A new development in interactive banner advertising - a chat banner is set to enable web users to hold a conversation with a brand from within another web owner's site.

It is through the chat banners will allow advertisers to open a communications channel directly with prospective consumers.

This latest initiative in online advertising has been developed by digital design company Start Creative. Julian Wild, creative director at Start Creative, said: "We're providing the opportunity for brands to work outside the traditional online adveritising model and create unique customer experiences within a banner."

Start Creative has opened new channels for clients to use the same technology to drive their marketing communications and to create new sales and acquisition tools."