Just over half of mobile phone owners (51pc) in the UK, or 23 million people, are now using their devices for mobile commerce – whether it’s making payments, redeeming coupons or researching products and services – according to new research from the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB). The study also found that smartphone users are 63pc more likely to engage with m-commerce than all users. The IAB said the study “shows once again the urgent need for retailers to catch up with the mobile consumer and enhance the user experience to ensure they don’t miss out on sales”. The study of over 1,000 mobile owners found that 43pc of respondents had…

Allianz has launched an international marketing campaign with a global concept that takes a localised approach in individual markets in what is a first for the company. According to the financial services company, the central focus of the `One‘ campaign is sharing knowledge and experience of real people in authentic situations. “The ‘One‘ campaign is unique in its approach and content, because it calls upon the wealth of meaningful knowledge and experience of our clients and employees,“ said Joe Gross, global head of market management at Allianz SE. “Sharing this knowledge can help customers make better financial decisions and help them to move on and up in life.” According to…

Opinion-leading social media users are putting their trust in mainstream media brands over user-generated content when deciding what information to share, according to a new study carried out by BBC Worldwide, Carat, and The Future Foundation. The study looked at how 9,000 opinion leaders share information in response to brand activity, news, and personal experience in nine countries across a range of platforms, including the web, online social networks, email, SMS, phone, and face-to-face. Opinion leaders were defined as those who regularly spread ideas and opinions across their social networks, with their role being recognised by themselves and others. The study revealed a series of interrelated groups, each of which…

RTÉ News and Current Affairs has announced that journalists Aoife Kavanagh and Rachael English will officially be joining the Morning Ireland presenting team from next Monday. After presenting the programme on a regular basis recently, both are both now formally assigned to the show. They will also continue with their current roles in radio and television; English with Saturday View on RTÉ Radio 1 and Kavanagh with Prime Time on RTÉ One. They join co-presenters Cathal MacCoille and Aine Lawlor. Pictured: Aoife Kavanagh and Rachael English