Latest news with #WPP
The Guardian
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Multimillion-pound ad blitz to urge UK savers to put their money in stocks and shares
An advertising blitz urging the UK public to invest in stocks and shares is to be launched by City firms. The government-endorsed campaign is expected to cost tens of millions of pounds. Plans for the 'Tell Sid'-style push were announced by Rachel Reeves on Tuesday, alongside a fresh deregulation drive meant to increase financial risk-taking by savers in an effort to spur growth. The City is desperate to get money out of personal cash accounts and into stocks. The chancellor's move is a victory for lobbyists who say it will not only deliver better returns for savers but also help revive the UK stock market. The announcement comes as the London Stock Exchange continues to lose stock market listings and floats to foreign rivals. According to industry sources, the advertising agency WPP has been approached to work up potential ideas for the campaign, with a formal appointment still pending. Bidding agencies are expected to take inspiration from past drives touting public share ownership across Europe and the US, some of which were outlined in a report published by Barclays earlier this year. This highlighted the Thatcher-era 'Tell Sid' adverts, which encouraged everyday consumers to buy shares in the newly privatised British Gas in 1986. 'If you see Sid, tell him,' the catchphrase declared. Decades earlier, the US launched the 'Own your share of American business' investment campaign. This ran from 1954 to 1969 and, the Barclays report said, was aimed at improving the reputation of the New York Stock Exchange and 'staving off communism'. It is credited with boosting the number of share owners across the US from 4.2% to 10.4%. As of 2022, around 16% of US households directly owned stocks and shares. That compares with 11% of households in the UK. The Treasury said the new campaign 'will help to explain the benefits of investing'. It will be directed and funded by City firms including investment platforms and the big five high street banks. Of these, Lloyds, HSBC and Natwest already work with the WPP-owned agencies Ogilvy, VML and The & Partnership, which is likely to have influenced the decision to open discussions with the London-listed marketing services giant. WPP declined to comment. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Last year, Reeves scrapped plans by the previous government for a separate 'Tell Sid'-style campaign featuring the former newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald. This was aimed at selling the government's remaining stake in NatWest. The direction of the new campaign will ultimately be in the hands of its backers, who are due to set out their next steps later this summer. This will involve appointing a chair, setting the budget and formally appointing an advertising agency. The group is being steered by asset management lobby group the Investment Association and includes the London Stock Exchange, asset managers Schroders and investment platforms AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor, and Robinhood UK. They will collectively cover the campaign's budget, which one expert said was likely to be between £50m and £60m. The campaign is expected to be 'multichannel', meaning it will run online, on TV and radio and via billboards and transport advertising. The Treasury, Money and Pensions Service and the Financial Conduct Authority will support the campaign in an advisory capacity.
Japan Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Chinese court jails Japanese executive in spying case
A Chinese court sentenced a Japanese citizen to a prison term for espionage, Nippon TV reported Wednesday, citing an unidentified Japanese government official, in a verdict that threatens to damage ties between Asia's two largest economies. The Nikkei newspaper said the jail term was three-and-a-half years. The convicted man, an executive of Japanese drugmaker Astellas Pharma, was detained in March 2023 and charged with espionage in October of that year. The sentence threatens to further strain already tense relations between the two countries, which have been hurt by a range of issues, from Chinese military maneuvers to Japan's release of treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean. Tokyo had sought the man's release, but Beijing has stood its ground citing the country's national security. The case has alarmed executives in China. Japanese companies are not the only ones whose employees have been taken into custody. An executive and two former employees of WPP, one of the world's biggest advertising companies, were arrested in China in 2023 in relation to a bribery investigation. Chinese police also took into custody four Taiwanese employees at Hon Hai Precision Industry, Apple's main assembly partner, last year. A spokesperson for Astellas declined to comment when contacted. No one was available to comment at Japan's Foreign Ministry.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
WPP appoints Baiju Shah as Global CEO of AKQA
WPP has named Baiju Shah as the new Global CEO of AKQA , its design and innovation agency . Shah joins from Accenture Song , where he most recently served as Global Chief Strategy Officer. His appointment aligns with WPP's broader ambition to combine creativity with capabilities in AI, data, and technology. He takes charge at a time when clients are looking to harness rapid cultural change and advances in AI as business opportunities. His background in creativity, strategy, technology, and AI is expected to help guide AKQA into its next chapter. His appointment reinforces AKQA's focus on global creative innovation, with an emphasis on building products, services, and experiences that inspire, drive growth, and deliver meaningful impact for people, brands, and society. Over a career spanning 25 years, Shah has worked with leading global brands to enhance customer relevance and business performance. As a co-founder of Accenture Song (formerly Accenture Interactive), he helped shape the creative division's vision, growth strategy, acquisitions, and offerings while serving as Global Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Managing Director. He also led the company's efforts to integrate AI across its creative services, managing global teams that used emerging technologies to help clients innovate responsibly and stay ahead of change. Shah co-led Fjord, Accenture Song's design and innovation consultancy, growing it into 35 global studios and positioning it as an industry leader. He also played a central role in acquiring several creative and design firms, expanding Accenture Song's capabilities and reach. His arrival follows a series of leadership appointments to the agency's Global Executive Committee, marking a new phase of collaboration and innovation. A recent highlight for AKQA was winning the 2025 Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Innovation, a recognition of its pioneering work in the creative space. Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: 'I am delighted to welcome Baiju Shah as the new leader for AKQA, and excited to see how he will redefine what a modern creative company can deliver for clients. Over the past two decades, he has demonstrated that he is one of our industry's leaders in bringing strategy, creativity and emerging technology together. I know Baiju's arrival will bring even further momentum to the business. "I would also like to thank Stephan Pretorius for stepping in as AKQA's Interim Chair over the past eight months. His steady leadership and deep understanding of AKQA's business have been key in guiding the team through this important period of transition and in setting the stage for its future success.' Baiju Shah, Global CEO of AKQA, said: 'AKQA has always stood for iconic, creative innovation. I'm honoured to join a company whose heritage is not just history, but a foundation for what comes next. As AI and cultural shifts transform how business operates and how creativity itself is practised, we have a remarkable opportunity to create work that shapes how people live and connect. AKQA is uniquely equipped for this moment, combining craft, technology, and a deep understanding of people and culture. "This is about more than creative output. It's about achieving meaningful growth, setting new standards for innovation, and proving that imagination remains the most powerful force for building futures worth living in. I'm excited to lead AKQA into its next chapter, honouring our legacy while reimagining what an agency can be. AKQA will serve as a testing ground for the innovative and responsible use of AI, acting as pioneers for our clients, for WPP, and the future.' Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP, said: 'It's been a privilege to act as Interim Chair of AKQA and work alongside such a talented and committed global team. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together during this period of transition. Baiju is the perfect choice to lead AKQA, and I look forward to supporting him as we continue to shape the future of our industry.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Top UK Dividend Stocks To Consider For Your Portfolio
As the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices face downward pressure due to weak trade data from China, investors are closely watching how global economic shifts impact UK markets. In such uncertain times, dividend stocks can offer a measure of stability and income, making them an attractive option for those looking to navigate market volatility. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating WPP (LSE:WPP) 9.50% ★★★★★★ Treatt (LSE:TET) 3.34% ★★★★★☆ RS Group (LSE:RS1) 3.85% ★★★★★☆ OSB Group (LSE:OSB) 5.99% ★★★★★☆ NWF Group (AIM:NWF) 4.71% ★★★★★☆ Man Group (LSE:EMG) 7.31% ★★★★★☆ Keller Group (LSE:KLR) 3.55% ★★★★★☆ Grafton Group (LSE:GFTU) 4.00% ★★★★★☆ Dunelm Group (LSE:DNLM) 6.96% ★★★★★☆ 4imprint Group (LSE:FOUR) 4.75% ★★★★★☆ Click here to see the full list of 56 stocks from our Top UK Dividend Stocks screener. Here we highlight a subset of our preferred stocks from the screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: B.P. Marsh & Partners PLC invests in early-stage and SME financial services intermediary businesses both in the United Kingdom and internationally, with a market cap of £264.77 million. Operations: B.P. Marsh & Partners PLC generates its revenue primarily through the provision of consultancy services and trading investments in financial services, amounting to £115.24 million. Dividend Yield: 3% B.P. Marsh & Partners has proposed a dividend of 6.78 pence per share, with recent earnings showing significant growth to £99.5 million from £42.53 million year-on-year, indicating strong coverage for dividends given the low payout ratio of 5%. However, its dividend yield is relatively low at 3.02% compared to top UK payers and has been historically volatile and unreliable over the past decade despite recent increases in payments. Dive into the specifics of B.P. Marsh & Partners here with our thorough dividend report. The analysis detailed in our B.P. Marsh & Partners valuation report hints at an deflated share price compared to its estimated value. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Brooks Macdonald Group plc offers investment and wealth management services to private clients, pension funds, professional intermediaries, and trustees in the UK and Channel Islands, with a market cap of £276.80 million. Operations: Brooks Macdonald Group plc generates its revenue by providing a variety of financial services, including investment and wealth management, to clients such as private individuals, pension funds, professional intermediaries, and trustees across the UK and Channel Islands. Dividend Yield: 4.5% Brooks Macdonald Group's dividends have been stable and reliably growing over the past decade, though its high payout ratio of 187.5% indicates dividends are not well covered by earnings. Despite this, a lower cash payout ratio of 49.9% suggests coverage by cash flows is adequate. The dividend yield of 4.46% is below top UK payers, and recent inclusion in the FTSE All-Share Index may enhance investor visibility. Get an in-depth perspective on Brooks Macdonald Group's performance by reading our dividend report here. The valuation report we've compiled suggests that Brooks Macdonald Group's current price could be inflated. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: ★★★★★☆ Overview: Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan Joint Stock Company, along with its subsidiaries, offers corporate and retail banking services mainly in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Uzbekistan, with a market cap of $6.73 billion. Operations: Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan's revenue is primarily derived from its Corporate Banking segment at KZT 822.96 billion, followed by Investment Banking at KZT 254.72 billion, Retail Banking at KZT 207.87 billion, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Banking contributing KZT 189.80 billion. Dividend Yield: 9.1% Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan offers a high dividend yield, placing it among the top 25% of UK market payers. Despite past volatility in dividends, current payments are well covered by earnings with a low payout ratio of 31.7%. The bank's recent earnings growth and undervaluation compared to peers enhance its appeal, though concerns arise from a high level of bad loans at 6.8%, potentially impacting future stability. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan stock in this dividend report. Insights from our recent valuation report point to the potential undervaluation of Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan shares in the market. Delve into our full catalog of 56 Top UK Dividend Stocks here. Are you invested in these stocks already? Keep abreast of every twist and turn by setting up a portfolio with Simply Wall St, where we make it simple for investors like you to stay informed and proactive. Take control of your financial future using Simply Wall St, offering free, in-depth knowledge of international markets to every investor. Explore high-performing small cap companies that haven't yet garnered significant analyst attention. Fuel your portfolio with companies showing strong growth potential, backed by optimistic outlooks both from analysts and management. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include AIM:BPM LSE:BRK and LSE:HSBK. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
WPP Names Microsoft's Cindy Rose CEO to Lead Make-or-Break Turnaround
WPP (WPP, Financials) is reaching for fresh leadershipand maybe a lifeline; the British advertising giant has tapped Microsoft (MSFT, Financials) veteran Cindy Rose as its next CEO; the move comes just one day after the company stunned investors with a profit warning so severe that shares plunged 19%, wiping out years of gains in a single session. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with WPP. Rose, who has been on WPP's board since 2019, isn't a stranger to transformation; she led Microsoft's UK business before becoming Chief Operating Officer of Global Enterprise; and now, she's being asked to do what feels almost impossiblesteady a sprawling advertising empire; rekindle growth; and wrestle with AI disruption all at once. The stakes are enormous; WPP has lost almost half its market value this year; it ceded its crown as the world's largest ad group to Publicis; and clients are pulling back on spending; or simply taking their campaigns in-house, empowered by new tech. Chairman Philip Jansen called Rose's digital track record hugely valuable; investors clearly agreedshares edged up 2% in early trading; a modest rebound after Wednesday's brutal selloff. Rose won't have much of a honeymoon; she takes over September 1, four months earlier than planned; she inherits a business that's bleeding major accounts and facing relentless macro headwinds; but she sounded undaunted; We have and continue to build market-leading AI capabilities, she said; and while that may be true, her challenge now is to convince Wall Streetand WPP's clientsthat the group can actually use them to grow again. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
