HARD TIMES FAIL TO KNOCK CHARITY SUPPORT

Despite very challenging times, staff at LTI Vehicles have dug deep into their pockets to the benefit of two local charities.

Throughout 2009, staff at the Holyhead Road firm, took part in a range of fundraising activities to raise £645 for the NSPCC and Myton Hospice.

The money will be used to support abused young people at the NSPCC Boole House project and to let staff at Myton Hospice continue the care provision for patients and their families.

Peter Shillcock, managing director at LTI Vehicles, said: "This is a tremendous effort by our workforce and a huge thank you must go out to each and everyone of them. Times may be hard, but staff have parted with their money to help those less fortunate then themselves."

For more information about LTI Vehicles visit www.lti.co.uk

ENDS

Picture caption: from left to right, Tina Hayes from NSPCC, Margaret Hitchens from LTI, Emma Weaver from LTI, Claire McDowell from Myton Hospice

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR.

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

CZECH REPUBLIC HAILS THE ARRIVAL OF THE LONDON TAXI

The famous lines of the iconic London Taxi will soon be transporting passengers throughout the streets of the Czech Republic.

Hotels, local companies and businesses are set to take advantage of the unique service as they extend the facility to their guests and international business travellers who will want to use the legendary vehicle for their visit.

“We know the London Taxi is going to be a hit in Prague as we have received a large number of advanced enquiries,” said Matthew Cheyne, International Market Development Director for The London Taxi Company.

“A search has now started to source a partner who will import the vehicle into the Czech Republic and provide sales and aftersales support. We believe this opportunity will give businesses a unique advantage over the competition and I’m sure that very soon we will start seeing the taxi being used on the streets of Prague.”

The current version of the London Taxi is built in China to British standards by LTI Vehicles and their joint venture company Geely and will be operated by both individual drivers and limousine companies to introduce a new London style service. Drivers will be trained in customer care techniques and given lessons on sight seeing tours so they can point out places of interest to their passengers.

Anyone wanting to find out more about The London Taxi Company should visit www.londontaxis.co.uk, www.lit.co.uk or email enquiries@londontaxis.co.uk.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of LTI Vehicles by Connect PR. For further information call +44 (0)1902 714957.

VACANCIES AS WEST LONDON VOLKSWAGEN OFFICIALLY OPENS

A West London car retailer is celebrating after a successful launch to mark the opening of its new showroom.

The four-day event at West London Volkswagen boosted weekend sales by over £20,000 as over 100 people watched the new site officially opened.

Guests were also given a tour of the new service centre, which is now fully open.

The retailer’s move is good news for jobs in the area, as West London Volkswagen is looking to employ three more technicians.

Shaun Kirby, West London Volkswagen’s brand manager said, “Since the move from our old site business has gone from strength to strength.

“We have been extremely busy as customers come to see the new facilities, mainly because we’re the only official Volkswagen service centre in the area.

“In addition we’re actively recruiting for more technicians to help staff the bigger service centre.”

City accountants shortlisted for top award for the second year running

One of the city’s leading accountancy firms is celebrating after being nominated for a top award for the second year running.

Chartered accountancy practice, Lancaster & Co incorporating Haskins & Co, has been short listed for the 2010 West Midlands Chartered Accountancy Firm of the Year award. Run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the award is in the category of practices with up to five partners.

The firm is delighted to be nominated for a second year and believes that its knowledge of clients’ businesses and an understanding of their needs are at the heart of its success.

Senior partner Nick Beesley said “We are delighted to have been short listed for such a prestigious award for the second time, and we feel that it is very rewarding for smaller companies to be acknowledged in this way.”

The firm’s services for clients include sourcing of finance, proactive tax advice, commercial advice and the claiming of Research and Development Tax credits.

Lancaster & Co. is based on Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton. The firm employs 28 specialists and has five partners.

Further information:
David Evans: (01902) 424261

WAYSIDE TRANSPORTS MOVIE ICONS TO THE ROAD

Movie fans may be mistaken in thinking the premiere of the film version of the 80’s TV series, The A Team, has come early as the famous black and red striped van takes to the streets of Milton Keynes.

The enduring iconic van will join two other TV classic vehicles as Wayside Van Centre marks the arrival of the new Volkswagen Transporter range.

The Bletchley-based Volkswagen Van Centre will transform its new Transporter courtesy fleet by recreating the bright orange General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard and the Starsky and Hutch red and white Gran Torino, in addition to The A Team van.

Inspired by Wayside’s aftersales manager, Buck Rogers, the memorable vans are aimed at bringing a smile to the faces of the residents of Milton Keynes as Duncan Sands, Wayside’s Head of Business explains.

“The stylish new Volkswagen Transporter range is quieter and more economical with the Euro5 common rail TDI engines, but we wanted to make lots of noise about its arrival.

“Recreating the distinctive brightly coloured classic 80’s favourites seemed a fitting tribute to Volkswagen’s latest commercial vehicle. The Transporters will become part of our courtesy vehicle fleet provided to our customers whose own vehicles are been serviced.

“We hope our customers will have as much fun driving the new vans as we’ve had creating them”. To quote the famous A Team character, Col John ‘Hannibal’ Smith, ‘I love it when a plan comes together’.

The new generation Transporter embodies a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engine, which offers greater power and torque levels extending service intervals to a maximum of 25,000 miles, reducing running costs.

There are a number of new aesthetic and mechanical features that set new standards of finery plus optional new safety features such as a tyre monitoring system to alert drivers of changes in tyre pressure and ‘side assist’, which warns the driver if there are vehicles in the blindspot.

For more information from the Wayside Van Centre on Bilton Road Bletchley visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/van-centres/wayside/ or phone 01908 366300.

For further information please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oates on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

TOP LYRECO AWARD FOR MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO. UK

Mitsubishi Pencil Co. UK has been awarded the coveted Lyreco European Logistics Award.

Judges praised the performance of the leading stationery brand and recognised the firm’s exceptional logistics below 35 SKUs in Europe.

Paul Phelan, managing director at MPC UK. said: “We are delighted to win this award for the second year running in recognition of having the best logistics performance in our category across Europe. This is a great achievement for everyone involved and puts us in a strong position looking ahead to the UK Lyreco Awards next month.”

To find out more about Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Litigators lunch set to debate the issues of the day

One of the West Midlands’ leading dispute resolution lawyers is chairing a lunch for the region’s litigators and others involved in dispute resolution.

Julia Lowe, head of Higgs & Sons’ dispute resolution team, is holding the LAW (Litigation at Work) lunch on 28 April 2010 at The Four Stones Restaurant, Adams Hill, Clent.

The event aims to bring together professionals involved in litigation in a social context with the opportunity to enhance contacts and share knowledge.

Speaking of the event, Julia said: “This is an excellent way for fellow professionals involved in all aspects of litigation to meet and discuss the issues of the day. This is our first lunch of 2010, following a similar, very successful, event last year.”

The event begins at 12.30pm for registration and finishes at 2.30pm. To attend, register directly with Clare Smith by calling 0845 1115050 or by emailing clare.smith@higgsandsons.co.uk.

The event costs £15.50 (including VAT) per person and includes a two course meal.