Branding news & analysis

Marriott Hotels rolls out 'future of travel' positioning

Marriott Hotels has launched a global "travel brilliantly" campaign and unveiled a new logo, amid plans to position the brand as "the future of travel".

Trading Places: this week's people moves

Jed Glanvill leaves Mindshare UK, Stephen Haines is New York-bound with Facebook and Piers Pottinger moves to Singapore, in this week's round-up of people moves across advertising, marketing, media and PR.

High street retailers must rediscover that emotional connection with consumers

It's just over a year since the first 12 towns were selected to receive funding under the Mary Portas Pilot scheme. But last week we learned that 10 of these now have more empty shops than when the initiative began.

UK leads the way at D&AD Awards

Four black Pencils were awarded at this year's D&AD Awards, three of which for British campaigns.

Delport brings agility to streamlined Havas Media

Havas Media Group's new global managing director talks for the first time since being promoted last year. By Arif Durrani.

Chosen Bun to launch 'world's first' gourmet burger delivery

Chosen Bun has unveiled its branding ahead of what it claims is the world's first gourmet burger delivery business, which is opening on London's affluent Fulham Road.

Cameron and Westwood share stories at iEX2013

James Cameron, Vivienne Westwood, Heston Blumenthal and the Freakonomics author Steven Levitt shared insights and spread inspiration to a marketing audience at Idea Exchange (iEX2013).

Nando's appoints 101 to global brief

Nando's, the Portuguese-themed restaurant chain, has appointed 101 to a global brand consultancy brief.

Sainsbury's and C4 bag Grand Prix at Marketing Society Awards

Sainsbury's and Channel 4 triumphed at last night's 2013 Marketing Society Awards for Excellence, taking home the prestigious Grand Prix for their collaborative London 2012 Paralympics campaign.

Sainsbury's and C4 bag Grand Prix at Marketing Society Awards

Sainsbury's and Channel 4 triumphed at last night's 2013 Marketing Society Awards for Excellence, taking home the prestigious Grand Prix for their collaborative London 2012 Paralympics campaign.

Royal British Legion and Stoll back Forces Sauces initiative

Former homeless ex-soldier Bob Barrett has joined forces with The Royal British Legion and Stoll for a range of sauces that will raise money for the two charities.

Why banks should forget about profits and focus on service

With the likes of TSB and Tesco poised to enter the retail banking sector, Anthony Thomson (below right), founder and former chairman of Metro Bank, outlines why marketers must put the needs of their customers before the needs of the bank.

Industry view: Has Tesco failed to revitalise 'Every Little Helps'?

Tesco promised earlier in the year to engage British consumers in a "new conversation", but the public doesn't appear to be listening as its revival stalls.

Qantas has a story for every journey

Working on the theory that airlines are one of the last bastions of the humble paperback novel, Qantas has partnered with Hachette to create a series of novels that are tailored to the length of the flight.

Faces to Watch 2013

Whether you're a creative, an account manager or a planner, it takes more than traditional advertising skills to operate in today's multidisciplinary industry - and this year's crop of Faces to Watch understand this better than many.

Coca-Cola opens up a can of happiness on Italy

Following a year of political turmoil, economic uncertainty and religious upheaval, Coca-Cola sought to brighten Italians' moods by tweaking the design of the Coca-Cola can to create a smiling 'Happy Can'.

Confused.com overhauls brand in search of 'expert' positioning

Confused.com is to looking to hit back against its big-spending rivals with a new brand identity and ad campaign, positioning itself as the "insurance expert".

The Guardian aims for global brand 'consistency' with single URL move

The Guardian is looking to reposition itself as a global brand, with the decision to consolidate its digital presence around a single international URL, TheGuardian.com.

First Direct returns to 'challenger' origins with 'unexpected bank' relaunch

First Direct is rolling out its biggest ever ad campaign and repositioning as "the unexpected bank", reinforcing its credentials as a challenger brand against traditional high street banks.

Kellogg's hits back at own-label with top secret Special K recipe

Kellogg's is taking a leaf out of Coca-Cola's book by creating a top secret new recipe for its Special K brand, as the cereal giant looks to fight back against the rise of supermarket own-brand cereals.