Snapchat filter brings Big Ben back to life for Christmas December 20, 2018 Snapchat today unveiled a new filter that will bring Big Ben back to life for Westminster visitors over the Christmas period. The iconic clock tower is currently undergoing repair work and the Great Bell, known as Big Ben, has been silent since August last year. But the photo app will now strip away the scaffolding, [...]
Black Friday promotions drive unexpected retail boost in November December 20, 2018 Retail sales enjoyed stronger-than-expected growth in November as shoppers cashed in on Black Friday promotions. Sales over the month increased by 1.4 per cent compared to the same period last year, far higher than the 0.3 per cent forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. But over the three months to November sales rose by [...]
What this year’s Christmas adverts can teach us about making a great ad campaign December 17, 2018 With just over a week to go until Christmas Day, the big question is: have you bought all your presents yet? (I haven’t.) If you have, did any of this year’s festive ads sway your opinion? Did Elton John tickling the ivories mean that retailer John Lewis tickled your fancy, or did you feel like doing [...]
Productivity lessons from the procrastinator Prime Minister December 17, 2018 Can we assume, given that you’re reading this section of the paper, that you are currently delaying doing something you really ought to be focusing on? I don’t mean to lecture you. I myself currently have an Oliver Spencer tab or two open on my browser. I spent most of last Wednesday Googling the viability [...]
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 [...]
Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt believes a version of Theresa May’s deal can get through parliament December 15, 2018 Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt believes that parliament could still back Theresa May's deal if the European Union provide assurances on it, but warned a no deal was still on the table. May pulled out of a vote on her Brexit deal at the start of the week, fearing a heavy defeat amid concerns over the [...]
BBC’s Eastenders set revamp goes £27m over budget December 13, 2018 The BBC’s project to rebuild and enlarge the Eastenders set will be £27m over budget and take an extra two-and-a-half years to complete. The cost estimate for the construction project has soared 45 per cent from £59.7m to £86.7m, the National Audit Office (NAO) said today. The expected completion date of the project, known as E20, [...]
Gambling firms see shares drop amid reports of TV advert ban December 6, 2018 Shares in major gambling firms took a hit today following reports of a ban on advertising during live sports events. Paddy Power, Bet365 and Ladbrokes are among major bookmakers that have reportedly agreed to a ban on TV adverts during sports broadcasts amid fears aggressive marketing campaigns are fuelling the UK’s gambling problem. Shares in [...]
Boohoo countdown promotions broke advertising rules, says ASA December 5, 2018 Online fashion retailer Boohoo misled customers by using a fake countdown clock, according to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA). The advertising watchdog said Boohoo broke its rules by using false time limits, putting customers under unnecessary pressure to make purchases. Boohoo’s promotions used a countdown clock offering shoppers discounts if they bought items before a deadline. But an [...]
Podcast platform Acast secures $33m funding amid rise in on-demand listening December 5, 2018 Podcast startup Acast has secured $33m (£25.9m) in Series C funding as it cashes in on the surging popularity of on-demand listening. Acast, which helps podcast makers distribute and monetise their content, said the funding will be put towards growth as the platform looks to expand internationally. “This has been the biggest year in our [...]