Industry News - July, 2008

Companies should provide a reference back to their website on all direct marketing communications, one expert has urged.

Online marketing through websites is the best promotional tool available to businesses, notes Marshall Loeb of MarketWatch.

A firm's web address should be provided on all marketing communications, whether direct mail via post or more...

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has called for improvements to annuity firm communications to pension customers.

A review by the regulator found that more than 60 per cent of annuity financial services firms provide clear information in their marketing communications.

... more...

There should be a clear split between financial services advice and sales, according to a new report from the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA).

Some 81 per cent of people that responded to the YouGov poll indicated that it is important to know the difference between advice and marketing communications.

Consumers suggested that it helps to develop trus... more...

Scottish Widows has reported a significant drop in the sales of its savings and investment products.

The 53 per cent drop was accompanied by a five per cent fall in independent financial adviser (IFA) sales during the last six months to June.

However, while the lender has seen little success with its savings marketing communications, more...

UK consumers are happy enough to see third party advertising links in email marketing, according to research by Response One Group.

The survey found that just over half of the population would not mind receiving third party marketing communications in online order confirmations.

Some 82 per cent of consumers also claimed that they regularly checked online order confirmat... more...

Tesco has appointed a new head of marketing to drive its new financial services business.

Carolyn Bradley will become the new UK marketing director of Tesco Finance (TPF) financial services.

The appointment follows the retailer's acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland's 50 per cent share in the company for £950 million.

TPF is thought to have around five million custome... more...

An Islamic insurance provider has set about alerting UK consumers of its business with a new direct marketing campaign.

Salaam Halal insurance will utilise online, post and radio in a bid to reach Britain's Muslim community with marketing communications.

The company offers more...

Moneysupermarket.com has launched its new car insurance website.

The new website design allows users to compare up to five different insurance quotes at any one time, while also offering enhanced details about products.

Features such as compulsory excess and personal accident cover can be compared across different providers all at once.

Andy Leadbetter, head of motor insurance at the comparison site, explained that developers were continually looking at ways to improve... more...