniformed brand ambassadors go into bars and...

The Grass Roots Group.
September 1, 2005... The Grass Roots Group has merged two of its businesses--digital marketing agency The Platform and Wunjo Communications--to create the new W Group.

Coors Brewers.
September 1, 2005... Coors Brewers offered Carling customers a free Musicooler--a cool bag with built-in speakers for use with an MP3 player or iPod. Normally retailing at around 15 [pounds sterling] each, the bags could be won for free with an instant-win voucher...

Butter goes sky high with schools campaign.(News)
September 1, 2005... Dairy Crest linked into the National Curriculum as part of a campaign for Utterly Butterly, challenging primary school children to build a replica biplane. Developed by Toucan, the promotion offered schools a chance to win a share of...

Gift cards for shopping malls.(News)
September 1, 2005... Shopping centres of all sizes are being offered a specialist service that allows them to develop their own gift card or card-based loyalty programme. Open Payment Technologies has developed cards that can be redeemed at any participating...

Tizer targets children with 'ultimate' prizes.(News)
September 1, 2005... AG Barfs Tizer is targeting children with an on-pack promotion offering top prizes such as a chance to fly to school in a helicopter. Devised by 23red, the Live the Red Life campaign uses an instant-win mechanic with prizes printed on the...

Integrated campaign makes Felix officially delicious.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Nestle Purina is offering big-cat safaris as the top prize in an on-pack promotion for its Felix brand which forms part of a major through-the-line campaign. Devised by integrated agency Geronimo, it features on over eight million of the...

Cinema tickets are 'top incentive'.(TLC Marketing reports)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Cinema tickets are the most popular marketing incentive for people aged 15 to 25 and the second most popular for those aged 26 to 36, according to new research. Nearly a third of respondents in a survey by promotions company TLC Marketing...

Teachers play Top Trumps for cash.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Times Educational Supplement (TES) has made a bid to maintain sales during the school holidays by offering teachers a cash prize in a creative token-collecting scheme. Agency Kitcatt Nohr developed the idea of Top Trumps-style cards...

'Alternate reality' to grip nation.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... All kinds of media are being drawn in to support a new "alternate reality" game that aims to grip the nation in the same way as Cadbury Creme Egg's famous Conundrum campaign. Called Perplex City, it is made up of a series of puzzles that...

The National Incentive Show.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The National Incentive Show has come up with some unusual new attractions at Birmingham NEC this month. Visitors can receive a free handwriting analysis from graphologist Diane Simpson, who worked with police on the Yorkshire Ripper enquiry, or...

The Marketing and Sales Promotion Show.
September 1, 2005... The Marketing and Sales Promotion Show is being held at RDS Dublin on October 5 and 6, featuring major marketing and promotional merchandise companies. It includes the Rewards & Benefits Show which is targeting Ireland's growing motivation...

Constellation Europe.(has spent on a national advertising and sampling campaign)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Constellation Europe has spent over 500,000 [pounds sterling] on a national advertising and sampling campaign for its Australian wine brand, Banrock Station. Brand communicators from agency RPM offered samples at 14 railway stations in August...

TalkTalk.
September 1, 2005... TalkTalk, the phone company, and opticians chain Dollond & Aitchison have joined loyalty programme Nectar after it lost partners Vodafone and Barclaycard. Customers will be able to earn two points per pound spent. Nectar is also working with BP...

The Department of Transport.
September 1, 2005... The Department for Transport has appointed agency Iris to identify potential partners to promote a new road safety campaign using its Hedgehogs characters. Under the long-running THINK! banner, the new campaign will launch at the end of...

Celador International.(first licensing deals for the new series )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Celador International has completed one of its first licensing deals for the new series of Roobarb and Custard, which was launched on Five last month. Sue Ryder Care has launched four designs of pin badges, created by The Big Badge Company,...

Gerber Foods.(designed an on-pack promotion for its soft drinks brand)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Gerber Foods has designed an on-pack promotion for its soft drinks brand, Libby's Um Bongo 9 fruit juice, giving away free fun stickers attached to the end of a wraparound label. Designed by media specialist Denny Bros, they are designed to be...

New promotions deals give hope to MKM.(News)
September 1, 2005... Promotions company MKM Group hopes that major new campaigns for a bank, a financial institution and a cosmetic manufacturer will help to turn around the business. It announced the contracts alongside a package of measures to restore the...

It's a cracker for TLC.(TLC Marketing )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Bored with finding cheap novelties in your crackers each Christmas? This year, you may end up with a personal trainer or a beauty therapist instead. A range of crackers is due to go into stores with vouchers redeemable for activities such...

British promoters up for Euro awards.(News)
September 1, 2005... Sixteen promotional marketing campaigns from the UK have made it to the shortlist for this year's European sales promotion awards. The nominated agencies are Angel, Arc Worldwide, bd-ntwk, Blue-Chip Marketing, Dynamo, Gloria Mundi,...

Cashpoints issue money-off coupons.(News)
September 1, 2005... Money-oft coupons have been issued by cashpoints for the first time in a promotion for a range of computer software being sold through PC World. Ability Software International gave out the 10 [pounds sterling] vouchers which could be...

Ice-cool offer on Smirnoff Ice.(Diageo is offering mini#ridge in a text-to-win promotion on bottles )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Diageo is offering an exclusive mini#ridge in a text-to-win promotion on bottles of its ready-mixed brand, Smirnoff Ice. Drinkers can win one of 5,000 of the products, which were created by Olympicpromo and are specially moulded to fit the...

Don't ruin our industry!(Department of Health)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... No, this is not a rant against Brussels, or Westminster, nor the Department of Health. It is directed at promoters, agencies and service partners. It is aroused by three issues that have crossed my desk within the space of just three days....

ING Direct.
September 1, 2005... ING Direct, the financial services group, is offering tax-free bicycles, home computers and childcare vouchers to its 500 Thames Valley-based employees through a salary-sacrifice scheme put together by P&MM. It has also bought into P&MM's...

Airbus.
September 1, 2005... Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer, has appointed Michael C Fina Worldwide to develop and run its long-service awards programme for its 40,000 staff working across Europe. Based in Toulouse, France, it will benefit from the multi-lingual...

Coors Brewers.
September 1, 2005... Coors Brewers has been helping its trade customers to understand its Dutch beer brand, Grolsch, through offering an "authentic Dutch experience" on board a canal barge on the Thames at Canary Wharf. The vessel, called Jenneken, showcases all...

Creativity.
September 1, 2005... Creativity is the key to career happiness, according to a survey of 2,200 employees by the skills council, Creative & Cultural Skills. Two-thirds of people would like the chance to be more creative in their jobs, but 44 per cent reckon they are...

The Department for Education and Skills.(has launched plans for a smartcard for teenagers that could be used by teachers and parents )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Department for Education and Skills has launched plans for a smartcard, called an "opportunity card", for teenagers that could be used by teachers and parents to reward good performance or attendance at school. All new cardholders could be...

Rivercalm.
September 1, 2005... Rivercalm, the marketing services group, has launched a new division to offer executive coaching for individuals and corporations. It has brought in a team of qualified professional coaches who offer a range of methodologies including...

Cannons Health and Fitness.
September 1, 2005... Cannons Health and Fitness has launched a mystery journey programme across its 52 clubs to provide data that will help it to drive operational standards and improved performance. The project is being carried out by Grass Roots.

Discount ticket deals offer chance to reward teams.(News)
September 1, 2005... Anew benefits programme launched by motivation agency BI and ticket agent Ticketmaster is set to provide opportunities for rewarding staff with leisure and entertainment. The new offer enables companies to provide employees with access to...

Red Letter Days reassures on vouchers.(News)
September 1, 2005... Troubled experiences provider Red Letter Days is working with its corporate customers to ensure recipients of its vouchers will be able to enjoy their rewards. As Incentive Today went to press, the company said 80 per cent of the...

Rebranding pushes up sales.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The rebranding of the multi-redemption High Street Gift Vouchers as Love2reward alongside the launch of new products has driven a surge in sales. The company, part of Park Group, has reported a 50 per cent rise in annual sales to...

Staff working from home feel less valued.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Staff who work from home or on the road feel less valued than those in the office, according to a new study. A poll carried out by motivation group Maritz in the US found that 42 per cent of off-site employees believed they received less...

Call for entries for Motivation Awards.(News/ Motivation)
September 1, 2005... Organisations involved in motivating staff and customers are being urged to enter the 2006 Motivation Awards, which are launched this month. The awards are unique in recognising excellence and creativity in programmes that encourage and...

Stage door opened.(RGC Productions arranged for members of the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Some of Europe's top venture capitalists were rewarded with a behind-the-scenes experience at a famous London theatre, including a unique performance of a West End musical. RGC Productions arranged for members of the European Private Equity...

Support charity at your leisure.(Charity Gift Vouchers )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Charity Gift Vouchers has added to the range of partners that allow companies and staff to give to good causes while purchasing vouchers. Leisure Vouchers, which are redeemable for dining, holidays and other leisure activities, has joined...

Voucher supports recruitment.(News/ Motivation)
September 1, 2005... Investment giant Man Group is supporting its drive to find quality staff by offering its employees voucher and cash rewards. It has launched a year-long internal campaign called START--Staff Award for the Recruitment of Talent--for people...

Events.(News/ Motivation)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... September September 4-7 Autumn Fair NEC Birmingham Organised by Emap Tel: 0845 051 2610 Email: info@emap.com www.autumnfair.com September 7-9 PSI Paris Organised by Reed Tel: 00 33 1 47 56 21...

Below the Lyne: David Lyne, chief executive of Landround, talks to Mark Ludmon about the rewards of travel.(People)
September 1, 2005... David Lyne is not a fan of some aspects of American business culture. While at American Airlines in the early 90s, he found the Stateside management approach rigid and hierarchical. "The American culture then was one where, if something went...

Clear Communications.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Clear Communications, the Gloucestershire-based integrated marketing agency, has set up a new sales promotion team, headed by Rachel Arquati. She joins from Bristol agency Rhythmm, where she was head of promotions, and was previously at IPM and...

Love2reward.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Love2reward, the voucher solution from High Street Vouchers, has appointed Sally Jones as account executive. She was previously at Park Financial Services and Royal and Sun Alliance.

Euro RSCG KLP.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Marketing communications agency Euro RSCG KLP has appointed Corrina Jenkins as account director for Robinson's. She joins from Publicis Mojo in Sydney where she was account director for Nescafe She previously worked at Triangle Communications.

Promotional Marketing Exhibition.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Gall Holm, pictured, has been appointed event director of the new Promotional Marketing Exhibition, taking place next March. From 1997, she was involved in the growth of Waypoint Exhibitions' SPIN exhibition which evolved into the National...

Dynamo.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Dynamo has promoted Nicole Blair to group account director after three-and-a-half years at the marketing communications agency. Other internal promotions include Kate Savage to account director and Kingsley Mack to account manager.

P&MM.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... P&MM, the performance improvement and sales promotion consultancy, has appointed Darren Tracey as assistant marketing manager. He was previously at Careers Enterprise and BP Marine.

Toast Marketing.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... Gary Shacklady, pictured, has left Cramm Francis Woolf to take on the role of creative director at Toast Marketing. Toast has also promoted David Barclay to associate director to oversee the Post Office account and Victoria Keown has been...

141 Worldwide.(Moves)
September 1, 2005... 141 Worldwide has appointed Marcus Codrington Fernandez to the new post of global creative director to manage its BAT account. With nearly 20 years' experience, he has founded two agencies and worked at top agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi,...

Publicis Dialog.(led to a restructuring)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Growth in the client business at Publicis Dialog has led to a restructuring, including the elevation of creative director Mike Cavers to executive creative director, Ian Thomas has joined as creative director from Mr Smith, formerly Interfocus,...

Mixed fortunes: incentive today's annual survey of promotional marketing agencies presents a positive picture tinged with caution.(Promotional marketing survey)
September 1, 2005... One in four promotional marketing agencies fear that business will get worse over the next i2 months, according to a survey carried out by Incentive Today. This follows cutbacks in staff numbers at about a quarter of UK agencies and reflects...

Total Motivation Show: expectations are high at this year's Total Motivation Show at Olympia, London, on September 20 and 21. Sharon Greaves and Mark Ludmon look at what lies in store for visitors and exhibitors.(Total Motivation Show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Total Motivation Show, now in its second year, lays claim to being the first exhibition of its kind to really focus on how to motivate people and change behaviour through incentive schemes, promotions, team-building, vouchers, corporate...

Vouchers target motivation.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... The Total Motivation Show has attracted many new exhibitors supplying services such as corporate hospitality and team-building, but the voucher suppliers are retaining a strong presence. The Voucher Association has been a solid supporter of the...

Travel in mind.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... Companies with a strong track record in providing travel, leisure and lifestyle rewards for sales promotions will be targeting companies that are looking to incentivise staff and clients. TLC Motivation will be focusing on the fact that it...

An agency for good.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... The full-service performance improvement consultancies are well represented at this year's Total Motivation Show, alerting visitors to the services, techniques and expertise that can be drawn on to motivate staff and customers. P&MM will...

Motivating experiences.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... Whether your staff are motivated by the chance to drive a high-performance car or they would rather relax in a luxury spa, there is an expanding range of "experiences" on offer for reward programmes. Experience More--the corporate arm of...

Conference programme.(Total Motivation Show)(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... The two-day conference at the Total Motivation Show is running in two conference rooms at Olympia, London, alongside the main exhibition. The two keynote sessions are free but the rest cost 20 [pounds sterling] in advance or 30 [pounds...

Beyond recognition: with the Total Motivation Show presenting the latest products for rewarding staff, Sharon Greaves looks at the delicate art of employee recognition.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... Despite reports that today's workforce is fuelled by consumerism and commercialism, one of the biggest motivators for staff is praise from the boss. According to a survey by event management company Your Events, 40 per cent of staff questioned...

Stars in their eyes: Cottrills is unveiling a new motivation solution at this month's Total Motivation Show and as Mark Ludmon reports, it is practising what it preaches.(Total Motivation Show)
September 1, 2005... Cottrills is only five years off celebrating its official centenary, but the business is much changed since its roots as a jewellery shop in Bramhall, Cheshire. It now employs 85 people, and a major part of the business is long-service awards...

Basket case: Incentive Today's annual guide to incentives and gifts for Christmas: hampers and Christmas are the Ant and Dec of the incentive world--it's hard to imagine one without the other. Rachael Glazier looks at what is available this year.
September 1, 2005... It is immensely pleasurable receiving a hamper stuffed to the brim with a lucky dip of gifts. Angela Bromley, marketing manager at FHSC comments: "How do we all feel when receiving a gift or present? Uplifted, special, appreciated? Not to...

Simply the best: with a huge range of luxury items on offer, what better time than Christmas to push the boat out and treat staff or customers to something really special.(Christmas: Luxury gifts)
September 1, 2005... What's your idea of luxury? Swimming with dolphins? A unique hand-crafted piece of jewellery? Everyone's idea of luxury differs but each enjoys their own version of it. As Nicky Groenendijk, marketing manager at Aquascutum Corporate Gifts,...

Sweet talking: from full-sized chocolate footballs and golfballs to chocolate-covered sprouts--who says Christmas confectionery can't be creative? Sara Goodwins unwraps some sweet ideas.(Christmas/ Confectionery)
September 1, 2005... Everyone from the MD to the cleaners likes confectionery, and Christmas is one time when people look forward to a bit of indulgence. Sweets and chocolates are still considered treats and yet are incredibly good value for money. And they are...

Festive spirit: wines and spirits can ensure that Christmas is the season for your staff and customers to be jolly.(motivation process)
September 1, 2005... Wine and spirits make for a versatile gift with all-round appeal, but they are at their most popular at Christmas. Wine is particularly flexible, ranging from inexpensive but quaffable to vintage, with packaged combinations with cheese or...

Party politics: the company Christmas party is an opportunity to recognise achievement and make sure staff start the new year happy and motivated.(Christmas / Events)
September 1, 2005... The office Christmas party has long had mixed reviews and until recently was out as strategic as a pub crawl. Now, however, companies have realised that the investment can be as targeted as corporate hospitality and used to make employees aware...

Showtime.(National Incentive Show)
September 1, 2005... The National Incentive Show (NIS) is the annual event offering products and ideas for generating business, driving sales and rewarding employees. Now in its 10th year, the show takes place at Birmingham NEC from September 13 to 15. This...

Electricals.(Sonic-Vivitar UK's products)(Promocamera's products)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Promocamera's debut at NIS will be peppered with product launches. The 4in1 Touch Screen Clock features date, time, timer and temperature and has a four-colour backlight. From the same range is the 5in1 Touchscreen Calculator with one-colour...

Stationery.(National Incentive Show)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Senator and its sister company, Rou Bill, are sharing a stand at this year's show. According to Senator, the metallic look is popular this year and so it is launching the Solaris range. There are three varieties--Twist-Action Ball Pen,...

Seminar programme: a selection of seminars at the National Incentive Show and the co-located National Direct Marketing Show.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... TUESDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 11.00-11.30 Proving return on investment in employee programmes Michelle Smith, vice president of business development, OC Tanner Research proves that employees can be corporate profit drivers, not...

Exhibitor list.(National Incentive Show)
September 1, 2005... List, supplied by Reed Exhibitions, correct at time of going to press 1st Incentives 3M UK Adtrucks / Conquer Promotional Solutions The Alchemy Carta Alchemy Licensing Ambassador Leisure Services Ancestors...

A Between the sheets.(latest products forincentives, promotions and motivation)(JetRest travel pillow)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The team behind the JetRest travel pillow have come up with a new product, the BedTidy. It has two pocketed ends that hang from each side of a bed to create extra storage space for books, magazines or other essentials for the bedroom. Made of...

Toast of the town.(Non-Stop Promotions has launched the Logo Toaster )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... If you want to really push your company's name down your customers' throats, you can now put it on slices of toast. Non-Stop Promotions has launched the Logo Toaster which makes toast that has a logo heat-applied onto every slice. Made of a...

A shots in the dark.(Product Showcase: Incentive Today's round-up of the latest products for incentives, promotions and motivation)
September 1, 2005... Christmas is a time for games and celebratory drinks, so what better way to mark it than with a chess board where the pieces are shot glasses. The gift is included in the new Christmas catalogue just launched by Blue Fish Promotions. ...

Radio days.(Product Showcase: Incentive Today's round-up of the latest products for incentives, promotions and motivation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... If you want to listen to the radio at your desk without having to go online, BTC Group has started offering a little device that simply slots into the USB port of a computer and lets you listen discreetly through earphones. Although small, it...

Plugging in.(products forincentives, promotions and motivation)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Gadgets and USB devices are the hot products this year, and Dukes of London is tapping into this market with a new range. Pictured is the Vase Speaker, measuring about 20cm high, which plugs into USB ports, MP3 players or portable CD players...

Stable mate.(Product Showcase: Incentive Today's round-up of the latest products for incentives, promotions and motivation)
September 1, 2005... Viewers of BBC2's hit series, Dragons Den, may remember seeing entrepreneur Andrew Gordon presenting his idea for a promotional product called the Stabletable. The low-price incentive can be slipped under a leg to stop tables and other items...

Kitsch corner.(Diary)
September 1, 2005... Something is definitely happening out there. Either I'm not hitting the shops regularly enough or a monumental coup has been performed by Carlsberg UK. The beer aisle in your local Morrisons/Sainsbury's/Asda/etc (delete as appropriate to your...

West end girl.(dressed in a pink prom-style dress and fetching blond wig)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... This attractive but somewhat manly young lady could be spotted travelling on the Tube a few weeks ago, dressed in a pink prom-style dress and fetching blond wig. It was in fact Martin Zoutendyk, art director of agency 23red, who agreed to throw...

Premier gifts.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Promotional mouse mats, pens and coasters are not the kinds of gifts that the Prime Minister is used to. According to an official list just published, he is used to somewhat more luxurious products. A Segway personal transporter--similar to...