Lloyds Banking Group

Publicis Pro's James King: B2B Needs Distinctive Stories

James King, executive creative director at Publicis Pro and juror on the Creative Aces jury for The Drum B2B Awards, argues that B2B marketing offers richer storytelling than many consumer categories and has become markedly more creative in recent years. He warns that AI is a tool that must be guided by critical thinking or it will raise volume without improving quality. King advises brands to prioritise distinctiveness and consistency across touchpoints, balance short-term activation with long-term brand building, and invest in talent that can collaborate productively with AI. The Drum B2B Awards are open for entries, closing July 23, 2026.

Lloyds to retire Halifax brand after 173 years

Rob McLaughlin comments on Lloyds Banking Group's decision to retire the Halifax brand after 173 years, arguing the move tests whether legacy banking brands can transfer human warmth and emotional affinity into digital customer experiences. The piece recalls Halifax’s memorable Howard Brown advertising persona as an example of a brand delivering personality and approachability. It stresses that modern customer relationships are formed through apps and digital touchpoints, and that banks possess rich customer data often locked in back-office systems. The article frames Lloyds’ real challenge as rebuilding brand affinity through smarter, more personalised digital experiences rather than simply consolidating logos.

Axel Springer completes takeover of The Telegraph

Axel Springer has closed its £575 million acquisition of The Telegraph after receiving regulatory approval in the UK, Ireland and Austria. The deal ends a multi-year sales process that began when Lloyds Banking Group seized control of the newspaper's parent to recover debts from the Barclay family. Multiple bids faltered during the sale — including a blocked RedBird/IMI proposal and an unsuccessful Dovid Efune approach — before Axel Springer outbid the Daily Mail’s parent. Telegraph management reported double-digit digital commercial growth and a one-third rise in digital subscriptions during the ownership uncertainty. Axel Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner and Telegraph executives say the purchase will accelerate AI-powered digital transformation, support US expansion, strengthen commercial and subscription offerings, and launch new events and premium products.