Media.com takes £25m RBS insurance brands - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

Media.com takes �25m RBS insurance brands - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: "Media.com takes �25m RBS insurance brands
by James Livesley Media Week for Brand Republic 11 Jul 2006

Jeff HyamsLONDON - The Royal Bank of Scotland has consolidated the digital media planning and buying for insurance brands Privilege, Churchill and Direct Line into Media.com, moving the �25m account out of WPP sister agency Outrider, part of Mediaedge:cia.
MediaCom, the parent agency of Media.Com, already holds the offline account for the three RBS insurance brands. The business has moved without a pitch process, and marks the first time Media.Com has worked with insurance clients.
Jeff Hyams, managing director of MEC Interaction and Outrider, said placing all RBS business within MediaCom would facilitate the relationship with WPP's pooled buying operation, Group M.
'It's about our alignment to make Group M work harder for us,' said Hyams. 'It's purely about the tidying up of the business and it makes sense for all the RBS brands.'
He added: 'Outrider is historically a search brand and we are in the process of energising it as that.'
Outrider, which is a high-profile agency in the US, counts Xerox, Colgate-Palmolive and Transport for London among its major clients in the UK.
Privilege offers car insurance, home insurance and breakdown cover, and has recently used actress Joanna Lumley in its advertising.
Direct Line, the insurance company with the red telephone logo, offers these insurance products, but also other financial services such as loans and mortgages. Churchill, which features the famous nodding dog in its advertising, also offers a full range of insurance products such as pet insurance and breakdown cover.
Medi"

Bloomberg.com: Europe

Bloomberg.com: Europe: "Ferrovial Profit Gains 20% on Construction, Swissport (Update1)
July 31 (Bloomberg) -- Grupo Ferrovial SA, the Spanish builder that's buying airport operator BAA Plc, said first-half profit gained 20 percent as it won government railway contracts and added baggage-handler Swissport International AG.
Net income at Spain's second-biggest construction company rose to 237.3 million euros ($302.7 million) from 198.2 million euros. Sales added 29 percent to 5.25 billion euros, Madrid- based Ferrovial said today.
``Ferrovial completed the first half with notable growth in all its lines of business and a significant advance in its diversification processes,'' the company said in a statement.
Ferrovial bought Swissport in August for 336 million euros as it diversifies into markets offering steadier returns. Its $19 billion offer for BAA, the world's biggest airport operator, was accepted in June and will increase revenue by more than one-third. For now, construction remains the biggest source of revenue with the Spain investing 249 billion euros on transport through 2020.
Shares of Ferrovial, the builder of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, have gained 10 percent this year, giving the company a market value of 9.06 billion euros.
Analysts expected net income of 226 million euros, according to the median of five estimates in a Bloomberg survey. Ferrovial has said the BAA acquisition will take sales to more than 14 billion euros this year, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization will increase to more than 3 billion euros.
Swissport reported first-half sales of 528 million euros. Ferrovial said last year it estimates the 26 billion-euro baggage and cargo handling industry will grow more than 5 percent annually in the next few year"

BBC NEWS | Business | UK 'Europe's top online shopper'

BBC NEWS | Business | UK 'Europe's top online shopper': "UK 'Europe's top online shopper'

Shoppers are increasingly happy to miss out on the High Street
The UK has become Europe's biggest online shopping market, overtaking Germany, research firm Mintel has said.
UK shoppers spent 9.79bn euros (�6.7bn; $12.2bn) online in 2005, compared with 9.71bn euros in Germany, Mintel said.
Competition between internet providers has lowered the cost of fast broadband services, making it easier for consumers to shop online.
Total internet sales in Europe rose by 51% to 40.2bn euros in 2005. Mintel expects that figure to triple by 2010.
'Mintel is confident that online sales of goods will grow strongly over the next few years as this channel matures,' said senior retail analyst Neil Mason.
Mintel said there was plenty of room for growth in online spending, with sales made over the internet making up 2% of total European retail sales.
Companies are expected to benefit as online security becomes tighter and consumers become more comfortable with shopping over the internet. Last month, search giant Google launched an online payments system which aims to compete with auction giant eBay. "

The single greatest source of revenue for BAA is its retail outlets - they earned it £800m last year

The Observer | Leaders | Our shabby, shambolic airports need a complete overhaul: "The single greatest source of revenue for BAA is its retail outlets - they earned it �800m last year."

The Observer | Leaders | Our shabby, shambolic airports need a complete overhaul

The Observer | Leaders | Our shabby, shambolic airports need a complete overhaul: "Many people embarking on their summer holiday this morning will have a unique opportunity to consider the wonders that are Britain's airports. They will have such an opportunity because they will almost certainly be trapped in check-in and security queues for hours on end. They might question how such a vital part of our national infrastructure could be so badly run. Not one major airport in Britain has the grandeur of Amsterdam's Schiphol, the efficiency and scale of Frankfurt or the imagination of Charles de Gaulle in Paris. We arrive in architectural celebrations of aviation; we depart from graceless sheds. Even Stansted, a Norman Foster design, is a little more than a glorified warehouse.
Gatwick, the country's second airport, is an entity of unparalleled hideousness, an offence to good taste and an obstacle course of poor layout. It shames the nation that its arrival hall might be the first sight to greet newcomers to Britain.
To be fair to BAA, which runs the UK's three biggest airports, passenger numbers are growing at a rate of tens of millions every year. The company is, meanwhile, spending �1.5bn every year to keep up with demand. But then, to be fair to the passengers, it is not unreasonable to expect some of that investment to translate into a more comfortable travelling experience sooner rather than later.
The same applies to airlines. It is not as if airports are constantly being taken by surprise by hordes of spontaneous jetsetters. It ought not to come as a surprise, for example, that in the summer months people go on holiday. (The clue is in the well-known phrase 'summer holiday'.)
It is presumably within the capability of managers to identify how many will be travelling and when - perhaps by looking at their own ticke"

TravelMole World Travel Market Travel Technology Awards-2--J.

TravelMole World Travel Market Travel Technology Awards-2--J.: "TravelMole World Travel Market Travel Technology Awards




World Travel Market and TravelMole have announced the second annual WTM Travel Technology Awards.

The 2006 awards recognise excellence in innovation, service and performance across the many sectors of the travel and tourism industry which are dependent upon technology companies.

New awards for destination management and the most innovative travel technology stand within the dedicated technology section at WTM have been added for 2006.

The awards categories are:

General:

Dynamic Packaging Tools online

Online Brochure Technology

Innovation in Mobile Technology

Search, Air/Hotel Shopping/Booking System

Travel Agencies:

Dynamic Packaging Tools for Agents

Agency Desktop Tools

Travel Management Companies (Business Travel):

Corporate Online Booking System

Tour Operator:

Tour Management System

Hotel/Resort:

Property Management System

Hotel Online Reservation System

Destination:

Destination Management System

For Exhibitors:

Most innovative stand.

Nominations for each category will begin in early September and the winners will be announced on the World Stage at ExCeL in London during WTM in London in November. Full details will be announced closer to the date.

World Travel Market will have its own dedicated travel technology section with its own distinct styling and colouring to stand out within the halls of the ExCeL exhibition centre. WTM takes place from November 6-9.

Awards sponsorship packages are available for each catego"

Association of British Insurers - News Releases

Association of British Insurers - News Releases: "The Insurance Fraud Bureau set to expose organised insurance frauds

The new Insurance Fraud Bureau launched today (26 July) will clamp down on organised insurance frauds, that now earn criminal gangs up to �4 million a week.

The Bureau will look for evidence of organised fraud on industry databases, develop cross-industry intelligence and co-ordinate investigations between insurers, the police and other agencies. It will also run a confidential Cheatline where people can report suspected insurance frauds.

Stephen Sklaroff, Deputy Director General of the Association of British Insurers, said:

�Insurers already stop a lot of fraud. Last year we detected fraudulent claims worth more than �400 million. But the growth in organised fraud requires a new approach. The launch of the Insurance Fraud Bureau shows the industry�s determination to expose the organised criminal gangs who often use insurance payouts to fund other crimes, and put lives in danger.�

John Beadle, Chairman of the Insurance Fraud Bureau, said:

�Today�s launch follows a highly successful six month pilot where the IFB worked with insurers in identifying fraudulent networks, sharing intelligence and supporting a co-ordinated response to investigations. The Bureau is building powerful relationships with the police and law enforcement agencies. We are confident that the IFB will play an important part in protecting the honest policyholder. We will find, expose and pursue those involved in organised insurance fraud.� "

Travel booking by mobile phone enters new dimension

Travel booking by mobile phone enters new dimension: "Travel booking by mobile phone enters new dimension


A mobile phone travel booking service utilising GPRS or 3G mobile data connections to avoid calls or website searches has been launched.

The software from Shopqwik.com claims to enable users to book a flight in 90 seconds.

More than 25 mainly budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Thomsonfly are available, with British Airways expected to be added.

Thomson, First Choice and MyTravel are also due to offer package holiday sales via the service, according to the Shopqwik website.

Existing content on ShopQwik Mobile includes car rental through Argus Car Hire and hotels through TransHotel.

The company claims users can complete bookings without wasting time on a call centre options or trawling through websites.

Booking details are emailed or sent by text message with payment by credit card made via a secure link authorised by a personal four-digit payment approval number.

Data charges apply for the downloading of live data but the company says a typical booking costs about the same price as a standard text message.

The service is currently limited to users of 19 Nokia Series60 mobile phones and 10 PDAs plus Windows Mobile and Wi-Fi-enabled PCs. "

GreenBiz News | Airports and Industry Cement their Commitment to Environment

GreenBiz News | Airports and Industry Cement their Commitment to Environment: "Airports and Industry Cement their Commitment to Environment
Source: Edie News

LONDON, July 24, 2006 - Airport management company BAA and the British Cement Association have both published their annual CSR reports this week.

As both sectors have a significant environmental impact the reports will make vital reading for those who want to see how seriously big business is taking its responsibilities.

The BAA report publishes progress on reducing noise pollution and improving air quality near airports, as well as looking at the global impact of the aviation industry on climate change and considering how this might be addressed. "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Nuance set to retain Sydney duty free contract after being named preferred bidder - 20/07/06
Source: �The Moodie Report; The Moodie Report VIP News Alert
By Martin Moodie
Email Print
AUSTRALIA. Incumbent retailer The Nuance Group is set to retain its high-profile duty free contract currently out to tender at Sydney Airport.

In a statement this morning Sydney Airport Corporation Ltd said: 'The Nuance Group had achieved preferred tenderer status for the airport�s duty free contract. Both parties are now working to resolve a number of matters in order to complete the process.

'On the basis the outstanding matters are satisfactorily resolved it is expected that the contractual details will be finalised in order to commence the new contract with effect from 1 November 2006.' "

Consumer online travel community to launch-2--J.

Consumer online travel community to launch-2--J.: "Consumer online travel community to launch


An online travel community for holidaymakers is to being unveiled as a sister company to BP Travel Marketing Services.

Parent company Orbital Marketing Services Group is to launch www.TravelOwl.co.uk next month.

Users will be invited to submit holiday reviews and photographs and will be offered deals on car parking, airport hotels, currency, car hire, theatre and theme park tickets.

Orbital online services manager Phil Taylor said: 'We are proud to offer a totally unbiased service to Uk holidaymakers, travellers and intrepid explorers as we are not owned by a tour operator or part of a network of well known commercial travel brands.' "

BBC NEWS | Business | UK 'Europe's top online shopper'

BBC NEWS | Business | UK 'Europe's top online shopper': "UK 'Europe's top online shopper'

Shoppers are increasingly happy to miss out on the High Street
The UK has become Europe's biggest online shopping market, overtaking Germany, research firm Mintel has said.
UK shoppers spent 9.79bn euros (�6.7bn; $12.2bn) online in 2005, compared with 9.71bn euros in Germany, Mintel said.
Competition between internet providers has lowered the cost of fast broadband services, making it easier for consumers to shop online.
Total internet sales in Europe rose by 51% to 40.2bn euros in 2005. Mintel expects that figure to triple by 2010.
'Mintel is confident that online sales of goods will grow strongly over the next few years as this channel matures,' said senior retail analyst Neil Mason.
Mintel said there was plenty of room for growth in online spending, with sales made over the internet making up 2% of total European retail sales.
Companies are expected to benefit as online security becomes tighter and consumers become more comfortable with shopping over the internet. Last month, search giant Google launched an online payments system which aims to compete with auction giant eBay. "

TravelScream.com

TravelScream.com: "The Travelscream.com Story

Once upon a time, travel agents all over the world began their day by sifting through stacks of faxes and in-boxes filled with e-mail messages containing information about vacations their clients would never book. Much of this information ended up in trash cans � both physical and electronic � for lack of storage space or interest. And, of course, when an agent actually needed to access a package or travel deal for a client, they were hard pressed to find it again. By the end of the day, a collective �scream� was heard across the globe. That scream of frustration sounded very much like �AHHHH.�

Enough was enough; there just had to be a better way.

Along came travelscream.com. Unlike fax and e-mail blasts, travelscream.com is completely personalized. Each agent can create exactly the site they need, utilizing information provided by industry partners � including hotels, resorts, cruise lines, theme parks, airlines � to help them assist clients with travel ideas, itineraries and special offers. Now that collective scream is one of pure delight, and sounds much more like �HURRAY!� Travelscream.com... creating order from chaos.

What is travelscream.com?
Let�s start with what travelscream.com is not. Travelscream.com is not a traditional website. It is not an intrusive application that will result in more spam, unnecessary e-mail and blast faxes. "

US-based RSS service for agents launched-2--J.

US-based RSS service for agents launched-2--J.: "US-based RSS service for agents launched


Travel agents are being offered free personalised travel information via a new US-based website.

Travelscream.com is utilising web-based Really Simple Syndication (RSS) technology to enable agents to request specific travel industry information.

The content is continuously updated and delivered to the agent's computer desktop

Travelscream.com founder Tom Griffin said: 'The inspiration for creating travelscream.com came from the realisation that RSS technology could be applied to the travel agent community and would provide a more streamlined and efficient approach for agents to gather the travel information they needed.

'Currently, agents are literally bombarded with material coming from virtually every segment of the destination travel industry�whether they want it or not.'

Travel content for travelscream.com is provided by industry partners, including travel news, deals, and special announcements in a variety of holiday categories.

Travelscream.com will offer an automated FAM trip booking engine and a travel agent rewards programme is also being developed. "

Ferrovial Names Retail Guru To Head BAA | newratings.com

Ferrovial Names Retail Guru To Head BAA | newratings.com: "1245 GMT [Dow Jones] The decision of Ferrovial-led (FER.MC) consortium to appoint Stephen Nelson as new CEO of recently acquired BAA (BAA.LN) seems logical given his previous role as the airport company's retail director, says analyst. 'Retail is new to them,' he says, noting Ferrovial has extensive experience of airport construction and general operations. As expected BAA announced that current CEO Mike Clasper is leaving. Ferrovial -0.3% at EUR61.75 in Madrid, BAA flat at 933p ahead of forthcoming delisting. (RJS) "

Ferrovial Names Retail Guru To Head BAA | newratings.com

Ferrovial Names Retail Guru To Head BAA | newratings.com: "1245 GMT [Dow Jones] The decision of Ferrovial-led (FER.MC) consortium to appoint Stephen Nelson as new CEO of recently acquired BAA (BAA.LN) seems logical given his previous role as the airport company's retail director, says analyst. 'Retail is new to them,' he says, noting Ferrovial has extensive experience of airport construction and general operations. As expected BAA announced that current CEO Mike Clasper is leaving. Ferrovial -0.3% at EUR61.75 in Madrid, BAA flat at 933p ahead of forthcoming delisting. (RJS) "

BAA chief executive quits in the wake of Spanish firm�s takeover - Markets - Times Online

BAA chief executive quits in the wake of Spanish firm�s takeover - Markets - Times Online: "BAA chief executive quits in the wake of Spanish firm�s takeover
By Christine Seib



BAA yesterday promoted its retail director to become chief executive after Mike Clasper resigned from the post in the wake of the acquisition by Ferrovial, the Spanish group.
Mr Clasper, who will continue to advise the airport operator for 12 months, is expected to receive about �1.5 million in pay and pension contributions when he leaves the company, which was bought by Grupo Ferrovial for �10.1 billion last month. He has share options worth a further �1.8 million.


He has been replaced by Stephen Nelson, who has been retail director for only ten months.
In March Mr Clasper had refused to give assurances that he would stay on as chief executive after a takeover and he orchestrated a vigorous defence against acquisition by Ferrovial, which won a bidding war with Goldman Sachs despite tabling a lower offer than the investment bank.
The BAA board is thought to have favoured the Ferrovial bid because it was further advanced and offered the company more certainty. Ferrovial paid 935p per share in cash for the owner of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, which was increased to 950�p for investors that qualified for a 15�p final dividend payment.
Mr Clasper is not thought to have a new job lined up at present. Mr Nelson joined BAA last year from J Sainsbury, where he was marketing director.
BAA also announced that Marcus Agius, chairman since 2002, would continue in the role and that Tony Douglas, who is leading the �4.2 billion Heathrow Terminal Five development, had become chief executive of the airport and would join the BAA board. "

Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US-2--J.

Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US-2--J.: "Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US
American Airlines has sent the US travel industry into a panic after announcing it will charge agents $3.50 per segment for GDS bookings that are not made with its preferred GDS partners.

It is feared airlines and GDS companies are planning the same move in the UK.

Alan Coles, managing director of P&O Travel and chairman of the GTMC Air Working Party, said discussions about similar moves were currently taking place between the airlines and the GDS companies in the UK.

'Our hope is that they come up with a better solution,' he said.

'What we need is access to all content and deals simply and efficiently. It is not a welcome move at all. It's a case of shifting costs around again, and by passing the cost on to agents ultimately it is the customer that will pay.'

Kathryn Sudeikis, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents, said: 'American's announcement tells every travel agency in America: if you want to sell us, run your business the way we tell you or you'll be forced to pay us for the privilege of booking our services. "

Amadeus sales director joins from Worldspan-2--J.

Amadeus sales director joins from Worldspan-2--J.: "Amadeus sales director joins from Worldspan


Former Worldspan UK country manager Julian Mills has joined rival GDS Amadeus UK as sales director.



He replaces Bill Barnes who is retiring at the end of the month.



Amadeus is also stregthening its sales and marketing team by adding seven new staff this quarter to bring the number of consultants in the UK up to more than 80.



Amandeus UK & Ireland managing director Stephane Durand said: 'Amadeus' growth in the UK has been strong over the past several years and we are now at a critical stage where Julian's experience will be put to great use in helping to further accelerate our expansion.'



The company claims a UK market share of more than 23%."

Bloomberg.com: U.K.

Bloomberg.com: U.K.: "BAA Chief Clasper Quits After Takeover; Nelson Named (Update1)
July 13 (Bloomberg) -- BAA Plc said Chief Executive Officer Mike Clasper quit a month after the world's largest airport operator was acquired by Grupo Ferrovial SA for 10.1 billion pounds ($18.6 billion).
Stephen Nelson, head of BAA's retail division, will take over as CEO today, the London-based airport operator said in a statement. Clasper, who had led the company since June 2003, will act as an adviser to BAA over the next year.
Nelson, 43, joined BAA in September from J Sainsbury Plc, Britain's third-largest supermarket, to lift profit at the airport-retail operation. Clasper, 53, spent his last month at BAA, the owner of London Heathrow airport, overseeing a bidding competition for the company between Ferrovial, Spain's second- largest builder, and a team led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
``Now that Mike has decided that this is the right time for him to leave BAA, Stephen is exactly the right person,'' Chairman Marcus Agius said in the statement.
Ferrovial, based in Madrid, acquired BAA after a decade in which passenger numbers at U.K. airports have almost doubled. The Spanish company is adding air travel assets abroad to help counter any slowdown in the domestic construction industry.
Deputy Chief Named
Luis Sanchez Salmeron, director of Ferrovial's existing airport business, becomes deputy chief executive officer of BAA, the U.K. company said today.
Nelson's appointment comes as BAA faces an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading, a U.K. antitrust regulator, into whether the company's dominance of airports in England and Scotland is costing travelers and airlines too much money.
BAA, which also owns London's Gatwick and Stansted airports "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "What a day this is for Stephen Nelson, writes Martin Moodie. At just 43 years of age he has been promoted to one of the biggest jobs in British business and one of its most challenging.

His appointment sends out some important messages to the industry and to the BAA team now under its new Ferrovial-led ownership. Nelson's promotion not only brings continuity at the top but, critically from a travel retail perspective, also underlines the value BAA's new owners put on commercial revenues and customer-focused thinking (a major priority for Stephen Nelson ever since he assumed the Retail Director's role).

Have there been any other examples in the airport world of a Retail Director being promoted to CEO? Probably not. This is a good day not only for Stephen Nelson therefore but also for our industry. "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Alpha Airports Group shares closed +7.7% up at 83.50p on Friday, a day after trading recommenced on the London Stock Exchange. Alpha had been suspended from trading because of an auditor�s enquiry into the company�s annual accounts.

Shares rose 6p or +7.7% in the day after an initial fall upon relisting. Alpha�s shares were suspended on 25 April at 84.25p and fell to 77.50p on the first day back trading, 6 July.

The two-day performance will delight management. Many observers had expected an initial sharp fall in the share price due to institutional concerns over the circumstances leading to the share price suspension � perceived irregularities over the award of a contract by Excel Airways to Alpha last October.

The auditor�s resultant refusal to approve the annual accounts led to the resignations of Chief Executive Kevin Abbott and Finance Director Heather McRae.

But a Special Committee investigation led to the signing off of the accounts unchanged, and a statement that the issues at the heart of the investigation did not affect the results for the year in terms of profit or cash. Neither did they give rise to any advantage to any member of staff or the Alpha Board.

New CEO and Acting Chairman Peter Williams said last week: �With strong finances and sound trading prospects, Alpha is in good shape and has a bright future.�

On the brief evidence to date, the City seems to agree. "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "BAA appoints Stephen Nelson as Chief Executive � 13/07/06
Source: �The Moodie Report
By Dermot Davitt
Email Print

Stephen Nelson: Hired 'because of his track record in demanding commercial situations and because of his qualities as a leader'.
UK. BAA today announced the promotion of Retail Director Stephen Nelson as Chief Executive.

Nelson succeeds Mike Clasper, who is stepping down as Chief Executive with immediate effect. Clasper will continue to act as an adviser to BAA during the next year.

Nelson, 43, joined BAA as Retail Director in September 2005 from J Sainsbury, where he was Marketing Director and a member of its Operating Board. He became a member of the BAA Board in April.

He previously had a number of roles at Diageo, including Managing Director of Guinness Great Britain and President of Diageo (North America) South West. He has also worked at Thorn EMI and OC&C strategy consultants.

BAA also confirmed that Marcus Agius, who has been Chairman of the BAA board since 2002, will continue in that role.

Agius said: 'We recruited Stephen Nelson to BAA last year because of his track record in demanding commercial situations and because of his qualities as a leader. We saw him then as a potential successor to Mike Clasper. Now that Mike has decided that this is the right time for him to leave BAA, Stephen is exactly the right person to build upon Mike�s substantial achievements.�

Juan B�jar, CEO of Ferrovial Infraestructeras, said: �Mike Clasper leaves BAA with our best wishes for the future. I am confident that Stephen will do an outstanding job leading BAA�s talented senior management team at a time when the company is well placed to build on the opportunities "

Post Magazine - Aviva boss Harvey hails deal as "important strategic move"

Post Magazine - Aviva boss Harvey hails deal as "important strategic move": "Aviva boss Harvey hails deal as 'important strategic move'
Norwich Union's parent Aviva has announced that it has agreed to acquire AmerUs Group in a transaction recommended by the board of AmerUs, for approximately $2.9 bn (�1.6 bn) in cash, financed by a �900m equity placing, internal resources and external debt.
In a statement it said the acquisition of AmerUs will transform Aviva�s US business, establishing a 'leading position in a high-growth segment of the world�s largest savings market'.
AmerUs will be merged with Aviva USA and the combined team will be led by Tom Godlasky, CEO of AmerUs. The headquarters will be in Des Moines, Iowa, and the combined business will be called Aviva. The acquisition will be financed partly by a �900m underwritten placing of new Aviva shares, further details of which are being separately announced today, and the balance from internal resources and external debt.
Richard Harvey, group chief executive of Aviva said: �I�m pleased to announce both a strong trading update and an important strategic move to transform our US business with the acquisition of AmerUs.
�AmerUs is a well-managed, innovative and fast-growing business. This acquisition establishes a leadership position within a key segment of the world�s largest long-term savings market. In a single move the combination of AmerUs� national distribution networks and the resources and expertise of Aviva, provides the platform for significant profitable growth in the US.� . "

Ferrovial plans further expansion in airports, infrastructure - Forbes.com

Ferrovial plans further expansion in airports, infrastructure - Forbes.com: "MADRID (AFX) - Grupo Ferrovial SA is planning fresh investments in the airport management and infrastructure sectors, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing the group's CEO Joaquin Ayuso.

WSJ cited Ayuso as saying in an interview last week that the infrastructure market is 'growing very quickly,' adding that construction and management are 'a natural progression for Ferrovial.'

Ayusa said that airports and their management will 'remain a big part of our core business.'

In a presentation last week, Ferrovial said it sees full year sales in 2006 at over 14.0 bln eur after the acquisition of BAA PLC, up by 40 pct from the expected 10.0 bln without the buy, while EBITDA is seen doubling to over 3.0 mln eur."

BA to extend online check-in

BA to extend online check-in: "BA to extend online check-in
British Airways is extending its online check-in facility to children and infants and to groups of up to six people from July 25.

The service is available on more than 97% of routes and allows passengers to check in up to 24 hours in advance and print off their own boarding passes.

Special child meals can be booked up to 24 hours before the flight departs. "

Media Week

Media Week: "RBS moves �25m account to Media.Com
Category
News
Channel
Agencies MW,Digital MW
The Royal Bank of Scotland has transferred the �25m digital media planning and buying for insurance brands Privilege, Churchill and Direct Line into Media.Com.
The account was previously with sister WPP agency Outrider, part of Mediaedge:cia.
MediaCom, the parent agency of Media.Com, already holds the offline account for the three RBS insurance brands. The business has moved without a pitch process, and marks the first time Media.Com has worked with insurance clients.
Jeff Hyams, managing director of MEC Interaction and Outrider, said placing all RBS business within MediaCom would facilitate the relationship with WPP�s pooled buying operation, Group M.
�It�s about our alignment to make Group M work harder for us,� said Hyams. �It�s purely about the tidying up of the business and it makes sense for all the RBS brands.�
He added: �Outrider is historically a search brand and we are in the process of energising it as that.�
Outrider, which is a high-profile agency in the US, counts Xerox, Colgate-Palmolive and Transport for London among its major clients in the UK.
Privilege offers car insurance, home insurance and breakdown cover, and has recently used actress Joanna Lumley in its advertising."

Travelzoo attracts 500,000 UK subscribers-2--J.

Travelzoo attracts 500,000 UK subscribers-2--J.: "Travelzoo attracts 500,000 UK subscribers
Comments: 1


Online travel offers firm Travelzoo has gained more than 500,000 subscribers a week for its Top 20 email newsletter within its first year of UK operations.

The figure for opt-in subscribers represents a 70% increase in the total UK subscriber base since January 1, the company claimed.

The Top 20 email newsletter carries travel deals from more than 125 travel firms.

A breakdown of subscribers shows that 18% earn more than �60,000 a year and 58% are over the age of 45, 33% are aged between 25 and 45 and only 9% are 24 or under.

More than 40% take four or more holidays a year with this year's favourite destinations being Spain, Italy, Greek Islands and the Far East. Favoured city destinations are London, Barcelona, Prague and Paris.

They make their purchase decision based on timing of travel offer followed by price and then destination, according to Travelzoo.

A third buy an upgrade when booking and 45% purchase a different offer of the advertiser's website.

Sixty per cent are female and half are married, while 75% have no children living at home.

They are readers of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and Sunday Times.

Travelzoo Europe managing director Chris Loughlin said: 'The results confirm that the Travelzoo Top 20 influences a high qulaity audience of UK travel enthusiasts.' "

Post Magazine - NU parent Aviva admits new merger talks

Post Magazine - NU parent Aviva admits new merger talks: "NU parent Aviva admits new merger talks
Norwich Union's parent Aviva this morning confirmed that it is in discussions which may lead to it making another acquisition.
In a statement it confirmed it is 'in discussions with AmerUs Group, which may or may not lead to the acquisition of AmerUs. A transaction, if agreed, is expected to be funded from a combination of Aviva's internal resources, external debt and a market placing of Aviva shares.
'If a transaction is agreed, any equity placing will be accompanied by an update on Aviva's current trading.
'These discussions are consistent with Aviva�s stated strategy of pursuing value creating acquisition opportunities in key growth segments of the major global long term savings markets.' "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Sri Lanka�s Travel Retail Village to benefit from library � 05/07/06
Source: The Moodie Report
By Dermot Davitt
Email Print

The village, officially opened in March, was funded by the travel retail industry.
SRI LANKA. The Travel Retail Village in Palliyawatta, Sri Lanka will benefit from a new library, as the community continues its recovery from the devastating tsunami of December 26 2004.

Donations from the travel retail industry enabled the community of 100 people to be re-housed in a new inland settlement, which officially opened on 16 March. The funding was handled by the Alpha Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief Fund, driven by industry executives Paul Topping and Rakhita Jayawardena.

The idea for the library came from Ravi, a duty manager at Alpha Orient Lanka�s (AOL) Arrivals shop at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. It will have a special emphasis on children�s education.

For a short period, the books will be housed at the office of Village head man Chrisantha, until the Village�s community centre is completed. TFWA Care, the charitable organisation set up by Tax Free World Association, will help fund the community centre, named in memory of TFWA Conferences and Research Director Linda Hopkins, who died in December.

Ravi and the AOL team have collected almost 500 books so far from colleagues and well-wishers. The target is to collect 10,000 books by December 2006.

Apart from books, the committee also hopes to make available the daily newspapers of Sri Lanka; international magazines such as National Geographic and Time; computers with Internet connectivity and a collection of recreational games such as chess. These measures will create a library not just for one community bu"

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Ferrovial says it could handle forced sale of BAA assets; WDF part of strategic review � 03/07/06
Source: �The Moodie Report
By Dermot Davitt
Email Print
SPAIN/UK. Grupo Ferrovial � the lead investor in the consortium that is buying BAA � said today that it could manage any sale of BAA assets, should it be forced into divesting part of the business by competition authorities. The UK Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said on Friday that it would investigate the structure of the airports market.

Speaking to analysts at a presentation about the purchase of BAA, Ferrovial CEO Joaqu�n Ayuso Garc�a said: �Supposing we had to sell some of the assets, it wouldn't be that bad. We will collaborate [with the OFT] to study the situation.'

Last week the Ferrovial-led Airport Development and Investment consortium declared its �10.3 billion purchase of BAA unconditional and appointed ten non-executive directors to the BAA board.

Today, in a special presentation, Ferrovial outlined its strategic interest in BAA and its analysis of the business.

Ferrovial outlined its commitment to further expansion at London Heathrow and Stansted airports, and to maintaining the leading position of the London airports in the global market. But it confirmed that other assets, including World Duty Free, the international airports and property arm BAA Lynton would all be subject to strategic review.

Ayuso said that the consortium would consider selling part of BAA after an 18-month lock-in period agreed with shareholders. He also said that ADI had not ruled out re-listing BAA on the stock exchange, although it has to wait at least five years before it can do so.

Ferrovial also said it was considering reducing its stake"

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Food, glorious food: FAB awards in pictures � 30/06/06
Source: �The Moodie Report
By Mary Jane Pittilla; Photos courtesy of BAA
Email Print
UK. As the VIP invitations requested, more than 200 guests 'dressed to impress' for last night's third annual FAB awards in London, organised by BAA to reward and recognise its UK airport catering staff.

Co-hosted by BAA Retail Director Stephen Nelson, the awards honoured the people who contribute so much to BAA's non-aeronautical revenues at its world-class airports (see earlier story). F&B is all about the 'art of giving', he said. To help illustrate this point, he played three videos of airport catering facilities past and present; the BAA baristas' consummate skills in preparing coffee; and customers commenting on what they thought of airport meals.

The other co-host was suave celebrity chef James Martin, who had just flown in from Dubai where he is opening several restaurants.

A Yorkshireman made (very) good � at least in the eyes of the female guests present � Martin regaled the audience with tales from his time at the British stately home Castle Howard (made famous in Brideshead Revisited), where his father was head chef. Four-year-old James started out helping his father butter bread for sandwiches and a few years later graduated to preparing meals for VIP visitors on a grand scale � for the late Queen Mother, no less. HRH asked to meet the chef. When she discovered it was young James, she looked surprised. 'She never came back again,' quipped James. "

Last but by no means least, Nelson paid tribute to his own team at BAA who made it all happen. The team includes Jill Tansley, who co-ordinated the event with the utmost skill and professionalism; Catherine Peachey who kicked off the evening's speeches just three weeks after giving birth to her daughter Laura; and Colin Hargrave, BAA's indefatigable Managing Director of UK Airport Retail.

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Alpha�s nightmare over as company accounts are approved and shares relisted � 06/07/06
Source: �The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
Email Print
UK. Alpha Airports Group announced this morning the successful completion of an investigation into its annual results for the year ended 31 January 2006, paving the way for the lifting of the company�s suspension from the London Stock Exchange since 25 April.

The company said that the results for the year ended 31 January 2006 have been audited and reconfirmed with no adjustment.

It said that the Group�s finances are strong and trading is sound. The Board continues to recommend a final dividend of 3.2p.

Alpha said the Investigation by Special Committee into the circumstances leading to the share price suspension* has been completed, �conclusions presented to the Board and actions underway�.

Graham Frost steps down as Chairman. A search for a new Chairman is underway; Chief Executive Peter Williams will act as Chairman in the meantime.

Peter Williams, who replaced Kevin Abbott after the latter's resignation related to the affair, commented: �I am delighted that last year�s results have been confirmed. The Special Committee�s conclusions have been considered by the Board and a number of actions are now underway to ensure appropriate internal controls and corporate governance procedures are in place. We can now move to put the distraction of recent events behind us and focus on taking the business forward.

�With strong finances and sound trading prospects, Alpha is in good shape and has a bright future.�

Chairman Graham Frost said: 'The issues that gave rise to the suspension of the Company�s shares did not affect the results for the "

TODAYonline

TODAYonline: "The new owners of BAA have said that the British airports operator would continue with plans to develop a second runway at Stansted Airport, north east of London.
.
A consortium led by Spanish construction group Ferrovial, which now runs BAA, added in an official statement Thursday that it would review the costs involved as well as plans already put forward.
.
'We have made today's statement so that all stakeholders in BAA's UK airports are very clear that we are committed to... developing Stansted's second runway as soon as possible,' said Juan Bejar, chief executive officer of Ferrovial Infraestructuras.
.
On June 6, the board of BAA accepted the consortium's takeover bid worth 10.23 billion pounds (14.8 billion dollars, 19.2 billion dollars).
.
BAA owns seven British airports, including London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. Ferrovial, which represents 65 percent of the consortium, manages Belfast airport and Bristol and Exeter airports in western England.
.
The other members of the consortium are Canada's top institutional fund manager, Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, and Singapore's GIC Special Investments. � AFP The new owners of BAA have said that the British airports operator would continue with plans to develop a second runway at Stansted Airport, north east of London.
.
A consortium led by Spanish construction group Ferrovial, which now runs BAA, added in an official statement Thursday that it would review the costs involved as well as plans already put forward.
.
'We have made today's statement so that all stakeholders in BAA's UK airports are very clear that we are committed to... developing Stansted's second runway as soon as possible,' said Juan Bejar, chief executive officer of Ferrovial Infraestructuras.
.
On June 6, the boar"

Post Magazine - British Insurance Awards: winners revealed

Post Magazine - British Insurance Awards: winners revealed: "British Insurance Awards: winners revealed
The winners of the British Insurance Awards 2006 were announced at the Royal Albert Hall last night in front of a packed audience of over 1800 of the industry's movers and shakers. To see the full list click herehttp://www.insuranceawards.com/public/showPage.html?page=bia_finalists_2007
The awards were presented by ITN newscaster Mark Austin and Anthony Gould, editor in chief of Incisive Media's insurance division, supported by music from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Choral Society.
The British Insurance Awards, which are now in their 12th year are hosted by Post Magazine, Professional Broking, Reinsurance, Insurance Age and Cover. "

PRIVILEGE WON THE MARKETING INITIATIVE AWARD, AND DIRECT LINE WON THE ECOMMERCE AWARD (AT NIG'S EXPENSE).

BAA plc Selects Visual Defence for Multi-Million Dollar Video Surveillance Platform: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

BAA plc Selects Visual Defence for Multi-Million Dollar Video Surveillance Platform: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance: "BAA plc Selects Visual Defence for Multi-Million Dollar Video Surveillance Platform
Wednesday July 5, 8:00 am ET
The Contract includes a $7M Support Services program
RICHMOND HILL, ON, July 5 /PRNewswire/ - Visual Defence Inc., a leading provider of integrated security solutions over IP networks to the security and defence markets (LSE:VDI - News), is pleased to announce that it has signed a seven year contract with BAA plc for the supply of software, hardware and support services for CCTV surveillance systems.
ADVERTISEMENT





The agreement includes 24x7 support services for Visual Defence's Virtual Matrix System (VMS) valued at over $7M CAD. In addition to the support services portion, BAA plc will, on an ongoing 'standing offer' basis, procure video surveillance hardware and software directly from Visual Defence.
Visual Defence will provide software, hardware and associated technical services for BAA Airports in the United Kingdom including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow, Southampton, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Visual Defence is working with BAA to provide an innovative, state-of-the-art, IP-based video platform that will support BAA's numerous facilities and continued expansion. The core management platform, Visual Defence's Virtual Matrix System (VMS), provides BAA with an open architecture that will support thousands of video device inputs, managed by hundreds of BAA users, with integration to BAA subsystems. The VMS platform works with multiple integration interfaces including Visual Defence's OPC interface, an open communications system that allows current BAA subsystems (i.e. Baggage Handling system) to interact with the video ma"

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "NETHERLANDS. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol today announced that it plans to operate its main liquor and tobacco concession in-house, from 1 January 2007.

The contract for the business in the See Buy Fly area in Departures is operated by KLM Tax Free Services. KLM�s contract expires on 31 December.

Schiphol Airport said: �Following successful consultations both parties have signed a letter of intent, which lays down the conditions for taking over the activities. The concession involves six shops and the employment of over 150 staff. It has been laid down in the letter of intent that the staff will be employed by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and will retain their jobs.'

The Moodie Report understands that Schiphol Airport will take on not only shop staff, but also senior management and buyers too. At this stage it is unclear whether all of those offered positions with the new operator will accept.

Schiphol added: 'Taking over the liquor and tobacco concession is in line with the strategy of Schiphol Group�s Consumers Business Area, the aim of which is to further reinforce retail operations.�

The news comes as a big blow to KLM Tax Free Services, long-time operator of the liquor and tobacco contract. Last year it opened a 1,000sq m megastore in partnership with fragrances and cosmetics specialist Kapp� Schiphol.

UPDATE: Shortly after we revealed this story Martin Moodie spoke to Schiphol Group about the rationale behind the decision. Here is what the company had to say.

What led Schiphol Group to decide to take such a key product group in-house after so many years with a concessionaire?

Taking over the liquor and tobacco concession is in line with the strategy of Schiphol Group's Consumers Business Area to fu"

NMA.co.uk [100% Interactive Marketing, Media, Mobile and Advertising]

NMA.co.uk [100% Interactive Marketing, Media, Mobile and Advertising]: "Blue Barracuda hires Agency Republic's media head Moore
Platform: Internet | Author: Sam Matthews | Source: NMA magazine | Published: 06.07.06
Email article | Printer Friendlymore NewsFull service digital marketing agency Blue Barracuda has hired Agency Republic's media director Bradley Moore to run its media division.

Moore, who grew Agency Republic's digital media department from one to 16 people in five years, will join Blue Barracuda in September.

As media director, covering search, affiliate and display advertising, he will head a team of seven, although Blue Barracuda plans to grow the team rapidly over the coming months.

Moore will also...
Article continues below
... help the London agency grow its business in Europe; it recently pitched for pan-European accounts in France and Italy.

Prior to joining Agency Republic, Moore worked as head of media for Agency.com for two years. He started his career in his native Australia where for five years he worked with Bates and BBDO. He has worked with BA, Heineken, O2, the BBC and Blockbuster.

Martin Talks, Blue Barracuda CEO, said, 'Bradley built Agency Republic's digital media division from scratch and is a leading light in digital media planning/buying.

'He will be central to Blue Barracuda's continuing drive to win large international digital accounts.'

Blue Barracuda clients include Nectar, T-Mobile, BAA and TGI Fridays.

bluebarracuda.com"

Ferrovial scraps partial share alternative option for BAA cash offer unaffected

Ferrovial scraps partial share alternative option for BAA cash offer unaffected: "Ferrovial scraps partial share alternative option for BAA; cash offer unaffected

LONDON (AFX) - Grupo Ferrovial SA said it has scrapped its partial share alternative option offer for BAA PLC after failing to receive sufficient valid acceptances for the option.

In a statement, the company said it had only received acceptances for a maximum of 10.866 mln Altitude Assets PLC shares, falling short of the 123.521 mln shares acceptance requirement.

The other terms of the recommended final offer remain unaffected, it added.

Shareholders who had opted for the partial shares alternative will now be paid in cash.

As at midnight, July 3, the Airport Development and Investment Ltd consortium owns or has received valid acceptances in respect of 949.024 mln shares, representing about 87.5 pct of BAA.

Last month, the ADI consortium increased the cash component of the part stock, part cash alternative to 898.05 pence per share from the previously announced 897.4 pence.

It had offered the partial share alternative to enable BAA shareholders and bondholders to participate in the business going forward. Altitude will be listed on AIM.

The consortium comprises Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec and the Singapore government's GIC Special Investments Pte Ltd."

Independent Online Edition > Business News

Independent Online Edition > Business News: "BAA 'inflating figures' to justify extra runway
By Michael Harrison, Business Editor
Published: 05 July 2006
Stansted airport's biggest users claimed yesterday that its owner, BAA, had massively overestimated future passenger demand to justify spending nearly �3bn on a second runway.
The Stansted Airline Consultative Committee, a coalition of passenger and cargo airlines and travel bodies such as IATA, said BAA had deliberately chosen to 'gold plate' the project and inflate traffic forecasts so that it could maximise landing charges at the airport to pay for the runway.
The committee, which includes Stansted's two biggest airlines, Ryanair and easyJet, said a second runway, terminal building and associated facilities could be built at Stansted for about �1bn - a third of the �2.7bn that BAA is proposing to spend. With new surface transport links, the total cost could be �4bn.
A report prepared for the committee by the airport consultants York Aviation says passenger numbers at Stansted will rise from 22 million a year to up 62 million by 2030, assuming airport charges remained at current levels. If they increased by the amount that BAA proposes from �3.30 a passenger to more than �8 then demand by 2030 would fall to 49 million passengers. That compares with BAA's forecast that 78 million passengers would be using Stansted's two runways by 2030.
BAA plans to bring the second runway into service by 2015. But the committee says that based on its calculations, Stansted would have sufficient capacity with its existing single runway until 2020. If BAA went ahead with its proposed increase in charges, it would depress passenger demand, meaning a second runway would not be needed until 2028.
BAA is being taken over by the Spanish construction group Ferrovial"

Inquiry could force BAA break-up - Industry sectors - Times Online

Inquiry could force BAA break-up - Industry sectors - Times Online: "BAA�s iron grip on London�s dominant airports has come under attack after the Office of Fair Trading launched an investigation that could result in the forced break-up of the owner of Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.
The OFT is expected to take at least three months to investigate the UK airports market, in which BAA is the dominant player. It is the OFT�s first inquiry into Britain�s airports market, and observers suggest that BAA�s takeover by Spanish suitor Grupo Ferrovial was the trigger.


Although the OFT remained open-minded about the possible outcome of its inquiry, any concerns about the level of influence wielded by BAA would almost certainly result in a referral to the Competition Commission, which can force a break-up of the airports group.
The OFT inquiry could be a blow to Ferrovial, which is in the process of completing its �10.1 billion takeover of BAA. Ferrovial went ahead with its takeover despite a cautionary statement from the OFT in late May that it was considering a full-blown inquiry into the UK airports market. The Spanish group has already secured 84 per cent of BAA�s equity and cannot back out of the deal.
A Ferrovial spokeswoman said: �We look forward to coordinating closely with all the regulators and working in the best interests of stakeholders and passengers.�
Shareholders in Ferrovial shrugged off the OFT move, marking their company�s Madrid-listed shares up 1.6 per cent to �59.70.
The OFT will seek submissions from all airport users.
British Airways, the dominant airline at Heathrow, welcomed the OFT inquiry, while Ryanair, the biggest player at Stansted, reiterated its call for BAA to be broken up.
Jim Callaghan, Ryanair�s head of regulatory affairs, said: �We hope that the O"

Inquiry could force BAA break-up - Industry sectors - Times Online

Inquiry could force BAA break-up - Industry sectors - Times Online: "BAA�s iron grip on London�s dominant airports has come under attack after the Office of Fair Trading launched an investigation that could result in the forced break-up of the owner of Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.
The OFT is expected to take at least three months to investigate the UK airports market, in which BAA is the dominant player. It is the OFT�s first inquiry into Britain�s airports market, and observers suggest that BAA�s takeover by Spanish suitor Grupo Ferrovial was the trigger.


Although the OFT remained open-minded about the possible outcome of its inquiry, any concerns about the level of influence wielded by BAA would almost certainly result in a referral to the Competition Commission, which can force a break-up of the airports group.
The OFT inquiry could be a blow to Ferrovial, which is in the process of completing its �10.1 billion takeover of BAA. Ferrovial went ahead with its takeover despite a cautionary statement from the OFT in late May that it was considering a full-blown inquiry into the UK airports market. The Spanish group has already secured 84 per cent of BAA�s equity and cannot back out of the deal.
A Ferrovial spokeswoman said: �We look forward to coordinating closely with all the regulators and working in the best interests of stakeholders and passengers.�
Shareholders in Ferrovial shrugged off the OFT move, marking their company�s Madrid-listed shares up 1.6 per cent to �59.70.
The OFT will seek submissions from all airport users.
British Airways, the dominant airline at Heathrow, welcomed the OFT inquiry, while Ryanair, the biggest player at Stansted, reiterated its call for BAA to be broken up.
Jim Callaghan, Ryanair�s head of regulatory affairs, said: �We hope that the O"

News - MSN Money

News - MSN Money: "BAA's Ownership of Airports Under Review

All Associated Press NewsLONDON (AP) - Britain's competition regulator said Friday it will study airport owner BAA PLC's domination of airport ownership.
BAA, which recently agreed to a takeover by Spain's Grupo Ferrovial SA, owns London's Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports and key airports in Scotland.

The Office of Fair Trading, which had said in May that it was considering a review, said it would examine whether 'the current market structure works well for consumers.'
The agency said that nearly two-thirds of British air passengers begin or end their journey at a BAA airport.
'Within the London area this rises to nine out of 10 passengers, and in Scotland over eight out of 10 air passengers fly from a BAA airport,' the agency said.
BAA also operates airports at Southampton England; and in the Scottish cities of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
A consortium led by Ferrovial, the Spanish construction company, won a fight for control of BAA with a 10 billion pound ($18.4 billion) bid."

Insurance Age - Is imarket making the world a smaller place?

Insurance Age - Is imarket making the world a smaller place?: "Is imarket making the world a smaller place?
This month the panel discusses the extent to which imarket has been embraced and what direction it needs to move in
Imarket - where are we now and where are we going?
Peter: Imarket was launched in November 2003, so it has been running for two and a half years now. We started off with six insurers and now have 10 on board. Initially, we started with no broker firms signed up but we now have over 2,300. In addition, imarket started with zero transactions and we now have approximately 25,000 a month. I admit that we probably did raise expectations too high in the early stages. We know there were a number of brokers that went on and had a look but they didn't find everything they were looking for and have never gone back. One of our aims is to bring them back to have another look.
Mark: Do you think that, in terms of signing up additional insurers, the confidentiality you are required to have in place has restricted growth? For example, you talk about transactions but you aren't able to say exactly what those transactions are? I am sure insurers would be more interested if they understood that the conversion rate (quote to bind) was high but you aren't allowed to release that information are you?
Peter: Yes, it certainly makes selling imarket more difficult but we have to be really careful about competition law.
Mark: Is there a way that the insurers on one of the imarket panels could agree, as a group, to share average figures in order to help bring other insurers to the table?
Peter: I don't know if that would be allowed.
Phil: If you look at personal lines, that also took a while to take off but once it did, I think they printed the EDI figures through the Association of British Insurers "

Guardian Unlimited Money | Credit and debt | Suicide prompts credit card investigation

Guardian Unlimited Money | Credit and debt | Suicide prompts credit card investigation: "Suicide prompts credit card investigation

Monday July 3, 2006

Royal Bank of Scotland faces investigation by the banking watchdog following the suicide of a customer who was heavily in debt.
Richard Cullen, a 65-year-old mechanic from Wiltshire, killed himself after building up credit card debts of �130,000.
Mr Cullen owed Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) more than �35,000, more than twice his annual income, through four different cards, according to BBC1's Panorama programme, which aired last night.
Mr Cullen held cards with 22 different providers, including Mint and Tesco Personal Finance, which are run by RBS.
In November 2004, two weeks after he was chased for arrears on his Mint card, the credit limit on his Tesco Personal Finance card was increased by �1,000 to �7,700.
In January 2005 he was found dead in his garage after inhaling exhaust fumes.
The credit cards Mr Cullen held with RBS cost him more than �4,300 in interest and charges during the last year of his life - nearly a third of his annual income.
Seymour Fortescue, chief executive of the Banking Code Standards Board, which runs the industry's voluntary code of practice, said it was asking for the authority of Mr Cullen's family to investigate the case to see if the code had been breached.
Asked why there appeared to have been a lack of communication between the different parts of the RBS group, Mr Fortescue said it seemed to be a case of the bank 'failing to put two and two together'.
RBS defended its treatment of Mr Cullen, saying it was not aware he had a serious debt problem.
In a statement issued to Panorama, it said: 'Mr Cullen "

NMA.co.uk [100% Interactive Marketing, Media, Mobile and Advertising]

NMA.co.uk [100% Interactive Marketing, Media, Mobile and Advertising]

Aviva, owner of Norwich Union and the RAC, and the largest insurance company in the UK, is to review its roster of creative digital agencies.

Aviva's roster currently includes AKQA and Harvest Digital, while it has also worked with Soup, RedWeb and DC Interact in the past.

The digital creative review follows the fiercely fought £26m Aviva digital media agency pitch last year.

Jonathon Brown, who was this month appointed to head a combined Norwich Union and RAC digital...

WebWire� | 2006 First half operating results in line with expectations for full year EBITDA of $165 million

WebWire� | 2006 First half operating results in line with expectations for full year EBITDA of $165 million: "As a result of an ongoing investigation, instigated by Avion Group�s Board, into supply contracts for catering services to Excel Airways Group by Alpha Airports Group, a full provision amounting to $10 million (net of taxes) has been made as a precautionary measure in the financial statements of Excel Airways Group. This provision has no effect on cash reserves, budgets and financial statements for current or future periods of Excel Airways Group and has no effect on its current or future earnings.
On completion of the investigation, the Board of Avion Group will take all necessary steps as it deems appropriate to strengthen the management team of Excel Airways Group. "

ATW: Office of Fair Trading launches investigation of UK airports

ATW: Office of Fair Trading launches investigation of UK airports: "Office of Fair Trading launches investigation of UK airports
Monday July 3, 2006
The UK Office of Fair Trading confirmed Friday that it is initiating a study into whether or not the UK airports market in its current form works well for consumers.OFT announced in late May that it was considering a market study of UK airports (ATWOnline, May 26). Since then it has consulted the Civil Aviation Authority and held meetings with relevant parts of the government, including the Dept. for Transport.
Although the study is not targeting BAA specifically, OFT recognizes that 'nearly two-thirds of UK air passengers begin or end their journey at BAA airports. Within the London area this rises to nine out of 10 passengers, and in Scotland over eight out of 10 air passengers fly from a BAA airport.'
Last month, a consortium led by Spanish construction group Ferrovial won a bid battle to buy BAA, which owns and operates Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton airports (ATWOnline, June 9).
'Greater competition between airlines over the past decade has led to wider choice for air travelers and lower fares,' OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton said in a statement. 'We now think it is time to explore the potential for greater competition within the airport industry as this could ultimately yield significant benefits in terms of timely and adequate investment in UK airports, a better value service to the UK traveling public as well as potentially relieving the industry--and ultimately its customers--of the costs of regulation that may be disproportionate.'
In case OFT finds any irregularities, potential remedies could include recommendations on improving economic regulation and, following any market investigation reference to the Competition C"