Friday 29 October 2010

CHRISTINE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS AT RETAILER

A grandmother who thought she wouldn’t last a week in a job, has just celebrated 30 years with the same company.

Christine Varley from Ramsbottom arrived late on her first day at Bury’s Volkswagen retailer, but survived and is now considered ‘part of the furniture’ at Smith Knight Fay.

The 63-year-old was presented with a bottle of champagne and flowers from the company’s UK head, Conor McCormack, in a pre-planned surprise visit.
Christine said: “I started after my children went to school and now consider this a huge part of my life.

“I only work part-time now and was getting ready to go home when Conor to surprised me to thank me for my service.

“I was very shocked but delighted with the wonderful flowers and champagne; it’s an honour the company’s boss has spent time coming to see me

“Since my husband Stephen died my job means everything to me and I have some good friends here. The atmosphere is brilliant and it’s like working as part of my extended family.”

But it all could have been so different for Christine after getting lost on her first day in 1980.

She added: “I didn’t think I’d last the rest of the week after arriving late, never mind 30 years!

“Everyone has been brilliant about my anniversary, it’s one of the reasons I come to work every day with a smile on my face.

“Will I be here in another 30 years? We’ll have to wait and see!”

Smith Knight Fay Bury’s brand manager, Steve Thomas, said: “Christine is part of the furniture here and everyone enjoys working with her.

“Conor’s surprise visit had been planned months in advance and he felt it was important to thank Christine for all her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to her job.”

CHARITY MATCH IS A WINNING SUCCESS

The Swansea City All Stars stormed to victory in a charity football match against the Sinclair Group, which saw over £3,000 raised for a young mother, who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Nicole Blower, from Maesteg, had previously been working at Sinclair Volkswagen in Bridgend as a customer service advisor before suffering from severe headaches which eventually led to emergency surgery.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a serious brain tumour on the same day she underwent an emergency caesarean and now faces an intensive course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

The event was organised by Sinclair Volkswagen and Sinclair Van Centre to help support Nicole, her husband Stefan and new son, Harvey, during this difficult time.

Over 200 of Nicole’s work colleagues and friends attended the match which saw Swansea stars Colin Pascoe and Alan Curtis amongst the goal scores.

Clive Williams, operations manager for Sinclair Volkswagen explained: “We were so pleased that Nicole was able to attend the match.

“We are delighted with the generosity and support from everyone and donations are still coming in.

“This is such a traumatic time for Nicole and her family and our thoughts are very much with them. We hope these funds will go towards helping them enjoy some very special moments together.”

Nicole was 36 weeks pregnant when she collapsed with serious headaches. Her healthy baby boy, Harvey, was born prematurely by an emergency caesarean section and within 24 hours Nicole had undergone two major operations to remove the tumour.

If you would like to send a donation please email helpnicole@sinclairgroup.co.uk.
Picture caption: l-r Andy Sinclair, Sinclair Group director, Nicole and Stefan Blower and Jonathan Sinclair, Sinclair Group director.

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

LANDSCAPE ARTIST REVEALS LATEST EXHIBITION

British landscape artist, Alistair Tucker will reveal his latest atmospheric works in an exhibition at a Midlands stately home where works will be available for purchase.

The contemporary portraits capture the seasonal changes of mountain views throughout Wales, the Lake District and the Irish coast and will be on display during the month of November at Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery on the Staffordshire / Shropshire border.

Currently the Head of Art at the Queen’s School in Cheshire, Alistair explains his artistic passion.He says: “The landscape is always changing depending upon the weather or the season; this excites me enormously and I see my art as a visual record of an ongoing playtime where I am searching, probing and observing what I see, feel and experience when I am outdoors.

“My aim is to preserve the frisson of the first encounter and to try and capture the timeless nature of the place, its presence and essence.”

The Alistair Tucker Exhibition runs throughout November at Weston Park’s Granary Art Gallery at Weston-under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8LE from 11am – 4pm.

For further information visit www.weston-park.com or call Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

Goodyear announces petrol giveaway


Tyre giant announces Gateshead as first location for its EfficientGrip fuel campaign with four more locations to follow

A nationwide campaign by tyre leader Goodyear to promote its environmentally friendly EfficientGrip tyres will be launched on Tuesday 2 November in Gateshead.

Goodyear is teaming up with five petrol stations across England to give motorists free petrol. The free £20 top up of unleaded or diesel fuel will be available for four hours each day or until stocks run out with an estimated 600 motorists expected to benefit at each location.

Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, said: “The campaign is designed to educate motorists on the benefits of fitting EfficientGrip tyres to their car. They can save financially as well as helping the environment.

“Once fitted, our EfficientGrip tyres could be saving motorists as much as 1 litre of fuel in every tank – this is because the tyre uses a new generation of tread compound, which reduces the amount of energy needed to make the tyre roll. This lower rolling resistance causes a lower rate of fuel consumption, reducing the C02 emissions a car emits.”

Goodyear’s generosity does not end at the pump. A £10 Sainsbury’s fuel voucher will also be given to customers for every EfficientGrip tyre they purchase at a participating HiQ outlet in the region or via www.hiqonline.co.uk.

Along with improving fuel efficiency, the tyre offers high-mileage, good wet braking performance, resistance to aquaplaning and a noticeably quiet ride.

Gateshead is one of five petrol giveaway locations across England. The next four will be announced during November with plenty of opportunity for people to benefit from the free fuel giveaway.

For further information about the campaign visit www.goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to journalists

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR. For further information call Hazel Crawford-Upton on 01902 714 959/07974 230690 or email hazel@connect-group.com.

Thursday 28 October 2010

FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR LADIES MOTORING MASTERCLASS

An Aberdeen car retailer is openings its doors for a night of motoring safety, fashion and gifts, designed exclusively for women.

The complimentary ‘Ladies Night Workshop’ will take place at Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer on Wednesday 10th November.

Ladies are asked to reserve a place at the Craigshaw Crescent event, which will cover essential car maintenance and repairs plus safety advice from Grampian Police.

In addition the Volkswagen retailer will transform its showroom into a shopping haven giving ladies the chance to purchase the latest winter designs from fashion boutique, ZOOMP, get Christmas gift ideas from Nova Gifts plus sample homemade chocolates from Chocolat Passions and Vie at Home’s new skincare range.

Nail technicians from Suzys Nails and Me to You Nails will be offering free file and polish, stylists from Toni & Guy will be providing hair consultations.

The event, is aimed at enhancing women’s motoring skills and providing practical tips on how to keep safe on the road when driving alone as Specialist Cars sales manager, Tony Lanni, explains.

He said: “Our technicians will deliver a range of workshops including how to change a tyre, top up engine oil and replace windscreen wipers. Grampian Police will provide advice on simple safety advice to take in the event of a breakdown or accident.”

“The action packed event has limited places so we are asking ladies to reserve their place by calling 01224 384000 or emailing pamela.miller@john-clark.co.uk.

The Ladies night Workshop will take place at Specialist Cars Volkswagen retailer on Craigshaw Crescent and will begin at 5.30pm through to 8.30pm.

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

GOODYEAR WINS AUTO EXPRESS TYRE TEST

Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ is the top Winter choice, with a stopping distance six car lengths shorter than a conventional tyre on snow.

The Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ has been declared as the safest tyre for the coming winter after a thorough test by Auto Express, Britain’s biggest selling weekly car magazine.

With the dangers and the chaos of the last Winter still fresh in the UK public’s mind, Auto Express organized an independent test to establish the safest tyre to survive another harsh winter.

The magazine tested seven brands of tyre that were designed for cold-weather, comparing them against one conventional summer tyre. The testing took place on snow, on a frozen lake in Sweden and also on dry and wet roads at a test facility.

Six Car lengths Shorter Stopping Distance

The most dramatic test was an emergency braking situation on snow, measuring the time it took for the car to slow from a mere 25mph.

The Goodyear stopped over two metres shorter than other winter tyres and a staggering twenty five metres shorter than the brand new summer tyre that was tested. That equates to a difference of six car lengths.

Kim Adams, Chief Tester at Auto Express stated that the standard tyre was “still doing close to 20mph when the Goodyear had stopped. And we only started braking from 25mph”

Traction to keep Britain moving in Winter

Auto Express also measured the traction when accelerating, noting that the Goodyear gripped with a performance well ahead of its rivals. In fact, compared to the comparison conventional tyre it had over three times the grip. “It’s no wonder our roads grind to a standstill everytime it snows. Imagine the improvement if we all had three times the grip!” added Kim.

Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ Not just a snow specialist

The Goodyear UltraGrip 7+ was a remarkable performer in the wet as well. In two tests that measure aquaplaning , the tyre dominated the testing with a score 18% higher than a rival all-season tyre in the type of road conditions the UK experiences every season!

This is the 12th test win for the company’s cold weather tyres this year alone. The company has won tests in the major winter tyre markets such as Germany and Austria, before dominating this inaugural comprehensive tyre test in the UK.

The legislation regarding winter tyres is diverse across Europe with countries as geographically diverse as Sweden and Slovenia having legislation that enforces the fitment of winter tyres. No such law exists yet in the UK, but the Auto Express results make a compelling case for such legislation. To find the location of your nearest Goodyear winter tyre dealer, go to the dealer locator at Goodyear.co.uk.

ENDS

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tyre companies. Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries around the world.

Goodyear’s innovations have set automotive standards for more than 100years.

Goodyear has been the pioneer of the innovative safety technology known as RunOnFlat, which allows a driver to continue on a journey with a punctured tyre. Goodyear is the world’s leading manufacturer of RunOnFlat tyres, with applications on various BMWs, the award winning Mini, Mercedes-Benz high performance cars, GM and other brands. Additional Goodyear RunOnFlat fitments are on the horizon, as the company’s designers are working with multiple automobile manufacturers on more than 150 RunOnFlat projects.

For more information on Goodyear and its products, visitwww.goodyear.co.uk

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

TALENTED SCHOOLGIRL CELEBRATES WINNING DESIGN


A creative Sydenham school girl is celebrating after her artistic talents have earned her first prize in a summer drawing competition.

Sixteen year old Katherine Mitchell outshone the competition from across London to win the top prize of £250 worth of POSCA marker pens from leading stationery brand uni-ball.

The competition was run to coincide with the opening of a new HobbyCraft store in Croydon. Young customers were asked to submit drawings showing what they would love to do during their summer holidays.

Katherine was presented with her prizes by HobbyCraft store manager David Westman at a special school assembly at Sydenham High School. Her colourful design featured an array of fun activities including gardening, camping, festivals and visiting the seaside.

Katherine said “I was thrilled to win the competition. I love to draw and can’t wait to start using my news pens.”

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball said: “The entries we received in the competition were outstanding and it was really hard to judge the winner.

“However, Katherine’s design stood out because it shows an imaginative range of ideas and we were particularly impressed by her use of colour.”

Three runners-up also received £50 worth of stationery goodies.

The competition was run in conjunction with the HobbyCraft superstore at Drury Crescent, off the Purley Way, Croydon.


For further information on uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Image caption:

Notes to Editors:

POSCA marker pens from leading stationery brand uni-ball come in a wide range of vibrant colours.

POSCA are great for blending and produce paint-like finishes without the hassle or mess. With a variety of line widths available from extra fine to chisel tip, POSCA can be easily used to produce a wide range of unique designs.

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

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

PA WINS TECHNOLOGICAL TREAT AT OFFICE*


A lucky office worker has become the envy of all her colleagues after winning a highly sought-after Apple iPad.

Kate Merrifield, PA to the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, scooped the top prize as part of Mitsubishi Pencil Co.'s attendance at office*.

Attracting big crowds to the fresh new event, the leading stationery firm asked visitors to throw their name into the ringmaster's top hat to win a great range of prizes. The promotion formed part of Mitsubishi's campaign to bring the office circus to life to celebrate the arrival of its Jetstream 101 writing instrument.

Kate said on hearing the news: “I’m over the moon to have won. I never expected to win such a great prize. It was great to be part of the office circus and I'm sure I'll put my iPad and Jetstream 101 to good use."

Presenting Kate with her prize was Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co. Stuart said: “office* had a great atmosphere and proved the ideal platform for us to promote our range of writing instruments. The show presented us with a fantastic opportunity to connect with office workers face to face and we will definitely consider returning next year."

Runners-up from the competition included Elinor Rowley, office manager at London’s Hyper Happen, who claimed a premier office lunch and Nicola Mardon, office manager at RBS Group, who collected a uni-ball professional gift pack.

For further information on uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Image caption: Mitsubishi Pencil Co. marketing manager Stuart Barker presents Kate Merrifield with her prize.

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

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

JUGGLER TOPS POLL OF OFFICE WORKERS


When it comes to the big top, most office workers compare themselves to the juggler, a survey has revealed.

35% of workers admitted they expertly juggled jobs and 4% identified with the fire breathing boss. Mitsubishi Pencil Co.’s survey of 1,000 office workers also discovered that 26% of people often freed themselves from problematic situations and 15% towered above a huge schedule of jobs.

The survey was commissioned by the leading stationery firm at office* - a fresh, new event aimed at meeting the business needs and aspirations of the modern office professional.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co., said: “As our survey shows, offices across the UK feature a real mix of colourful characters. It’s these individuals who champion our range of writing instruments.

“By bringing the circus to life at office* we successfully celebrated the launch of the Jetstream 101. Our beautifully balanced ballpoint pen that contains a unique low-viscosity ink and delivers an incredibly smooth and light writing experience.”

For further information on Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_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

Wednesday 27 October 2010

£1,000 FOR MONEY SAVING FAMILY

A Nottingham woman has won £1,000, a set of premium tyres and the opportunity to drive in a national car challenge, after been declared the nation’s thriftiest person by a global tyre giant.

Clare Selwood from Netherfield beat hundreds of entries to be declared the nation’s thriftiest driver by Goodyear. Clare and her family told Goodyear almost 100 money saving reasons why they should win the company’s nationwide search.

On Saturday 6th November, the mum will drive Goodyear’s eco vehicle in the Royal Automobile Club’s Brighton to London Future Car Challenge. The Ford Fiesta, equipped with Goodyear’s EfficientGrip tyres, will assist Clare in her bid to win the challenge.

The 60-mile trip that starts at Madeira Drive in Brighton and finishes at London’s Regent Street will see electric, hybrid and low emission vehicles battle it out to complete the journey using the least amount of energy possible.

Clare said: “I can’t believe I won simply because of our family’s money saving ways. I responded to an article in the Nottingham Post but I never expected to win.

“I’m a confident driver and drive our family vehicle in a fuel conscious manner. I’m hoping this will secure me a win for Goodyear.”

Goodyear’s PR support manager, Kate Rock added: “We were extremely impressed with Clare’s resourcefulness. She gave some excellent reasons why she would be the perfect candidate, for example she drives economically by not breaking and accelerating suddenly.”

Clare added: “I plan to fit our car with Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres as soon as possible, as they will help keep our fuel costs down. As for the £1,000 I aim to put this towards solar panels for our home which I have been saving towards for some time.”

LONG AWAITED INDI BAR SET TO LAUNCH

After months of preparation and millions of pounds of investment, the doors are set to open at the long-awaited stylish new venue in Wolverhampton.

Indi Bar, located on the corner of Lichfield Street and Princess Street in early November, will unveil the first phase of its expansive refurbishment on Thursday November 4th at an exclusive VIP launch, opening to the public on Friday 5th with a fantastic resident weekend.

The full extent of the project will not be revealed until Spring 2011, when the five-storey building comprising of a night club, members’ bar, lounge bar, restaurant and café bar, as well as a number of private-hire areas, will open, at a total cost of £3.5 million.

The first phase is a funky café bar that is as suited to a corporate daytime crowd seeking a chic venue for lunches and meetings as it is to evening revellers wanting a buzzing, stylish night-spot to relax with friends and enjoy music.

Sarah Leddington, general manager, said: “The refurbishment has attracted a huge amount of interest – partly because we have the luxury of occupying such a pivotal spot in the city, and partly because the Bar Leisure Group – the force behind the project – has an excellent reputation for creating superb leisure experiences.

“We’re opening at a great time – the weeks in the approach to Christmas are obviously a very busy time, and we’re expecting a very successful opening period.

"Our opening weekend is set to be a smash with the launch our main resident promotions. On the night of Friday 5th November, it’s Friday Fever, then our main weekly showcase event, Vanity, is launching on Saturday 6th. Both nights are free entry prior to 10pm, but if people want to avoid the queues and get onto the VIP guest list, they can email us in advance.

“Thursday’s launch will be an opportunity for business people from the region to come along and see the bar for themselves – we want to become a prime location for breakfast networking, business lunches and informal meetings and conferences,” she said.

To secure a guest list slot, people can email events.wolverhampton@indibar.co.uk.
The event starts at 8 pm on Thursday, and guests can enjoy a champagne and cocktail reception, sample some of the delicious dishes from the Indi Bar menu, and be entertained by resident DJs and live musicians until late.

-ends-

PRESS INVITATION: We would welcome your company at the VIP launch – please RSVP to faith@connect-group.com or events.wolverhampton@indibar.co.uk to ensure inclusion on the guest list.
Issued on behalf of Indi Bar by Connect PR
For further information, please contact Faith@connect-group.com . Tel: 01902 714957 – 07810 483450

JJ’S CHARITY BALL RAISES THOUSANDS

The third annual charity ball by JJ’s Sensory Play Centre has raised over £6,500 for the South Cheshire children’s charity.

A total of £6,550 was raised before, during and after the Oscar-themed ball at Tytherington Hall Golf Club.
Part of the money raised will go towards the ongoing fund, started by main sponsor Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen, to install a hydrotherapy pool at the Hurdsfield Industrial Estate centre.

The rest has already been allocated to buy new equipment to update and extend the sensory room.


JJ’s, which relies entirely on donations, is a soft padded multi-sensory facility that provides relaxation and stimulation for children and adults with special needs.

Joanne Griffiths, co-founder of JJ’s, said: “I’m delighted with the money raised as it means additional equipment can be installed immediately for the children to enjoy and benefit from.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local businesses, including Gilbert Lawton, and this is greatly appreciated by everyone at JJ’s.”

Nick Ashton, brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Macclesfield, said: “JJ’s provides a fantastic service to the community and we’re delighted to be able to continue our involvement in raising money and awareness of the charity.”

Monday 25 October 2010

All engines go for Calor at IMHX

Visitors to IMHX can learn how easy it is to reduce the environmental impact of their materials handling fleet by visiting the Calor stand (Hall 18, Stand 18M130).

Calor, the UK’s leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), will demonstrate how LPG fuelled forklift trucks can achieve high performance whilst being environmentally considerate.

On the topic of ‘high performance’, two of the stars of the prestigious British Touring Car Championships - Team Aon’s Tom Chilton, who won the independent driver’s championship, and teammate Tom Onslow Cole - will be on the stand to explain how Calor LPG gave them a ‘clean’ edge over the competition. You will also be able to meet the two Toms with their Ford Focus racing car, in the atrium.

Calor’s forklift truck national account manager Andy Kellet commented: “LPG performance is not just about raw speed down the straits; forklift truck operators and businesses can also benefit in the workplace.” He continued, “LPG offers many benefits and can dramatically reduce a fleet’s impact on the environment by both lowering harmful emissions and keeping noise levels to a minimum; and, at the same time, provide first class operational performance on a range of terrains, both indoors and outdoors.”

Calor LPG is a cleaner burning fuel boasting the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to diesel and electric(1) and produces 98 per cent fewer particulates compared to diesel(2). It is both lead and soot free and when forklift trucks are fitted with a three way catalyst carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons are reduced to virtually zero(3).

A visual indication of Calor LPG’s environmental benefits was demonstrated during recent independent tests at Millbrook Proving Ground where LPG vehicles were tested against diesel for emissions. White pads were placed over a 2.5 tonne LPG engine forklift truck exhaust pipe with the truck in operation before the same test was replicated using a 2.5 tonne diesel engine forklift truck for the same length of time. The results were conclusive with the LPG truck leaving hardly any deposits compared to the black exhaust mark on the diesel samples. See http://www.calor.co.uk/lpg-cars/forklifts/millbrook/ for more information.

Furthermore, Calor LPG powered forklifts are up to 10 decibels (dB(A)) quieter than a diesel forklift 4 which not only benefits operators who are exposed to forklifts on a daily basis but can also help keep noise to a minimum in residential areas, particularly when companies need to operate their forklift trucks during the night.

Calor’s forklift experts will be available at IMHX to explain all of the environmental benefits of LPG together with details of Calor’s flexible fuel supply options such as bulk tanks with telemetry capabilities, cylinders with magnatract® technology that reduces the risk of particles blocking the supply valve, and larger capacity fixed fuel tanks that reduce downtime.

To pre book time with a Calor specialist at IMHX and please email askcalor@calor.co.uk with IMHX in the subject line.

For more information on Calor’s supply solutions visit www.calor.co.uk/forklifts or call 0800 121 7841.

- ends -
Notes to editors

1 Reference: www.bre.co.uk/sap2009
2 Results confirmed during testing at Millbrook Proving Ground, August 2010, Report No.MBK 10/1403
3 Results confirmed during testing at Millbrook Proving Ground, March 2000, Report No. MBK 00/0373
4 Results confirmed during testing at Millbrook Proving Ground,, August 2010, Report No. MBK 10/1442

Thursday 21 October 2010

HiQ flying high for Breast Cancer Care

Some people may think its just plane crazy but a Derby man thought quite the opposite after completing a parachute jump, raising £250 for charity.

Simon Law, a mobile fitter for HiQ Derby on Abbey Street, completed the 3500 foot skydive over Nottingham airfield on Sunday in support of Breast Cancer Care.
Throughout October the HiQ fast fit network, which boasts150 centres nationwide, has targeted each one of its centres to raise £275 in its push to raise £100,000 for the charity.

And HiQ Derby’s fundraising efforts took off – quite literally – when Simon decided to take to the skies for the cause.

Speaking of his achievement, Simon said: “I have always wanted to skydive and what better way than to raise money for charity in the process.

“It was really nerve-racking but an experience I will never forget. I can’t wait to do it again!”

HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “It is great to see that our HiQ staff are going to such lengths to raise money.

“Well done to Simon and the HiQ Derby team for showing their support and raising a credible amount of money to help people affected by Breast Cancer.”

Black Country legal specialist appointed to Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel


One of the region's leading clinical negligence specialist solicitors has been appointed to the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Panel.


Clare Langford, an associate at Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons, is only one of a small number of clinical negligence lawyers to be appointed to the panel. Her appointment recognises her achievements within clinical negligence law which includes dealing with claims involving injuries of maximum severity and fatal cases.


Speaking of her achievement, Clare said: "It's a vigorous process to be appointed and I had to present a portfolio of my cases to the Law Society to demonstrate my experience."


"The appointment means that I can now take on the role of clinical negligence supervisor, enabling Higgs & Sons to offer clients public funding through the Legal Services Commission in appropriate cases.”


Ian Shovlin, Senior Partner at Higgs & Sons states, "Clinical negligence litigation is a specialist area of law requiring a knowledge of both the law and medicine. Clare's appointment to the Law Society panel is evidence of her experience and expertise in dealing with these complex claims.”

Clare is a volunteer for the charity Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and attends on a pro bono basis at the Manchester office to run the clinical negligence helpline. The service offers free advice and assistance to members of the public concerned about any aspect of their medical treatment.


Kingswinford-born Clare joined Higgs & Sons in 2001 as a trainee and qualified in 2003.


Higgs & Sons employs over 170 people from offices in Brierley Hill's Waterfront Business Park and Kingswinford.

CYRIL SWANS OFF ON TOUR


Swansea’s famous mascot, Cyril the Swan, joined forces with Mistar Urdd, the face of, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, as they travelled around in a Volkswagen Touran promoting the 2011 cultural youth festival.

The grand tour, made possible by Sinclair Volkswagen, visited over 40 primary schools in the Swansea area showcasing Urdd National Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest youth festivals.

The family event is a celebration of the Welsh language and culture as well as showcasing young, Welsh talent and attracts over 15,000 competitors. It will be staged at the city’s Felindre site between 30 May and 4 June next year.

Activities include competitions, crafts, live bands to street theatre, football and climbing walls plus over 100 stalls and exhibitions.

“Having the Urdd National Eisteddfod on your doorstep is an unique opportunity not to be missed,” said Helen Phillips, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s West Glamorgan development officer.

“The schools tour is a great way to get the campaign for participants under way as all the children received information about the festival and learnt how they could take part.

“We were really grateful to Sinclair Volkswagen for their generous support. Transporting both Cyril and Mistar Urdd is no easy task. Space was essential and the Volkswagen new Touran had plenty of it.”

Clive Hopkins, brand manager at Sinclair Volkswagen in Swansea, said: “We were delighted to help out these two loveable mascots. The Urdd Eisteddfod is a wonderful, cultural experience for families of all ages and we hope that the school tour has encourage many youngsters to get involved and make Swansea’s event the best festival yet.”

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

Wednesday 20 October 2010

600 people apply for 80 jobs in Wolverhampton

INDI BAR SEES 600 PEOPLE APPLY FOR 80 JOBS AT NEW CITY CENTRE VENUE

A stylish new venue being launched in Wolverhampton has received a huge response from people within the city, with more than 600 people applying for 40 part-time jobs.

Indi Bar, which is scheduled to open on the corner of Lichfield Street and Princess Street in early November, is recruiting for a number of part-time positions as the first phase of the café bar is launched.

The venue, a sister to the successful Indi Bar in Birmingham, will be completed in Spring 2011, when the five-storey building comprising of a night club, members’ bar, lounge bar, restaurant and café bar, as well as a number of private-hire areas, will be unveiled.

£3.5 million is being invested in the project.

Sarah Leddington, general manager, said: “This is a huge project, and phase one will create 40 jobs in the city. We’re recruiting managers, assistant managers, chefs, promotions staff and bar staff, and we’ve been advertising using the local job centre.

“The response has been superb – we had more than 600 initial enquiries and the recruitment process is on-going,” she added.

When all phases of the venue are complete, a total of 80 jobs will have been created.
“We aren’t surprised by the interest, we’re very pleased. We knew Wolverhampton was a perfect city to launch Indi Bar in, and the level of interest in working with us confirms that.

We’re anticipating a buzzing launch event and a great response - we’re confident that Indi Bar will be a popular place to meet, eat and drink.

The Wolverhampton site is the second Indi Bar to be launched by The Bar Leisure Group, which plans to open 30 sites over the next five years.

To be considered for a role at Indi Bar, please email wolverhampton@indibar.co.uk or call Sarah Leddington on 07753 864715.

-ends-

WOLVERHAMPTON APPRENTICE PROVES HIS WORTH

Three years of hard work and training have paid off for Matthew Lloyd after he qualified as a service technician with Wolverhampton Volkswagen.

The 21-year-old ‘petrol head’ joined the Bilston Road retailer in 2006 on work experience and impressed so much that he was offered an apprenticeship in 2007.

Matthew completed an intense training programme, through the Volkswagen Training Academy, to achieve his recent status and is now focusing on progressing his skills and qualifications.

His ultimate goal is to work at the Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art car plant in Wolfsburg. Speaking of this qualifications Matthew said: “I have enjoyed every minute of the course and would love to eventually work at Volkswagen’s HQ in Germany.

“I am very passionate about the Volkswagen range and I’m already in the process of doing up my third Volkswagen, which is a Golf Mark II, after which I want to tackle a classic Beetle.

“The motor industry is my life and it’s something I share with my dad. Last summer we spent time visiting the various Volkswagen factories in Germany and I feel this really helped to give me a greater insight into the precision and quality behind Volkswagen vehicles.

“I’m really grateful to Wolverhampton Volkswagen, because they have shown faith in my ability and continually support my ambitions.”

Wolverhampton Volkswagen’s service manager, Paul Robinson, said: “Matthew has worked diligently throughout his training programme and fully deserves to have reached the technician status.

“He is an excellent example to others and is already assisting our newest apprentice. We are confident that Matthew’s passion and enthusiasm will help him to reach his ultimate goal.”

It costs over £40,000 to train a candidate to technician status with further investment to continue developing as a technician.

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

IS SOCIETY READY FOR PRE-NUPS?

On the day there could be a landmark case for divorce law, new research from a leading Midlands law firm suggests that the UK is ready to adopt legally binding pre-nuptial agreements.

Higgs & Sons questioned 200 people for their opinion of pre-nuptial agreements, with some surprising results.

Philip Barnsley, head of Higgs & Sons’ family department and Chair of Resolution West Midlands, said: “All the people we spoke to, a mixture of married, separated, divorced and remarried, said they did not currently have a pre-nuptial agreement in place. Of those who were divorced or separated 60 per cent said they wished that they had had one and 56 per cent of those who were married said they wished they had signed an agreement prior to their marriage.

“When we questioned people on whether pre-nups should now be legally binding in the UK, 92 per cent agreed that they should.

“We also asked everyone if they were to give a significant sum of money to their children, would they encourage them to have a pre-nuptial agreement with their partner. Eighty eight per cent of people said they would encourage this.”

A ruling by the Supreme Court on the case of Radmacher v Granatino is expected this week.

Philip explains: “The Supreme Court are being asked to decide whether the Court of Appeal erred in finding that pre-nuptial contracts ought to be given decisive weight, where entered into freely by both parties. Mr Granatino does not wish to be held to a pre-nuptial contract that was signed prior to their marriage which provides that neither party could make a monetary claim against the other in divorce proceedings.

“Pre-nuptial agreements are enforceable in Germany, where the couple's was signed, but not in the UK where they married. They are also enforceable in Mr Granatino's home country of France.”

“It’s thought that this case may pave the way for pre-nuptial agreements to finally become legally binding in the UK.”

For specialist legal advice or to speak with Philip Barnsley or his team contact him directly on 0845 111 5050.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

EARLY SUCCESS FOR NEW BUSINESS


A Stoke commercial vehicle business is celebrating its official opening after securing a £250,000 deal with a vehicle hire company.

Imperial Commercials Van Centre Stoke recently transformed its four acre site after investing £500,000 in to a new state-of-the-art Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle showroom.

The first company to benefit from the new Volkswagen van centre is Afford Rent-a-Car which has confirmed a fleet of 14 commercial vehicles to add to the 20 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles purchased earlier this year.

The vehicles which include the Caddy, Transporter and Crafter models will be distributed across its four branches in Stoke, Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Crewe.

A strong residual value of the Volkswagen range, reliability and customer choice led to the recent acquisition as Afford director, Tony Dobson explained.

He said: “The Volkswagen Transporter is our most popular van with customers. We replace our commercial vehicles every 18 months to two years and presently have over 50 Volkswagens on our fleet. The excellent residual value, reliability and customers requests led to us increasing our Volkswagen fleet.

“We have been delighted with the service from the Imperial Commercials team; no job is too small for them.

“Their professional service has made the whole process effortless. We would like to wish Imperial all the success with their new business.”

Imperial Commercials, executive director, Geoff Haspell, said: “This has been a very exciting time for our business. This first deal confirms our commitment to van operators in our area.”

Imperial Commercials is the UK’s largest Independent Commercial Vehicle Dealer Group. It supplies both new and used trucks and vans including servicing and parts from its extensive network of franchises including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, DAF Trucks, Ford Commercials, FIAT Professional, MAN Trucks, Renault Trucks, Nissan Commercial Vehicles, ISUZU Trucks and HINO Trucks. For further information please visit www.imperialcommercials.co.uk.

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

Thursday 14 October 2010

BANGOR CITY SECURE RENEWED SPONSORSHIP

Bangor City is celebrating on and off the field after securing a sponsorship deal for this season.

The club’s kit will continue to be sponsored by local Volkswagen Van Centre, Pentraeth, for the second year running.

It gives the club a double boost following the record-breaking start to the season, with nine straight wins.

The sponsorship gives Bangor City a solid financial base, providing the perfect platform to a successful season on the pitch.

Dilwyn Jones, Bangor City’s chairman, said: “We’re delighted to have secured this continued and important sponsorship with Pentraeth Volkswagen and look forward to some exciting times this season.

“It’s great to have a major local business supporting the club as it helps give Bangor City a higher profile amongst the core fan base in the region.

“This is an exciting time for the club, with an extended European adventure, a club record start to the season and we hope the continued link with Pentraeth will help us continue to reach new goals.”

Pentraeth Volkswagen Van Centre’s managing director, Ken Jones, said: “We believe it’s important to support the local area and Bangor City Football Club is an integral part of this region.

“Many people at Pentraeth are fans of the club so we’re able to support Bangor City financially and physically.

“With such a fantastic start to the season everyone has their fingers crossed for a successful campaign and another piece of silverware like last year.”

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Directors pay the price for ignorance warns insolvency lawyer



One of the Midlands’ most experienced insolvency lawyers says that directors of companies in the UK are continually failing to fully understand their duties and this is leading in some cases to dire consequences.

David Ellis, a partner at Higgs & Sons, says the firm is increasingly meeting directors of insolvent companies who are surprised to find themselves made personally liable for their company’s debts when the firm fails.

“Many entirely honest directors whose companies have failed through no fault of their own are finding themselves facing personal liability on two counts,” explains David.

“First, liquidators are challenging directors who have taken their remuneration through dividends rather than as salary. This is often recommended by their accountants to save tax however if the company is failing and there are insufficient profits to justify such dividends then these can be clawed back by the liquidator as illegal payments. Secondly, if it is found that a director has permitted the company to trade on longer than a "reasonable" director would have done, the liquidator can ask him or her to personally make good any losses incurred by the creditors in that period.”

“In addition to being personally liable for these debts, many people are also unaware of the Company Directors Disqualification Act, which can disqualify them as directors for up to 15 years.”

David says that for the companies which are struggling, early legal advice is essential: “Once a company has failed it gives us no comfort to know that in many cases if we had been able to advise the director 12 months earlier he or she should have avoided such difficulties.

“With this in mind we have established a team within the firm to protect directors and advise on ways to limit their exposure. There appears to be a great need for advice which is aimed at directors in these circumstances (and their professional advisers) but which is independent of any advice given to the company itself.”

To contact David telephone 0845 111 5050 or email david.ellis@higgsandsons.co.uk.

HiQ thank fans for a perfectly pink day


Up to 42,000 British Touring Car Championship fans have been praised by HiQ for helping to raise £5,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

Clad in pink, the network descended upon Brands Hatch to make the final race weekend of the season one to remember for HiQ’s official charity.

HiQ’s team of pink girls were on hand to give away caps and replica cars in return for donations to the cause.

And after counting the particularly heavy collections buckets from Sunday, the network can now reveal that £5,000 was raised through generous donations.

Of that total, the BTCC marshals at Brands Hatch have been singled out for a special mention, after raising £600 themselves.

HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern said: “We can’t thank everyone enough for making our fundraising effort such a huge success.

“We have always been amazed by the on-track action at each BTCC race weekend, but even that pales into comparison when we think of how brilliant each and every fan of the series is.

“From the moment we became involved in the championship in 2008, we’ve benefited from the support and interest shown from spectators in everything we do.

“Never more has this been in evidence that on Sunday, when we were taken aback by the levels of support from everyone at the circuit - from the fans right through to the trackside marshals, who were particularly fantastic.”

The money will now play a huge role in helping HiQ to hit the £100,000 target it aims to reach for the charity.

£3.5M VENUE TO LAUNCH IN WOLVERHAMPTON CITY CENTRE



£3.5 million is being invested into launching a style cafe bar in Wolverhampton this month, providing 80 new jobs in the city and a stylish venue for networking and socialising.

Indi Bar will open on the corner of Lichfield Street and Princess Street, at the end of October. The first phase of the venue will see a stylish café bar launched, while work will continue until Spring 2011, culminating in a five-storey venue comprising of a night club, members’ bar, lounge bar, restaurant and café bar, as well as a number of private-hire areas.

The venue, a sister to the successful Indi Bar in Birmingham, will open on October 28 and is the second in an ambitious growth plan by The Bar Leisure Group to open up to 30 venues across the UK.

The self-financed bar has been designed by Tibbetts Kirk Abel, the team responsible for the King’s Head and Indi Bar in Birmingham, and is aimed at attracting the city’s business people during the day for meetings and networking events as well as having a huge impact on the city’s evening social scene.

Operations Director for The Bar Leisure Group, Budh Sidhho, said: “Wolverhampton is a thriving city and we’re confident that Indi Bar will be a popular place to meet, eat and drink.

“The business market is a very important one – Wolverhampton is a hub, and we’re keen to establish ourselves as the venue of choice for that market, be it a networking breakfast, a business lunch or a convenient spot to meet with clients. Designed with that in mind, Indi Bar will have stylish décor and excellent quality food and drink,” he said.

The total cost of the project is £3.5 million and will create up to 80 new jobs in the city. It is only the beginning of the group’s plans.

Mr Sidhho said: “We’re ambitious. We plan to open 30 sites over the next five years; starting in the Midlands and moving further afield.

“When Wolverhampton is completed, we plan to launch Indi Bar in Stafford. We’ll then begin to buy and develop new sites and acquire existing sites across the UK to turn Indi Bar into a flourishing success story.”

-ends-
Issued on behalf of Indi Bar by Connect PR
For further information, please contact Faith@connect-group.com . Tel: 01902 714957 – 07810 483450

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Volkswagen is the key for locksmith business

A Newark Van Centre has remained the number one supplier for over a decade to a local locksmith and security specialist after securing a new fleet contract.

Heron Van Centre has supplied Lincoln Security Limited with four new Volkswagen Transporters as part of an ongoing vehicle replacement programme.

The family owned and operated company has supplied, installed and maintained specialist security systems throughout the UK for the past 35 years.

The Lincoln business has remained loyal to the Volkswagen brand and Heron Van Centre for the past twelve years as Director of Lincoln Security Limited, Aiden Farrar, explains.

“We have always been very happy with the seamless service from the Heron team. The Transporter’s quality, build, reliability and comfort has continually met our requirements.

“The new fuel efficient Volkswagen T5 models that we have purchased will certainly make an impact on our carbon footprint, as on average the vehicles can travel up to 100,000 miles each year.”

The vans are driven nationwide by Lincoln Security’s engineers who specialise in lock fitting, access control, master key systems, door automation, security doors , alarms and CCTV. Services offered from design through to installation and maintenance for all private and commercial clients.

Heron Van Centre’s Sales Manager Cass Attwood, said: “The latest Volkswagen Transporter with its new technology and reduced running cost makes it an ideal choice for commercial vehicles operators.

“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Lincoln Security Limited and to have met their business needs for the past twelve years.”

Eurovans helps the homeless with local charity

A Crawley Van Centre has gone the extra mile to help a local charity after lending a van to aide harvest donations for the homeless.

Eurovans, based on Overdene Drive, has lent a Volkswagen Transporter to Crawley Open House to allow local church and school harvest donations to be collected within Crawley and the West Sussex area.

Crawley Open House is a charity that cares for people suffering from the effects of homelessness, unemployment, loneliness, discrimination, or social exclusion by providing drop in day centres and a direct access hostel.

Established in 1982, every year up to one hundred and fifty harvest donations are collected, ranging from food to clothes and blankets, and having use of the Volkswagen Transporter is invaluable to saving time and money, as Peter Mansfield-Clark, director of Crawley Open House explains.

He said: “Eurovans has been extremely kind in lending us use of a Volkswagen Transporter. In just four to five weeks, we are able to collect enough food to last until June 2011.

“Eurovans has been excellent and it is great to have the support of a local business.”

Bruce Smithson, director of Eurovans said: “It is fantastic to see a charity doing so much for the community and sourcing necessities for those who visit the shelter. We trust that the van helped with loading the donations and wish them the best for the future.”

STAR STUDDED CHARITY MATCH SUPPORTS YOUNG MOTHER

A charity football match between the Swansea City All Stars and Sinclair Van Centre and passenger cars takes place on Sunday 17th October helping to raise funds for a young mother who has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Nicole Blower, from Maesteg, underwent an emergency caesarean with her first child on the same day the 23-year-old was diagnosed with a serious brain tumour.

For the past four years Nicole has worked at Sinclair in Bridgend as a customer service advisor but now faces an intensive course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment to reduce the tumour.

Organisers of the event, Sinclair Volkswagen and Sinclair Van Centre, are inviting families and football fans to the match, which will star former Welsh International and Swansea City players, including, Colin Pascoe and Alan Curtis.

VIP tickets to Cardiff City, the Swans, signed sporting memorabilia and champagne will form part of a days’ raffle.

All proceeds from the event will go to help support Nicole and her family as Clive Williams, operations manager for Sinclair Volkswagen explained: “This is such a traumatic time for Nicole and her husband, Stefan. We felt such a strong desire to lend our support that we organised the charity match. Our aim is to have a sell out game.

“Stefan has given up work to look after Nicole and their newborn baby, Harvey, and we hope the funds raised will go towards helping them enjoy some very special moments together during this difficult time.”

The kick-off is 2.30pm at Bryntirion AFC on Llangewydd Road. Tickets cost £2 per person or £5 for a family and can be purchased on the day. If you would like to send a donation please email helpnicole@sinclairgroup.co.uk

Nicole was 36 weeks pregnant when she collapsed with serious headaches. Her healthy baby boy, Harvey, was born prematurely by an emergency caesarean section and within 24 hours Nicole had undergone two major operations to remove the tumour she is now going through a programme of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

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

CAR RETAILER LOOKS OUT FOR THE PUBLIC’S EYESIGHT

Sevenoaks’ residents may need to look twice as a local opticians offers up a brand new Volkswagen Fox as a prize, from Beadles Volkswagen.

The Volkswagen retailer is supporting Eyelines Opticians to offer customers the chance to win the brand new vehicle.

Owners of Eyelines Opticians, Neil Donnelly and Max Elstone, have been looking after Sevenoaks community’s eyes for over 20 years and between them have accumulated over 40 years experience.

Neil Donnelly explain their latest promotion: “We wanted to say thank you to our customers and felt entering them into a free prize draw for simply buying quality Seiko Spectacle lenses was a great idea.

“We are really grateful for the support from Beadles Volkswagen and delighted with the initial interest since the promotion started.”

Every customer who buys Seiko Spectacle lenses will be entered into the draw to be in with a chance to win the Volkswagen Fox.

Beadles Volkswagen’s brand manager, Mark Gleenslade, said: “We were more than happy to support a local business.

“It is vital that people take care of their eyes, although I expect customers will not believe their eyes when they see the prize.”

To be in with a chance of winning the Volkswagen Fox simply go to Eyelines on The High Street and buy a pair of Seiko Spectacle lenses before the 31st October 2010.

BUSINESS REFURBISHMENT IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

A South Hereford business is launching its new customer friendly facilities by giving one family the ultimate in luxury, a chauffeur driven MPV for a day.

South Hereford Garages’ Volkswagen Touran will battle the morning traffic, carry out the school runs the after school clubs and activities and even provide the safe transport for a family night out, plus the stress-free VIP family will also go home with £100 of shopping vouchers.

The Roman Road showroom has had a complete transformation aimed at creating a more pleasurable customer experience and is inviting families to its open weekend (Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th October) and enter the VIP draw.

The new light and airy interior provides wide open spaces making it easier for customers to navigate as Charlie Richards, South Hereford Garages’ head of business, explains.

He said: “Our emphasis is on providing a personable customer service, and the new showroom is in direct response to customer feedback.

“We wanted to celebrate our new look by giving something back to our customers.

“Our open weekend will enable customers to test drive any of the Volkswagen range as well as enter our VIP chauffeur driven experience draw.

“We are delighted with our new showroom which displays 10 Volkswagen cars and commercial vehicles. The showroom building is the first in the country to feature the complete Volkswagen range under one roof in the new style customer friendly interior.

“We hope many families take advantage of our VIP draw. The lucky family will be driven around in the new stylish seven seat Touran, which has bags of space for school bags.”

Families can enter the VIP chauffeur experience by visiting the Roman Road retailer on Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th October between 9am – 4pm.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or sue@connect-group.com.

ABERDEEN BUSINESS DRIVES UP SUPPORT FOR SAFER ROADS

A group of Aberdeen commercial vehicle businesses are supporting the region’s road safety campaign aimed at encouraging motorists to drive within the legal speed limit.

Aberdeen Van Centre, Clark Commercials and Budget rental, all part of the John Clark Motor Group, are getting behind North East Safety Camera Partnership (NESCAMP) to promote safer driving by displaying speed awareness stickers in all of its Volkswagen courtesy and rental fleet vehicles.

The aim of NESCAMP is to make the roads safer for all users. By promoting speed limits and encouraging drivers to drive at a speed appropriate for the road conditions they hope to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Grampian’s roads.

The speed awareness stickers provide a useful reference for drivers who are unsure of the speed limits in different types of vehicles or are not experienced in driving on UK roads.

Speaking of the road safety campaign Robert McWilliam, operations manager for John Clark Motor Group, said: “We are very happy to support this latest initiative and feel it’s always important to remind drivers of the speed limits to help keep our roads safer.

“These stickers are very valuable for our rental customers who are not always as familiar with the speed restrictions when driving a commercial vehicle.”

Julie Smith, Partnership Manger at NESCAMP added: "We are delighted that these stickers will be displayed within John Clark Group's vehicles. It is vitally important that drivers understand the speed limit varies for different kinds of vehicle."

To reinforce the safety message, each of the Volkswagen commercial vehicles businesses are promoting NESCAMP drive safety campaign within their showroom.

For more information, please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com.

Friday 8 October 2010

Connect appoints James Sinclair


James Sinclair, a former global creative director of Saatchi and Saatchi, has been appointed as executive creative director at Wolverhampton-based Connect Group.

One of London’s most highly awarded writers and creative directors, he brings a wealth of experience of some of the world’s greatest agencies and brands - in sectors as diverse as automotive and alcohol to fashion and beauty.

James’ notable work has included the ’Keep Walking’ campaign for Johnnie Walker whiskey, which boosted global sales by 12 per cent in the first three months of breaking and went on to propel the brand to global dominance of key markets with share gain in certain regions of as much as 60 per cent.

James’ ‘Double Life’ commercial for Sony Playstation transformed the gaming market, broadening its appeal and credibility and taking gaming from the bedrooms of pubescent boys to the masses. This commercial has won James a place in the Clio’s Hall of Fame.

His ‘Lost Dog’ Volkswagen print execution won Campaign’s press ad of the year and was lauded as a worthy contributor to that brand’s iconic heritage of class leading communications.

James is a passionate advocate of brands, brand character differentiation, and that underused old fashioned term, goodwill.

Speaking about his move to Connect, James said: “I have been looking to join an independently owned and run agency for years. It's where I started. It's the most fun I've had in advertising. And my interest has gravitated to helping to grow an agency brand and have a proper impact on its progress. Not so feasible at the giant networks.

“Agencies go through a typical life cycle. The best years are always when the founder member is still in the building. When that source-energy and inspiration is still on tap. “Of Connect specifically, I was, of course, attracted to their current clients. Who wouldn't be attracted to the likes of Bentley, Jaguar, Goodyear and Brintons?

“Just as impressive was the way these brands were handled. Market insights that nailed each sector, supported by a breadth of tones of voice that were also right on the money. From HiQ's customer reassurance to the category challenging, Brinton's carpets. Rock solid thinking in the Doyle Dane Bernbach tradition with flawless execution. A BBH of the Midlands. “Having worked at each of those ground breaking agencies I can truly appreciate how rare a combination that is - inside or outside of London. “Connect Group is an agency well and truly ready for the next level and if I couldn't spot that I wouldn't be very good at what I do. “The final piece of the puzzle being the attitudes of Rob Hampton and Antony Green.

“Without question they have first class industry savvy. But in addition there’s a certain rose coloured appreciation of great work.

“For me that’s the one most important ingredient in any great business. A love of what you do. In the creative department the biggest mistake is to try and write an 'ad'. You should be trying to solve a business problem by trying to 'connect'.

“The equivalent in business, I believe, is that you get into it just to make money. These lovely people are in this business for the love of it. That romantic view is the what makes you strive for something better. And wouldn't you know it - success has shown up as a result. For me that's the magic ingredient. The spark. They’ve got it. I'm in.”

Tuesday 5 October 2010

HiQ save the best champagne moment until last!


The HiQ fast fit network believe that the best champagne moment has been saved until last, after Jason Plato won the final accolade of the season by a record margin.

The leader of the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship not only won his first HiQ Champagne Moment of the season for his performances at Donington, but he secured the highest percentage of votes ever.

A huge 91 per cent of fans voted for the Silverline Chevrolet star to win, having battled back from a retirement in round one to a pair of podiums in races two and three.

It is Plato’s first champagne moment win of the season and comes at an ideal time for him, as he attempts to win an extremely close drivers’ title on Sunday.

Plato, Tom Onslow-Cole, Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal could all lift the silverware late on Sunday afternoon in one of the most enthralling seasons in recent history.

BTCC fan Kirsty Nutton from Peterborough was picked at random to win a bottle of champagne and she will now win a pair of tickets, grid walk, and chance to meet Jason on Sunday morning.

She said: “I didn’t think it was possible to be any more excited about Sunday, but HiQ has proved me wrong thanks to their champagne moment competition.”

In the meantime, the HiQ fast fit network will be attempting to turn Brands Hatch pink on Sunday, in an attempt to raise as much money for Breast Cancer Care as possible.

Pink hats and T-Shirts will be available to pick up on the day and it is hoped that spectators will continue to show their generosity to the cause, as HiQ attempts to hit its £100,000 target by the end of the month.

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES NEW VAN CENTRE IN KINGS LYNN

Kings Lynn Volkswagen has launched of new business venture aimed at the commercial vehicle market.

The launch of a new van centre is in response to customer feedback and will see the return of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brand to the area.

Volkswagen Van Centre Kings Lynn will be headed up by one of the region’s most experienced automotive specialists, Kelvin Clarke, who has been in the automotive industry for over 22 years.

The 46 year old from Kings Lynn has specialised in the Volkswagen brand for the past seven years and will be developing the Volkswagen brand to van operators in the area.

Speaking of the new business venture, which will feature a dedicated forecourt, displaying the Volkswagen van range, Martin Bennett, brand manager at Kings Lynn Volkswagen, said: “We are delighted to be adding the new van centre to our portfolio.”
“We feel confident that the synergy between our existing and highly successful passenger car business will help make the van centre a valuable asset for the area.

“The highly regarded Volkswagen range continues to expand which will enable the business to enter new markets, but this is just the beginning.

“As the business grows we will be looking at introducing the lifestyle range, which includes the renowned Volkswagen Campervans’ and eventually progressing to a standalone site which will ultimately bring further employment to the area,” concluded Martin.

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


Friday 1 October 2010

CAR RETAILER CREATES LEAN, MEAN MANAGEMENT TEAM


A Harlow business has appointed a former fitness instructor to head up its business sales division, giving it a healthy boost.

Lewis Evins has accepted the role of business manager at Volkswagen car retailer, Abridge Harlow.

The former fitness instructor has turned his energy into the automotive sector having worked in the leisure industry for over 14 years.

The 31-year-old initially trained as a lifeguard and then specialised as swimming and trampoline coach and a fitness instructor in the Harlow area. Lewis then progressed into managerial and sales roles where he developed his expertise before transferring his skills to the automotive industry.

After two years at the Abridge Loughton branch as a sales executive, Lewis quickly progressed in to the senior management role at the Volkswagen site in Harlow.

Speaking about this new role, Lewis said: This is a exciting challenge and although it’s a different industry the wants and needs of any customer are very much the same.

“I have always enjoyed customer interaction and I am looking forward to enhancing Abridge’s service and help to drive the business forward.”

Brand Manager at Abridge Harlow, Ashley Humphreys, said: “Lewis’ enthusiasm and expertise makes him the ideal person to strengthen the business and develop our customers’ needs.”

For further details contact Sue Foster at Connect PR on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com