Business leaders condemn ‘failed politics’ as May’s Brexit deal is defeated
Business leaders have reacted with dismay after MPs defeated Theresa May’s EU Withdrawal Agreement by 149 votes in Parliament and are now calling on the Government to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
Describing the Brexit process a “circus”, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Carolyn Fairbairn, said that yesterday’s vote must mark “the last day of failed politics”.
“A new approach is needed by all parties. Jobs and livelihoods depend on it. Extending Article 50 to close the door on a March no-deal is now urgent. It should be as short as realistically possible and backed by a clear plan,” she added.
Chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson, condemned the politicians who continue to “squabble”, while it is the public who will suffer from the rising costs and reduced choice on the shelves in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“Businesses are exasperated by the lack of clarity over their future trading arrangements. Hundreds of ships are currently sailing towards Britain without a clear understanding of the tariffs, checks, or documentation requirements, they will face when they arrive. Politicians must swallow their pride and find an agreement that can command the support of the House,” she urged.
Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, described the defeat of the EU Withdrawal Agreement as leaving Britain perilously close to the “cliff edge”.
“No-deal would be catastrophic for the automotive industry. It would end frictionless trade, add billions to the cost of manufacturing and cost jobs. UK automotive businesses will be put at immediate risk. Parliament must reject no-deal and take it permanently off the table,” he stated.
CEO of manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, Stephen Phipson, called on MPs to bring “the curtain down on this farce” and remove the risk of no deal, which would be “disastrous” to UK manufacturing and jeopardise “many thousands of jobs”.
“Once the risk of no deal is removed, it is vital that Parliament and the Government move swiftly to set out a clear path for the future. Three years of uncertainty have been disastrous for our sector and we must establish a credible plan for the future as quickly as possible,” said Phipson.
Likewise Edwin Morgan, interim director general of the Institute of Directors, implored politicians to reject no deal and look beyond party lines in order to find a solution, although he argued that the Government has left businesses with next to no time to prepare.
“While business leaders will be eager to see the details on tariffs and the Northern Ireland border, the Government’s belated contingency planning and lack of transparency have made it almost impossible for many of them to prepare adequately for no deal by 29 March,” Morgan stated.
Morrisons turnaround ‘on track’ as sales rise 4.8%
Morrisons says it is progressing well with its turnaround plan after recording a 4.8% rise in group like-for-like sales during the full year to 3 February.
Of this 4.8% total, retail sales contributed 1.5% of sales, while wholesale drove 3.3% of sales. The supermarket also pointed to the fact that revenue growth, excluding fuel, increased by 5.1% on 52-week basis, which is the highest rise since 2009-2010.
Revenue during the period rose 2.7% to £17.7bn, while profit before tax grew by 8.6% to £406m.
The supermarket’s turnaround is “well on track”, said chief executive David Potts, who pointed to the fact that this is Morrisons’ third consecutive year of sales and profit growth.
“This turnaround is based on improving the shopping trip for customers, making Morrisons more popular and accessible. And our customers are noticing,” he said.
“Most pleasing of all was another big increase in customer satisfaction, now up a full 20 percentage points in the last four years, which is all down to the friendliness and expertise of our team of unique food makers and shopkeepers.”
Morrisons has also been expanding its range of Morrisons Daily convenience stores, which are now in 115 locations. Going forward the retailer plans to trial converting ten McColl’s stores to Morrisons Daily convenience stores. As part of their wholesale partnership, Morrisons also intends to supply the remaining 300 McColl’s convenience stores by the end of 2019.
Mars overhauls brand identity in purpose push
Mars has unveiled a new purpose driven global brand identity which differentiates its food, pet care and confectionery businesses.
The rebrand encompasses a new Mars brand logo, as well as a new typeface and colour palette for the food, confectionery and pet care logos, designed to differentiate the divisions, but also add a sense of uniformity.
The visual rebrand comes complete a new purpose statement and tagline: “Tomorrow Starts Today”.
In a film released to celebrate the rebrand Mars talks about the freedom that comes from being a 100-year old independent business which thinks in “generations”, not business quarters.
The film highlights the diversity of Mars’ 115,000 associates working across 180 countries and talks about the business’ commitment to take a stand on issues such as climate change and sustainable sourcing.
It ends with the line: “The world we want tomorrow, starts with how we do business today”.
Speaking to Adweek, Mars vice president of corporate affairs, strategic initiatives and sustainability, Andy Pharoah, described the purpose statement as an element of the brand refresh, but not a marketing programme. “It’s a corporate approach to make it known that Mars stands for more,” he explained.
READ MORE: Mars Unveils New Visual Identity to Remind the World It Makes More Than Just Candy
Kraft Heinz reportedly considering sale of its Breakstone’s dairy products brand
Kraft Heinz is reportedly looking into options for a sale of its Breakstone’s brand as part of an ongoing review of its wider business.
The food conglomerate has appointed Royal Bank of Canada to review potential options for the Breakstone’s business, which could include a sale, CNBC reports.
Breakstone’s is a US brand which makes a range of products including cottage cheese, butter and sour cream. The move comes amid a slowdown in dairy sales in the US in recent years, as consumers increasingly look for non-dairy alternatives.
The potential sale also reflects wider challenges across the Kraft Heinz business after it posted a net loss of $12.6bn (£9.6bn) for the final quarter of 2018. These challenges include a lack of investment in some of its core brands and rising competition from new food brands which better reflect changing consumer tastes.
It was reported last month that Kraft Heinz, which formed in 2015 from the $49bn merger of Kraft Foods and Heinz, is also considering a sale of its Maxwell House coffee business as part of a reorganisation of the group.
CNBC reported that Breakstone’s could achieve a valuation of around $400m and that dairy companies like Dean Foods and Saputo may be among the interested buyers.
READ MORE: Kraft Heinz weighs sale of its Breakstone’s sour cream and cottage cheese business
Sky Bet ad banned for promoting ‘unrealistic’ level of control
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a Sky Bet advert for promoting an “unrealistic and exaggerated perception” of the level of control players have over the outcome of a bet.
The TV advert promoting Sky Bet’s ‘Request a Bet’ service, broadcast on 30 August, featured Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling inviting bettors to “spark your sports brain” and use their “sports noggin” to “roll all the possibilities” into one bet.
Two complainants argued that the advert was irresponsible as it implied people with a good knowledge of sports were likely to experience gambling success.
Sky Bet argued that there were a number of parameters customers could choose to build their bet and they would use knowledge of the relevant sport in order to do that, but that the ad made no reference to knowledge increasing someone’s chances of winning.
However, the ASA noted a number of references to the role of sports knowledge in betting, teamed with a well-known sports presenter who viewers would recognise as having a particular expertise in sports.
Given the fact the advert placed a strong emphasis on the role of sports knowledge in determining betting success, the ASA argued that the advert gave an “erroneous perception of the extent of a gambler’s control over betting success, by placing undue emphasis on the role of sports knowledge”.
The association ruled that the advert gave an “unrealistic and exaggerated perception” of the level of control players would have over the outcome of a bet, which could lead to irresponsible gambling. As a result, the ad cannot be broadcast again in its current form.
Tuesday, 12 March
You can now shop at Argos using just a picture on your smartphone
Consumers will now be able to choose and buy items at Argos by simply taking a picture with their smartphone camera.
The retailer revealed it is introducing a “visual search” app which will allow shoppers to search its catalogue in order to find products that match what they want by using just a picture which will be picked up using image search technology and machine learning that recognises the distinctive features of the furniture within the image.
Users can then make a purchase through the app.
Argos says shoppers will also be able to see if a piece of furniture will suit their home by using augmented reality technology within the app that will place a virtual reality image of the product over the real world, such as their lounge or bedroom, directly from the app.
“[Customers who have seen] a product or even an entire room set they’ve discovered online, or seen in a friend’s home” will now be able to search for it using a smartphone picture,” Argos’ digital director Mark Steel says.
He adds: “The future potential for visual search is really exciting as it has the ability to break down language barriers and offer those with disabilities an easy way to find what they need online. We’re also exploring how we can use it to help bridge the gap between our physical catalogue and digital channels, offering customers a truly integrated way to shop.”
READ MORE: Argos lets shoppers buy products with just a smartphone picture
Rebook unveils largest global campaign in five years
Rebook has revealed its biggest campaign in more than five years as it looks to capture the attention of a new generation and reclaim its voice.
Under a new top marketer Melanie Boulden, who joined the Reebok from Crayola last year, the Adidas-owned sportswear company has unveiled its new campaign which Boulden says: “will give a jolt to maybe get people to consider taking another look” at Reebok.
Titled ‘Sport the Unexpected’ the advert is designed to celebrate those who defy convention and challenge the status quo as it aims to bring together lifestyle and performance through a game of streetball with a twist.
A 15-second spot ‘Storm the Courts’ debuted yesterday (11 March) and acted as a teaser for the 90-second version which will appear across Reebok’s digital channels while the shorter version of the clip will appear on TV.
“Reebok has been its most successful when we’ve been bold and provocative – when we’ve had a strong perspective on culture and embraced being daring and different,” says Boulden, Reebok’s global head of marketing and brand management.
“If you look at the marketing coming from our industry over the years, it looks similar. With this campaign, we’re breaking convention and offering an alternative point of view on sport and life. We want consumers to know there is an alternative in the category. We want them to be proud to sport the unexpected.”
The fully integrated global campaign will be supported by traditional media platforms as well as through social and digital.
READ MORE: Reebok does the ‘unexpected’ with new global campaign
P&O Cruises looks to reach new segment of Brits with new campaign
P&O Cruises is aiming to connect with a new segment of British holidaymakers who have never before considered going on a cruise through its new TV advert ‘Souvenirs’.
The spot is set to the back drop of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf and is designed to celebrate local culture and natural beauty while showcasing a travel experience many may not associate with a cruise holiday.
According to the company, “the output is a very deliberate ‘filmic’ style that seeks to involve the viewer in a travel experience that is rich with exoticism and cultural diversity.”
Rob Brydon’s character Huw, takes on a slightly more serious persona compared to previous adverts. The film is also accompanied by the soundtrack ‘Dreams’ by the Cranberries.
P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, says: “Our new advert helps us to challenge tired stereotypes, by highlighting the exciting and enviable experiences our guests can enjoy on a P&O Cruises holiday.”
“As we launch our new ship Iona and begin to reshape the market, it’s a great example of how we are also changing the way we communicate with guests past, present and future,” he adds.
The new ad will be spilt into 30, 60 and 90-second spots and will appear across TV, digital and social channels.
No-deal Brexit would cost UK-based Japanese carmakers $1bn
If a no-deal Brexit goes ahead it would cost UK-based Japanese carmakers such as Nissan, Toyota and Honda, more than $1bn a year if 10% tariffs were introduced on the trade between the EU and UK.
Combined, the three automotive giants, account for almost half of the UK’s car production, however citing analysis from Moody’s Investors Service, The Guardian reports that under the World Trade Organisation terms the companies could be hit with a huge operating profit.
The 10% tariff is predicted to cost Toyota $490m annually. Toyota employs more than 3,200 people at its plant in northern Wales.
The news comes after Honda and Nissan both withdrew investment from the UK earlier this year. For instance, Honda revealed plans to close its Swindon plant and Nissan said it will build a new sport vehicle in Japan putting more than 700 UK jobs at risk.
Additionally, the tariff could cost Nissan $600m a year and $80m for Honda.
“We believe the need to prepare for a no-deal Brexit scenario were also considered in the companies’ decisions,” Moody’s says in its report.
READ MORE: No-deal Brexit could cost Japanese carmakers in UK $1bn a year
Belstaff hires chief marketing officer
Belstaff is expanding its executive team by hiring Sheena Sauvaire as its new chief marketing officer and will be in charge of leading brand, marketing, PR and digital communications across all territories.
Sauvaire joins the heritage fashion company from Top Shop where she has been since 2016, holding positions such as head of marketing and global communications director.
She also previously held senior marketing roles at creative communications agency Exposure, as group account director working across fashion, luxury and lifestyle accounts, as well as entertainment brand Viacom/MTV.
“I am excited to welcome Sheena to Belstaff. She brings a modern and strategic approach to marketing and communications across all channels, with a sharp, global outlook. She will be an integral member of the leadership team and shares our passion for this great British brand,” says Wright.
This senior appointment is the second since Wright joined Belstaff in January 2018, and follows that of creative director Sean Lehnhardt-Moore who was appointed in June 2018.
Monday, 11 March
New Lloyds campaign encourages people to talk about money
A new marketing campaign from Lloyds Bank encourages families to talk about money after research shows money is a bigger taboo than politics, sex or religion.
The campaign, created by adam&eveDDB, brings to life the difficulty most families have discussing financial matters despite the fact generations are more dependent to each other than before. Running across TV, outdoor, press, radio and social with the line ‘The M-Word. It’s good to talk about money’, it follows on from the ‘Get the Inside Out’ campaign last year which encouraged people to talk about mental health.
The research finds that one in three people say they have experienced money-related stress and anxiety within the last month. By contrast, 63% of people who have spoken about their money worries said they felt better after talking about it.
Richard Warren, director of marketing and communications at Lloyds Bank, says: “Whether you’re getting married or talking to your parents about their retirement plans, it’s good to talk about money.
“Being open about our finances can help avoid problems in the future. By focusing our efforts on the M-word we hope this campaign will help start the conversation in families and make people more comfortable talking about money matters.”
Lloyds is also partnering with relationship charity Relate to launch a series of ‘The M-Word’ courses to help people talk about money at key life stages. Plus, Lloyds Bank branch colleagues will play an active role in helping customers prepare for important conversations with their families.
Retail footfall ‘falls fast’ in February
Retail footfall declined by 2% in February, a significant drop compared to the previous year when it fell by 0.2% and marking the 15th consecutive month of decline, according to figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
On the high street, footfall was down by 1.9% year on year, a deeper decline than a year ago when it was down 1.2%. Retail parks saw footfall decline 0.8%, a reversal after a 1.4% growth in February 2018, and shopping centre footfall was down 3.4%, much steeper than last year’s 0.9% fall.
The sharpest decline in footfall in five years comes despite warm weather in the month. The final week of February saw footfall rise by 2.5%, however this was not enough to offset the drops in each of the previous three weeks.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, says: “Consumers have been cautious in their spending, leading to the biggest drop in February footfall for five years. These figures echo the month’s poor retail sales figures, which saw weak growth, particularly in bricks-and-mortar stores. While real incomes have been rising over the last year, the uncertainty surrounding Brexit appears to be driving a needs-not-wants approach to shopping.
“Things could get a lot worse unless the government is able to avoid a calamitous no deal Brexit. Such a scenario would likely result in higher costs, higher prices and less choice for consumers – all of which would further harm struggling retailers. The government must act to protect both consumers and retailers by ensuring there is no chance of a no deal Brexit.”
Budweiser launches first ever sponsorship of women’s football
Budweiser has inked its first ever sponsorship of women’s football, extending its relationship with the FA to the England Women’s team.
The move means Budweiser becomes the official beer of the team ahead of the Women’s World Cup in France this summer. The brand says it wants to use the sponsorship to encourage more women to play sport by breaking down barriers and social stigmas.
The move comes after the Lionesses won the SheBelieves Cup, an invitational tournament that takes place in the US.
Paula Lindenberg, president for AB InBev UK and Ireland, says: “We believe that our values match the Lionesses’ perfectly – we champion passion and ambition – qualities that the England Women’s team display every time they step on the pitch.
“You only need to look at their winning performance in the SheBelieves Cup to see that this year is going to be epic for the team. We ultimately want the country to raise a glass and get behind them. Lionesses – this Bud’s for you!”
The National Lottery promotes new game format with ad campaign
The National Lottery is promoting its new gaming format, Set For Life, with a “massive” multichannel marketing campaign.
Set For Life offers winners a top prize of £10,000 every month for 30 years. The TV ad, created by adam&eveDDB will feature the tagline ‘Make every month amazing’ and show how living every month without compromise could feel. It will run across TV, VoD, digital, outdoor, radio, social and in-store PoS.
David Connelly, Set For Life marketing manager at Camelot, says: “We’re hugely excited to be launching the new ‘Make every month amazing’ campaign for Set For Life. All of the assets, are fun and innovative – just like the game itself – and really get across the world of opportunities that become possible with £10,000 coming in every month.
“Set For Life offers National Lottery players something completely new and meets a different set of consumer needs, especially among younger people. It’s a great addition to our range of games and means that we now have a portfolio that offers something for everyone. We think players will be really excited by Set For Life – and that’s great news for sales and, most importantly, returns to good causes.”
The new Set For Life game costs £1.50 per line and will go on sale from Friday, 15 March, with the first draw taking place on Monday, 18 March.
Tesla scales back store closure programme as it raises prices of electric cars
Tesla is to increase the price of its electric cars as it scales back plans to close its stores in favour of online sales.
Earlier this month, Tesla said it would close the majority of stores to fund a price cut for its Model 3 in the US to $35,000 (£26,400). However, it now says it will close half as many stores as previously planned, halving its cost savings.
This will require the car maker to increase prices by an average 3% globally, although the Model 3 will remain the same price.
“Over the past two weeks we have been closely evaluating every single Tesla retail location, and we have decided to keep significantly more stores open than previously announced as we continue to evaluate them over the course of several months,” says the company.
Tesla still plans to conduct all sales online, with in-store buyers shown how to order a car on their phone. A small number of cars will be available for those that want to buy immediately.