The unstoppable rise of podcasts: How an industry was reborn December 16, 2018 It seems nothing can stop the rise of podcasts. On-demand listening has become the sine qua non of the commuter; the lifeblood of dinner party conversation. Popular podcasters attract millions of listeners, and advertisers are starting to reap the rewards. And yet podcasts are not a new phenomenon. They predate Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, and [...]
Could the UK be on the brink of a US-style class action explosion? December 16, 2018 The Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds Banking Group, Tesco, Google and Mastercard. These are just a handful of the household names that have been targeted in group action lawsuits in the UK with billions of pounds at stake. The UK, unlike the US or Australia, does not have a long history of class action-style lawsuits, [...]
‘Non-sexy’ is the new cool: UK fintech predictions for 2019 December 13, 2018 Despite the continued uncertainties of Brexit, 2018 was another year for the UK’s fintech sector. Record levels of investment poured into the community, with $16bn secured in the first six months of 2018, exceeding the value of investment in US fintech by almost $2bn. In addition, progressive regulation and a thriving financial services sector attracted [...]
Google chief denies tech giant has plans to launch censored search engine in China December 11, 2018 Google's chief executive, Sundar Pichai, has said the firm has "no plans" to launch a censored version of its search engine in China in testimony before US lawmakers at a hearing this afternoon. The comments came despite widespread reports of such efforts, as well as a letter from Pichai to senators in August which that said providing such a service could [...]
The seven trends in the digital sport world to look out for in 2019 December 11, 2018 This has been a transformative year for the digital sport landscape, from tech giants Amazon and Facebook making major rights acquisitions to a rise in behind-the-scenes and self-authored content. Here, Charlie Beall of consultancy Seven League assesses the trends that dominated 2018 and look set to shape the next 12 months. 1. Athletes becoming media As [...]
Old age consumers think advertising is ageist – the industry needs to represent the elderly better December 11, 2018 Marketing has an age problem. At least, that’s what older consumers themselves think, according to findings released in October by the popular Gransnet and Mumsnet forums. The research claims that 78 per cent of forum users aged over 50 felt that their age group was underrepresented or misrepresented in advertising. The industry should pay attention. [...]
WPP to slash 3,500 jobs as it launches new streamlining strategy December 11, 2018 Advertising group WPP is cutting 3,500 jobs as it restructures the business and shifts its focus to technology in a bid to stave off competition from tech giants. WPP today said it will spend £300m over the next three years as it simplifies the business, aiming to make annual savings of £275m by 2021. The [...]
Google chief to appease lawmakers in return to US patriotism December 11, 2018 Google's chief executive Sundar Pichai is expected to flaunt the company's American roots at a US congressional hearing today, in a bid to appeal to lawmakers' inner patriotic sentiment. In written testimony published ahead of the hearing, Pichai highlighted Google's contributions to the US economy, support for American jobs and numerous bases across the country. "It's [...]
With our North American friends, we are proving that trade is not a zero-sum game December 10, 2018 All eyes will be on Westminster tomorrow as parliament prepares for a crunch vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal. We must remember, however, that the world is not stopping for Brexit, even if it continues to dominate the headlines back at home. That is why I am today starting my first overseas visit since taking [...]
What happens when the ‘FAANG’ stocks lose their bite? November 29, 2018 | City Talk There can be little doubt about the stars of world markets in recent years. The US has led the way, with tech companies to the fore and, at the very front of the march, the so-called ‘FAANG’ stocks of Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix and Google. Still, remembering the old stock market adage ‘Tall trees do [...]