Branding and buyouts: Brand Union’s Toby Southgate on corporate takeovers, Tesco’s farms and Tesla’s higher purpose August 1, 2016 Perceptions of brands change over time,” says Toby Southgate, worldwide chief executive of Brand Union. “And building them takes a long time. It’s not about the final push over the line.” A consultative arm of WPP, Brand Union specialises in brand strategy, and has shaped the identity of some of the world’s biggest names, including Vodafone, Absolut [...]
David McCourt explains why micro-working is vital, and why he’s so disappointed by Trump and Clinton August 1, 2016 Do you mind always having to up sticks?” I ask David McCourt, founder, chairman and chief executive of telecoms and media investment firm Granahan McCourt, in regard to his likely move to London later this year. “No,” he replies. “I was only in the house my kids grew up in for 14 days last year; I’m [...]
Winter is coming for Game of Thrones as HBO reveals final season July 31, 2016 It's time to say goodbye to John Snow for real this time… on the small screen, at least. The show of the century, Game of Thrones, is officially coming to an end, its maker HBO has said. There will be just two more seasons of the hit show which has been a cash cow (or should that [...]
This top ad boss has been suspended after sharing his dodgy views on gender July 31, 2016 One of the UK's top advertising bosses has been told to take a "leave of absence" after making some dodgy claims about gender diversity in advertising that incurred the derision of some of the most powerful women in the industry. The chairman of Saatchi and Saatchi Worldwide Kevin Roberts, who also has the title "head coach" for its [...]
Failure to reform refugee laws risks the unravelling of liberal democracy across swathes of Europe July 28, 2016 One of the great paradoxes of this era of globalisation is the narrowing of many Western minds about the world that lies beyond our own culture and values. For sure today’s opinion formers – and indeed the vast majority of our population – are better travelled than ever, but the dominance of US culture and [...]
Sky grows revenue and profit as it eyes up European expansion July 28, 2016 Sky shares shot up in early trading this morning after the company revealed it grew revenue and profit on an adjusted basis in the year to 30 June. The figures The broadcaster reported a seven per cent increase in adjusted revenue, up to £11.97bn from £11.28bn the year before. Operating profit went up 12 per cent [...]
Guardian newspaper losses accelerate amid industry’s advertising struggles July 27, 2016 The publisher of the Guardian newspaper has reported accelerated losses amid advertising struggles. The figures Guardian Media Group’s revenue for its 2015/16 financial year totalled £209.5m, down £8m from the year before. Despite an online push, the Guardian’s digital revenues were down nearly £2m to £81.9m. Print advertising revenue, meanwhile, was down 15 per cent. [...]
Why it’s time to start taking Donald Trump seriously, part two July 27, 2016 Just as the UK’s former Remain camp was getting used to the transformation of Project Fear into Project Sigh Exaggeratedly But Put Up With It, a new version has emerged across the pond. Yes: Project Fear, Donald Trump Edition, ground into gear this week as the Democratic National Convention got into full swing – – [...]
Four things Jack Dorsey’s done to try and turnaround Twitter… so far July 26, 2016 Nine months after re-joining the flock, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is under mounting pressure to revive its fortunes. While Wall Street awaits the latest numbers, here’s a reminder of what Dorsey’s been up to… 1. Wielded the axe Dorsey wasn’t afraid to wield the axe when it came to staff numbers, cutting up to eight [...]
Ofcom announces reform plans for Openreach – or it risks being split from BT July 26, 2016 TalkTalk boss Dido Harding has called for Ofcom to fully separate BT's broadband networks division from the rest of the group, warning that BT may "game the system" if it is allowed to continue controlling the business. The media and telecoms watchdog today recommended a set of reforms for Openreach which will make it more independent [...]