Famous five in line for an Ultimate Finish

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has unveiled a famous five list of goalscorers who are in line to win its latest Ultimate Finish award.

Bury’s Mike Jones, Peter Sweeney (Grimsby Town), Aaron Wilbraham (MK Dons), Jason Demetriou (Leyton Orient) and Rickie Lambert (Southampton) have been shortlisted to win the competition’s goal of the round for the area quarter finals.

The five all grabbed the headlines for great finishes in their recent games and the one player with the most votes will win the trophy’s Ultimate Finish award.

AFC Bournemouth’s Brett Pitman and Leyton Orient’s Adrian Patulea were the round one and two winners respectively.

Supporters are asked to view exclusive video footage displayed on the website, featuring the five goals, with the most popular goal winning.

The best goal will be announced on the website and all fans that vote for the same winning goal will be shortlisted into a prize draw. Each round, the winning goalscorer will be presented with a “Johnstone’s Paint Ultimate Finish Award” and one lucky entrant will win an iPod nano.

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy’s sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick added: “Our Ultimate Finish awards have really captured the imagination. We are getting scores of votes after each round, and are delighted with the whole initiative.”

After the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final, fans and customers will then have the opportunity to vote for the ‘Best 3 Goals of the Season.’

The winning goalscorers will be presented with a “Johnstone’s Paint Ultimate Finish of the Season Award” and one lucky entrant will win a fantastic Sony Playstation 3 console with latest Fifa game.

To enter log onto http://www.johnstonespainttrophy.com/ from Friday November 27 and vote for your top goal from the area quarter final games played on the 11th and 12th November 2009.

Key dates for online voting along with the terms and conditions of entry can be found on the website at the point of entry.

Alternatively, call into your nearest Johnstone’s & Leyland decorating centre and pick up a postcard outlining the key dates and competition details.

Higgs on the case with family team appointments

Higgs & Sons, which already has one of the largest family teams in the West Midlands, is expanding even further with the appointment of Victoria Fellows.

Victoria, who joins the firm as an assistant solicitor, brings a wealth of experience having been in family law for over five years. She qualified at Atter McKenzie in Evesham and then joined Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham for four years and has been at Sharratts Family Law in Wolverhampton, for the past year.

The appointment comes at the same time as Philip Barnsley takes up the headship of the department from Steven Jackson. Philip said: “Victoria has a very impressive background and will further strengthen our team. She adds another dimension to our diverse team, which can only be seen as a positive thing by clients.

“I am really excited about the coming year as the team is growing rapidly and we possess a range of strengths and experience which, when put together, forms an impressive portfolio for our clients.”

Victoria said: “My move to Higgs will enable me to utilise my experience as part of a growing department and I am thrilled to be working for one of the leading firms in the West Midlands.

Philip continues: “We have also taken on Rhian Jervis who is a newly qualified solicitor. She brings fresh ideas to the team and will be an additional support to clients and us. The coming months will be very exciting for the firm as we move to our new office at 3 The Waterfront. Our ambition is to grow our department even further in this new state-of-the-art environment.”

Steven Jackson remains with the firm as a specialist consultant in the team.

Lubricant specialist boosts Motorsport College

A national training college is celebrating after securing a vital sponsorship deal with lubricant specialists, WD-40.

As part of the ongoing package, the Silverstone-based National College for Motorsport will receive a vital supply of WD-40 and its range of specialist oils from sister brand, 3-IN-ONE professional.

The college provides 16 to 24 year-olds with full time and apprenticeship race technician training opportunities to students looking for a career in motorsport, all at its purpose-built facility at The Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.

Many former learners have realised their dream of working within the industry at national and international level, including A1 GP, GP2 and even Formula 1.

Justin Downard, the college’s senior lecturer, said: “To provide the best education to our students, we need to provide them with the best products in the market.

“The sponsorship deal with WD-40 not only provides the best lubricant and oils in the world for them to work with, but it means the college can channel Government grants to other areas of the course, giving students a better level of training facilities.”

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, said: “As a company WD-40 is delighted to provide the college with a valued sponsorship package.

“Silverstone is the perfect setting for the college and provides WD-40 with a platform to demonstrate the high quality nature of all the company’s products, including the 3-IN-ONE professional range of oils.”

Ends

For more information contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714 957 / 07959 200 703 or email richard@connect-group.com

INSPIRATIONAL NEW DESIGNS FROM AMTICO

Amtico International reveals its darker side and vintage rustic charm with the arrival of this season’s latest flooring designs

Two new twists on the dark spectrum see the arrival of Linear Metallic and Amtico Dark Slate while a fashion for salvage and recycling welcomes Amtico Treated Woods to the collection.

Linear Metallic’s four night shades enhanced with gold, copper and bronze strands, add a multifaceted shimmer to flooring with a hint of industrialised glamour. Saturated with threads of metal its streaked finish catches the eye creating depth and movement more commonly associated to textile.

Amtico Dark Slate is available in two ultra-slick finishes and has all the interest of the original, but can be used anywhere without fear of it cracking. It is available in XL tile formats, allowing fabulous effects that can’t easily be achieved in the natural material due to its weight.

Amtico Treated Woods brings together four pale neutrals, which look as if they’ve been washed, scrubbed and limed by hand. This instantly recreates an aged and rustic look that can be found in a weathered beach hut or converted barn.

Staying at the forefront of interior design trends is of paramount importance for Amtico’s success as UK marketing manager, Sian Lewis, explains.

She said: “Our design team continually observes the changing trends in interior designs which inspires and influences our collection.”

For further information on the Amtico range visit www.amtico.co.uk

Notes

The Linear Metallic range includes Linear Metallic Jet, Steel, Spice and Jewel.

The Dark Slate range includes Slate Noire and Graphite Slate.

The Treated Wood range includes Lime Wash Wood, White Wash Wood, Limed Grey Wood and Natural Limed Wood.

For further information, please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

WINTER FAYRE TO BOOST HOSPICE

A Shropshire car retailer is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for Severn Hospice by hosting a ‘Winter Fayre’, to celebrate the arrival of the latest Polo.

Inchcape Shrewsbury is transforming its showroom with a variety of local businesses providing stalls to offer customers an early chance to buy a Christmas present.

Money will be raised through a raffle, for which all stallholders have donated a unique prize, and also a donation from profits on the evening will be going towards the Hospice fund.

Refreshments will be provided giving everyone a chance to eat, drink and be merry.

Inchcape Volkswagen’s brand manager, Pete Southall, said: “This is an ideal way for people to look for that special Christmas present and raise money for a local cause at the same time.

“I hope many people come along and help us reach our target of over £1,000 for Severn Hospice.

“With stalls ranging from companies including a vineyard, smokery, cosmetics and sweets, the event is set to set taste buds tingling and give the Hospice vital funds for the winter period.”

Inchcape Shrewsbury’s Winter Fayre takes place at the Vanguard Way showroom from 6pm-9pm on Wednesday 25th November.

For further information please contact Richard Knowles, 01902 714 917 or 07595 200 703. E-mail: richard@connect-group.com

CASH UP FOR GRABS FOR LUCKY LICENCE NUMBERS

Lucky licensed hackney carriage drivers are in with a chance to win £500 every month in a free prize draw organised by London Taxi dealership Mann & Overton Birmingham.

The first draw was held as part of an Open Day, on Wednesday 18 November at Mann & Overton’s showroom on Junction Six Industrial Estate in Birmingham. Any licensed hackney carriage driver whose up-to-date details were registered with Mann & Overton will be included in the draw each month.

John Loakes, M&O Birmingham’s General Manager, said: “We are calling upon hackney carriage drivers to send in their details for a chance to win our monthly cash jackpot. You can do this by visiting our website www.mannandoverton.com and completing the ‘You must be in it to win it’ entry form or come and visit us at our showroom.

“This ongoing prize draw not only rewards our region’s dedicated taxi drivers, but by registering their details it also ensures our customers receive the latest special offers and promotions.”

A series of Open Days are planned between now and the end of the year, where customers have the chance to view the popular TX4 and place orders before the VAT increase in January, as well as enter the ‘In it to win it’ free prize draw.

Mann & Overton is the UK’s number one retailer of the famous London Taxi, a globally-recognised brand built in Coventry.

For more information please visit www.lti.co.uk.

ENDS

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

For further information call Lee Southen on +44 (0)1902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

Higgs consolidates growth with major move

Law firm’s £1.5 million investment in 3 Waterfront Business Park is one of the largest commercial property deals this year.

Leading Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons has announced it is to move its 170-strong team to prestigious new offices on the Waterfront in Brierley Hill.

The £1.5 million move to Westfield’s 3 Waterfront Business Park will create the largest legal office in the Black Country and comes on the back of financial results announced for the year ending October 2009, which once again saw the firm increase its turnover.

The new building will provide Higgs with 30,000 square feet of leading edge facilities which will house the firm’s 76 lawyers under one roof and provide clients with one central hub for all services, meetings and events.

Senior partner, Ian Shovlin, said: “This is one of the biggest events in our 135 year history. The move is great news for both our expanding team and our clients.

“2009 has been a challenging year for all businesses, so we’re particularly pleased with our financial results which saw us increase turnover to near on £9 million.

“We are an ambitious firm and the new facility means that we can continue to offer our clients the very best legal advice but now in a purpose designed building which not only meets our requirements today but also as we grow in the future. ”

In 2009 Higgs has added 14 new lawyers to its team and four trainees.

Higgs has signed a 10 year lease on the new building. The move will bring together Higgs’ team which is based across offices in Brierley Hill and Stourbridge. The firm will keep its presence in Kingswinford to serve the local community.

Real estate advisors DTZ supported Higgs on the move. David Tonks, DTZ Birmingham director said: “This is one of our biggest regional deals this year and indeed one of the biggest deals in the West Midlands. The new property is a true reflection of Higgs and its vision for the future and we’re delighted to have supported them on this significant move.”

The move is scheduled for February 2010.

LISTERS TAKES POLE POSITION WITH MOTORING FANS

Stratford-upon–Avon’s Volkswagen dealership, Listers, is inviting Motorsport fans to join in its celebrations to mark the launch of its partnership with ABT Sportsline, UK suppliers of ABT performance products and sponsors of the winning DTM motor racing team.

The high octane activity at Listers Volkswagen will roar into action at the Western Road retailer on Saturday 14th November from 9.45 startsing with bacon sandwiches.

ABT Sportsline GmbH is renowned as the reigning champions of the DTM racing, Europe‘s most popular touring car race series. Fresh from their 2009 victory, the DTM racing team technicians will have a selection of DTM race performance cars.

Throughout the day fans will be able to get a ‘behind the scene tour’ of the 2009 ABT DTM race truck and rally cars, navigate an ABT Scirocco around an obstacle course in the fastest time and get technical advice from the ABT race team in the ‘car clinic’.

An exclusive talk by former team principal of ABT, Thomas Biermaier, will keep fans entertained in addition to the display of ABT performance products.

Motoring enthusiasts will have the chance of winning a VIP trip to the ABT factory in Bavaria and a two day VIP package for two at a 2010 DTM racing event.

Through its partnership with ABT Sportsline, Listers will supply ABT performance products on all models including; sport wheels, aerodynamic body kits, suspension and exhaust technology and interior enhancements, all without affecting the manufacturer’s warranty.

Scott Jenkins, Brand Manager of Listers said: “This is a very exciting time for Listers and our customers and we are looking forward to working with such a prestige and highly regarded performance brand as ABT Sportsline.

“We will now provide a dedicated team of specialists for technical advice and support on the entire ABT performance range allowing drivers the opportunity to unleash their car’s true potential in complete confidence.”

ABT Sportsline GmbH is the reigning champion of the DTM racing, Europe‘s most popular touring car race series. Its strong links with the Volkswagen Audi Group has set trends in both technology and design with the brand for over 40 years.

Spaces to Listers’ launch event are limited and it is requested you contact Listers Stratford to reserve your place on 01789 294477.

For further information on the ABT performance products at Listers Volkswagen and Audi visit www.listersgroup.co.uk/ABT

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or suefoster@connect-group.com

STATELY HOME CHRISTMAS EXPLOSION

Weston Park has un-wrapped a host of festive treats which are set to delight and entertain all the family.

Visitors can dine by candlelight, do lunch in the Orangery, take a ride on the Santa train, stay overnight in the stately home and purchase the Christmas turkey and seasonal goodies from the Granary Farm Shop.

New for 2009, the stately home on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border will host a Weston by Candlelight evening, taking place on Thursday 17th December. Starting with a glass of mulled wine guests will enjoy a three-course dinner in the stunning Dining Room surrounded by original works by Van Dyck and Lely.

Entertained by the Heart of England Strings the evening will conclude with selection of Christmas carols.

The new Christmas Lunch in the Orangery provides a stunning setting for office parties or a relaxing location for gatherings with family and friends.

The Santa Special train will take children through the wintery woods in the Weston Park Estate to meet Santa in his grotto where they can personally deliver their Christmas lists and receive a gift. The train will run every weekend during December (except 26th and 27th).

The Christmas Food and Craft Fayre, held in the Granary Farm Shop on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, will showcase the finest local produce. The Fayre will offer an array of festive delights and provide an ideal opportunity to sample a selection of regional produce on sale in the shop.

In addition, customers will be able to pre-order their meats, cheeses and groceries easing the stress associated with Christmas shopping, safe in the knowledge that their seasonal meal has been prepared, cooked, matured or grown in their local area.

The popular four course dining and overnight accommodation in the stately home is set to return offering a first class cuisine and luxurious mini break as Andrea Webster, Weston Park’s marketing executive explains.

She said: “Everyone likes to celebrate Christmas in a different way and we feel Weston Park has so much to offer that we have created a comprehensive festive calendar to cater for all ages and budgets.”

The Christmas Food & Craft Fayre is free to enter.

The Weston by Candlelight, dinner in the House costs £60 per person and includes a three-course meal, a welcome drink on arrival and entertainment.

Traditional Christmas Dining costs £75 per person and includes a four-course dinner, coffee and chocolate truffles and entertainment. Bed and breakfast in the House is £160 per room.

Tickets for the Santa Special is £7.00 for adults and £9.00 for children (12 and under).

For further information on all Christmas events at Weston Park visit: www.weston-park.com.

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

SWANSEA PREMIER CLUB NETS NEW PARTNERSHIP

A South Wales car retailer has extended its support of the Liberty Stadium, home of Swansea City Football and the Ospreys RFU, by becoming the Premier Club’s Partner in an ongoing relationship.

Sinclair Group, the Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes, Smart and Skoda retailer, launched its partnership on Saturday (7th November) at the local derby between The Swans and Cardiff City, where Swansea emerged with a 3-2 win.

Wales’ largest Motor Group has been involved with the Premier Club since it’s inception in 2005, however, this recent collaboration is stronger than ever before helping to further support all levels and abilities that play and train within the stadium

Speaking of the new Premier Club sponsorship Paulo Sousa, Swansea City Football Manager said: “The Premier Club is really pleased to have Sinclair Group on board and looks forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them.

“Support from local businesses is vital for the future sustainability of the stadium and in continuing to develop talent from the ‘minis’ through to senior levels.”

Clive Williams, Sinclair's group operations manager added: “We are delighted to be working with the Premier Club at the Liberty Stadium. It delivers a fantastic service to the local community, providing a positive team ethic for all levels and ages in the area.

“Everyone within our Group is looking forward to developing our relationship with the Premier Club and it’s members, which currently stands at almost 500 local businesses’.”

The Sinclair Group is a family owned company which was established in 1945 and has become one of the largest and most successful motor groups across the UK. The Group supplies new and approved used Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, Smart and Commercial Vehicles in addition to its car hire, servicing, body shop and independent contract hire facilities.

Picture Caption: The launch of the Sinclair sponsorship. Left to right; Clive Williams, Sinclair Volkswagen Operations Manager, Paulo Sousa, Swansea City FC Coach/Manager, Catherine Beer, Premier Club Manager, Paul Thorburn, ex Welsh Rugby captain and Andrew Edwards, Group Sales Manager, Sinclair Mercedes-Benz.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or suefoster@connect-group.com

Connect appointed as build agency on new Land Rover website

Connect has been appointed as build partner for Land Rover’s new global website.

The appointment comes on the back of its successful work earlier this year with Jaguar Land Rover on its new website configurator.

As part of its remit, the Wolverhampton full service agency will work with Land Rover's web content management partner on the development and integration of Land Rover’s new website and will work with Land Rover’s other creative agencies in delivering the project. As before, Connect’s digital team will power, build and deploy the new Land Rover configurator.

Jose Espinosa, Connect’s director of digital services, said of the appointment: “This is a further demonstration of our capabilities in delivering innovative digital solutions as well as managing budgets and agencies. We’ve got some of the best digital brains in the business and it’s fantastic to be recognised for this again.”

2009 is proving to be one of Connect’s best ever years. So far this year the agency has picked up briefs from WD-40, Volkswagen, Goodyear Dunlop, Uniball and Ekornes.

Picture shows Jose Espinosa

James Wade signs sponsorship deal with WD-40

World number three darts player James Wade is stepping up to the oche with a new sponsorship deal under his belt. WD-40 is behind the ‘new face’ of darts until at least the end of 2010, for a significant five-figure sum.

See the video now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIeEoZCWYtA.

WD-40 scores a bullseye with sponsorship deal

World number three darts player James Wade is stepping up to the oche with a new sponsorship deal under his belt. WD-40 is behind the ‘new face’ of darts until at least the end of 2010, for a significant five-figure sum.

The rising star from Cobham, who is just 26 years old, has climbed the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) world rankings year after year and in 2008 he became the first player to beat Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in the Premier League since the event started in 2005.

Following the sponsorship announcement James said: “It is fantastic news that such a big brand wants to provide significant support to me. I regularly used WD-40 when I was a mechanic and can’t believe it’s now on my shirt.

“This is the first sponsorship deal I have had that has not been related to the traditional sponsors in darts and marks a new era for the sport. I look forward to working with WD-40 and hope the backing helps me win more titles.”

European managing director for WD-40, Bill Noble, said: “We felt that darts was the perfect sport to link up with as it fits well with our target audience and has the second highest viewing figures for sport after Premiership football.

“James is a very talented player who is dedicated to the sport and is doing extremely well at such a young age and has a lot of potential to go much further.

“We look forward to cheering him on at the Grand Slam of Darts, later this month.”

The sponsorship begins at the Grand Slam of Darts on Saturday 14th November in Wolverhampton as James hopes to add the title to the Premier League he won in May.

James showed off his talents at the official launch day of the sponsorship deal by playing a few friendly games against journalists and WD-40 staff including Bill Noble. Needless to say he remained undefeated, with no one coming close to beating the world number three.

LISTERS TAKES POLE POSITION WITH MOTORING FANS

Listers Volkswagen dealerships, are inviting motorsport fans to join in its celebrations to mark the launch of its partnership with ABT Sportsline, UK suppliers of ABT performance products and sponsors of the winning DTM motor racing team.

The high octane activity at Listers Volkswagen will roar into action at its Stratford-upon-Avon site on Western Road on Saturday 14th November.

ABT Sportsline GmbH is renowned as the reigning champions of the DTM racing, Europe‘s most popular touring car race series. Fresh from their 2009 victory, the DTM racing team technicians will bring a selection of DTM race performance cars.

Throughout the day fans will be able to get a ‘behind the scene tour’ of the 2009 ABT DTM race truck and rally cars, navigate an ABT Scirocco around an obstacle course in the fastest time and get technical advice from the ABT race team in the ‘car clinic’.

An exclusive talk by former team principal of ABT, Thomas Biermaier, will keep fans entertained in addition to the display of ABT performance products.

Motoring enthusiasts will have the chance of winning a VIP trip to the ABT factory in Bavaria and a two day VIP package for two at a 2010 DTM racing event.

Through its partnership with ABT Sportsline, Listers will supply ABT performance products on all models including; sport wheels, aerodynamic body kits, suspension and exhaust technology and interior enhancements, all without effecting the manufacturer’s warranty.

Phil Smart, brand manager of Listers Coventry said: “This is a very exciting time for Listers and our customers and we are looking forward to working with such a prestige and highly regarded performance brand as ABT Sportsline.

“We will now provide a dedicated team of specialists for technical advice and support on the entire ABT performance range allowing drivers the opportunity to unleash their car’s true potential in complete confidence.”

ABT Sportsline GmbH is the reigning champion of the DTM racing, Europe‘s most popular touring car race series. Its strong links with the Volkswagen Audi Group has set trends in both technology and design with the brand for over 40 years.

Spaces to Listers’ launch event are limited and it is requested you contact Listers Stratford to reserve your place on 01789 294477.

For further information on the ABT performance products at Listers Volkswagen and Audi visit www.listersgroup.co.uk/ABT

For further information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or suefoster@connect-group.com

WD-40 scores 180 with darts sponsorship and sales

It’s game on for one of Britain’s most famous brands, which has stepped up to the oche by announcing a fantastic year of sales as well as a major sports sponsorship.

The world number one lubricant company, WD-40 has seen sales and profits continue to grow despite difficult trading conditions over the past 12 months.

European managing director, Bill Noble, believes this is down to people making do and mending items rather than buying new.

He said: “It appears that in the recession, more people than ever are making do and mending which is great news for us, as it has meant our sales have been boosted. However, this growth has not been a sudden trend as the European operation has tripled its sales over the last decade and this is expected to continue over the next few years. Europe has grown to around a third of Group sales (approx $100m) with a significant portion of that from the UK.

“This seemed an ideal time to strengthen the brand even further and we are delighted to announce the sponsorship of the world number three darts player, James Wade. He is not only the perfect role model for WD-40, but he is also an ex-mechanic who is aware of the brand and its benefits. We are confident that our partnership with James will help us reach an even wider audience.”

WD-40 is behind the ‘new face’ of darts until at least the end of 2010, for a significant five-figure sum.

Picture shows Bill Noble, European managing director, WD-40 with James Wade, darts player.

Issued by WD-40 marketing support. For further information please contact Hazel Crawford-Upton or Richard Knowles at Connect PR on 01902 714 957 or email hazel@connect-group.com or richard@connect-group.com

Paul O' Neill wins Magnum Moment

The HiQ British Touring Car Championship’s very own ‘Mr Popular’ has underlined his status as a fans’ favourite after scooping another prestigious award.

Kettering’s Paul O’ Neill has won HiQ’s inaugural Magnum Moment prize for his emotional podium finish at Snetterton in August.

It means that of all the HiQ champagne moments issued throughout the season, Paul’s has been voted as the most popular.

With 31 per cent of the votes, he narrowly beat Jason Plato, whose hat-trick of wins at Brands Hatch came second (25), while Mat Jackson’s two wins at Silverstone was voted third (16 per cent).

Fan Mike Bowers of Gloucester was picked at random to win two tickets to the Night of Champions in Stratford on Saturday, where they will present Paul with a magnum of champagne.

They will also win complimentary race tickets for the first race of 2010 at Thruxton, along with a grid walk of the track before one of the races.

Paul said: “What a fantastic year. I can’t honestly believe have won this award. It caps a memorable season for me and I look forward to meeting Mike and Jenna on Saturday evening.”

HiQ’s BTCC marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “We had a suspicion that Paul O’Neill would win the award. He was an extremely popular winner of our champagne moment, and we are delighted for him.

“It has been another tremendous year both on and off the track for HiQ, and we would like to give fans another opportunity to win a great prize with us.”

For your nearest HiQ centre click on www.hiqonline.co.uk