Dave Birss and Julian Hanford with the latest on their roadtrip down to sunny Bournemouth for Silicon Beach 2013. 

Dave Birss MCs and speaks at Brighton’s Silicon Beach Event, with speakers including Laura Jordan Bambach of D&AD, Andy Law of Fearlessly Frank, tech gurus galore and bods from the legendary BBC Radiphonic Workshop.

A double page national press ad for Tesco devised by Wieden & Kennedy has been banned by the Advertising Standards Agency for misleading readers into believing there were issues with meat standards across the entire food industry.

The contentious spread read: “What burgers have taught us. The problem we've had with some of our meat lately is about more than burgers and bolognese. It's about some of the ways we get meat to your dinner table. It's about the whole food industry. And it has made us realise, we really do need to make it better.

“We've been working on it, but we need to keep going, go further, move quicker. We know that our supply chain is too complicated. So we're making it simpler ... Seriously. This is it. We are changing."

In their response Tesco accepted that not everyone in the food industry had been implicated in the mislabelling of horse meat but claimed the ad should be interpreted as focussing solely on Tesco.

The retailer added that no reference had been made to any other producer, retailer or supplier and they had not attempted to shift any blame.

Nonetheless the ASA ruled: “We considered that despite the use of words such as "we" and "our" in the preceding sentences, the ad made a definitive statement, "It's about the whole food industry". We considered that the omission of "we" or "our" from that sentence made it stand out from the surrounding text and informed readers' understanding of the rest of the ad.

“Therefore, we concluded consumers would understand the ad referenced all food retailers and suppliers, rather than Tesco alone.”

The ad must not appear again in its current form.

Trinity Mirror has sold its digital property division, owner of SmartNewHomes.co.uk, Email4Property.co.uk, HomesOverseas.co.uk and Zoomf.com to Zoopla in a deal valued at £3.3m.

Trinity Mirror Digital Property is a stand-alone subsidiary of Trinity Mirror with the publisher insisting that the sale will not impact on the group’s strategy for growing digital revenues.

In 2012 TMDP reported revenues of £2.9m and made an operating profit of £0.5m.

Cloud computing company Iomart Group has announced the acquisition of Redstation in a deal wrote around £8.1m.

The deal will see £5.1m paid in cash for the server provider based in Hampshire, with a further £1.5m in new ordinary shares, and a further £1.5m to be paid subject to profit targets being achieved by the end of March 2014.

Redstation provides sales, support and technical operations to around 3,000 customers, and will operate alongside Rapidswitch to grow Iomart's server hosting to around 20,000 servers.

Angus MacSween, CEO of Iomart Group said the acquisition of Redstation would consolidate the company's position ad a leading player in the UK server market.

"Redstation's customers deliver a wide variety of cloud applications and services from the physical servers they buy from them, further underpinning iomart's strategic goal of providing the 'picks and shovels' of the cloud environment through the provision of the complex infrastructure required," he added.

Redstation's last financial year, ending 31 June, saw it report net assets worth £1.8m.

Topshop’s chief marketing officer, Justin Cooke, has quit his position in order to establish his own agency, Innovate7.

Cooke has served in the role for just over a year but will now build his own consultancy business, promising to deliver ‘disruptive innovation’ for brands.

Based in Chelsea, the agency will initially include a staff of seven and will also work with clients such as Rockpack, Tissimans and the Natural History Museum.

Cooke has promised that the agency will take insights to aid client innovation from other industries, offering more than development.

Fallow & Ball, the luxury paints and wallpapers brand, has unveiled a global advertising campaign created by design agency Hunt Hanson, which looks to promote the brand as inspiring and timeless.

The first wave of the campaign, launching across Europe and North America, features pictures with bold solid colour borders, and will appear across print, digital, retail and outdoor.

Sarah Cole, marketing director at Farrow & Ball, said: “We were looking for a team that really understood luxury brands and would work with us to honour the heritage of the brand and evoke the desirability that customers associate with us. From day one, it was clear that Hunt Hanson was as committed to this collaboration as we were.”

Nick Hanson, co-founder and creative director for Hunt Hanson, added: “There is nothing more important to us than timeless, authentic design. Whether playing a part in the extension of an incredible legacy like this or creating it from scratch for a new brand, that never changes.”

The campaign defines the brand as ‘craftmen in paint and paper’.

As ambitious independent agency business prepare to enter the MiAwards in the coming week MiNetwork has invited MiAwards judge Noel Penrose, the former VCEO of DDB Worldwide and founder of Juniper2Advisory, to give us his thoughts on what makes a great agency business.

The deadline for entry to this year’s MiAwards, which look to recognise and reward well run, managed and led agency businesses, is Friday 13th September and categories are split in to four sections Business categories, Marketing Strategy categories, Regional categories and Public Vote categories.

Judging is to take place at the offices of POSSIBLE in London and the judging panel includes a range of agency experts including along with Noel, Ian Perman of AMV BBDO, Jim Brigden of iProspect, Barry Dudley of Greensquare, Karen Welman of Pearlfisher, Vicky Reeves of Chameleon, Andy Edge of Odeon Cinemas and Steve Antoniewicz of the RAR.

Last week Barry Dudley outlined what he will be looking for from agencies on judging day and now it’s the turn of Noel Penrose.

1. As a judge in this year’s MiAwards, what for you constitutes a great agency business?
One that demonstrates innovation in thinking and expression to identify and solve client needs and develop new products and services to expand the market

2. As a former agency leader, what do you think are the most important qualities for the leader of an agency business to have?
I always look for JEDI characteristics in leaders; Judgment, Empathy, Drive and Initiative - but a great agency leader needs to spend more time 'on the business' rather than 'in the business' to deliver proper leadership that sets a course for what the agency is, how it stands out and where it is going and inspires others to take the journey with the leader

3. How important is it for agencies to have a high media profile and what is the best way to build and develop this?
Reputation is a great way to build a strong and lasting business, so a media profile helps greatly. There are many ways to build and develop a profile, but the leader has to decide whether the strategy is to build the profile for the brand, for the leader or for both and to deliver against that decision cohesively. An agency leader who is a guru or figurehead may leave the brand vulnerable if the leader moves on. For the guru approach, speaking at conferences, writing white papers and being a spokesperson expert are sensible paths to pursue. For a brand, awards recognition, representation of major brands and hot talent recruitment all help establish a presence.

4. As an agency leader, how did you approach entering awards and what merit do you put into them?
If you decide to enter awards then take them very seriously and go in it to win. it takes alot of planning, communication, administration and great presentation to pull a good awards group together with great content, so don't go half-baked and attack it as the showcase opportunity it genuinely is

5. What three pieces of advice would you offer the leader of a growing independent agency?
I. Spend at least half your time in the future; where are you taking the business, how are you going to get there, who are your key players, how are you inspiring them, how are you tying them in to your vision and your business?
II. Find a very good number two, who you can trust and enable them to do the heavy lifting 'in the business' to allow you time to focus on the vision, key client relationships, growth and innovation
III. Find a mentor, someone you can bounce ideas off and act as a sounding board to your plans. It can be lonely as the leader, you don't have a boss and you can't share everything with your management team without seeming uncertain or indecisive, so a mentor from outside the business can really keep you fresh and on your toes.

The deadline for entry to this year’s MiAwards is Friday 13th September. If you require an extension please contact Nikki Gillies on 0141 559 6076 or by email.

For further information on the MiAwards please visit the awards website or contact Nikki Gillies.

MiAwards is sponsored by The Wow Company, The Little Black Book Agency, Boutique Media, Wild Heather Digital Research and Evolution Print.

Heineken has appointed Droga5 Europe to handle its global Strongbow apple ciders business - the agency's first account win since its opening in June.

As the brand's agency of record, effective immediately, London-based Droga5 Europe will be responsible for "introducing and developing" Strongbow in a number of international markets.

However Strongbow's UK advertising will continue to be held by St Luke's.

"The agency’s creative firepower combined with its understanding of our business strategy made them our clear choice for a partner in building the Strongbow Apple Ciders brand globally," said Hans Böhm, global marketing cider director for Heineken, in a statement.

Headquarted in Manhattan, Droga5 has won no shortage of admirers and major clients - including Coca-Cola, Motorola and Mondelez International - since its launch in 2006.

Although this is the first notable client win for its London office, it has been staffing up heavily since its arrival on these shores this summer. Kevin Dundas was poached from 180 Amsterdam as CEO and TBWA's head of strategy, Toto Ellis, will be joining Droga5 Europe in a similar post next month.

Crowdcube, the crowdfunding platform, has announced the appointment of Chapter as its lead marketing agency.

The platform enables investors to fund up and coming businesses in return for equity.

Luke Lang, co-founder of Crowdcube, said: “With more and more businesses seeking alternative methods of investment, we’ve seen dramatic growth over the past few years. Chapter’s interrogation of our model, their understanding of the business and our differing audiences has helped us to develop a strong integrated campaign that will build on our already excellent momentum.”

Mike Rose, MD at Chapter, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of the Crowdcube revolution. They are a fast moving, highly innovative and ambitious business, passionate about democratising investment for both businesses and investors. The 'fit' with our model, philosophy and culture was evident from the initial meeting.”

Chapter was appointed following a three-way pitch.

AFP has moved to delete an unflattering depiction of the French president it released to newswires, too late to prevent an internet frenzy as French social media users share and comment on the unflattering portrait.

It depicts Francois Hollande bearing a clownish smile whilst sat in front of a blackboard on which the words ‘Today, it’s back to school’ have been scrawled.

The snap was taken during a publicity shoot and was captioned: ‘During a visit to the school Denain Michelet, September 3, 2013, François Hollande smiles, chairing a panel discussion on the reform of school timetables established by the government.’

Soon the image was retracted however owing to the inappropriateness of the President’s expression but the news agency insisted it had not been pressured to act by the Elysee Palace.

Philippe Massonnet, news director at the state-funded agency, said: “Has this photo been withdrawn because the Elysée intervened to ask us to do so? The answer is no, that’s absolutely clear.

“It was decided to kill the photo as we considered in retrospect that it provided nothing in news terms.”

In the latest of his On The Road videos, Dave Birss chats one on one with Laura Jordan Bambach of D&AD, in the calm before the storm.

AKQA has appointed Ian Wharton from software company Zolmo as its new creative director.

As a partner in Zolmo since 2010, Wharton led the creative for the Apple Design Award-winning Jamie Oliver apps. He will now report into AKQA's co-founder and chief creative officer, James Hilton.

“Ian has a stunning portfolio that spans storytelling with digital product design," Hilton said. "He represents a new generation of creative talent."

AKQA's CEO, Ajaz Ahmed, said he had been a long-time admirer of Wharton's work.

"I’ve been a fan of Ian’s work since 2007, when I was first mesmerised by a beautiful animated film he wrote and produced with Edward Shires," Ahmed said.

"The client list, opportunities and momentum at AKQA now provide Ian with the perfect canvas to create a tremendous body of work.”

Wharton, who won a Royal Television Society Award for his animated short Solar, has previously worked at The Mill as an art director and serves as a mentor at the London School of Communication Arts. He described joining AKQA as an "honour".

He said: "I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping our clients invent the future of their businesses with ideas and innovation that will endure.”

Barclays Retail Bank has launched a new initiative, ‘Your Bank’, with a nationwide brand campaign from BBH.

‘Your Bank’ is an online hub that provides a space to submit and share ideas for improving Barclays banking services, accessibility and tools.

The ear-themed campaign kicks off on 9 September with above-the-line executions in print, outdoor and digital formats with the aim of driving engagement. Five key creative concepts – led with a question, will play out – including: Your Bank. How can we save you time and not waste your time?; Your branch. What would you change about yours?; Your online banking. What drives you nuts?; Your Bank. What stops it being accessible to everyone?; Mobile banking. Shouldn’t it be a no brainer?

Each will carry the call to action: ‘Share your ideas and help us build Your Bank at www.barclays.co.uk/yourbank .

Sara Bennison, marketing director at Barclays Retail, explained: “The Your Bank platform represents a very public commitment to listening to our customers and showing how we are going to act on changes big and small which can make their lives easier.

“The campaign which takes the platform from beta to full launch has a bold visual approach to demonstrate listening and is unafraid to ask provocative questions to demonstrate we really do want to hear.”

Media planning and buying has been handled by Maxus, digital and social media by DARE, film content by Red Bee Media and PR by the Fishburn Hedges.

Gerard Pique as an airport security heavy and Carles Puyol heading a plantpot - welcome to the weird and wonderful world of FC Barcelona.

At least that's the world of FC Barcelona as imagined by Qatar Airways, which takes top spot in this week's Viral Video Chart with a star-studded ad featuring most of the club's top stars and a cameo from former striker - turned serial advertiser - Gary Lineker.

Elsewhere on this week's Brand Chart, Nintendo makes a big impression with not one but two new entries and Google takes a bite out of the confectionary market by announcing that its new operating system will be named KitKat.

The charts are compiled with the Viral Ad Network and are based on the number of shares each video has received on social media over the last seven days.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has launched a whisky and oyster pop-up bar, The Pearl Dram, in London this week as part of the Society’s 30th Anniversary campaign.

Until 7 September, SMWS are offering non-members a taste of some rock oysters along with samples of its Single Cask whiskies.

The campaign, devised by Story and Steely Fox, ties in with the start of the oyster season and aims to drive membership and raise awareness of the brand and its 30th anniversary.

Story developed the theme of pearls to tie in with the anniversary, plus name and creative assets for the campaign, including shop dressing, promotional materials, personal invites, bottle tags and menus.

Steely Fox created the whisky and oyster event.

Helen Stewart, UK brand manager at SMWS said: “Bringing every Scotch Malt Whisky Society member a new sensory adventure has always been at the heart of our philosophy. This campaign, developed by Story and Steely Fox, does exactly that but has the added bonus of introducing new consumers to SMWS and driving membership.”

Sheryl Newsome, head of creative services at Story, added: “The quirky campaign brings to life the whole essence of the whisky experience by introducing both new consumers and whisky enthusiasts to the SMWS’s collection of rare, single cask, single malt whiskies, in a setting which is fun, accessible and educational. The pairing of oysters and whisky is, in itself, a unique sensation, ensuring a whole new world of flavour is opened up and a new sensory adventure enjoyed each time.”

Mornflake has today been announced as the sponsor of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories on ITV, in a deal negotiated by ITV Commercial, Inspirational Inc and Media Clarity.

The promotion is part of a part of a £1m investment in the cereal brand, and will include Mornflake branded bumper credits for each of the 60 minute episodes shown in ITV’s primetime slot as well as catch up on ITV Player.

Richard Jones, marketing manager at Mornflake, said: “Mornflake brand retail value has increased by over a third in the last year alone and we see the sponsorship of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories as just the right opportunity to showcase the brand to a wider audience and build on that growth.”

Paul Quayle, sponsorship manager at ITV, added: “We are delighted that Mornflake have chosen to be the sponsors of Piers Morgan’s Life Stories. We believe the series is an ideal vehicle to help Mornflake grow and develop their brand, and look forward to working with them to activate the partnership.”

Piers Morgan’s Life Stories is set to run for six weeks.

Adconnection, an independent media planning and buying agency, has appointed Anna-Liisa Goshawk to the marketing team as the agency expands following recent growth.

Goshawk has over ten years’ experience in the industry, having held roles at media agencies within GroupM and Omnicom Media Group.

Speaking on the appointment, Catherine Becker, CEO at adconnection said: “We are delighted to welcome Anna-Liisa to adconnection; her experience and expertise in this area speaks for itself. She’s a real talent and we’re certain that she will help the agency grow from strength to strength as we lead the agenda on device lead planning in the fast-changing digital-led communication environment.”

Goshawk added: “I am thrilled to be joining the adconnection team at such an exciting time for the agency. adconnection’s culture, client-base and connected thinking proposition make the opportunity incredibly exciting.”

Dave Birss chats with Silicon Beach speaker Simon White over a healthy breakfast in his latest on the road Videos from Silicon Beach 2013.

Yahoo has today unveiled its first logo update in 18 years, after teasing users with 30 days of new logos. The Drum asked agencies such as BrandOpus, Aesop and Goosebumps what they thought of the update.

Unilever is working with JDO Brand Design and Innovation in order to expand the TRESemmé hair care portfolio to include a new range of premium oil treatments.

Tim Jebb, principal and founder of JDO, said: “We were tasked with taking the existing TRESemmé brand equities and creating a beautiful range of packs for the new oils, whilst building on the salon aspect of the brand. We wanted to use the contrast of the black gloss TRESemmé brand colourway with the rich gold of the product to help create a dramatic yet simple design. A single luxurious droplet device on the carton refines the look and feel of the pack and reflects the professional credentials of the brand.”

The new oil Elixir range consists of two variants, one for all hair types and one for coloured hair.

Anna Minnis, global brand development manager at Unilever, said: “We identified an opportunity in the market with the rise in popularity of hair oil treatments. We wanted to tap into this market and provide consumers with salon quality products through the Tresemmé brand. JDO have created a premium range of packs to enable us to do this.”