Wednesday, February 28, 2007

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "Aldeasa and ITDC alliance wins Mumbai duty free tender ahead of hot competition – 26/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
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INDIA. The fledgling alliance between Spain's Aldeasa and state-owned travel retailer India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has triumphed ahead of red-hot international competition for the high-profile Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport duty free tender.

The partnership was one of several companies to have expressed interest in the tender alongside DFS Group, The Nuance Group/Shopper’s Stop and Alpha (trading as Alpha Future). "

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: "
Alpha dismisses negative reports; insists it will open as planned at Delhi International Airport – 27/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
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INDIA. Alpha Airports Group has denied a local media report that its plans to open duty free stores at Delhi International Airport are in jeopardy.

A report in Economic Times last week claimed that the plans of Alpha Future – a joint venture with Pantaloon Retail (India) – were “on freeze” due to bureaucratic wrangling over regulatory approval for the partnership.

The partnership was awarded the Delhi duty free retail contract in November. The 3.25 year contract, awarded by Delhi International Airport Pvt Ltd (DIAL), was expected to begin on 1 January.

Commenting on the delay and the publicity, Alpha Airports Group Peter Williams told The Moodie Report: “The reality is that the process of bureaucracy here takes a long time to work through. But none of this dulls our expectations.”

He declined to be drawn into the details of the newspaper report, commenting: “Suffice to say we are about to get the relevant approvals. Virtually everything that was reported is incorrect.

“We are well down the way to opening our stores in the airport.”

Asked if he was convinced the company would be able to begin its contract soon, Williams replied: “Absolutely. The stores are virtually finished and we will be opening as planned.” "

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Rbs Not Just Banking On Its Retail Customers (from Sunday Herald)

Rbs Not Just Banking On Its Retail Customers (from Sunday Herald): "RBS: not just banking on its retail customers
By John Phelps
Comment
SIR FRED Goodwin will move swiftly to deflect criticism that Royal Bank of Scotland is profiteering from its army of small customers when he unveils his latest trading spectacular on Thursday.
Followers say he will underline the group's position as the UK's most profitable homegrown bank with news of a profits surge from £7.9 billion to around £9.3bn, and there are also hopes he could announce another major share buy-back programme and a fat dividend increase.
But the chief executive will stress that the upsurge owes little to the general banking services provided for his 14 million retail customers.
advertisementThis side of the operation is understood to have provided just 10% of overall profits after showing static returns last year, and its profits are likely to be dwarfed by those from more specialised services such as business banking and wealth management.
Brokers say he needs to hammer home the message because of growing criticism of all the big banks over their charging practices and fears that they could soon end free banking with the introduction of monthly charges.
The RBS showing is expected to lag behind last week's profits surge by Barclays, but the figures should show it has narrowed the gap at the top with its great rivals at HSBC, whose own profits have suffered from problems in the US housing market.
HSBC figures are due on March 5 and are expected to show total profits of £11.5bn, some £2.2bn more the anticipated RBS returns, against a £4.3bn gap last year."

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

BBC NEWS | Business | Coca-Cola 'top UK brand seller'

BBC NEWS Business Coca-Cola 'top UK brand seller': "Coca-Cola 'top UK brand seller'

Coca-Cola remains top of the pops
Coca-Cola has kept its position as the UK's best-selling grocery brand, according to a survey.
The soft drinks giant saw sales grow 5% in 2006, with its Coke, Diet Coke and Coke Zero brands generating sales of £942.3m, AC Nielsen data said. "

Post Online - CDL launches SMS aggregator

Post Online - CDL launches SMS aggregator: "CDL launches SMS aggregator
Insurance software house, CDL, has launched the UK’s first SMS aggregator service, via TEXTCHECK, the mobile phone based vehicle health check service launched by CDL and Onesoon last year.
Motorists using the TEXTCHECK service to validate a vehicle’s history will now be offered the option of receiving a quote to insure the vehicle. The service then aggregates quotes from CDL’s broking community, texting details of the cheapest, along with a quote reference number and contact details back to the consumer’s mobile phone.
Commenting on the new service, Nigel Phillips, business strategist at CDL said that the service had generated 60 quotes in its first week and this is expected to increase as TEXTCHECK embarks on a TV advertising campaign throughout March.
Mr Phillips said: “Our acquisition of The Vehicle Inspection Company, and the licence this gave us to access DVLA data, as well as our partnership with Onesoon to launch the TEXTCHECK service has opened up a number of exciting opportunities to offer consumer targeted services. The SMS aggregator service also provides an additional route to market for the CDL broking community and we expect to increase the number of brokers signed up to provide quotes throughout 2007.”
TEXTCHECK is a unique vehicle history check service which uses text messaging to protect second hand vehicle shoppers in the UK avoid the misery of being mis-sold a used car, motor bike or van. TEXTCHECK gives potential buyers instant access to authentic DVLA and police information, as well as serious damage and written-off data from British insurers. The SMS aggregation and vehicle health check service can be white labelled to other aggregators or insurers. "

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Post Online - NIG recruits new boss

Post Online - NIG recruits new boss: "NIG recruits new boss
Michael Rea has been appointed to the newly created role of Director of NIG, the broker-only insurer.
His appointment follows the restructuring of RBS Insurance, announced last year, which saw Charles Crawford, managing director of NIG appointed to the role of managing director of partnerships and bokers – a move which expanded Mr Crawford’s portfolio of responsibilities to include UKI Partnerships, NIG and other intermediaries within RBS Insurance.
Formerly Finance Director at NIG, Mr Rea takes over his new role – now the most senior at NIG – with immediate effect.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Rea said: 'I am delighted to take on this new role at such an exciting time in the broker market. My aim is to ensure that NIG continues to deliver a first class service to our brokers and also continues the profitable growth which we have delivered since acquisition by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group in 2003.”
The NIG senior management team, which comprises Steve Kingshott, Vivek Banga, David Parker, Mike Crane and Peter Johnson, remains unchanged. "

Monday, February 19, 2007

AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital
by Daniel Farey-Jones Brand Republic 16 Feb 2007

LONDON - AA Business Services is conducting a 12-month drive to win customers online through Inbox Digital and fellow Digital Marketing Group companies HSM and Cheeze.

The brief is to generate sign-up for the company's fleet breakdown and recovery service Fleetwide Cover and the fuel card Fleet Advantage, using prospect marketing by Inbox and follow-up telemarketing by HSM.
Inbox's strategy is to drive people to the relevant sections on the AA's website with banner ads, advertorials, text-based ads, sponsored emails and pay-per-click search.

Once on the website prospects can either purchase a service, fill in their details to request a sales call or register to receive more information, served by Inbox as newsletters and tactical emails.

The digital ads were planned and bought by Cheeze, which was bought by Digital Marketing Group in January. Inbox and HSM were bought by DMG in October along with marketing agency Dig For Fire.

Laith Clark, client services director at Inbox Digital, said: "By working with our new sister agencies we've brought to bear the power of the Digital Marketing Group offer with an end-to-end digital CRM programme."

Adrian Waters, head of SME at AA Business Services, said: "Following the success of Inbox Digital's work last year, we're now upping the ante with a sophisticated e-CRM programme that will help us track, understand and respond to prospect behaviour from beginning to end."

DMG's chief executive is the former Euro RSCG chairman and chief executive Ben Langdon.

AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: AA Business Services hands online work to Inbox Digital
by Daniel Farey-Jones Brand Republic 16 Feb 2007

LONDON - AA Business Services is conducting a 12-month drive to win customers online through Inbox Digital and fellow Digital Marketing Group companies HSM and Cheeze.

The brief is to generate sign-up for the company's fleet breakdown and recovery service Fleetwide Cover and the fuel card Fleet Advantage, using prospect marketing by Inbox and follow-up telemarketing by HSM.
Inbox's strategy is to drive people to the relevant sections on the AA's website with banner ads, advertorials, text-based ads, sponsored emails and pay-per-click search.

Once on the website prospects can either purchase a service, fill in their details to request a sales call or register to receive more information, served by Inbox as newsletters and tactical emails.

The digital ads were planned and bought by Cheeze, which was bought by Digital Marketing Group in January. Inbox and HSM were bought by DMG in October along with marketing agency Dig For Fire.

Laith Clark, client services director at Inbox Digital, said: "By working with our new sister agencies we've brought to bear the power of the Digital Marketing Group offer with an end-to-end digital CRM programme."

Adrian Waters, head of SME at AA Business Services, said: "Following the success of Inbox Digital's work last year, we're now upping the ante with a sophisticated e-CRM programme that will help us track, understand and respond to prospect behaviour from beginning to end."

DMG's chief executive is the former Euro RSCG chairman and chief executive Ben Langdon.

Friday, February 16, 2007

OgilvyOne Worldwide to launch email marketing department - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

OgilvyOne Worldwide to launch email marketing department - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: "OgilvyOne Worldwide to launch email marketing department
by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 16 Feb 2007

Fidura: manager of email marketing campaignsLONDON - OgilvyOne Worldwide London is to create a new practice specialising in email marketing campaigns, which will be managed by Skip Fidura, the former director of European operations at Digital Impact.
The department, which will shortly appoint an email insight manager, will comprise OgilvyOne's existing account managers, creatives and copywriters and data analysts.
Fidura, who is chair of the deliverability hub at the DMA's Email Marketing Council, was chosen to oversee the department's development because of his previous experience in email and interactive direct marketing, having joined OgilvyOne last year from Digital Impact.
The practice, which will open next month, will be working with OgilvyOne's existing client base, which includes IBM, American Express and BT, but it is understood the long-term aim is for the business to generate its own clients.
Mike Dodds, managing director of OgilvyOne, said: 'The ability to leverage successes we have already created with our existing digital clients will really boost the email service in the UK.
'It's an extremely exciting development for an agency like ours that puts digital at the heart of everything it does.'"

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: Website of the week: Changi Airport Shopping City – 15/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Michael Fryer
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Website of the Week: Changi Airport Shopping City

Style

Accessed via a prominent link on the front page of www.changiairport.com, the Shopping City site is colourful and inviting, though the absence of animation may mean it’s too static for some tastes.

Content and usability

The site scores highly for its interactivity, offering a pre-order service (though not a buy online option) and a monthly email that informs of special offers and news – important for frequent flyers.


The colourful, inviting and interactive site features an enewsletter service
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserving items is straightforward, done by clicking the ‘add to cart’ button at the bottom of each product page. The Shopping cart can easily be reviewed and amended later, though like the rest of the site, only displays prices in Singapore dollars. When finished, simply enter personal and flight details, take a note of the location of the shop(s) – maps are given under well-written product descriptions – and collect on arrival at the airport.

A frequently asked questions (FAQs) section explains that customers wishing to pre-order goods not listed on the website should send an email to caas_changi_airport_shopping@caas.gov.sg outlining the brand name, model, colour and size: “We will do our best to find the item for you. If it is not available we will recommend something similar that we are able to provide.”

Other notable areas are Collection service, which informs passengers they are able to shop in any of the liquor & tobacco, perfumes & cosmetics and electrical goods outlets before they fly and collect their items on their return, plus a What’s hot! section, providing information on new openings, items, promotions and draws – though this could do with being updated (the last entry is currently dated 15 August 2006.)

Our unique service collates the duty free and tax free shopping websites of the world, allowing readers instant and free access to the shopping offer of over 400 retailers, suppliers and brands. Click here to access the Travel Retail Web-Wide Index.

There is also a downloadable pdf document containing two magazine-style pages spotlighting free gifts and discounts, while the search facility can be used with either product or shop name and is a useful tool.

Overall, though, navigation could be better. Trying to find a list of products takes some effort, especially if you miss the low-key drop-down menu on the front page. We’d like to see fixed product category links on each page to make browsing less confusing.

And, with the site stating the following, it’s also a pity that individual savings over high-street prices aren’t shown:

"You’ll find the lowest prices for liquor, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics amongst major Asia Pacific international airports here and what’s more, liquor and tobacco products are 40-60% cheaper than downtown shops, while perfumes and cosmetics are up to 40% lower!"

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: Intense interest in Mumbai Airport duty free tender amid traffic and economic boom – 15/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
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INDIA. Interest in the duty free tender at Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) is understood to be intense, reflecting the location’s key strategic and commercial worth to the winning bidder.

We can confirm reliably that five bidders are contesting the tender: DFS Group, The Nuance Group/Shoppers’ Stop, Dufry/InterGlobe and Alpha Future (Alpha Airports Group and Pantaloon Retail) and, as reported earlier today, Spanish retailer Aldeasa in partnership with the incumbent, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

According to one bidder who chose to remain anonymous, final offers are due by 23 February for the contract, which will run for three years with the possibility of a fourth year (depending on the progress of airport development work).

The concession commences on 1 June and, importantly, offers exclusivity across all international products (Indian merchandise is the only exception). The single terminal offer significant space – one 1,355sq m Departures store, a 780sq m Arrivals store and a 145sq m storage department.

Sales are understood to have reached INR444 million (US$10.1 million) in 2006, with branded wines and spirits accounting for two-thirds of that total. Tobacco was the other main category with sales of INR63 million (US$1.49 million). Fragrances and cosmetics generated sales of INR7 million (US$159,000). But these figures offer little real guideline to bidders as the level of retailing and space has been well short of what is expected in the future.

"If you want to be an international player in the Indian duty free market, you want to be in Mumbai or Delhi because of their scale"
Some bidders contacted by The Moodie Report believe there is huge upside potential in the business at one of the country’s most important gateways, despite the short-term contract.

Mumbai handles an estimated 37% of India’s total air passenger traffic (domestic and international), with international passenger numbers currently showing solid double-digit growth and domestic traffic climbing faster still.

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: Intense interest in Mumbai Airport duty free tender amid traffic and economic boom – 15/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
Email Print
INDIA. Interest in the duty free tender at Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) is understood to be intense, reflecting the location’s key strategic and commercial worth to the winning bidder.

We can confirm reliably that five bidders are contesting the tender: DFS Group, The Nuance Group/Shoppers’ Stop, Dufry/InterGlobe and Alpha Future (Alpha Airports Group and Pantaloon Retail) and, as reported earlier today, Spanish retailer Aldeasa in partnership with the incumbent, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

According to one bidder who chose to remain anonymous, final offers are due by 23 February for the contract, which will run for three years with the possibility of a fourth year (depending on the progress of airport development work).

The concession commences on 1 June and, importantly, offers exclusivity across all international products (Indian merchandise is the only exception). The single terminal offer significant space – one 1,355sq m Departures store, a 780sq m Arrivals store and a 145sq m storage department.

Sales are understood to have reached INR444 million (US$10.1 million) in 2006, with branded wines and spirits accounting for two-thirds of that total. Tobacco was the other main category with sales of INR63 million (US$1.49 million). Fragrances and cosmetics generated sales of INR7 million (US$159,000). But these figures offer little real guideline to bidders as the level of retailing and space has been well short of what is expected in the future.

"If you want to be an international player in the Indian duty free market, you want to be in Mumbai or Delhi because of their scale"
Some bidders contacted by The Moodie Report believe there is huge upside potential in the business at one of the country’s most important gateways, despite the short-term contract.

Mumbai handles an estimated 37% of India’s total air passenger traffic (domestic and international), with international passenger numbers currently showing solid double-digit growth and domestic traffic climbing faster still.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

eMarketer.com - Online to Account for Majority of US Travel Market

eMarketer.com - Online to Account for Majority of US Travel Market: Online to Account for Majority of US Travel Market

FEBRUARY 15, 2007

Mo-o-o-ove over!

In most markets, the online segment accounts for only a small portion of total revenues and sales. But that is not the case in the travel business.

According to a new report from Burst Media, based on data from PhoCusWright Research, this year the Internet will make up over half of all of the travel industry's transactions.

The rush of travel consumers to the Internet has led to an online travel marketplace estimated at $68 billion — and that is the US market only.

In a Burst survey of 2,100 Web users ages 18 and older who plan to travel in the next three months, 79% of respondents said they would be using the Internet to plan their upcoming personal travel.

There is no statistical difference in the percentage of men, 79.9%, or women, 78.1%, who will use the Internet to plan their travel.

Among the respondents using the Internet to plan their upcoming travel, 47% said it would be their primary travel resource.

Internet travel planning does skew younger. Respondents ages 25 to 34 are the most likely to use the Internet as their primary travel resource, with 53% indicating so, and respondents ages 55 and older are the least likely, with 41% indicating so.

Usage also skews to higher-income households, with slightly over half, or 52%, of respondents with household incomes of $75,000 to $99,999 annually and nearly two-thirds, or 63%, with household incomes of $100,000 or more annually saying the Internet will be their primary travel resource.



The survey leaves little doubt that the Internet is the primary planning channel for travelers, and therefore a vital travel advertising platform.

A full two-thirds, or 67%, of the respondents who will use the Internet to help plan their upcoming travel will conduct travel research as well as make online travel transactions, and 33% will use the Web solely as an information resource.



Among respondents planning to make travel transactions online, 74.0% will likely purchase airline tickets, 72.9% will likely make hotel reservations and over one-third (40.4%) will likely rent automobiles.



In addition, of the respondents making transactions online, 60% will also research destinations and 29% will research travel/tour operators.

Travel vendors should be up front about pricing, as the survey found it was the most cited factor driving customers to sites.

When respondents were asked what features of a travel resource Web site make them want to return, the ability to check flights, hotels and rental car rates and availability scored highest, at 55%, closely followed by destination information and travel promotions and specials, both at roughly 50%.



Interestingly, women placed much greater importance than men on travel promotions and specials, 55% vs. 45%, respectively.

BAA unveils plans for new Terminal 3 building - 14/02/2007 - Contract Journal

BAA unveils plans for new Terminal 3 building - 14/02/2007 - Contract Journal: "BAA unveils plans for new Terminal 3 building
(14 February 2007 12:29)

Airports operator BAA has unveiled plans to redevelop Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 building and modernise the terminal’s forecourt as part of its investment programme to transform the central terminal area."

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

eMarketer.com - Marketers in Love with E-Mail

eMarketer.com - Marketers in Love with E-Mail: Marketers in Love with E-Mail

FEBRUARY 13, 2007

Marketers admire e-mail's inner beauty.

Other media get more attention, but marketers' love for e-mail remains strong, according to Datran Media's annual e-mail study.

Asked to choose the most important advertising media they planned to use in 2007, 83% of respondents picked e-mail marketing. Search marketing followed, at 62%, and online video was an also-ran, at 15%.



The study also asked marketers about what makes e-mail attractive. Over half said that e-mail marketing helps them sell more to existing customers.



Art.com director of CRM Kelsey Lowitz was among the brand marketers who participated in the survey. Her reason for increasing e-mail marketing during 2007 was simple: "Email marketing is a powerful communication and revenue channel that allows us to engage in real-time, relevant conversations with repeat and new buyers alike."

Nearly all interactive marketers use e-mail, with good reason: 90% of US Internet users use it, and the number is growing.



David Hallerman, eMarketer senior analyst and author of the E-Mail and Word-of-Mouth: Connect with Your Best Customers report, sums up e-mail's appeal:

"E-mail users are an audience with critical mass. Although spam makes it harder for marketers to reach their customers' inboxes, e-mail's personal impact is unmatched by more ballyhooed interactive marketing vehicles such as search text ads or online video."

For more on e-mail marketing tactics, see eMarketer's E-Mail and Word-of-Mouth: Connect with Your Best Customers report.

eMarketer.com - Loyalty Is Key to Online Travel Market

eMarketer.com - Loyalty Is Key to Online Travel Market: Loyalty Is Key to Online Travel Market

FEBRUARY 12, 2007

Travel suppliers use loyalty programs to stay competitive online.

Many travelers know the trick to getting the best price online: They shop at online travel agencies, then book rooms or flights on a supplier's site.

Yet online travel agencies are still fierce competitors. Although a head-to-head matchup favors suppliers, many consumers still say "It depends" when it comes to their purchase preferences, according to a survey conducted by market research firm eVOC Insights and RelevantView.



eMarketer senior analyst and travel specialist Jeffrey Grau thinks the "It depends" crowd has good reasons for using both online travel agencies (OTAs) and suppliers.

"For many people, it's not a black-and-white choice. Each channel has a different set of attributes. The agencies give you a broad selection, and make it easy to book multiple travel segments at the same time, such as hotels, airlines and car rentals. For details about a lodging facility, however, the supplier wins out. More importantly, supplier loyalty program points are easier to get directly from the supplier," said Mr. Grau.

The eVOC study backs up this statement. For hotel price and selection, and for adding flights, rooms or vehicles, travelers prefer online travel agencies. Suppliers win on rewards programs and ease of cancellation, and are favored by travelers who hate cancellation fees.



Besides reward programs, suppliers can compete with OTAs on price, according to a new study by eVOC Insights and Hospitality eBusiness Strategies. Visitors to a major hotel brand site said that having a best Internet rate guarantee would get them to book directly on the brand site instead of sites like Expedia or Travelocity. Special prices and promotions also got travelers' attention.

Dig For Fire to launch specialist research division - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic

Dig For Fire to launch specialist research division - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic: "Dig For Fire to launch specialist research division
by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 14 Feb 2007

Jones: 'people are no longer passive consumers'LONDON - Direct marketing agency Dig For Fire is to launch a specialist research division, Dig Research, that will provide brand development strategy for clients.
The seven-strong Dig Research team will handle research and analysis for client's branding and strategy planning, which would use 'meaningful' results to formulate projects for businesses.
The agency said it had chosen to increase its business following client wins including The Co-operative Bank, Travis Perkins and Bravissimo over the last 12 months.
David Jones, planning director at Dig For Fire, said: 'Dig Research has been born out of an increased demand for our innovative and inclusive approach to research and analysis.
'We believe that research and strategic planning need to save marketing from itself, if it is to remain viable and sustainable and we'd like to play some small part in helping to achieve this.'
Jones added that it had been working with Bennetts Motorcycles to target its core female biker audience by developing an effective communications strategy, and had improved First Buses' customer service levels by introducing mystery shoppers to the transport operator's network.
He said: 'People are no longer passive consumers and businesses now need to work closely with customers to ensure their marketing engages relevantly with their lives.' "

Aricot Vert to handle Orchid Pubs' Carvery redesign - Design Bulletin - Design news by Email - Brand Republic

Aricot Vert to handle Orchid Pubs' Carvery redesign - Design Bulletin - Design news by Email - Brand Republic: "Aricot Vert to handle Orchid Pubs' Carvery redesign
by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 14 Feb 2007

Dickons: 'it's a great opportunity'LONDON - Design agency Aricot Vert is to create 20 individual identities of Orchid Pubs' Carvery chain, which was recently acquired from Spirit Group.
The agency said it would commence work on developing new logos, menu design and signage system for the national chain.
Orchid Pubs' said it wished to re-interpret the traditional carvery image of 'overcooked meat and curled up vegetables' to emphasise fresh, locally sourced food.
It is understood that work for the redesign will begin immediately, with a view to rolling out the newly designed eateries later this year.
Lin Dickens, managing director of Aricot Vert, said: 'It's a great opportunity to redefine a very traditional offer -- everyone loves a roast dinner.'
Aricot Vert has in the past created the brand identity for Juicy Lucy's, the Alpha Retail-owned organically themed coffee and juice bar at Manchester Airport."

Iris fends off two others to win V charity brief - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic

Iris fends off two others to win V charity brief - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic: "Iris fends off two others to win V charity brief
by Joanne Payne Brand Republic 12 Feb 2007

V: Iris wins briefLONDON - Integrated agency Iris has beaten creative agencies M&C Saatchi and Leo Burnett to scoop the £2m above-the-line account for volunteering charity V.
The charity's brief was to attract 16- to 25-year-olds in to community or volunteering work as well as raising awareness of the organisation and its website to more experienced volunteer workers.
The campaign will comprise mainly press and online marketing activity, but a small amount of TV work is planned. The charity is looking to entice as many as one million young people into volunteering schemes, which can mean anything from working on community radio or running local sports clubs to improving the environment or working on international youth projects.
The organisation has some heavy backing behind it and founding partners include ITV, MTV, Tesco and Sky. HSBC, Channel 4 and GCap also recently put their support behind it.
Iris worked with the House of Commons on a direct marketing campaign to encourage youth voting and integrated partnership marketing with the Department of Health to reduce the rate of STIs in 18-30 year-olds cementing its credentials for working with the youth market."

Friday, February 09, 2007

Daily Mirror moves into Web 2.0 improved website - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

Daily Mirror moves into Web 2.0 improved website - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: "Daily Mirror moves into Web 2.0 improved website
by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 8 Feb 2007

Mirror: new siteLONDON - The Daily Mirror has relaunched its website to feature increased video and user generated content and a greater emphasis on its sport, news and entertainment coverage.
Publisher Trinity Mirror said the redesigned Daily Mirror website, which was created by MGN Digital, would feature embedded video players containing coverage of the website's three core areas of news, showbiz information and sport.

Users will also be able to contribute to the Mirror's citizen journalism features, which include forums and blogs, on a variety of subjects, including entertainment, fashion, science and technology and the environment.
The sports section will include a breaking news and live results service supported by images, audio and video content, and the newspaper's celebrity news section, 3am, will also feature on the site, containing exclusive interviews, photo galleries, video and audio footage.
Daily Mirror journalists will also be contributing to the blogs service, and the title claims that a full archive of stories dating back 103 years will now be accessible via an improved headline search function. "

Swiftcover.com to sponsor Tiscali's online motor channel - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

Swiftcover.com to sponsor Tiscali's online motor channel - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: "Swiftcover.com to sponsor Tiscali's online motor channel
by Alex Donohue Brand Republic 9 Feb 2007

Hole: pleased to be working with Swiftcover.comLONDON - Online insurance firm Swiftcover.com is to launch a customer acquisition campaign as part of its sponsorship of Tiscali's online motoring channel that will last until the end of the month.
Swiftcover, which launched in July 2005, will be promoting its car insurance policies and £50 cash back offer by sponsoring Tiscali's online motoring channel and targeted newsletter features.
The firm said it had been significantly increasing its online spend this year through digital agency Steak Media, through search, display and affiliate activity.
Tina Shortle, marketing director at Swiftcover, said: 'Tiscali's motoring channel is an ideal fit and gives us valuable exposure to our target audience. '
Swiftcover said the ads for its cash back offer have been viewed by over 600,000 people to date.
Alex Hole, online media director at Tiscali UK, added: 'The motoring channel is one of our most popular sections and we are pleased to be working with Swiftcover.com to bring readers [of the website] a very competitive, highly targeted and relevant offer on car insurance.'"

Square One wins Churchill account - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic

Square One wins Churchill account - Digital Bulletin - Digital news by Email - Brand Republic: "Square One wins Churchill account
MediaWeek Media Week 26 Aug 2004
Contract publisher Square One has won the account to create a customer magazine for home and motor insurer Churchill, following a four-way pitch.
Square One, which also produces titles for Waterstone's, Saks Hair & Beauty and Britannia Airways, will publish the title three times a year with a print run of 250,000.
Director Sean King said it was a 'significant win' for Square One that would enhance the company's portfolio of consumer and b2B titles.
'We are really excited about creating an effective title that will reflect the brand’s trusty, down-to-earth personality and ultimately make a real difference to sales,' King said.
The magazine aims to increase customer loyalty and brand awareness for Churchill by offering features, advice and competitions that link closely to the company's product services directory and website.
It will be filled with real-life stories to encourage readers to pass it on and aims for a jargon-free, cheerful tone to reinforce the 'friendly and reliable' brand identity."

Thursday, February 08, 2007

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: Major coffee brands sign up for Heathrow T5 - 07/02/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Mary Jane Pittilla
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UK. Airport operator BAA is celebrating the signing of leading coffee and snack brands for the new London Heathrow Terminal 5, which opens in March 2008.

Starbucks, Apostrophe, Caffe Nero, Eat, Krispy Kreme join the previously announced top names Gordon Ramsay and Caviar House & Prunier in the British Airways terminal.

Freya King, BAA’s Acting Head of Category for Food and Beverage, explained: “Our strategy for an engaging food experience at Terminal 5 is about delivering something special. These much-loved coffee and snack brands will be joining the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Caviar House & Prunier and give a great indication of the sheer variety we’re packing into the terminal.

“It is important for us to offer something for everyone – whoever you are, whatever your appetite, and whoever you are travelling with. This means we need fresh on-the-go options, a really good cup of coffee, a top-of-the-range restaurant experience and everything else in between. The common link is our mission to deliver the best quality at the right price, regardless of whether you have 30 minutes or two hours to spare before your flight.”

Apostrophe will make its airport debut with its original French-themed boulangerie-patisserie sandwich boutique concept.

"Apostrophe typifies the freshness and high quality that BAA is determined to deliver in Terminal 5 to tempt the many travellers who want to eat and eat well at the airport," King said.

"With its commitment to baking everything fresh on site, avoiding pre-packaged goods and ensuring that exceptional service is to the fore, Apostrophe is a really exciting signing."

The core offer of freshly baked sweet and savoury pastries with a traditional French theme will be supported by yoghurts, salads and soups. A delicious range of freshly-squeezed juices and complementary flavoured water will be offered alongside Apostrophe’s range of coffees and teas.

The fit-out has a white, black and pink signature colour scheme with warm Jerusalem gold floors and bespoke solid walnut wood."It is important for us to offer something for everyone – whoever you are, whatever your appetite, and whoever you are travelling with"
Freya King, BAA’s Acting Head of Category for Food and Beverage


International coffee retailer Starbucks has added the personal touch to each customer’s experience, as the baristas will be writing your name on your cup. A new table service will be available for hot food.

Starbucks in T5 will also be at the forefront of trials and launches of new products.

Caffe Nero aims to serve up fantastic London views and scenes in its store decoration, to emphasise the part the new terminal will play in London’s landscape.

The diverse menu is targeted at the most discerning customer, King said, providing vegetarian, lactose and gluten-free options.

In addition, if passengers have time before their flight, staff will bring them a second drink.

The Eat brand promises to deliver “real food at honest prices” developing a "varied and eclectic" range of food to refresh passengers.

The menu will offer oven baked bread, jugs of freshly squeezed juice, homemade soup, British pies and a host of vegetarian, wheat-free and gluten-free fare – all served straight to your table in another brand first for an airport.

Customised Terminal 5 doughnuts will be on offer at Krispy Kreme. The menu will constantly evolve to introduce new limited-edition varieties throughout the year, to mark events such as the Wimbledon tennis championship and Christmas time. A take-away service will also be available.

Gatwick not for sale, says BAA | | Guardian Unlimited Business

Gatwick not for sale, says BAA | | Guardian Unlimited Business: "Gatwick not for sale, says BAA


Dan Milmo, transport correspondent
Thursday February 8, 2007
Guardian Unlimited


BAA has ruled out selling Gatwick or Stansted airport as a way to head off a competition inquiry.
The UK's dominant airport owner, which also owns Heathrow airport, reiterated the case this morning for maintaining its monopoly ahead of a midnight deadline for submissions to an Office of Fair Trading investigation into the airport market.
The OFT said in December that it was minded to refer BAA to a Competition Commission investigation, which sparked warnings from the airport group that a multi-billion pound investment plan for Heathrow and Stansted could be scrapped. "

Gatwick not for sale, says BAA | | Guardian Unlimited Business

Gatwick not for sale, says BAA | | Guardian Unlimited Business: "Gatwick not for sale, says BAA


Dan Milmo, transport correspondent
Thursday February 8, 2007
Guardian Unlimited


BAA has ruled out selling Gatwick or Stansted airport as a way to head off a competition inquiry.
The UK's dominant airport owner, which also owns Heathrow airport, reiterated the case this morning for maintaining its monopoly ahead of a midnight deadline for submissions to an Office of Fair Trading investigation into the airport market.
The OFT said in December that it was minded to refer BAA to a Competition Commission investigation, which sparked warnings from the airport group that a multi-billion pound investment plan for Heathrow and Stansted could be scrapped. "

BAA criticises CAA regulatory price controls for London airports UPDATE - Forbes.com

BAA criticises CAA regulatory price controls for London airports UPDATE - Forbes.com: "BAA criticises CAA regulatory price controls for London airports UPDATE
02.05.07, 8:43 AM ET
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(Adds BA response)
LONDON (AFX) - UK airports group BAA, part of Grupo Ferrovial SA, has hit out at proposed price controls at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports.
BAA said the cost of capital proposed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is too low and fails to account for the risk in redeveloping parts of Heathrow.
However, British Airways PLC (nyse: BAB - news - people ) urged the CAA to ensure charges at Heathrow rise by no more than inflation between 2008 and 2013 and to introduce safeguards to allow the CAA to ringfence revenue to improve airport facilities."

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

TheMoodieReport.com

TheMoodieReport.com: Mumbai Airport duty free tender comes down to contest between quality quartet – 30/01/07
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Martin Moodie
Email Print
INDIA. A high-quality quartet – DFS Group, The Nuance Group, Dufry and Alpha (trading as Alpha Future) – are understood to be contesting the high-profile Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) duty free tender after Expressions of Interest were called last October.

That call drew strong interest from a range of national and international players. As reported, these included an alliance between India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Aldeasa, Flemingo India and Aer Rianta International, The Nuance Group and Shopper’s Stop, Alpha Airports Group and Pantaloon Retail, Bird Group and Aelia, Dufry and Interglobe, DFS Group, Out of Africa (a division of Tourvest) and King Power Group (Hong Kong). State-owned ITDC is the incumbent retailer.

That list has now come down to four companies. Each has to submit final bids by 23 February for the exclusive three-year contract, which commences on 1 June. A pre-bid meeting took place yesterday.

The qualifying bidders had to have annual sales in excess of US$200 million.

The airport handled 6.7 milllion passengers last year, up +11% on 2005. Its shops trade 24 hours a day.

Sales are understood to have reached INR444 million (US$10.1 million) last year, with branded wines and spirits accounting for two-thirds of that total. Tobacco was the only other big category with sales of INR63 million (US$1.49 million). Fragrances and cosmetics generated sales of INR7 million (US$159,000).

The single terminal will include three units – one 1,355sq m Departures store, a 700sq m Arrivals store and a 145sq m storage department .

Mumbai International Airport Pte Ltd has been granted the exclusive right to develop, operate and manage CSIA for 30 years.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Net-a-Porter ups conversion rate after cutting email activity - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic

Net-a-Porter ups conversion rate after cutting email activity - DMBulletin - Direct Marketing news by Email - Brand Republic: "Net-a-Porter ups conversion rate after cutting email activity
by Daniel Farey-Jones Brand Republic 5 Feb 2007

Net-a-Porter: cuts back on weekly emailsLONDON - Online luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter.com has cut down the number of emails it sends to customers from up to 10 per week to two.
The company worked with email marketing specialist Lyris' tool ListManager to consolidate its communications.
It had been emailing some customers up to 10 times a week with information including generic updates, highlights from specific designers and details of new products.
The company now sends each user two automatically generated emails a week that take into account their specific interests and preferences. Product update emails achieve a conversion rate of more than 10% and newsletter emails are opened by nearly half of recipients.
Martin Bartle, head of marketing at Net-a-Porter.com, said: 'Lyris has enabled us to target customers based on their personal preferences making our communications more relevant and targeted.'
The company sends out around 300,000 emails a week. Email drives 32% of Net-a-Porter's sales and generates more than £1m in revenue each month.
Lyris was recently shortlisted for a Revolution magazine award for its Net a Porter work."

WPP loses out to private equity firm in race to buy AKQA - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by Email - Brand Republic

WPP loses out to private equity firm in race to buy AKQA - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by Email - Brand Republic: "WPP loses out to private equity firm in race to buy AKQA
by Joanne Payne Brand Republic 2 Feb 2007

Ahmed:LONDON - US private equity firm General Atlantic is to buy a majority stake in digital marketing agency AKQA for an estimated $250m, fighting off other interested parties including WPP Group.
The agency can boast clients such as Nike, Microsoft and Coca-Cola and an estimated revenue of $70m last year with a predicted $100m in 2007.
Tom Bedecarre, AKQA chief executive, said: 'We had some previous investors who were interested in being liquid, and we also wanted to take a look at our strategic options. The best solution was to work with someone who is not in our business but who is willing to be a long-term partner and help us grow.'
The agency will keep its existing management team, which includes Ajaz Ahmed, AKQA's co-founder and chairman. Founded in the UK, AKQA joined forces in 2001 with US agencies Citron Haligman Bedecarre and Magnet Interactive and Asian new media agency The AdInc.

AKQA has won numerous awards for its creative work and has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC and Singapore, employing 485 staff worldwide.
It opened an office in virtual world Second Life in November in a bid to expand its team and ideas.
It also expanded into China in November ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics by opening an office in Shanghai. The office is headed by Ho Chee Yue, who has been with AKQA in Singapore for five years. He takes the title of regional director for Asia. Its first client is Coca-Cola.
This deal comes just days after Publicis Groupe completed its $1.3bn purchase o"

Insurance Age - Online trading tactics spark regulation debate

Insurance Age - Online trading tactics spark regulation debate: "Online trading tactics spark regulation debate
Sarah Hills
Industry concerns over the credibility of online insurance regulation have sparked a possible review of the onlineOnline trading tactics spark regulation debate

Sarah Hills



Industry concerns over the credibility of online insurance regulation have sparked a possible review of the online trading sector by the government.

Ed Balls, economic secretary to the Treasury, admitted that he was concerned about the regulation of retail insurance and questioned whether online sales, and in particular the compliance issues that arise from them, are being overlooked.

Gareth Jones, general manager, speciality division, at Allianz Cornhill, pointed out that although regulatory wording was available online, it was easy for customers to simply scroll through the information without reading it.

Mr Jones said: "If a consumer buys a policy over the phone, the adviser has a regulatory responsibility to explain the policy details. However, if a consumer has clicked online to say that they accept the terms and conditions, then that is a legal agreement.

"With an increasing number of people buying online rather than over the phone, this presents a regulatory dilemma - consumers are not reading all the policy details and insurers can do little about it."

Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulation dictates that customers should have the terms and conditions and key documents available to them before they buy an insurance policy, and commentators in the online market believe this is being upheld.

Adrian Web, head of corporate communications at Esure, insisted that there was already enough regulation in place: "Due to the large number of consumers who buy online, there has to be strong regulation and compliance in place. There is quite a bit of scaremongering going on in the market but FSA regulation makes it much harder to get consumers in the position to buy non-compliant policies."

However, Daniel Norris, director at Gothic Insurance Brokers, said that often online traders were not upfront and hid excesses from customers in the small print.

Mr Norris explained: "Customers are often adversely affected and brokers loose out because online traders are not playing on a level playing field. Online traders should be made to list a policy's total excesses alongside the premium, with a breakdown of voluntary and compulsory excesses."

In some cases, websites do not offer like-for-like comparisons on price versus cover. Instead, they offer a 'quick quote', which can result in customers being given a misleading price.

Peter Ballard, managing partner at Foolproof Business Services, commented: "If providers know that there are common issues that keep catching people out, then they should make more of an effort to flag this up somewhere other than in the small print."

Jon Kirk, director of e-commerce at Swinton, agreed, and stated that the onus was on the industry to make an effort: "You can really only try to make customers aware of the important information and main features of their cover before they buy."

Mr Kirk added: "Policy wordings can be made more palatable for customers to read, but this would require those in the industry to work together on simplifying the information supplied."

Insurance Age - IGI Group joins panel

Insurance Age - IGI Group joins panel: "IGI Group has joined the panel of online commercial insurance portal Broker2Broker (B2Bi) to provide a suite of retail products. Launched in November by Insurance Services, B2Bi (www.b2binsurance.co.uk) is an internet-based trading solution for brokers handling small to medium-sized enterprise business. IGI will underwrite products for smaller packaged business for the retail sector, office premises, commercial and residential property owners."

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform: Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Sarah Hills



Groupama is pushing for an e-trading portal, similar to imarket, in the healthcare sector. The broker-only insurer has held meetings with the likes of Bupa, Axa, Jelf, Acturis, the Association of Medical Insurers and imarket in order to bring the sector up-to-date in e-commerce.

Derek Findlayson, UK business development manager at Groupama, said: "This is a positive move in the healthcare market because to a large extent, e-commerce within this sector does not exist. It has become clear that this part of the industry was inefficient and needed to move forward in order to enhance customer service."

He added that the current processes were labour intensive: "This is a great opportunity for the healthcare sector because it can start from scratch and develop an effective system. This should, in turn, improve efficiency."

Imarket is said to be looking at the proposition, and the sector is expected to produce a feasibility report by the end of March, to see if the solution is practical.

Phil Taylor, managing director of Preferred Medical, said that it was up to insurers to push the concept forward: "There are one or two insurers that can see the benefits of an e-trading portal, but it is up to the likes of Bupa and Axa to invest time and resources into the initiative."

He added: "This would make a big difference to the healthcare sector and provide opportunities to grow. At the moment, the amount of re-keying and manual labour leaves us behind the rest of the market."

The proposed e-trading portal would also provide an opportunity for commercial brokers that are considering entering the sector.

Mr Findlayson said: "An efficient electronic trading platform provides the potential for cross-selling. Large commercial brokers are starting to develop schemes because of the opportunities within healthcare, but they need some means by which they can do that. Although this initiative is in its early stages, the process is starting to gain momentum."

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform: Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Sarah Hills



Groupama is pushing for an e-trading portal, similar to imarket, in the healthcare sector. The broker-only insurer has held meetings with the likes of Bupa, Axa, Jelf, Acturis, the Association of Medical Insurers and imarket in order to bring the sector up-to-date in e-commerce.

Derek Findlayson, UK business development manager at Groupama, said: "This is a positive move in the healthcare market because to a large extent, e-commerce within this sector does not exist. It has become clear that this part of the industry was inefficient and needed to move forward in order to enhance customer service."

He added that the current processes were labour intensive: "This is a great opportunity for the healthcare sector because it can start from scratch and develop an effective system. This should, in turn, improve efficiency."

Imarket is said to be looking at the proposition, and the sector is expected to produce a feasibility report by the end of March, to see if the solution is practical.

Phil Taylor, managing director of Preferred Medical, said that it was up to insurers to push the concept forward: "There are one or two insurers that can see the benefits of an e-trading portal, but it is up to the likes of Bupa and Axa to invest time and resources into the initiative."

He added: "This would make a big difference to the healthcare sector and provide opportunities to grow. At the moment, the amount of re-keying and manual labour leaves us behind the rest of the market."

The proposed e-trading portal would also provide an opportunity for commercial brokers that are considering entering the sector.

Mr Findlayson said: "An efficient electronic trading platform provides the potential for cross-selling. Large commercial brokers are starting to develop schemes because of the opportunities within healthcare, but they need some means by which they can do that. Although this initiative is in its early stages, the process is starting to gain momentum."

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Insurance Age - Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform: Groupama sets its sights on e-trading platform

Sarah Hills



Groupama is pushing for an e-trading portal, similar to imarket, in the healthcare sector. The broker-only insurer has held meetings with the likes of Bupa, Axa, Jelf, Acturis, the Association of Medical Insurers and imarket in order to bring the sector up-to-date in e-commerce.

Derek Findlayson, UK business development manager at Groupama, said: "This is a positive move in the healthcare market because to a large extent, e-commerce within this sector does not exist. It has become clear that this part of the industry was inefficient and needed to move forward in order to enhance customer service."

He added that the current processes were labour intensive: "This is a great opportunity for the healthcare sector because it can start from scratch and develop an effective system. This should, in turn, improve efficiency."

Imarket is said to be looking at the proposition, and the sector is expected to produce a feasibility report by the end of March, to see if the solution is practical.

Phil Taylor, managing director of Preferred Medical, said that it was up to insurers to push the concept forward: "There are one or two insurers that can see the benefits of an e-trading portal, but it is up to the likes of Bupa and Axa to invest time and resources into the initiative."

He added: "This would make a big difference to the healthcare sector and provide opportunities to grow. At the moment, the amount of re-keying and manual labour leaves us behind the rest of the market."

The proposed e-trading portal would also provide an opportunity for commercial brokers that are considering entering the sector.

Mr Findlayson said: "An efficient electronic trading platform provides the potential for cross-selling. Large commercial brokers are starting to develop schemes because of the opportunities within healthcare, but they need some means by which they can do that. Although this initiative is in its early stages, the process is starting to gain momentum."

Insurance Age - Acturis now live via imarket

Insurance Age - Acturis now live via imarket: "Acturis now live via imarket
Acturis is now live via imarket with Allianz Cornhill for its auto-rated offices and surgeries package product. Brokers wishing to trade with Allianz Cornhill in respect of its complete offices package product can now do so using the Acturis platform. In other news, Acturis and Axa have completed a development of real-time electronic mid-term adjustments on seven small to medium-sized enterprises product classes through imarket."

Insurance Age - Acturis now live via imarket

Insurance Age - Acturis now live via imarket: "Acturis now live via imarket
Acturis is now live via imarket with Allianz Cornhill for its auto-rated offices and surgeries package product. Brokers wishing to trade with Allianz Cornhill in respect of its complete offices package product can now do so using the Acturis platform. In other news, Acturis and Axa have completed a development of real-time electronic mid-term adjustments on seven small to medium-sized enterprises product classes through imarket."

The Appointment magazine is now online

The Appointment magazine is now online: "Alpha Airports welcomes interim finance director to the board

Alpha Airports Group, having announced in October that interim finance director Tim Redburn would step down when replaced by Mark Adams, has said that Mr Redburn will not in fact be stepping down from the board and will become an independent non-executive director with effect from today. Mr Redburn will also become a member of both the company’s audit committee and the remuneration committee. The announcement follows a special investigation conducted last year, including the need to secure an additional non-executive director with relevant financial expertise. Martin Flower, chairman, commented: “Tim was an obvious choice as a non-executive director. He's a chartered accountant, has an outstanding track record in both public and private companies across a range of senior finance roles and has extensive experience of the aviation sector. I am delighted that Tim will be staying on the board”"

The Appointment magazine is now online

The Appointment magazine is now online: "Alpha Airports welcomes interim finance director to the board

Alpha Airports Group, having announced in October that interim finance director Tim Redburn would step down when replaced by Mark Adams, has said that Mr Redburn will not in fact be stepping down from the board and will become an independent non-executive director with effect from today. Mr Redburn will also become a member of both the company’s audit committee and the remuneration committee. The announcement follows a special investigation conducted last year, including the need to secure an additional non-executive director with relevant financial expertise. Martin Flower, chairman, commented: “Tim was an obvious choice as a non-executive director. He's a chartered accountant, has an outstanding track record in both public and private companies across a range of senior finance roles and has extensive experience of the aviation sector. I am delighted that Tim will be staying on the board”"

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Coke, Microsoft and Citibank top most valued brands poll - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by Email - Brand Republic

Coke, Microsoft and Citibank top most valued brands poll - BR Bulletin - Advertising, Marketing, Media and PR news by Email - Brand Republic: Coke, Microsoft and Citibank top most valued brands poll
by Mark Banham Brand Republic 1 Feb 2007

Coca-Cola: tops brand poll
LONDON - Coca-Cola, Microsoft and Citibank are the world's three most valuable brands, according to a new survey released by Brand Finance, the independent brand consultancy.

The soft drink manufacturer in top position has a value of $43bn (£22bn) according to the report. In second place, software giant Microsoft is worth $37bn, with the financial firm Citibank only slightly behind on £35bn.
This is followed by supermarket chain Wal-mart, the only brand that does not have a truly global footprint because it is branded Asda in the UK, worth $34.9bn, and computer manufacturer IBM, worth $34bn.

In sixth place is the only non-US brand in the report, HSBC, the UK-based bank, which weighs in with a total value of $33.5bn.

David Haigh, chief executive of Brand Finance, said: "The total value of the 250 most valuable global brands is $2 trillion, reaffirming the critical importance of brands as assets and drivers of business value. New financial reporting standards have increased awareness of intangible assets generally and brands in particular."

The other brands that made up the top 10, according to value, included: seventh-placed GE, valued at $31.8bn; Bank of America at $31.4bn; computer manufacturer HP at $29.4bn; and Philip Morris cigarette brand Marlboro, with a value of $26.9bn.

The survey also included the top 10 mostly highly branded brands in the world. This list was topped by Nike while rival Adidas was in 10th place.

Top 10 most highly branded organisations in the world
1. Nike 84%
2. Prada 73%
3. Acer 71%
4. Avon 68%
5. Bulgari 68%
6. Chanel 63%
7. Estée Lauder 61%
8. Quiksilver 60%
9. Calvin Klein 58%
10. Adidas 56%