TOTAL-RECLAIM
PRESS RELEASE
January 28, 2010.
PPI: IFA, MORTGAGE BROKER AND INTRODUCER REVENUE STREAM LAUNCHED BY TOTAL-RECLAIM.
PPI reclaim specialist Total-Reclaim (www.total-reclaim.net) has created a revenue-generation stream for mortgage brokers and IFAs who believe their clients have been mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI), but don’t have the resource to drive clients’ claims through.
Introducers who hand potential PPI claims over to Total-Reclaim will receive between 25% and 40% of the amount Total-Reclaim receives from a successful claim.
“Generalist financial advisers who have focused on mainstream products, services and advice to their clients will have certainly seen a dramatic fall-off in revenues from key areas of lending in the past 12 months, but there is a way to recover some of that lost income ground,” said Daryl Vickers of Total-Reclaim.
"There’s a clear benefit from the loan boom years, because while the loan and credit card frenzy has clearly slowed, there is a massive legacy: banks mis-sold millions of PPI policies attached to those finance deals.
“We pay between 25% and 40% of the commission we receive back to the introducer on completion of a successful claim. We also pay a £50 advance of commission upon receipt of a claim from certain lenders - Halifax, Bank of Scotland, RBS, NatWest, Abbey, Alliance & Leicester & HSBC. We are so confident of success we will not ask for the £50 back even if we are not successful with the claim.
“But as well as the commission they receive from us, the introducer has the opportunity to advise customers on how best to use the reclaimed lump sum they receive from the lender and how best to use the monthly saving that comes from having the policy cancelled with the existing lender.
“For example, we’ve saved customers up to £270 a month. Our model also offers an ideal opportunity to receive new referrals from their client base. Once a customer receives a lump sum back from their lender they will tell everyone – it’s human nature.
“As we do not charge up-front fees, the introducer can also have total peace-of-mind that we will not put their integrity at risk by disappearing with their customers’ money. We have to have results to earn any commission.
“Every IFA will have clients who fell victim to mis-selling, and every one of them is a potential income generator through PPI reclaim.”
Total-Reclaim is fully approved and authorised by The Ministry of Justice to handle legal reclaims on PPI debt refund.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
http://www.total-reclaim.net/
Thursday, January 28, 2010
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE (PPI) CLAIMANTS BLINDED BY BANKING SCIENCE.
TOTAL-RECLAIM
PRESS RELEASE
January 28, 2010.
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE (PPI) CLAIMANTS BLINDED BY BANKING SCIENCE.
Millions of families are being blinded by banking science as finance houses use their muscle to scare off individuals trying to reclaim mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums.
Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums recovery specialist Total-Reclaim says individuals pursuing claims for repayment of mis-sold PPI are scared off by an intimidating and jargon-filled letters from the banks, lenders and credit card companies, despite valid claims.
“The problem is that the banks are wise to the online DIY PPI reclaim methods individuals are recommended to follow, so they’re all geared up when the claim comes in from an individual. Basically, they dismiss it with a confusing finance-language letter,” said Daryl Vickers, Director, Total Reclaim (www.total-reclaim.net).
“In most cases, the claimant, making what is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime claim, takes the letter on face value and gives up at their first attempt. But what they don’t realise is that the banks and loan companies will, as a matter of course, refuse to admit to mis-selling three or four times before caving in.
“The do-it-yourself option is obviously the first route to be considered, but people sometimes understandably don’t want to go through the process themselves, or it may be that they have tried and failed, and actually need professional help to drive their claim through.
“Yes, the legitimate PPI reclaim businesses do charge a fee for recovery – and it should never be charged up-front - but there’s a much stronger likelihood of recovery, plus the consideration that an individual pursuing the matter privately may get absolutely nowhere for months while still paying the PPI premiums, while a reclaim specialist will usually turn a claim round in a matter of weeks.”
For example, a typical four-year £10,000 loan from a high street lender may involve additional monthly PPI premiums totalling £2,000 over the duration of the loan. An individual may spend nine months getting nowhere, still pay the £40-a-month PPI premium – losing £360 in the process – whereas a reclaims specialist with the right legal and financial expertise could turn the claim round in weeks and charge £300.
“The benefit is not just the repayment of the mis-sold PPI, but a lower monthly loan repayment ongoing, plus an industry-regulated 8% compensation on top,” said Daryl Vickers, who estimates at least five million families have been mis-sold PPI.
“Big high street names and huge online or direct-sell finance companies have sold millions of PPI policies to ineligible groups. The issue is that the vast majority do not realise they have been mis-sold PPI, and the fact is that if they tried to make a claim because they could not make a loan payment due to illness, injury, hardship or redundancy, the policy would be void,” he said.
“Anyone who is self-employed, retired, a student, works less than 16 hours a week, has certain medical conditions, a dangerous job or is in the armed forces should not be sold PPI – they are unable to make any claim – and yet the banks and lenders continue to mis-sell.”
Around 20 million UK households are paying for Payment Protection Insurance policies, millions of which may well have been mis-sold.
The vast majority of people paying for mis-sold PPI do not realise they can reclaim their payments - the average refund and compensation is £1,800 - and many are still being sold PPI policies against which they could never make a successful claim.
Many have discovered the policy has been added to a loan arrangement without the customer’s agreement, and some have been told they cannot get a loan without taking out PPI.
Total Reclaim is fully approved and authorised by The Ministry of Justice to handle legal reclaims on PPI debt refund.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
http://www.total-reclaim.net/
PRESS RELEASE
January 28, 2010.
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE (PPI) CLAIMANTS BLINDED BY BANKING SCIENCE.
Millions of families are being blinded by banking science as finance houses use their muscle to scare off individuals trying to reclaim mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums.
Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) premiums recovery specialist Total-Reclaim says individuals pursuing claims for repayment of mis-sold PPI are scared off by an intimidating and jargon-filled letters from the banks, lenders and credit card companies, despite valid claims.
“The problem is that the banks are wise to the online DIY PPI reclaim methods individuals are recommended to follow, so they’re all geared up when the claim comes in from an individual. Basically, they dismiss it with a confusing finance-language letter,” said Daryl Vickers, Director, Total Reclaim (www.total-reclaim.net).
“In most cases, the claimant, making what is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime claim, takes the letter on face value and gives up at their first attempt. But what they don’t realise is that the banks and loan companies will, as a matter of course, refuse to admit to mis-selling three or four times before caving in.
“The do-it-yourself option is obviously the first route to be considered, but people sometimes understandably don’t want to go through the process themselves, or it may be that they have tried and failed, and actually need professional help to drive their claim through.
“Yes, the legitimate PPI reclaim businesses do charge a fee for recovery – and it should never be charged up-front - but there’s a much stronger likelihood of recovery, plus the consideration that an individual pursuing the matter privately may get absolutely nowhere for months while still paying the PPI premiums, while a reclaim specialist will usually turn a claim round in a matter of weeks.”
For example, a typical four-year £10,000 loan from a high street lender may involve additional monthly PPI premiums totalling £2,000 over the duration of the loan. An individual may spend nine months getting nowhere, still pay the £40-a-month PPI premium – losing £360 in the process – whereas a reclaims specialist with the right legal and financial expertise could turn the claim round in weeks and charge £300.
“The benefit is not just the repayment of the mis-sold PPI, but a lower monthly loan repayment ongoing, plus an industry-regulated 8% compensation on top,” said Daryl Vickers, who estimates at least five million families have been mis-sold PPI.
“Big high street names and huge online or direct-sell finance companies have sold millions of PPI policies to ineligible groups. The issue is that the vast majority do not realise they have been mis-sold PPI, and the fact is that if they tried to make a claim because they could not make a loan payment due to illness, injury, hardship or redundancy, the policy would be void,” he said.
“Anyone who is self-employed, retired, a student, works less than 16 hours a week, has certain medical conditions, a dangerous job or is in the armed forces should not be sold PPI – they are unable to make any claim – and yet the banks and lenders continue to mis-sell.”
Around 20 million UK households are paying for Payment Protection Insurance policies, millions of which may well have been mis-sold.
The vast majority of people paying for mis-sold PPI do not realise they can reclaim their payments - the average refund and compensation is £1,800 - and many are still being sold PPI policies against which they could never make a successful claim.
Many have discovered the policy has been added to a loan arrangement without the customer’s agreement, and some have been told they cannot get a loan without taking out PPI.
Total Reclaim is fully approved and authorised by The Ministry of Justice to handle legal reclaims on PPI debt refund.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
http://www.total-reclaim.net/
2010 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND: PURPLE, PRACTICAL AND PORTUGUESE.
HOUSING UNITS
PRESS RELEASE
January 28, 2010.
2010 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND: PURPLE, PRACTICAL AND PORTUGUESE.
Purple, practical storage and Portuguese design are set to be the big trends of 2010 according to one of the UK’s leading home furnishings stores.
The buying team at Manchester-based Housing Units say there are three distinct trends developing for the new decade.
“Purple is the ‘it-colour’ for 2010 – there are so many shades that it goes with just about anything – while the practicality of modular shelving and storage is fast becoming a big influence on interior design,” said Nick Fox, director of Housing Units.
“But the really exciting trend is Portuguese design – we’re very excited about a designer and range we’ve discovered in Portugal.
“Horizon furniture really is something special. It has a simplicity and modern elegance about it that really does capture the essence of interior design for the 2010 home.
“It’s pretty minimalist, but it also looks inviting, warm and comfortable because of the very successful use of soft curves and materials combined with some striking patterns.
“A lot of minimalist furniture seems to be more for show than use, but these designs prove inviting and welcoming – they’ll be well-used instead of well looked at. It’s a rare combination of centrepiece furnishings meeting practicality and comfort.”
“The Horizon team seems to have captured precisely the mood of design for the start of the new decade.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.housingunits.co.uk/
PRESS RELEASE
January 28, 2010.
2010 INTERIOR DESIGN TREND: PURPLE, PRACTICAL AND PORTUGUESE.
Purple, practical storage and Portuguese design are set to be the big trends of 2010 according to one of the UK’s leading home furnishings stores.
The buying team at Manchester-based Housing Units say there are three distinct trends developing for the new decade.
“Purple is the ‘it-colour’ for 2010 – there are so many shades that it goes with just about anything – while the practicality of modular shelving and storage is fast becoming a big influence on interior design,” said Nick Fox, director of Housing Units.
“But the really exciting trend is Portuguese design – we’re very excited about a designer and range we’ve discovered in Portugal.
“Horizon furniture really is something special. It has a simplicity and modern elegance about it that really does capture the essence of interior design for the 2010 home.
“It’s pretty minimalist, but it also looks inviting, warm and comfortable because of the very successful use of soft curves and materials combined with some striking patterns.
“A lot of minimalist furniture seems to be more for show than use, but these designs prove inviting and welcoming – they’ll be well-used instead of well looked at. It’s a rare combination of centrepiece furnishings meeting practicality and comfort.”
“The Horizon team seems to have captured precisely the mood of design for the start of the new decade.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.housingunits.co.uk/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
PRESS COVERAGE DOES NOT CONVEY FULL HORROR OF HAITI, SAY FLIGHT CREWS
ASTRAEUS
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT SOURCING AND MANAGEMENT
PRESS RELEASE
January 25, 2010.
PRESS COVERAGE DOES NOT CONVEY FULL HORROR OF HAITI, SAY FLIGHT CREWS.
UK airline Astraeus has carried out 15 flights, with more likely, ferrying rescue teams and medical cargo to Haiti.
Astraeus mobilised three aircraft and six crews to ferry British, Spanish and Icelandic rescue teams, including a record-breaking re-commissioning of a Boeing 757 that was undergoing maintenance as the earthquake struck.
“Our crews have been reporting that while Haiti is a world away both in terms of geography and living conditions at the best of times, the news footage and newspaper photographs do convey the damage and hardship but it is as nothing compared to being immersed and surrounded by how utterly overwhelming the disaster is to the population, and the enormity of the challenge facing rescuers,” said Mario Fulgoni, Chief Executive of Astraeus.
“There has been a huge amount of debate about the rate at which aid is getting into Haiti, but the fact is that there is only one runway and only so much apron space at Port-au-Prince Airport. And while there are immense technical flying challenges in approaching and landing in Haiti given the collapse of air traffic control services during a key period after the earthquake, there are also some very straightforward issues on the ground.
“Quite simply, the authorities can only park so many aircraft in the space they have – any more tightly packed and there is potential for damage through even slow-speed collision, and a consequent double whammy of having two un-flyable aircraft taking up even more valuable ground space.”
Astraeus completed maintenance on a Boeing 757-200 at Bournemouth before flying it to Gatwick where it was the first aircraft allowed in after emergency snow clearing work was carried out to open the runway. Within hours it was en route to the Dominican Republic with 75 UK fire and rescue team members. It then ferried a Spanish rescue team into Port-au-Prince, then flew Spanish nationals out.
A second Boeing 757 then ferried Spanish rescue teams from a military base in Madrid to Halifax, Canada, then on to Port-au-Prince. The same aircraft then evacuated the by-then exhausted British rescue team to Canada and then on to Gatwick.
A third aircraft, a Boeing 737, ferried medical cargo and Icelandic rescue teams in and out of Port-au-Prince.
UK-based Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs 250 people and operates a fleet of eleven Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft and one Airbus A320, primarily on contract with a variety of airlines. Astraeus has a worldwide Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and is IOSA accredited. Astraeus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eignarhaldsfelagid Fengur HF which also owns Iceland Express.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800 / im@pressrelations.co.uk / www.flystar.com
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT SOURCING AND MANAGEMENT
PRESS RELEASE
January 25, 2010.
PRESS COVERAGE DOES NOT CONVEY FULL HORROR OF HAITI, SAY FLIGHT CREWS.
UK airline Astraeus has carried out 15 flights, with more likely, ferrying rescue teams and medical cargo to Haiti.
Astraeus mobilised three aircraft and six crews to ferry British, Spanish and Icelandic rescue teams, including a record-breaking re-commissioning of a Boeing 757 that was undergoing maintenance as the earthquake struck.
“Our crews have been reporting that while Haiti is a world away both in terms of geography and living conditions at the best of times, the news footage and newspaper photographs do convey the damage and hardship but it is as nothing compared to being immersed and surrounded by how utterly overwhelming the disaster is to the population, and the enormity of the challenge facing rescuers,” said Mario Fulgoni, Chief Executive of Astraeus.
“There has been a huge amount of debate about the rate at which aid is getting into Haiti, but the fact is that there is only one runway and only so much apron space at Port-au-Prince Airport. And while there are immense technical flying challenges in approaching and landing in Haiti given the collapse of air traffic control services during a key period after the earthquake, there are also some very straightforward issues on the ground.
“Quite simply, the authorities can only park so many aircraft in the space they have – any more tightly packed and there is potential for damage through even slow-speed collision, and a consequent double whammy of having two un-flyable aircraft taking up even more valuable ground space.”
Astraeus completed maintenance on a Boeing 757-200 at Bournemouth before flying it to Gatwick where it was the first aircraft allowed in after emergency snow clearing work was carried out to open the runway. Within hours it was en route to the Dominican Republic with 75 UK fire and rescue team members. It then ferried a Spanish rescue team into Port-au-Prince, then flew Spanish nationals out.
A second Boeing 757 then ferried Spanish rescue teams from a military base in Madrid to Halifax, Canada, then on to Port-au-Prince. The same aircraft then evacuated the by-then exhausted British rescue team to Canada and then on to Gatwick.
A third aircraft, a Boeing 737, ferried medical cargo and Icelandic rescue teams in and out of Port-au-Prince.
UK-based Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs 250 people and operates a fleet of eleven Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft and one Airbus A320, primarily on contract with a variety of airlines. Astraeus has a worldwide Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and is IOSA accredited. Astraeus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eignarhaldsfelagid Fengur HF which also owns Iceland Express.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800 / im@pressrelations.co.uk / www.flystar.com
Monday, January 25, 2010
ICELAND – ANOTHER COOL DEAL FOR THE VANILLA AIRLINE.
ASTRAEUS
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT SOURCING AND MANAGEMENT
FEATURE OUTLINE
January 25, 2010.
ICELAND – ANOTHER COOL DEAL FOR THE VANILLA AIRLINE.
When an Astraeus Boeing 757 goes wheels-up on June 12, 2010 en route for Winnipeg via Keflavik in Iceland it will signal the opening of another chapter for the vanilla airline and a management team that’s stayed cool and composed through one of aviation’s most turbulent rides.
Astraeus – the only British airline based at London-Gatwick airport – completely re-generated its business model on May 1, 2008, axing its own scheduled timetable, and stepping out of holiday charter contracts with the major operators.
And the result has been a move from small loss to the sort of significant operational profit that’s enabling cautious growth in a niche market it has carved for itself from nowhere.
The damp-lease trans-Atlantic 757 deal with sister business Iceland Express was negotiated on the same basis as contracts with airlines as diverse as bmi and Saudi Arabian. But Astraeus has been doing a great deal of trans-Atlantic flying of late: one of its aircraft delivered the first British rescue teams to Haiti, and other Astraeus planes have been ferrying Icelandic and Spanish rescuers to the Caribbean island.
“Our entire fleet – bar one ad hoc aircraft - is committed on dry, damp or wet lease to airlines around the world, and we’re sourcing more to address further opportunities,” said Mario Fulgoni, Chief Executive of Astraeus, and whose family did actually run ice cream parlours in South Wales.
“There is huge demand for ongoing contractual work, but we’re also flying a massive amount of emergency operations – not just Haiti, but also military flights, repatriation of illegal immigrants and rescue flights of holidaymakers following airline or tour operator closures.
“The aircraft that come out of lease or contract with our client airlines are immediately in demand elsewhere, but we’ve also established a network, a system and a conveyor belt of sorts that enable us to source and supply aircraft with or without crew, and to deploy resources for emergency cover at very short notice.
“That switch 18 months ago moved us into profit, and we’re now looking at cautious growth – we must be one of the few airlines in the world that has increased its fleet by a net 33% since the start of 2009.
“That takes us to 12 aircraft – but it’s still an increase, and we’re close to signing deals on more aircraft, and providing, flying and managing them for more new customers.
“We transformed ourselves into a vanilla airline – the default colour scheme of our aircraft is white, although our latest acquisition remains blue simply because it has been too busy to be re-painted,” said Mario.
“While our fleet of 737s and 757s, plus an Airbus A320, is largely committed, we do have a vitally-important and in-demand ad hoc aircraft which we have on 24/7 standby for emergency cover for other airlines, for disaster relief, for short-notice government or military flights, or to drop in to a customer fleet ahead of the arrival of a permanent aircraft.
“In making the switch to leasing and aircraft management we also switched the business into an immediate operational profit – and we shortly expect to confirm an annual profit from the re-modelling of our business.”
Astraeus offers wet, damp and dry leasing - arrangements varying in package between a fully-crewed and operationally prepared aircraft ready for service (wet lease), through providing a partially crewed aircraft with the customer providing part of the flight or cabin crew, or other support elements (damp lease), through to just the aircraft (dry lease).
The aircraft are leased by clients according to seasonal demand, or to start up new routes, to address changing demand - up or down - on existing routes, or to alter or improve the financial viability of a particular route by changing the type of aircraft.
One of the Boeing 757 captains is Bruce Dickinson, who is also lead singer with Iron Maiden, winner of the best live act award at The Brits, 2009. When on tour, the band uses an Iron Maiden-branded Astraeus Boeing 757 – “the Combi”, with a split cabin featuring 75 seats and space for seven tonnes of cargo - which Bruce occasionally captains between gigs. It’s called Ed Force One – “Eddie” being the name of Maiden’s mascot.
UK-based Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs 250 people and operates a fleet of eleven Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft and one Airbus A320, primarily on contract with a variety of airlines. Astraeus has a worldwide Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and is IOSA accredited. Astraeus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eignarhaldsfelagid Fengur HF which also owns Iceland Express.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800 / im@pressrelations.co.uk / www.flystar.com
COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT SOURCING AND MANAGEMENT
FEATURE OUTLINE
January 25, 2010.
ICELAND – ANOTHER COOL DEAL FOR THE VANILLA AIRLINE.
When an Astraeus Boeing 757 goes wheels-up on June 12, 2010 en route for Winnipeg via Keflavik in Iceland it will signal the opening of another chapter for the vanilla airline and a management team that’s stayed cool and composed through one of aviation’s most turbulent rides.
Astraeus – the only British airline based at London-Gatwick airport – completely re-generated its business model on May 1, 2008, axing its own scheduled timetable, and stepping out of holiday charter contracts with the major operators.
And the result has been a move from small loss to the sort of significant operational profit that’s enabling cautious growth in a niche market it has carved for itself from nowhere.
The damp-lease trans-Atlantic 757 deal with sister business Iceland Express was negotiated on the same basis as contracts with airlines as diverse as bmi and Saudi Arabian. But Astraeus has been doing a great deal of trans-Atlantic flying of late: one of its aircraft delivered the first British rescue teams to Haiti, and other Astraeus planes have been ferrying Icelandic and Spanish rescuers to the Caribbean island.
“Our entire fleet – bar one ad hoc aircraft - is committed on dry, damp or wet lease to airlines around the world, and we’re sourcing more to address further opportunities,” said Mario Fulgoni, Chief Executive of Astraeus, and whose family did actually run ice cream parlours in South Wales.
“There is huge demand for ongoing contractual work, but we’re also flying a massive amount of emergency operations – not just Haiti, but also military flights, repatriation of illegal immigrants and rescue flights of holidaymakers following airline or tour operator closures.
“The aircraft that come out of lease or contract with our client airlines are immediately in demand elsewhere, but we’ve also established a network, a system and a conveyor belt of sorts that enable us to source and supply aircraft with or without crew, and to deploy resources for emergency cover at very short notice.
“That switch 18 months ago moved us into profit, and we’re now looking at cautious growth – we must be one of the few airlines in the world that has increased its fleet by a net 33% since the start of 2009.
“That takes us to 12 aircraft – but it’s still an increase, and we’re close to signing deals on more aircraft, and providing, flying and managing them for more new customers.
“We transformed ourselves into a vanilla airline – the default colour scheme of our aircraft is white, although our latest acquisition remains blue simply because it has been too busy to be re-painted,” said Mario.
“While our fleet of 737s and 757s, plus an Airbus A320, is largely committed, we do have a vitally-important and in-demand ad hoc aircraft which we have on 24/7 standby for emergency cover for other airlines, for disaster relief, for short-notice government or military flights, or to drop in to a customer fleet ahead of the arrival of a permanent aircraft.
“In making the switch to leasing and aircraft management we also switched the business into an immediate operational profit – and we shortly expect to confirm an annual profit from the re-modelling of our business.”
Astraeus offers wet, damp and dry leasing - arrangements varying in package between a fully-crewed and operationally prepared aircraft ready for service (wet lease), through providing a partially crewed aircraft with the customer providing part of the flight or cabin crew, or other support elements (damp lease), through to just the aircraft (dry lease).
The aircraft are leased by clients according to seasonal demand, or to start up new routes, to address changing demand - up or down - on existing routes, or to alter or improve the financial viability of a particular route by changing the type of aircraft.
One of the Boeing 757 captains is Bruce Dickinson, who is also lead singer with Iron Maiden, winner of the best live act award at The Brits, 2009. When on tour, the band uses an Iron Maiden-branded Astraeus Boeing 757 – “the Combi”, with a split cabin featuring 75 seats and space for seven tonnes of cargo - which Bruce occasionally captains between gigs. It’s called Ed Force One – “Eddie” being the name of Maiden’s mascot.
UK-based Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs 250 people and operates a fleet of eleven Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft and one Airbus A320, primarily on contract with a variety of airlines. Astraeus has a worldwide Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and is IOSA accredited. Astraeus is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eignarhaldsfelagid Fengur HF which also owns Iceland Express.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800 / im@pressrelations.co.uk / www.flystar.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
BTTG ADDS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AUDITING TO ITS WORLD-WIDE CERTIFICATION SERVICES
BTTG Testing & Certification Ltd.
PRESS RELEASE
January 20, 2010.
BTTG ADDS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AUDITING TO ITS WORLD-WIDE CERTIFICATION SERVICES
BTTG Testing & Certification Ltd has added two new audit services to its current portfolio of Certification Services covering the Construction Products, PPE and Marine Equipment Directives – allowing organisations to make savings where both accreditations are required.
BTTG has been accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021:2006 Conformity assessment (requirements for bodies providing audit certification of management systems), allowing BTTG to provide customer organisations with certification to ISO 9001:2008.
“This is particularly of benefit when clients require Factory Production Control audits and ISO 9001 audits – both can now be carried out by us at the same time thereby saving the client the cost of two audits and, more especially, the staff time involved with two audits,” explains Mike Nunney, Technical Director, BTTG Testing & Certification Ltd.
As well as ISO9001:2008, BTTG is also able to monitor the quality of production to Article 11B of the PPE Directive affecting PPE manufacturers – especially those involved in category 3; fire fighters uniforms.
“Customers can make savings by engaging with BTTG to carry out all of the assessments,” said Mike Nunney.
“Further, all the audit services can be carried out worldwide via our auditors based in the UK, China, India and Singapore.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
http://www.shirleytech.co.uk/
PRESS RELEASE
January 20, 2010.
BTTG ADDS QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AUDITING TO ITS WORLD-WIDE CERTIFICATION SERVICES
BTTG Testing & Certification Ltd has added two new audit services to its current portfolio of Certification Services covering the Construction Products, PPE and Marine Equipment Directives – allowing organisations to make savings where both accreditations are required.
BTTG has been accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021:2006 Conformity assessment (requirements for bodies providing audit certification of management systems), allowing BTTG to provide customer organisations with certification to ISO 9001:2008.
“This is particularly of benefit when clients require Factory Production Control audits and ISO 9001 audits – both can now be carried out by us at the same time thereby saving the client the cost of two audits and, more especially, the staff time involved with two audits,” explains Mike Nunney, Technical Director, BTTG Testing & Certification Ltd.
As well as ISO9001:2008, BTTG is also able to monitor the quality of production to Article 11B of the PPE Directive affecting PPE manufacturers – especially those involved in category 3; fire fighters uniforms.
“Customers can make savings by engaging with BTTG to carry out all of the assessments,” said Mike Nunney.
“Further, all the audit services can be carried out worldwide via our auditors based in the UK, China, India and Singapore.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
http://www.shirleytech.co.uk/
IDEAL INTERFACE JOINS ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
ALL ABOUT BRANDS
PRESS RELEASE
January 20, 2010.
IDEAL INTERFACE JOINS ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
E-commerce and digital marketing consultancy Ideal Interface (www.idealinterface.co.uk) has joined fast-developing marketing services group All About Brands (www.aabplc.com) – bringing the AAB family up to 12 businesses in total.
London-based Ideal Interface was set up in 2007 by Hayden Sutherland who has been designing, building and implementing online solutions for more than 15 years.
He previously worked across the full range of online marketing technologies and has held senior positions both as a client and in digital agencies. He and the rest of the Ideal Interface team have been involved with digital strategy, development and marketing for a large number of FTSE 100 and global brands including McDonald’s, Microsoft, NatWest, Nestle, Peugeot, RBS, River Island, Virgin Atlantic and Vodafone.
The move means the near completion of an array of end-to-end brand development and management resources and services for AAB – from corporate identity, through traditional and digital marketing, research, internal communications and city, political, and general media relations and reputation management
“There’s a dividing line between those digital agencies that drive online developments and those who wait for them to become available. The very nature of the internet dictates it is a constantly changing medium, with new generations of processes, technologies and approaches every day. Digital is a fantastic balance between innovation and established best practice, using it to create something new for our clients is our role and passion,” said Hayden Sutherland.
Ideal Interface will work either on its own or alongside other AAB businesses to drive and develop digital strategy and marketing for clients.
“It’s the classic situation of ‘the sum being greater than the parts’ – previously both Ideal Interface and AAB had to look outside our own businesses to be able to offer clients the spread of services that today’s sophisticated campaigns require,” said Hayden.
Ideal Interface’s main areas of expertise are digital strategy, website delivery and online marketing, with particular areas of expertise in retail (including eCommerce), travel and tourism and financial services.
All About Brands plc (AAB plc), the marketing services group chaired by Allan Biggar has businesses throughout the UK, and in North America, Europe and Abu Dhabi
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
07788 978800 im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.idealinterface.co.uk/ www.aabplc.com
PRESS RELEASE
January 20, 2010.
IDEAL INTERFACE JOINS ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
E-commerce and digital marketing consultancy Ideal Interface (www.idealinterface.co.uk) has joined fast-developing marketing services group All About Brands (www.aabplc.com) – bringing the AAB family up to 12 businesses in total.
London-based Ideal Interface was set up in 2007 by Hayden Sutherland who has been designing, building and implementing online solutions for more than 15 years.
He previously worked across the full range of online marketing technologies and has held senior positions both as a client and in digital agencies. He and the rest of the Ideal Interface team have been involved with digital strategy, development and marketing for a large number of FTSE 100 and global brands including McDonald’s, Microsoft, NatWest, Nestle, Peugeot, RBS, River Island, Virgin Atlantic and Vodafone.
The move means the near completion of an array of end-to-end brand development and management resources and services for AAB – from corporate identity, through traditional and digital marketing, research, internal communications and city, political, and general media relations and reputation management
“There’s a dividing line between those digital agencies that drive online developments and those who wait for them to become available. The very nature of the internet dictates it is a constantly changing medium, with new generations of processes, technologies and approaches every day. Digital is a fantastic balance between innovation and established best practice, using it to create something new for our clients is our role and passion,” said Hayden Sutherland.
Ideal Interface will work either on its own or alongside other AAB businesses to drive and develop digital strategy and marketing for clients.
“It’s the classic situation of ‘the sum being greater than the parts’ – previously both Ideal Interface and AAB had to look outside our own businesses to be able to offer clients the spread of services that today’s sophisticated campaigns require,” said Hayden.
Ideal Interface’s main areas of expertise are digital strategy, website delivery and online marketing, with particular areas of expertise in retail (including eCommerce), travel and tourism and financial services.
All About Brands plc (AAB plc), the marketing services group chaired by Allan Biggar has businesses throughout the UK, and in North America, Europe and Abu Dhabi
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
07788 978800 im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.idealinterface.co.uk/ www.aabplc.com
EMMA SOAMES: NEW DECADE – NOW WE NEED A NEW ATTITUDE TO AGE.
EMMA SOAMES
EDITOR-AT-LARGE, SAGA MAGAZINE
PRESS RELEASE
January 19, 2010.
EMMA SOAMES: NEW DECADE – NOW WE NEED A NEW ATTITUDE TO AGE.
Campaigner for the retired and over-50s, Emma Soames, says the country needs to completely re-assess its attitude to age.
“As we welcome a new ‘Saga generation’ in 2010 – those turning 50 this year - we are also welcoming an era in which 50 is the new 34; hands up everybody who doesn’t feel their age – there’ll be a lot of hands in the air,” said Emma, 60, editor-at-large of Saga Magazine.
“There will be in the region of 836,000 people who turn 50 this year, rising to 868,000 in 2011. This new 2010 Saga generation can look forward to another 30 years of active life, while the generation born a hundred years ago were within a few years of the end of theirs at 50.
“Employers, friends and family of over-50s need to change their attitude to older people, and realise that wrinkles on the outside don’t mean wrinkles on the inside.
“People born in 1910 had a life expectancy of only around 50 years, and would have been lucky to see 1960. People born in 1960 can expect to live until at least 80. Effectively, people born in 1910 could expect, if they were fortunate, a further 10% of life at 50, while those born in 1960 can expect an extra 60% of life.
“Running those lives alongside each other, then simple maths says that somebody turning 50 in 2010 is at the same stage in their life timeline as somebody aged 34 who was born in 1910.
“2010’s 50-year-olds live and act as people in their mid-30s did only a few decades ago, and today’s 72-year-old can be as sprightly – or more so – than somebody who was 50 in 1960.
“The new Saga generation really is the golden generation - those born in 1960 have seen more change in their lives than any generation before or since. Just consider: the space age, the swinging 60s, a holiday and travel revolution, mobile phones, computers, technological progress beyond the dreams of their great grandparents.
“Unfortunately, memories are long and it is in our genes to consider over-50s over-the-hill.
“They started work just as Mrs Thatcher started to transform Britain and have lived through a media revolution – starting with changes in the newspapers in the early 80s, massive expansion of TV and radio, and, of course, the blossoming of the internet.
“It’s probably the media that has been at the heart of forming the lifestyle of the current generation – and perhaps the new range of media we have at our disposal today can help re-align our perceptions of the abilities, capabilities and lifestyles of the over-50s.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Chris Fowler
im@pressrelations.co.uk / cf@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800 / 07719 172225
http://www.saga.co.uk/
Emma Soames, editor-at-large, was editor of Saga Magazine from 2002-2008. Previously she edited the Telegraph Magazine for seven years and before that was editor of ES Magazine, Tatler and the Literary Review. Emma is also an occasional columnist for The Daily Telegraph.
EDITOR-AT-LARGE, SAGA MAGAZINE
PRESS RELEASE
January 19, 2010.
EMMA SOAMES: NEW DECADE – NOW WE NEED A NEW ATTITUDE TO AGE.
Campaigner for the retired and over-50s, Emma Soames, says the country needs to completely re-assess its attitude to age.
“As we welcome a new ‘Saga generation’ in 2010 – those turning 50 this year - we are also welcoming an era in which 50 is the new 34; hands up everybody who doesn’t feel their age – there’ll be a lot of hands in the air,” said Emma, 60, editor-at-large of Saga Magazine.
“There will be in the region of 836,000 people who turn 50 this year, rising to 868,000 in 2011. This new 2010 Saga generation can look forward to another 30 years of active life, while the generation born a hundred years ago were within a few years of the end of theirs at 50.
“Employers, friends and family of over-50s need to change their attitude to older people, and realise that wrinkles on the outside don’t mean wrinkles on the inside.
“People born in 1910 had a life expectancy of only around 50 years, and would have been lucky to see 1960. People born in 1960 can expect to live until at least 80. Effectively, people born in 1910 could expect, if they were fortunate, a further 10% of life at 50, while those born in 1960 can expect an extra 60% of life.
“Running those lives alongside each other, then simple maths says that somebody turning 50 in 2010 is at the same stage in their life timeline as somebody aged 34 who was born in 1910.
“2010’s 50-year-olds live and act as people in their mid-30s did only a few decades ago, and today’s 72-year-old can be as sprightly – or more so – than somebody who was 50 in 1960.
“The new Saga generation really is the golden generation - those born in 1960 have seen more change in their lives than any generation before or since. Just consider: the space age, the swinging 60s, a holiday and travel revolution, mobile phones, computers, technological progress beyond the dreams of their great grandparents.
“Unfortunately, memories are long and it is in our genes to consider over-50s over-the-hill.
“They started work just as Mrs Thatcher started to transform Britain and have lived through a media revolution – starting with changes in the newspapers in the early 80s, massive expansion of TV and radio, and, of course, the blossoming of the internet.
“It’s probably the media that has been at the heart of forming the lifestyle of the current generation – and perhaps the new range of media we have at our disposal today can help re-align our perceptions of the abilities, capabilities and lifestyles of the over-50s.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Chris Fowler
im@pressrelations.co.uk / cf@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800 / 07719 172225
http://www.saga.co.uk/
Emma Soames, editor-at-large, was editor of Saga Magazine from 2002-2008. Previously she edited the Telegraph Magazine for seven years and before that was editor of ES Magazine, Tatler and the Literary Review. Emma is also an occasional columnist for The Daily Telegraph.
Monday, January 18, 2010
ABU DHABI EXPANSION FOR ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
ALL ABOUT BRANDS
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
ABU DHABI EXPANSION FOR ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
London-based All About Brands plc (AAB) has expanded its presence in Abu Dhabi and moved into new offices in the emirate.
AAB’s design business Brand Faith set up in Abu Dhabi in 2006, and was joined by the group’s advertising division, Open, in 2009. Ten people will now be based at the new offices in the twofour54 media centre complex.
“We were amongst the first of the current generation of brand management and design businesses to establish a significant presence in the region,” said Allan Biggar, chairman of All About Brands.
“We have a fantastically experienced team comprising both Emiratis and Brits, and that experience has proven to be enormously valuable in helping drive brand development for a number of incredibly dynamic businesses and organisations in and around Abu Dhabi.
“AAB Abu Dhabi was set up in 2006, and some of the key team members have had ten years’ experience working in the region, which is, to an extent, a considerable slice of Abu Dhabi’s modern business and commercial history.
“It has been a tough haul, but we’re now established as a key provider of brand development and management expertise in the region, and this is reflected in the amount of work we do with the government and its departments.”
AAB’s portfolio of marketing and communications businesses are retained by, amongst others, the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi, the Executive Affairs Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the Urban Planning Council and the Local Operating Company of the FIFA Club World Cup
It also works with Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), a leading business development and investment company based in Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management which manages the emirate’s Yas Island race circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and accompanying business and leisure facilities.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.aabplc.com/
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
ABU DHABI EXPANSION FOR ALL ABOUT BRANDS.
London-based All About Brands plc (AAB) has expanded its presence in Abu Dhabi and moved into new offices in the emirate.
AAB’s design business Brand Faith set up in Abu Dhabi in 2006, and was joined by the group’s advertising division, Open, in 2009. Ten people will now be based at the new offices in the twofour54 media centre complex.
“We were amongst the first of the current generation of brand management and design businesses to establish a significant presence in the region,” said Allan Biggar, chairman of All About Brands.
“We have a fantastically experienced team comprising both Emiratis and Brits, and that experience has proven to be enormously valuable in helping drive brand development for a number of incredibly dynamic businesses and organisations in and around Abu Dhabi.
“AAB Abu Dhabi was set up in 2006, and some of the key team members have had ten years’ experience working in the region, which is, to an extent, a considerable slice of Abu Dhabi’s modern business and commercial history.
“It has been a tough haul, but we’re now established as a key provider of brand development and management expertise in the region, and this is reflected in the amount of work we do with the government and its departments.”
AAB’s portfolio of marketing and communications businesses are retained by, amongst others, the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi, the Executive Affairs Authority, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the Urban Planning Council and the Local Operating Company of the FIFA Club World Cup
It also works with Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), a leading business development and investment company based in Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management which manages the emirate’s Yas Island race circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and accompanying business and leisure facilities.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
+44 (0)7788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.aabplc.com/
BUSINESS IN 2010: VERTICALLY-CHALLENGED SHOP ASSISTANTS - AND THE MYSTERY OF SEO.
IDEAL INTERFACE AND BRAND FAITH
BUSINESS FEATURE
January 18, 2010.
BUSINESS IN 2010: VERTICALLY-CHALLENGED SHOP ASSISTANTS - AND THE MYSTERY OF SEO.
Around two million new companies and organisations will open for business in 2010 – a huge number without any physical premises or shop windows – and their future lies in the hands of vertically-challenged shop assistants and invisible geeks practicing the dark arts of SEO.
The vast majority of those new or re-vitalised businesses will be walking into the unknown in ways they’re simply not expecting, says one of the internet’s most invisible men, Hayden Sutherland, a “digital user interaction” specialist with Ideal Interface (www.idealinterface.co.uk).
“We’re the people that ensure even the worst-looking website pops up at the top of searches, and the best-designed ones are as commercially successful as they are visually impactful. We’re the geeks of all geeks,” said Hayden.
“An internet presence is a fantastic shop window, but only if that shop window is highly visible on a virtual high street rather than anonymously placed on a virtual back street, and then only if the virtual high street presence - the design of the website – is a visual grabber: and being a grabber doesn’t mean packing in every video or visual effect.
“Unlike a shop or factory, an online business does not have a physical presence – it can’t put up flashing lights or have staff standing outside giving out leaflets, or hold a cheese and wine evening to draw in locals: it can be offering the best deals and discounts on the planet, but if nobody knows it’s there, then it’s going to find out that the biggest unknown was discovering just how unknown it is possible to be.
“You may have the most amazing-looking website, like you’re sitting in the brightest, ritiziest, most exciting shop anywhere, ever, but nobody’s coming through the door. So you step outside, take two steps across the pavement, turn round and see… nothing. Your shop is simply not there. Go looking for yourself on the internet, and you may be buried at best – invisible at worst.
“It’s down to one little acronym, SEO: Search Engine Optimisation.”
Design agency Brand Faith (www.brandfaith.com) often works with Ideal Interface – Brand Faith creating the design and image you see on your screen, Ideal Interface creating the mechanisms that ensure a website appears high up on searches.
“View Ideal Interface as the makers of largely unseen engine and gearbox, and designers like Brand Faith as the creators of the highly visible bodywork,” said Hayden.
Mark Rollinson of Brand Faith said: "It is important to strike a balance between design and functionality when planning a website.
“As designers, we want our work to look beautiful, but there's no point creating a masterpiece website that people don't know about (i.e. it doesn't feature in related searches), doesn't engage, have the right content, or is difficult to navigate. Website design is only successful if it effectively communicates what the company wants to convey and achieves its objectives, for example, online sales or brand immersion."
Added Hayden: “A badly-planned website is like a disinterested vertically-challenged shop assistant dealing with a phone enquiry. The customer wants to spend money, the store wants to sell, the goods are there, but they’re at the back of a high shelf the assistant can’t see – and he or she can’t or won’t go the extra yard and use the in-store search engine: a step ladder.
“A good website will shove the items to the front of the optimum-height shelf and provide and drive every possible method and means to make those goods as visible as possible to both the sales assistant and the buyer.
“The issue is that website design and construction is still a mystery to the vast majority of businesses, particularly small businesses – 90% of small businesses have fewer than ten employees, and 98% fewer than 50 staff.
“But worse than that, they don’t know what they don’t know: many think that simply having a designer create one and ‘putting it on the internet’ is the route to riches. But as soon as they do, they’re actually walking into a commercial warzone where only the most technically aggressive will win.
“Smaller businesses simply do not have the resource to employ cost-incurring techies who understand how to make a website really work – but a surprising number of bigger businesses also fail to grasp that a really good-looking website is not necessarily going to leap to the top of internet searches.
“To use another analogy, the best bar in the world may be round the next corner, but if you can’t see it, or a sign to it, or you’re not pointed in the right direction, you’ll never know. You want it, it wants you – but you’ll never know it’s there.”
Hayden and Mark have several tips for businesses launching or re-launching in 2010 – and which are creating or re-generating their websites.
1. Decide what you want your website to achieve: Communication (telling and listening); simply selling, or maintaining a relationship (listening and telling).
2. Talk to people or businesses that have trodden the path before you, and can explain in layman’s terms the perils and pitfalls – and positives.
3. Research and understand the language of the website developer.
4. Don’t skimp on getting the right techies to ensure the highest possible level of Search Engine Optimisation is achieved, so that you appear towards the top of search results.
5. Design: make sure your website designer is clear on your brand identity and values. Keep it clean, simple and easy to use, with logical and straightforward navigation.
6. Music and animation generally annoy site visitors, so, unless you’re in the music or animation businesses, simply don’t do it.
7. Don’t try to cram everything on to the home page – let visitors bite off a little bit more with each page they click on to.
8. Appreciate that a website is a living thing that can be updated annually – or by the minute, either by you or your designer.
9. Test it – if your website is delivered overnight, then it’s probably going to leave you in that virtual backstreet. Tests take weeks.
10. Build in analysis – usually a free tool – so that you can see who’s visiting your site, how often, what they’re looking at, and even develop your site to make it even more attractive to them.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
+44 (0)7788 978800
BUSINESS FEATURE
January 18, 2010.
BUSINESS IN 2010: VERTICALLY-CHALLENGED SHOP ASSISTANTS - AND THE MYSTERY OF SEO.
Around two million new companies and organisations will open for business in 2010 – a huge number without any physical premises or shop windows – and their future lies in the hands of vertically-challenged shop assistants and invisible geeks practicing the dark arts of SEO.
The vast majority of those new or re-vitalised businesses will be walking into the unknown in ways they’re simply not expecting, says one of the internet’s most invisible men, Hayden Sutherland, a “digital user interaction” specialist with Ideal Interface (www.idealinterface.co.uk).
“We’re the people that ensure even the worst-looking website pops up at the top of searches, and the best-designed ones are as commercially successful as they are visually impactful. We’re the geeks of all geeks,” said Hayden.
“An internet presence is a fantastic shop window, but only if that shop window is highly visible on a virtual high street rather than anonymously placed on a virtual back street, and then only if the virtual high street presence - the design of the website – is a visual grabber: and being a grabber doesn’t mean packing in every video or visual effect.
“Unlike a shop or factory, an online business does not have a physical presence – it can’t put up flashing lights or have staff standing outside giving out leaflets, or hold a cheese and wine evening to draw in locals: it can be offering the best deals and discounts on the planet, but if nobody knows it’s there, then it’s going to find out that the biggest unknown was discovering just how unknown it is possible to be.
“You may have the most amazing-looking website, like you’re sitting in the brightest, ritiziest, most exciting shop anywhere, ever, but nobody’s coming through the door. So you step outside, take two steps across the pavement, turn round and see… nothing. Your shop is simply not there. Go looking for yourself on the internet, and you may be buried at best – invisible at worst.
“It’s down to one little acronym, SEO: Search Engine Optimisation.”
Design agency Brand Faith (www.brandfaith.com) often works with Ideal Interface – Brand Faith creating the design and image you see on your screen, Ideal Interface creating the mechanisms that ensure a website appears high up on searches.
“View Ideal Interface as the makers of largely unseen engine and gearbox, and designers like Brand Faith as the creators of the highly visible bodywork,” said Hayden.
Mark Rollinson of Brand Faith said: "It is important to strike a balance between design and functionality when planning a website.
“As designers, we want our work to look beautiful, but there's no point creating a masterpiece website that people don't know about (i.e. it doesn't feature in related searches), doesn't engage, have the right content, or is difficult to navigate. Website design is only successful if it effectively communicates what the company wants to convey and achieves its objectives, for example, online sales or brand immersion."
Added Hayden: “A badly-planned website is like a disinterested vertically-challenged shop assistant dealing with a phone enquiry. The customer wants to spend money, the store wants to sell, the goods are there, but they’re at the back of a high shelf the assistant can’t see – and he or she can’t or won’t go the extra yard and use the in-store search engine: a step ladder.
“A good website will shove the items to the front of the optimum-height shelf and provide and drive every possible method and means to make those goods as visible as possible to both the sales assistant and the buyer.
“The issue is that website design and construction is still a mystery to the vast majority of businesses, particularly small businesses – 90% of small businesses have fewer than ten employees, and 98% fewer than 50 staff.
“But worse than that, they don’t know what they don’t know: many think that simply having a designer create one and ‘putting it on the internet’ is the route to riches. But as soon as they do, they’re actually walking into a commercial warzone where only the most technically aggressive will win.
“Smaller businesses simply do not have the resource to employ cost-incurring techies who understand how to make a website really work – but a surprising number of bigger businesses also fail to grasp that a really good-looking website is not necessarily going to leap to the top of internet searches.
“To use another analogy, the best bar in the world may be round the next corner, but if you can’t see it, or a sign to it, or you’re not pointed in the right direction, you’ll never know. You want it, it wants you – but you’ll never know it’s there.”
Hayden and Mark have several tips for businesses launching or re-launching in 2010 – and which are creating or re-generating their websites.
1. Decide what you want your website to achieve: Communication (telling and listening); simply selling, or maintaining a relationship (listening and telling).
2. Talk to people or businesses that have trodden the path before you, and can explain in layman’s terms the perils and pitfalls – and positives.
3. Research and understand the language of the website developer.
4. Don’t skimp on getting the right techies to ensure the highest possible level of Search Engine Optimisation is achieved, so that you appear towards the top of search results.
5. Design: make sure your website designer is clear on your brand identity and values. Keep it clean, simple and easy to use, with logical and straightforward navigation.
6. Music and animation generally annoy site visitors, so, unless you’re in the music or animation businesses, simply don’t do it.
7. Don’t try to cram everything on to the home page – let visitors bite off a little bit more with each page they click on to.
8. Appreciate that a website is a living thing that can be updated annually – or by the minute, either by you or your designer.
9. Test it – if your website is delivered overnight, then it’s probably going to leave you in that virtual backstreet. Tests take weeks.
10. Build in analysis – usually a free tool – so that you can see who’s visiting your site, how often, what they’re looking at, and even develop your site to make it even more attractive to them.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
+44 (0)7788 978800
HOUSING UNITS’ SKIP-COPS AND BIN-BANS TURN RECYCLING UPSIDE DOWN.
HOUSING UNITS
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
HOUSING UNITS’ SKIP-COPS AND BIN-BANS TURN RECYCLING UPSIDE DOWN.
A company-wide bin-ban has helped rubbish recycling ignorance as one of the region’s leading home furnishing stores sets the pace on green issues.
A team of skip-cops has been enforcing and encouraging recycling after Housing Units in Failsworth, Manchester, set up a working party 18 months ago to address the issue at its multi-store retail park and distribution centre – and management have been knocked sideways by the results.
“In 2007 we were recycling nothing. In autumn 2008 we were sending 80% of our waste and rubbish to landfill, but right now we’re sending 80% for recycling – we’re frankly amazed at what the team has achieved, but it has also been a massive measure of how the country’s attitude to recycling is changing,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.
“When we started the project in early 2008 it was surprisingly difficult to find out how to turn a business green and develop recycling programmes – but there’s now masses of help and advice on how to achieve some amazing recycling figures.
“It was tough to get everybody engaged at first, but the pace with which the team is embracing recycling has gathered momentum so that just about everybody now sees the importance.
“Our security team has a ‘skip-cop’ detail who have been trained to recognise what’s rubbish and what’s not, and if the wrong materials are found in the wrong bins then they put them in the right place and endeavour to investigate where the system has gone wrong.
“We’re not perfect yet, but the more we do the more we learn about what else we can do – it’s fascinating and it’s rewarding, and if every business did the same then there really is a difference to be made.
“Some of the rubbish we produce has a value, so we can actually sell it, which, of course, makes a small contribution towards keeping overheads down, as does the fact that we have fewer, smaller, skips for rubbish.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.housingunits.co.uk/
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
HOUSING UNITS’ SKIP-COPS AND BIN-BANS TURN RECYCLING UPSIDE DOWN.
A company-wide bin-ban has helped rubbish recycling ignorance as one of the region’s leading home furnishing stores sets the pace on green issues.
A team of skip-cops has been enforcing and encouraging recycling after Housing Units in Failsworth, Manchester, set up a working party 18 months ago to address the issue at its multi-store retail park and distribution centre – and management have been knocked sideways by the results.
“In 2007 we were recycling nothing. In autumn 2008 we were sending 80% of our waste and rubbish to landfill, but right now we’re sending 80% for recycling – we’re frankly amazed at what the team has achieved, but it has also been a massive measure of how the country’s attitude to recycling is changing,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.
“When we started the project in early 2008 it was surprisingly difficult to find out how to turn a business green and develop recycling programmes – but there’s now masses of help and advice on how to achieve some amazing recycling figures.
“It was tough to get everybody engaged at first, but the pace with which the team is embracing recycling has gathered momentum so that just about everybody now sees the importance.
“Our security team has a ‘skip-cop’ detail who have been trained to recognise what’s rubbish and what’s not, and if the wrong materials are found in the wrong bins then they put them in the right place and endeavour to investigate where the system has gone wrong.
“We’re not perfect yet, but the more we do the more we learn about what else we can do – it’s fascinating and it’s rewarding, and if every business did the same then there really is a difference to be made.
“Some of the rubbish we produce has a value, so we can actually sell it, which, of course, makes a small contribution towards keeping overheads down, as does the fact that we have fewer, smaller, skips for rubbish.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
http://www.housingunits.co.uk/
FAMILY LAWYER: SEPARATING PARTNER MAINTENANCE - PERFECT STORM GATHERS.
SAS DANIELS LLP SOLICITORS
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
FAMILY LAWYER: SEPARATING PARTNER MAINTENANCE - PERFECT STORM GATHERS.
The Government should consider an urgent change in maintenance legislation to prevent a collapse of the financial support system for separating unmarried couples.
Family lawyer Shelley Hesford of Cheshire law firm SAS Daniels LLP says marriage rates are plummeting as more people choose to simply cohabit – which means that the rights of co-habitees in the UK are more and more important.
“What is co-habiting bliss today could turn into a nightmare worse than divorce if separation trends continue,” said Shelley Hesford.
“Divorce is often an unpleasant experience, but at least the spouse has rights and claims – co-habitees have none except to be able to claim child maintenance: the answer may have to be legislation introducing rights for unmarried couples.
“The near-perfect maintenance storm is gathering: fewer marriages, more co-habitees having children - and splitting up sooner.
“There’s half as many ‘traditional’ families as 50 years ago, 12 years is considered to be a long marriage, seven years considered to be average, and the divorce rate is increasing – it is estimated that around 40% of all marriages in 2010 are likely to end in divorce compared to around a third in 1970 – and more children are being born to unmarried parents.
“However, co-habiting couples are four times as likely to separate – children or not – and there’s more of them. Either more people should get married, or legislation relevant to the separation of married couples will have to be extended to cover co-habitees.
“There is no right for maintenance for a co-habiting partner - even if he or she can’t work due to young children or poor health. Married partners could claim spousal maintenance even if only married for a very short period - whereas you could live together for 50 years and have no right to claim maintenance.
“Neither is there any right to claim pensions, or indeed anything at all unless they can prove that they have contributed to property - and that is a very expensive and uncertain court application.
“Co-habitees are also not automatically next of kin - unless there is a will, a partner would get nothing automatically. He or she would have to sue the deceased's estate.
“So, with the increase in cohabitation and the increase in children born to unmarried parents, there are more and more children who could suffer. If their carer gets nothing from the other parent and cannot work, then they will have to claim benefits; even if the other parent is very wealthy, his or her only legal duty is to pay child maintenance - nothing to the partner, whatsoever.
“Currently, the only option for co-habiting couples is a co-habitation agreement which is an enforceable contract. If couples do not wish to marry, then to protect themselves I would recommend that they prepare one of these agreements which could provide some form of financial security if the relationship breaks down. If the contract is prepared properly, then both parties can benefit in the long run.”
SAS Daniels LLP has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
January 18, 2010.
FAMILY LAWYER: SEPARATING PARTNER MAINTENANCE - PERFECT STORM GATHERS.
The Government should consider an urgent change in maintenance legislation to prevent a collapse of the financial support system for separating unmarried couples.
Family lawyer Shelley Hesford of Cheshire law firm SAS Daniels LLP says marriage rates are plummeting as more people choose to simply cohabit – which means that the rights of co-habitees in the UK are more and more important.
“What is co-habiting bliss today could turn into a nightmare worse than divorce if separation trends continue,” said Shelley Hesford.
“Divorce is often an unpleasant experience, but at least the spouse has rights and claims – co-habitees have none except to be able to claim child maintenance: the answer may have to be legislation introducing rights for unmarried couples.
“The near-perfect maintenance storm is gathering: fewer marriages, more co-habitees having children - and splitting up sooner.
“There’s half as many ‘traditional’ families as 50 years ago, 12 years is considered to be a long marriage, seven years considered to be average, and the divorce rate is increasing – it is estimated that around 40% of all marriages in 2010 are likely to end in divorce compared to around a third in 1970 – and more children are being born to unmarried parents.
“However, co-habiting couples are four times as likely to separate – children or not – and there’s more of them. Either more people should get married, or legislation relevant to the separation of married couples will have to be extended to cover co-habitees.
“There is no right for maintenance for a co-habiting partner - even if he or she can’t work due to young children or poor health. Married partners could claim spousal maintenance even if only married for a very short period - whereas you could live together for 50 years and have no right to claim maintenance.
“Neither is there any right to claim pensions, or indeed anything at all unless they can prove that they have contributed to property - and that is a very expensive and uncertain court application.
“Co-habitees are also not automatically next of kin - unless there is a will, a partner would get nothing automatically. He or she would have to sue the deceased's estate.
“So, with the increase in cohabitation and the increase in children born to unmarried parents, there are more and more children who could suffer. If their carer gets nothing from the other parent and cannot work, then they will have to claim benefits; even if the other parent is very wealthy, his or her only legal duty is to pay child maintenance - nothing to the partner, whatsoever.
“Currently, the only option for co-habiting couples is a co-habitation agreement which is an enforceable contract. If couples do not wish to marry, then to protect themselves I would recommend that they prepare one of these agreements which could provide some form of financial security if the relationship breaks down. If the contract is prepared properly, then both parties can benefit in the long run.”
SAS Daniels LLP has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
Friday, January 15, 2010
EMPLOYMENT LAWYER: 2010 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE SKIVER.
SAS DANIELS LLP SOLICITORS
PRESS RELEASE
January 15, 2010.
EMPLOYMENT LAWYER: 2010 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE SKIVER.
A senior employment lawyer says 2010 is already beginning to show all the signs of being “the year of the skiver”.
Jonathan Whittaker, employment partner at SAS Daniels LLP, Cheshire’s biggest law firm, says that employment dispute enquiries to his team are already running higher than normal.
“We’re up around 40% on disputes involving pickled-brain skiving scams in which some utter clots have been caught bang to rights whooping it up down the local social club, or barging round Primark with their Christmas vouchers, while claiming to their employer they’ve been enduring weather conditions Bear Grylls would think twice about tackling,” said Jonathan Whittaker.
“We’re two weeks into the working year, yet some businesses for whom we work are coming to us for advice about how to deal with staff who, in some instances, have not been seen since lunchtime on Friday, December 18, 2009, citing impassable roads, cancelled busses and trains, flat batteries, kids off school, injuries from falls, failed central heating, burst pipes, running errands for elderly or infirm relatives and any manner of wider challenges.
“A precedent is being set. Skiving in 2010 will be inspired by a combination of circumstances: the unexpectedly extended winter break on top of a glum end to 2009 has clearly already established a workshy mindset amongst a minority which looks set to prevail given the still-likely pressures on workers in 2010.
“For many employees, 2009 probably ended with no staff party, no bonus, a pay freeze and constant reminder of the possibility of redundancy, all the while the employer expecting more effort. 2010 is basically starting the same way.
“The questionably-afflicted are sounding more and more like central characters in an episode of EastEnders, with, seemingly, a small minority of the population suffering unusually and curiously high concentrations of back-to-back disasters.
“If I were a friend or neighbour, then I’d go and stand near them – because if a rogue satellite happens to drop out of the sky, then with that minority’s luck it’s sure as heck going to land on them, not you.”
SAS Daniels LLP which has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
January 15, 2010.
EMPLOYMENT LAWYER: 2010 WILL BE THE YEAR OF THE SKIVER.
A senior employment lawyer says 2010 is already beginning to show all the signs of being “the year of the skiver”.
Jonathan Whittaker, employment partner at SAS Daniels LLP, Cheshire’s biggest law firm, says that employment dispute enquiries to his team are already running higher than normal.
“We’re up around 40% on disputes involving pickled-brain skiving scams in which some utter clots have been caught bang to rights whooping it up down the local social club, or barging round Primark with their Christmas vouchers, while claiming to their employer they’ve been enduring weather conditions Bear Grylls would think twice about tackling,” said Jonathan Whittaker.
“We’re two weeks into the working year, yet some businesses for whom we work are coming to us for advice about how to deal with staff who, in some instances, have not been seen since lunchtime on Friday, December 18, 2009, citing impassable roads, cancelled busses and trains, flat batteries, kids off school, injuries from falls, failed central heating, burst pipes, running errands for elderly or infirm relatives and any manner of wider challenges.
“A precedent is being set. Skiving in 2010 will be inspired by a combination of circumstances: the unexpectedly extended winter break on top of a glum end to 2009 has clearly already established a workshy mindset amongst a minority which looks set to prevail given the still-likely pressures on workers in 2010.
“For many employees, 2009 probably ended with no staff party, no bonus, a pay freeze and constant reminder of the possibility of redundancy, all the while the employer expecting more effort. 2010 is basically starting the same way.
“The questionably-afflicted are sounding more and more like central characters in an episode of EastEnders, with, seemingly, a small minority of the population suffering unusually and curiously high concentrations of back-to-back disasters.
“If I were a friend or neighbour, then I’d go and stand near them – because if a rogue satellite happens to drop out of the sky, then with that minority’s luck it’s sure as heck going to land on them, not you.”
SAS Daniels LLP which has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE TACKLES "LIFE CRASHES" IN SCOTLAND.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2010.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE TACKLES "LIFE CRASHES" IN SCOTLAND..
The UK’s leading provider of mobile phone, computer and gadget insurance has launched in Scotland.
Supercover Insurance, the longest-established insurer in its field, creates insurance products which can be branded in the name of high street and online retailers alike, and offered to customers.
Perthshire-based Bernie Nunn, who heads up the new Scottish wing of the business, says that while consumers have traditionally resisted spending on cover for phones, PCs and gadgets, such is the current-day value of their content that there is a fast-moving upward trend in demand.
“Empty your bag and your pockets, and if I took any one of the items you laid in front of me, then I’d be wiping out a good part of your business and social life; I’d be causing a ‘life crash’: furthermore, I’d wager that most people wouldn’t guess that the average Scot carries around £850 worth of hi-tech,” said Bernie.
“Insurance used to be seen as a purchase to resist, but modern-day insurance for 21st century gadgets – phones, MP3 players, PCs, even SatNavs – doesn’t just insure against the cost of losing, breaking or having an item stolen, it also protects the content: contact details, photos, recordings and so on.
“Gadget insurance now includes automatic back-up of data and content, and while you can put a price on the cost of, say, music downloads – things like phone numbers, photos and valued content can be priceless and utterly irreplaceable.
“What Supercover creates is an insurance product that retailers and resellers can offer to customers alongside the sale of any form of gadget – and our expertise and buying power in the sector means we can provide cover, including free data back-up, for a no-hidden-costs £2.49 a month.
“The insurance can be provided in either our own name, or branded in the colours of the business offering it to its customers – independent mobile phone stores, computer shops, general retailers and so on.
“On average every person leaving home with a bag or briefcase is carrying £851 worth of gadgets.
“But our research indicates that less than 50%of high-value consumer-portable equipment – gadgets – are insured for loss, theft or damage – or back-up.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
www.supercoverinsurance.com
Notes:
Supercover Insurance began life as Mobile Phone Supercover Ltd in 1995 to provide extended warranty for mobile phones only. In 2005 the business expanded to include cover on mobile phones and other essential everyday electronic items to include laptops, PCs, satellite navigation systems, iPods, MP3 players, TVs and more. In order to reflect the diverse product range being offered, the company's name was changed to Supercover Insurance. Supercover now has a strong, ever-increasing base of around 1,000 channel partners across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with a customer base exceeding 100,000 consumers.
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2010.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE TACKLES "LIFE CRASHES" IN SCOTLAND..
The UK’s leading provider of mobile phone, computer and gadget insurance has launched in Scotland.
Supercover Insurance, the longest-established insurer in its field, creates insurance products which can be branded in the name of high street and online retailers alike, and offered to customers.
Perthshire-based Bernie Nunn, who heads up the new Scottish wing of the business, says that while consumers have traditionally resisted spending on cover for phones, PCs and gadgets, such is the current-day value of their content that there is a fast-moving upward trend in demand.
“Empty your bag and your pockets, and if I took any one of the items you laid in front of me, then I’d be wiping out a good part of your business and social life; I’d be causing a ‘life crash’: furthermore, I’d wager that most people wouldn’t guess that the average Scot carries around £850 worth of hi-tech,” said Bernie.
“Insurance used to be seen as a purchase to resist, but modern-day insurance for 21st century gadgets – phones, MP3 players, PCs, even SatNavs – doesn’t just insure against the cost of losing, breaking or having an item stolen, it also protects the content: contact details, photos, recordings and so on.
“Gadget insurance now includes automatic back-up of data and content, and while you can put a price on the cost of, say, music downloads – things like phone numbers, photos and valued content can be priceless and utterly irreplaceable.
“What Supercover creates is an insurance product that retailers and resellers can offer to customers alongside the sale of any form of gadget – and our expertise and buying power in the sector means we can provide cover, including free data back-up, for a no-hidden-costs £2.49 a month.
“The insurance can be provided in either our own name, or branded in the colours of the business offering it to its customers – independent mobile phone stores, computer shops, general retailers and so on.
“On average every person leaving home with a bag or briefcase is carrying £851 worth of gadgets.
“But our research indicates that less than 50%of high-value consumer-portable equipment – gadgets – are insured for loss, theft or damage – or back-up.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
www.supercoverinsurance.com
Notes:
Supercover Insurance began life as Mobile Phone Supercover Ltd in 1995 to provide extended warranty for mobile phones only. In 2005 the business expanded to include cover on mobile phones and other essential everyday electronic items to include laptops, PCs, satellite navigation systems, iPods, MP3 players, TVs and more. In order to reflect the diverse product range being offered, the company's name was changed to Supercover Insurance. Supercover now has a strong, ever-increasing base of around 1,000 channel partners across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with a customer base exceeding 100,000 consumers.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE MOVES INTO SCOTLAND
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2010.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE MOVES INTO SCOTLAND.
Supercover Insurance, the UK’s longest-established provider of mobile phone, computer and gadget insurance, has appointed 33-year-old Bernie Nunn to develop the business in Scotland.
Bernie, originally from Chelmsford, Essex, but a Perthshire resident for ten years, is tasked with developing new outlets for Supercover’s insurance products -
Supercover’s gadget policy can be white-labelled into any retailer or repairer’s branding and sold to customers as an own-brand product. Premiums to customers start at £2.49 a month.
The “white label” policy, which can be branded in any business’ trading style, can typically generate around £30,000 profit for each store selling it over a 24-month period assuming two policies are sold each day over a 25-day working month.
The policy includes gadget insurance cover for mobile phones, satnav, netbooks, MP3 and MP4 players and other consumer-portable high-intrinsic-value items – including power tools – and includes 3GB of back-up and storage for relevant items at no extra cost.
Bernie said: “There’s a clear revenue opportunity for resellers; insurance used to be seen as a purchase to resist, but modern-day insurance for 21st century gadgets – phones, MP3 players, PCs, even SatNavs – doesn’t just insure against the cost of losing, breaking or having an item stolen, it also protects the content: contact details, photos, recordings and so on.
“Gadget insurance now includes automatic back-up of data and content, and while you can put a price on the cost of, say, music downloads – things like phone numbers, photos and valued content can be priceless and utterly irreplaceable.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
www.supercoverinsurance.com
Notes:
Supercover Insurance began life as Mobile Phone Supercover Ltd in 1995 to provide extended warranty for mobile phones only. In 2005 the business expanded to include cover on mobile phones and other essential everyday electronic items to include laptops, PCs, satellite navigation systems, iPods, MP3 players, TVs and more. In order to reflect the diverse product range being offered, the company's name was changed to Supercover Insurance. Supercover now has a strong, ever-increasing base of around 1,000 channel partners across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with a customer base exceeding 100,000 consumers.
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2010.
SUPERCOVER INSURANCE MOVES INTO SCOTLAND.
Supercover Insurance, the UK’s longest-established provider of mobile phone, computer and gadget insurance, has appointed 33-year-old Bernie Nunn to develop the business in Scotland.
Bernie, originally from Chelmsford, Essex, but a Perthshire resident for ten years, is tasked with developing new outlets for Supercover’s insurance products -
Supercover’s gadget policy can be white-labelled into any retailer or repairer’s branding and sold to customers as an own-brand product. Premiums to customers start at £2.49 a month.
The “white label” policy, which can be branded in any business’ trading style, can typically generate around £30,000 profit for each store selling it over a 24-month period assuming two policies are sold each day over a 25-day working month.
The policy includes gadget insurance cover for mobile phones, satnav, netbooks, MP3 and MP4 players and other consumer-portable high-intrinsic-value items – including power tools – and includes 3GB of back-up and storage for relevant items at no extra cost.
Bernie said: “There’s a clear revenue opportunity for resellers; insurance used to be seen as a purchase to resist, but modern-day insurance for 21st century gadgets – phones, MP3 players, PCs, even SatNavs – doesn’t just insure against the cost of losing, breaking or having an item stolen, it also protects the content: contact details, photos, recordings and so on.
“Gadget insurance now includes automatic back-up of data and content, and while you can put a price on the cost of, say, music downloads – things like phone numbers, photos and valued content can be priceless and utterly irreplaceable.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
www.supercoverinsurance.com
Notes:
Supercover Insurance began life as Mobile Phone Supercover Ltd in 1995 to provide extended warranty for mobile phones only. In 2005 the business expanded to include cover on mobile phones and other essential everyday electronic items to include laptops, PCs, satellite navigation systems, iPods, MP3 players, TVs and more. In order to reflect the diverse product range being offered, the company's name was changed to Supercover Insurance. Supercover now has a strong, ever-increasing base of around 1,000 channel partners across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with a customer base exceeding 100,000 consumers.
Monday, January 11, 2010
TAKE OFF: MCBAINS COOPER AND JPA TEAM UP.
MCBAINS COOPER
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY
PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2010.
TAKE OFF: MCBAINS COOPER AND JPA TEAM UP.
Images available.
Two leading professional firms in the design and construction industries are teaming up to provide specialist end-to-end solutions for airlines, rail operators and hotels.
Property and construction consultancy McBains Cooper is teaming up with award-winning international interior design consultancy James Park Associates (JPA) to create design and delivery solutions for the Hospitality, Rail and Air industries, and aimed at assisting airlines, hotels and rail companies and their advisers.
“We are combining our disciplines and expertise to create a compelling interdisciplinary proposition for airlines, rail companies and business hotel and resort owners around the world,” said Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of McBains Cooper.
“This is the start of a dynamic, creative partnership, rather than the formal formation of a new company.
“McBains Cooper and JPA have worked successfully, both independently and in partnership, with a broad range of airlines, hotels and rail companies around the world. We have incomparable experience and expertise in understanding our clients’ needs, managing projects from start to finish and delivering unique, high quality solutions.
“There is a specific level of design and product delivery required in these sectors, and with projects for such names as SkyTeam, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, US Airways, Taj Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Orient Express Hotels Ltd, Orient Express Luxury Trains and GNER, both McBains Cooper and JPA have a proven track record.”
JPA’s Managing Director, James Park said: “JPA has built its reputation on delivering high-quality, often award-winning interior design that combines creativity with a fundamental understanding of architecture, engineering and business priorities. Our partnership with McBains Cooper means that we can now offer a broader range of services to a broader range of clients, confident in the knowledge that our partners are as committed to quality, value and creativity as we are.
“We are delighted to be working with McBains Cooper and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley / Chris Fowler
07788 978800 / 07719 172225
im@pressrelations.co.uk / cf@pressrelations.co.uk www.mcbainscooper.com
Notes.
McBains Cooper
McBains Cooper is an inter-discipline consultancy, specialising in property, infrastructure and construction, offering a wide range of consulting and design services including architectural, aesthetic or technical design, problem solving, budget management, facilities management, health and safety, sustainability consultancy and on-the-ground civil engineering. Driving and supporting projects ranging from minor works to major contracts worth more than £100 million, McBains Cooper operates across a variety of sectors throughout the UK, Europe and Latin America. McBains Cooper is committed to environmental, social and economic sustainable development and their integrated approach means they deliver effective, award-winning solutions to their clients. The Group employs 150 people. McBains Cooper has regional headquarters in London (head office), Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford, Windsor, Lima (Peru) and Mexico City, with associate offices in Belfast and Dublin. www.mcbainscooper.com
JPA
James Park Associates (JPA) was founded in 1982, specialising in the design of bespoke interiors and luxury environments for the hospitality, aviation and rail industries. With offices in London and Singapore, JPA has created award-winning hospitality interiors across five continents, ranging from urban hotels to island resorts and historic palaces. After JPA designed its interior, the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India, has featured in countless ‘Best hotels’ lists and was awarded “India’s Leading Castle and Palace” in the 2008 World Travel Awards. In addition, the JPA-designed Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Mauritius, has been regularly listed as one of the world’s finest spas and won Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Best Overseas Resort award in 2006 and Best Overseas Spa award in 2008. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces recently unveiled a range of suites and other interiors designed by JPA when it launched the refurbished landmark hotel, The Pierre, New York. JPA has also designed interiors for the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express, GNER and a range of aircraft for Singapore Airlines, including the Business Class seat for their A380, recognised at the Design for Asia Awards 2008 and the Red Dot Awards 2008. JPA was recently awarded the contract to redesign the interiors of Gulf Air’s entire fleet, together with Gulf Air’s external branding, uniforms and passenger lounges. www.jpadesign.com
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANCY
PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2010.
TAKE OFF: MCBAINS COOPER AND JPA TEAM UP.
Images available.
Two leading professional firms in the design and construction industries are teaming up to provide specialist end-to-end solutions for airlines, rail operators and hotels.
Property and construction consultancy McBains Cooper is teaming up with award-winning international interior design consultancy James Park Associates (JPA) to create design and delivery solutions for the Hospitality, Rail and Air industries, and aimed at assisting airlines, hotels and rail companies and their advisers.
“We are combining our disciplines and expertise to create a compelling interdisciplinary proposition for airlines, rail companies and business hotel and resort owners around the world,” said Michael Thirkettle, Chief Executive of McBains Cooper.
“This is the start of a dynamic, creative partnership, rather than the formal formation of a new company.
“McBains Cooper and JPA have worked successfully, both independently and in partnership, with a broad range of airlines, hotels and rail companies around the world. We have incomparable experience and expertise in understanding our clients’ needs, managing projects from start to finish and delivering unique, high quality solutions.
“There is a specific level of design and product delivery required in these sectors, and with projects for such names as SkyTeam, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, US Airways, Taj Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels, Orient Express Hotels Ltd, Orient Express Luxury Trains and GNER, both McBains Cooper and JPA have a proven track record.”
JPA’s Managing Director, James Park said: “JPA has built its reputation on delivering high-quality, often award-winning interior design that combines creativity with a fundamental understanding of architecture, engineering and business priorities. Our partnership with McBains Cooper means that we can now offer a broader range of services to a broader range of clients, confident in the knowledge that our partners are as committed to quality, value and creativity as we are.
“We are delighted to be working with McBains Cooper and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley / Chris Fowler
07788 978800 / 07719 172225
im@pressrelations.co.uk / cf@pressrelations.co.uk www.mcbainscooper.com
Notes.
McBains Cooper
McBains Cooper is an inter-discipline consultancy, specialising in property, infrastructure and construction, offering a wide range of consulting and design services including architectural, aesthetic or technical design, problem solving, budget management, facilities management, health and safety, sustainability consultancy and on-the-ground civil engineering. Driving and supporting projects ranging from minor works to major contracts worth more than £100 million, McBains Cooper operates across a variety of sectors throughout the UK, Europe and Latin America. McBains Cooper is committed to environmental, social and economic sustainable development and their integrated approach means they deliver effective, award-winning solutions to their clients. The Group employs 150 people. McBains Cooper has regional headquarters in London (head office), Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford, Windsor, Lima (Peru) and Mexico City, with associate offices in Belfast and Dublin. www.mcbainscooper.com
JPA
James Park Associates (JPA) was founded in 1982, specialising in the design of bespoke interiors and luxury environments for the hospitality, aviation and rail industries. With offices in London and Singapore, JPA has created award-winning hospitality interiors across five continents, ranging from urban hotels to island resorts and historic palaces. After JPA designed its interior, the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India, has featured in countless ‘Best hotels’ lists and was awarded “India’s Leading Castle and Palace” in the 2008 World Travel Awards. In addition, the JPA-designed Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Mauritius, has been regularly listed as one of the world’s finest spas and won Luxury Travel Magazine’s Gold List Best Overseas Resort award in 2006 and Best Overseas Spa award in 2008. Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces recently unveiled a range of suites and other interiors designed by JPA when it launched the refurbished landmark hotel, The Pierre, New York. JPA has also designed interiors for the Venice Simplon Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express, GNER and a range of aircraft for Singapore Airlines, including the Business Class seat for their A380, recognised at the Design for Asia Awards 2008 and the Red Dot Awards 2008. JPA was recently awarded the contract to redesign the interiors of Gulf Air’s entire fleet, together with Gulf Air’s external branding, uniforms and passenger lounges. www.jpadesign.com
MIS-SOLD-TO MILLIONS MISS OUT ON NEW YEAR WINDFALL.
TOTAL RECLAIM
PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2010.
MIS-SOLD-TO MILLIONS MISS OUT ON NEW YEAR WINDFALL.
Millions of hard-up households can stake a claim for a New Year windfall after being mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) on loans or finance.
PPI premiums recovery specialist Total Reclaim estimates at least five million families are paying for Payment Protection Insurance mis-sold to them when they took out personal loans, car finance, credit cards or borrowed to carry out home improvements.
And the average windfall for somebody making a successful claim against a bank or finance house would have been £1,800 – although payouts have been much higher.
“Big high street names and huge online or direct-sell finance companies have sold millions of PPI policies to ineligible groups,” said Daryl Vickers, Director, Total Reclaim.
“The issue is that the vast majority do not realise they have been mis-sold PPI, and the fact is that if they tried to make a claim because they could not make a loan payment due to illness, injury, hardship or redundancy, the policy would be void.
“Anyone who is self-employed, retired, a student, works less than 16 hours a week, has certain medical conditions, a dangerous job or is in the armed forces should not be sold PPI – they are unable to make any claim – and yet the banks and lenders continue to mis-sell.”
Around 20 million UK households are paying for Payment Protection Insurance policies, millions of which may well have been mis-sold.
The vast majority of people paying for mis-sold PPI do not realise they can reclaim their payments - the average refund and compensation is £1,600 - and many are still being sold PPI policies against which they could never make a successful claim.
Many have discovered the policy has been added to a loan arrangement without the customer’s agreement, and some have been told they cannot get a loan without taking out PPI.
Total Reclaim is fully approved and authorised by The Ministry of Justice to handle legal reclaims on PPI debt refund.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
www.total-reclaim.net
PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2010.
MIS-SOLD-TO MILLIONS MISS OUT ON NEW YEAR WINDFALL.
Millions of hard-up households can stake a claim for a New Year windfall after being mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) on loans or finance.
PPI premiums recovery specialist Total Reclaim estimates at least five million families are paying for Payment Protection Insurance mis-sold to them when they took out personal loans, car finance, credit cards or borrowed to carry out home improvements.
And the average windfall for somebody making a successful claim against a bank or finance house would have been £1,800 – although payouts have been much higher.
“Big high street names and huge online or direct-sell finance companies have sold millions of PPI policies to ineligible groups,” said Daryl Vickers, Director, Total Reclaim.
“The issue is that the vast majority do not realise they have been mis-sold PPI, and the fact is that if they tried to make a claim because they could not make a loan payment due to illness, injury, hardship or redundancy, the policy would be void.
“Anyone who is self-employed, retired, a student, works less than 16 hours a week, has certain medical conditions, a dangerous job or is in the armed forces should not be sold PPI – they are unable to make any claim – and yet the banks and lenders continue to mis-sell.”
Around 20 million UK households are paying for Payment Protection Insurance policies, millions of which may well have been mis-sold.
The vast majority of people paying for mis-sold PPI do not realise they can reclaim their payments - the average refund and compensation is £1,600 - and many are still being sold PPI policies against which they could never make a successful claim.
Many have discovered the policy has been added to a loan arrangement without the customer’s agreement, and some have been told they cannot get a loan without taking out PPI.
Total Reclaim is fully approved and authorised by The Ministry of Justice to handle legal reclaims on PPI debt refund.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley/Megan Codling
im@pressrelations.co.uk/mc@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800/07795 848586
www.total-reclaim.net
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
NORTH WEST DIVORCE APPLICATIONS: FOUR TIMES AS HIGH, SIX WEEKS EARLY
SAS DANIELS LLP SOLICITORS
PRESS RELEASE
December 18, 2009.
NORTH WEST DIVORCE APPLICATIONS: FOUR TIMES AS HIGH, SIX WEEKS EARLY.
Appointments to discuss or file for divorce are running at four times the normal level for December, confirming worst beliefs that January 2010 will be one of the busiest periods ever for marriage splits in the North West.
Family department solicitors at SAS Daniels LLP, which has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall, say each of its specialist family lawyers would normally expect to take on fewer clients than usual in the run up to Christmas - around one new client a week - but some are taking on one a day.
“People have been battling to keep marriages intact, but many have simply cracked and crumbled under the relentless pressure of recession. People see the Christmas break as a hiatus in their lives during which they can end one chapter and try to start the next,” said Shelley Hesford of SAS Daniels LLP.
“There is also no doubt that an improvement in the housing market has been an influence, with more cash being realised from the sale of the marital home.
“To my knowledge this is the busiest our firm has ever been for instructions to proceed on filing for divorce.
“In December 2007 our family lawyers were taking on one divorce client a week each – in December 2008 the family team was taking on between two and five new clients a week each, with an average of three a week for each team member, but in December 2009 we have each been taking instructions for as many as nine divorce clients a week.
“The figures for those seeking marriage counseling are up, but clearly many couples believe they have left things long enough, their marriage is over and that they want to get on with matters as soon as possible.
“People realise that by delaying they are simply prolonging the agony – some of our clients have been sitting on the fence for months, but they now want to move fast and start new lives as quickly as possible. The improvement in the housing market is another relevant factor.
“There’s no doubting that an emotional time such as Christmas has pushed many people over the edge.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
December 18, 2009.
NORTH WEST DIVORCE APPLICATIONS: FOUR TIMES AS HIGH, SIX WEEKS EARLY.
Appointments to discuss or file for divorce are running at four times the normal level for December, confirming worst beliefs that January 2010 will be one of the busiest periods ever for marriage splits in the North West.
Family department solicitors at SAS Daniels LLP, which has offices in Stockport, Macclesfield, Chester, Congleton and Bramhall, say each of its specialist family lawyers would normally expect to take on fewer clients than usual in the run up to Christmas - around one new client a week - but some are taking on one a day.
“People have been battling to keep marriages intact, but many have simply cracked and crumbled under the relentless pressure of recession. People see the Christmas break as a hiatus in their lives during which they can end one chapter and try to start the next,” said Shelley Hesford of SAS Daniels LLP.
“There is also no doubt that an improvement in the housing market has been an influence, with more cash being realised from the sale of the marital home.
“To my knowledge this is the busiest our firm has ever been for instructions to proceed on filing for divorce.
“In December 2007 our family lawyers were taking on one divorce client a week each – in December 2008 the family team was taking on between two and five new clients a week each, with an average of three a week for each team member, but in December 2009 we have each been taking instructions for as many as nine divorce clients a week.
“The figures for those seeking marriage counseling are up, but clearly many couples believe they have left things long enough, their marriage is over and that they want to get on with matters as soon as possible.
“People realise that by delaying they are simply prolonging the agony – some of our clients have been sitting on the fence for months, but they now want to move fast and start new lives as quickly as possible. The improvement in the housing market is another relevant factor.
“There’s no doubting that an emotional time such as Christmas has pushed many people over the edge.”
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley or Megan Codling
07788 978800 / 07795 848586
im@pressrelations.co.uk / mc@pressrelations.co.uk / www.sasdaniels.co.uk
RECORD SALES FOR HOUSING UNITS AS CHRISTMAS SIMPLY KEEPS GOING.
HOUSING UNITS
PRESS RELEASE
December 18, 2009.
RECORD SALES FOR HOUSING UNITS AS CHRISTMAS SIMPLY KEEPS GOING.
Sales in Housing Units’ Christmas department reached record levels in the first half of December, with sales of seasonal goods reaching record levels, and the new Furniture Outlet running beyond expectations.
Nearly 10,000 Christmas item transactions were recorded in the first week of December alone – 15% up on the highest previous in 2008 – and the momentum is continuing. Meanwhile, the new no-frills Furniture Outlet has outstripped sales forecasts every week since its launch in November.
“Sales of Christmas-themed goods have been strong since the day we opened the department back in September, with sales in October nearly 20% up on the same period in 2008,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.
“Since then, sales have been barrelling along and showing little sign of slowing. We’ve had to re-stock a number of lines that have proven pleasantly and unexpectedly popular.
“The new Furniture Outlet took off almost immediately; the goods available have clearly proven to be a good balance between traditional high-quality Housing Units style and a competitive price.”
The Failsworth, Manchester, store launched its Christmas decorations, trees and toys department on September 10.
“These sales figures are a clear sign that it was the right move for both Housing Units and our customers,” said Nick.
“The big movers have been nostalgia-based items, with traditional toys and games generating a great reaction, especially from young children - skipping ropes, labyrinth games, marionettes, knitting dolly kits, chalk boards, musical nutcracker soldiers, paint your own piggy banks and paint your own decorations being in great demand.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Failsworth to the north of Manchester. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.housingunits.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
December 18, 2009.
RECORD SALES FOR HOUSING UNITS AS CHRISTMAS SIMPLY KEEPS GOING.
Sales in Housing Units’ Christmas department reached record levels in the first half of December, with sales of seasonal goods reaching record levels, and the new Furniture Outlet running beyond expectations.
Nearly 10,000 Christmas item transactions were recorded in the first week of December alone – 15% up on the highest previous in 2008 – and the momentum is continuing. Meanwhile, the new no-frills Furniture Outlet has outstripped sales forecasts every week since its launch in November.
“Sales of Christmas-themed goods have been strong since the day we opened the department back in September, with sales in October nearly 20% up on the same period in 2008,” said Nick Fox of Housing Units.
“Since then, sales have been barrelling along and showing little sign of slowing. We’ve had to re-stock a number of lines that have proven pleasantly and unexpectedly popular.
“The new Furniture Outlet took off almost immediately; the goods available have clearly proven to be a good balance between traditional high-quality Housing Units style and a competitive price.”
The Failsworth, Manchester, store launched its Christmas decorations, trees and toys department on September 10.
“These sales figures are a clear sign that it was the right move for both Housing Units and our customers,” said Nick.
“The big movers have been nostalgia-based items, with traditional toys and games generating a great reaction, especially from young children - skipping ropes, labyrinth games, marionettes, knitting dolly kits, chalk boards, musical nutcracker soldiers, paint your own piggy banks and paint your own decorations being in great demand.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Failsworth to the north of Manchester. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.housingunits.co.uk
RAY OF SUNSHINE FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR.
HOUSING UNITS
PRESS RELEASE
January 5, 2010.
RAY OF SUNSHINE FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR.
You wait ages for a holiday to come along – and then all of a sudden two come along at once.
For no sooner had Ray Neville, from Newton Heath, Manchester, booked himself and wife Margaret on a winter break to sunny Spain, than he found himself being presented with a £2,000 holiday voucher as Housing Units’ 2009 Employee of The Year.
“My wife’s got the brochures out already, but we reckon our second holiday of 2010 will be a trip to New York,” said Ray, 57, who works in Customer Collections at Housing Units in Failsworth.
“It was shock enough being nominated in the final twelve and getting a bottle of champagne, but I was absolutely knocked out when my name was announced and I was called up to be named Employee of the Year.
“It’s the first thing I’ve ever won, but it was extremely exciting – a bit like being IN The X-Factor, what with the build-up and then the announcement itself.
“My wife is retiring this Christmas, so we treated ourselves to a bit of winter sun and booked a trip to Spain in January.
“We went on holiday to New York around ten years ago, but it was only a long weekend – we always said there was far more to see that we didn’t, and now we have the opportunity to go to all the places we couldn’t squeeze in last time round.”
Nick Fox, director of Housing Units, said: “There was a total of 170 nominations which were whittled down to 12. From that, the judges had a very difficult decision, but some of the comments made about Ray really gave him the edge: ‘nothing is too much trouble’; ‘helpful to customers and colleagues alike’; ‘a credit to the company’; ‘an outstanding contributor’.
“But, in fairness, Ray is representative of all of our staff, every one of whom we’d like to give a pat on the back.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.housingunits.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
January 5, 2010.
RAY OF SUNSHINE FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR.
You wait ages for a holiday to come along – and then all of a sudden two come along at once.
For no sooner had Ray Neville, from Newton Heath, Manchester, booked himself and wife Margaret on a winter break to sunny Spain, than he found himself being presented with a £2,000 holiday voucher as Housing Units’ 2009 Employee of The Year.
“My wife’s got the brochures out already, but we reckon our second holiday of 2010 will be a trip to New York,” said Ray, 57, who works in Customer Collections at Housing Units in Failsworth.
“It was shock enough being nominated in the final twelve and getting a bottle of champagne, but I was absolutely knocked out when my name was announced and I was called up to be named Employee of the Year.
“It’s the first thing I’ve ever won, but it was extremely exciting – a bit like being IN The X-Factor, what with the build-up and then the announcement itself.
“My wife is retiring this Christmas, so we treated ourselves to a bit of winter sun and booked a trip to Spain in January.
“We went on holiday to New York around ten years ago, but it was only a long weekend – we always said there was far more to see that we didn’t, and now we have the opportunity to go to all the places we couldn’t squeeze in last time round.”
Nick Fox, director of Housing Units, said: “There was a total of 170 nominations which were whittled down to 12. From that, the judges had a very difficult decision, but some of the comments made about Ray really gave him the edge: ‘nothing is too much trouble’; ‘helpful to customers and colleagues alike’; ‘a credit to the company’; ‘an outstanding contributor’.
“But, in fairness, Ray is representative of all of our staff, every one of whom we’d like to give a pat on the back.”
Housing Units – known for its top-hatted doormen - was established in 1947. It is a family-owned furnishings retailer based in Wickentree Lane, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BA, next to Junction 22 of the M60. It stocks 30,000 high-quality lines across a range of departments in two buildings and prides itself on its unique style of customer service, the value of its goods and the shopping experience it provides.
Ends
Further information:
Iain Macauley
0161 929 0446/07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk
www.housingunits.co.uk
MPs expenses iPhone App now available.
PRESS RELEASE
SATOSOFT
MPs expenses iPhone App now available.
January 05, 2010.
A new iPhone application that allows constituents access to their MP’s expenses file has been launched as the General Election campaigning gets underway.
“MP Expenses”, from Satosoft, provides easy access to the information that UK MP’s have tried to cover up for years.
“MPs will be dreading this application which will mean that the information superhighway delivers angry constituents straight to their door. At the touch of a button you can look at your MP’s expenses on your iPhone, which then helps you to send them an email to voice your views. Alternatively, you may find the need to call them on their direct line, also displayed on the iPhone,” said Graham French, founder of Satosoft..
“Six hundred and forty five MPs’ expenses condensed in an easy to read format, and then direct contact to voice your views about how they are spending your hard earned cash -the newspapers have done their job in bringing this subject into the open, but we thought of this application because so many people want to find out more details on their MP but it’s not easy.
“This application means within a couple of minutes you have the knowledge to question them directly about their free spending behaviours with your money on your time.
“We’ve had excellent customer feedback already, customers have found it informative and entertaining,” said French.
“We built it to show people that MPs are more accessible than you would think. You don’t have to write a letter or meet them face-to-face. You can contact them instantly. The favourite feature so far is the ability to email the MPs direct and phone their offices.
iPhone user Penny Searles from Hampshire said: “This is just a great application for my iPhone; some of my friends and I looked at my MP’s expenses and couldn’t believe some of the stuff on there - stuff that my taxes paid for. Within minutes we emailed him from the phone and asked for an explanation, something I wouldn’t have been able to do without some research.”
Ends
Satosoft is an independent, innovative, iPhone software producer. If you would like further information on the MP Expenses application or Satosoft, or you would like to schedule an interview, please contact:
Graham F French, Founder, Satosoft
Phone: +44 (0) 7767 79 71 77
www.satosoft.com
Email: graham.french@satosoft.com
Twitter: twitter.com/satosoft
SATOSOFT
MPs expenses iPhone App now available.
January 05, 2010.
A new iPhone application that allows constituents access to their MP’s expenses file has been launched as the General Election campaigning gets underway.
“MP Expenses”, from Satosoft, provides easy access to the information that UK MP’s have tried to cover up for years.
“MPs will be dreading this application which will mean that the information superhighway delivers angry constituents straight to their door. At the touch of a button you can look at your MP’s expenses on your iPhone, which then helps you to send them an email to voice your views. Alternatively, you may find the need to call them on their direct line, also displayed on the iPhone,” said Graham French, founder of Satosoft..
“Six hundred and forty five MPs’ expenses condensed in an easy to read format, and then direct contact to voice your views about how they are spending your hard earned cash -the newspapers have done their job in bringing this subject into the open, but we thought of this application because so many people want to find out more details on their MP but it’s not easy.
“This application means within a couple of minutes you have the knowledge to question them directly about their free spending behaviours with your money on your time.
“We’ve had excellent customer feedback already, customers have found it informative and entertaining,” said French.
“We built it to show people that MPs are more accessible than you would think. You don’t have to write a letter or meet them face-to-face. You can contact them instantly. The favourite feature so far is the ability to email the MPs direct and phone their offices.
iPhone user Penny Searles from Hampshire said: “This is just a great application for my iPhone; some of my friends and I looked at my MP’s expenses and couldn’t believe some of the stuff on there - stuff that my taxes paid for. Within minutes we emailed him from the phone and asked for an explanation, something I wouldn’t have been able to do without some research.”
Ends
Satosoft is an independent, innovative, iPhone software producer. If you would like further information on the MP Expenses application or Satosoft, or you would like to schedule an interview, please contact:
Graham F French, Founder, Satosoft
Phone: +44 (0) 7767 79 71 77
www.satosoft.com
Email: graham.french@satosoft.com
Twitter: twitter.com/satosoft
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