Competitors

Fortis encourages consumers to consider tomorrow in global push

by Darren Davidson Brand Republic 16-Jun-08, 16:10

LONDON - Fortis, the international banking and insurance provider, is launching a global ad campaign, based on the theme 'Life is a curve', marking its first marketing activity under the main brand.

The push, which launches on June 16, encourages people to think about their financial needs today and plan for tomorrow.

It is the first campaign by Fortis, in which all of its brands from across the globe have been combined in one campaign. It was created by Grey Worldwide.

The campaign was based on 12 months of research, which produced the campaign strapline "Here today. Where tomorrow?" The launch also marks the first major campaign by Grey Group since it picked up Fortis's global ad account in October 2007, following a six-month pitch process. Carolyn Carter, president and chief executive of Grey Group, Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: "Grey is delighted to partner with Fortis as it charts its next era of growth. The Fortis brand is in a new position of strength and our campaign delivers the company's core values in a way that's right for the times."

The campaign will be initially rolled out in Belgium and the Netherlands across TV, digital, print, in-branch, cinema, radio, outdoor and ambient. It will then roll out in other markets at the end of the summer.

Gocompare.com moves £10m ad account

by Darren Davidson Brand Republic 17-Jun-08, 10:00

LONDON - Gocompare.com, the online insurance comparison service, has appointed TBWA\Manchester to its £10m advertising account, following a competitive pitch.

The account moves from EHS Brann Cirencester, which has handled the account since August, during which time it produced a TV campaign for the company. The agency repitched for the account.

TBWA\Manchester will handle direct marketing as well as all other through-the-line communications.

Nicholas Hall, head of marketing for Gocompare.com, said: "The market is becoming increasingly competitive and we believe that we have selected a communications partner that will enable us to reinforce our market position -- helping our customers find the best insurance cover for their requirements, and at the best price.''

Launched in November 2006, Gocompare.com was the first comparison site to focus on displaying the product features of an insurance policy, rather than just listing prices. It has also developed a five star rating system.

Robert Harwood-Matthews, chief executive of TBWA\Manchester, said: "Gocompare.com is without a doubt the best in class and we're proud to be working with them. There was a natural chemistry between us and mutual sense of ambition."

Media planning and buying duties, which are handled by Mediaedge:cia, are unaffected by the appointment.