As companies across business sectors find themselves in dire straits, Lord Chadlington, the chief executive of Huntsworth the PR group, insists that the need for crisis management is now greater than ever. “From having to close factories to drugs not getting through the Federal Drugs Administration, crisis management is booming,” he said. Well, we are pleased to see some companies are benefiting from others’ misery. “The companies cutting back on advertising spend are putting money into PR instead,” added Lord Chadlington. “Our average annual fee is only £60,000.” Huntsworth, owner of Citigate, Huntsworth Health and Grayling Global, yesterday announced that half-year profits had increased by 21.9 per cent and the group was on course to meet full-year expectations.

GfK, the German market researcher, continues to keep everyone guessing as to whether it will make a bid for Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS). Sir Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of WPP, the UK marketing group, which is also bidding for TNS, remains unconvinced about GfK finding financial partners. However, GfK still wants to bid and has attracted interest from private equity companies. The latest we have heard is that the company held a meeting with private equity group Apax Partners to discuss its possible involvement. Apax is thought to be keen – the question is whether it is able to write such a chunky cheque.

The relaunch of Jazz FM in October is being taken seriously with plans for jazz concerts, CD releases and online music sales. Jazz FM, which is being launched by The Local Radio Company under licence with Guardian Media Group, today announced the appointment of Robert O’Dowd as enterprise director, responsible for developing the station’s off-air sales through concerts and music sales. Historically, off-air sales from Jazz FM have accounted for more than 70 per cent of total revenues. Mr O’Dowd held the same role at Classic FM when it launched in 1992 and was appointed group enterprise director of GWR Group in 1993.

Jerry Seinfeld is set to be one of the key celebrities featured in Microsoft's up-and-coming $300 million (£161 million) advertising campaign, as the tech giant aims to change its image. Rumour has it that Seinfield, who will appear in the advert with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, is about to be paid a whopping $10 million. Nice.

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