Public services 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.

Home Office calls fast-turnaround ad pitch

The Home Office is looking for an advertising agency to work on quick-turnaround projects across a range of policy areas, including crime, immigration and counter-terrorism.

VisitEngland defends £5m campaign after industry attack

VisitEngland chief James Beresford has hit back at industry criticism of the £5m marketing spend on the body's 'GREAT' campaign to promote domestic tourism.

'Embarrassed' WPP supports war veterans after creating Falklands ad

WPP's Y&R network will make a contribution to war veterans' charities in an attempt to compensate for the controversial spot created by its Buenos Aires office that resulted in a diplomatic row between the UK and Argentina.

Financial Services Compensation Scheme reviews ad account

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is looking for an agency to handle its advertising account.

ASA raps Scotland's panda 'gift' claim

The Scottish Government has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) from running an ad that celebrates the arrival of two giant pandas at Edinburgh zoo, because it implied the animals were a free gift.

The Government Communication Centre: life after the COI

As the COI shuts up shop, the new public ad structures, under the auspices of the Government Communication Centre, are under scrutiny.

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.

'Aggressive marketing' played role in summer riots, says panel

A probe into the causes of last year's riots has suggested that "aggressive marketing" helped to fuel the unrest and calls for the appointment of an "independent champion" to manage a dialogue between brands and government aimed at investigating comm...

Government comms boss Grey defends COI closure

The senior civil servant in charge of government marketing campaigns has defended the administration against charges that it does not see the value of advertising.

Government opens communications unit to replace COI

The Government has confirmed that the COI, which officially closes on Friday, will be replaced by a 70-strong team in the Cabinet Office.

Coca-Cola eyes Olympic velodrome naming rights

Coca-Cola is aiming to capitalise on its sponsorship of London 2012 by acquiring the post-Games naming rights to the Olympic Park velodrome.

Government seeks brand 'friends' for youth marketing plans

The government is calling on brands to help shape its youth marketing strategy, aimed at preventing young people adopting 'risky behaviours'.

VisitBritain and VisitEngland review accounts

VisitBritain, which last week announced plans for a £25 million global branding campaign, is looking for an agency to handle its social media business.

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.

JWT lands Army ad contract

JWT has captured the Army's advertising account following an epic three-year pitch.

BETC London aids child protection collaboration

BETC London is helping the Association of Chief of Police Officers (ACPO) with a project to encourage police, health, education and social care agencies to work together in the fight against child abuse.

Wales sends anti-smoking message to car drivers

The Welsh Government is trying to dissuade parents from lighting up in their cars, with the help of an anti-smoking campaign by Golley Slater.

Unilever launches global charity foundation

Unilever has teamed up with Oxfam, PSI, Save the Children, Unicef and the World Food Programme (WFP) to launch The Unilever Foundation and ramp up its CSR credentials.