Political party marketing

Government focuses on growth in new cross-Whitehall marketing strategy

The government is to make ad campaigns aimed at stimulating growth a key part of the first cross-Whitehall communications plan.

Jeremy Hunt's statement to Parliament today in regards Leveson and BSkyB

Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. With permission Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement following yesterday's developments in the Leveson Inquiry.

Now is the time to capitalise on London's digital potential, says Boris

With the London mayoral elections just over a week away, current mayor Boris Johnson makes his pitch to London's digital business community with start-up funding, a multimillion pound broadband pledge and a new proposal for promoting Tech City.

Ditching flu awareness ads contributed to more deaths, paper claims

A "laissez-faire" Government approach to flu, including the cancellation of a public awareness campaign, contributed to an increase in deaths, according to a scientific paper authored by the former chief medical officer.

Energy industry to increase transparency over best deals for customers

The "big six" energy companies will be forced to write to customers at least once a year to explain the best tariffs and how to get them, according to proposals to be unveiled by Nick Clegg today (11 April).

BETC London lands Livingstone's mayoral campaign account

BETC London, the agency behind Mayor of London candidate Ken Livingstone's campaign posters, has been formally appointed to the account as the campaign intensifies.

Editor's Comment: Why Whitehall needs the professionals

It has been a mixed fortnight, to put it mildly, for government communications.

Government returns to shock tactics in latest anti-smoking ad

The government is rolling out a new hard-hitting anti-smoking campaign, highlighting the dangers of passive smoke in cars and in the home.

Out-of-town retailers and betting brands escape Portas clampdown

Out-of-town retailers and betting brands have avoided a clampdown by the Government after it decided not to impose stricter regulations proposed in a review by retail expert Mary Portas.

Industry bodies respond to Government plans to tackle binge-drinking

The Government is to introduce a minimum-pricing regime for alcohol in England and Wales, in a bid to tackle the scourge of binge-drinking, which it claims is costing the UK economy £21bn a year.

ISBA Conference: Advertisers to explore taking a role in press regulation

ISBA has pledged to explore the possibility of supporting Lord Hunt's new-look Press Complaints Commission by having its advertising members favour those newspapers who are part fo the industry body.

Osborne reveals tax breaks for video games producers

The Government is to introduce tax breaks for the UK's troubled games industry, while the level of excise duty on all alcoholic drinks will remain unchanged, with no price increases on beer, wine or spirits, according to today's Budget.

ISBA Conference: Advertisers must prove their economic worth

Advertisers must get better at demonstrating their importance to the economy to ward off the threat of tougher regulation, according to John Whittingdale, the Culture, Media and Sport select committee chair.

Downing Street plans careers brand to target youth unemployment

The Prime Minister's office is launching a digital brand intended to help young people make better career choices, as the government seeks to reduce youth unemployment.

Editor's Comment: Cameron's broadside merely a smokescreen

Misdirection: the trick magicians employ to make us believe that the elephant we have just seen on stage has vanished into thin air.

MPs to quiz beauty marketers on body confidence

Senior industry figures, including Boots marketing director Elizabeth Fagan, will be quizzed by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Body Image on Monday.

Challenging times as UK unemployment rises to 8.4%

The UK's official unemployment figure has risen to 2.68 million in the three months to November, or 8.4% of the population, representing the highest level in 17 years, according to new figures today.

Department for Education marketing team to close in restructure

The Department for Education (DfE) is disbanding its 12-strong marketing team. The decision forms part of a wider restructure intended to strengthen its social-media and PR activity, as the number of government marketing posts continues to decrease.

Minister backs 'pioneering' British ad industry

Video interview: Creative industries minister Ed Vaizey has told the advertising community that Britain leads the world in creativity and said the government will use the Olympic spotlight to create opportunities for British businesses.

Ken attacks Boris with pickpocket ad

London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone has released a print ad by BETC London accusing mayor Boris Johnson of pickpocketing Londoners following the recent rise in travel fares.