WEDNESBURY WORKERS THROW DARTS FOR CHARITY

Wednesbury workers this week stepped up to the oche to throw some arrows with World number three darts player James Wade to help a local charitable cause.

Sales people from MSC/J&L on Pacific Avenue in Wednesbury took a break from normal day to day business to play darts with current Premier League darts player, James Wade, at their head office on Wednesday.

WD-40 Multi-Use product, one of James Wade’s main sponsors, invited him to the industrial supplier to meet the team and challenge them to an exciting darts competition.
Staff at the site played James Wade in a 9-darts competition and key staff were thanked by WD-40 Company for their excellent sales figures across their newly launched Blue Works brand, with gift vouchers as a reward for their hard work.

James‘s appearance will also benefit a worthwhile cause. A professional dart board has been donated and signed by the world number three and presented to staff at MSC/J&L, who have chosen to raffle it, in house, to raise money for a local boy suffering with a terminal illness.

WD-40 Brand manager, Amy Long, said: “It is fantastic we could brighten up the day for staff at MSC/J&L by bringing James Wade to Wednesbury.

“It is great to also be able to work with James in support of a very worthwhile charitable cause and we really hope the dart board raises lots of money.”

Nadine Taylor, marketing communications supervisor for MSC/J&L added: “Having James with us for the afternoon was a great way to boost staff morale whilst creating a bit of fun.

“We appreciate WD-40 Company’s help in bringing him in to town and hope we managed to make a decent game of it with some of the darts we threw!”

Secret Video Footage Reveals Queen Cleans

An undercover video has revealed that the Queen has been helping the Palace staff with their cleaning duties, perhaps as a way of showing her empathy towards the cut backs that have been made.

The footage shows the Queen cleaning one of the Palace’s 78 bathrooms, using a can of WD-40 to clean taps, the shower door and the sink.

Domestic and cleaning staff at Buckingham Palace are responsible for maintaining more than 775 rooms including 19 State rooms and 52 Royal and guest bedrooms.

It is expected that the Queen will also be involved in the full spring clean of the palace on Friday 1 April in preparation for guests that will arrive for the Royal Wedding later in the month.
Picture caption: Queen helps domestic staff with cleaning duties.

Connect PR hit the headlines

You know it's a busy week at Connect PR when we barely have enough time to shout about the work we have been up to for the past seven days!

But fear not, like a last gasp goal by Manchester United in the 5th minute of stoppage time, we are here to deliver for you.

Speaking of football, we are upping the ante for our colourful client, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

With only a matter of weeks until the final at Wembley, we are gearing up for all manner of PR activities to keep the fans of both finalists happy. But before that, we need to know who is going to get there.

Two teams from Carlisle United, Huddersfield Town, Exeter City and Brentford will make the trip, while assisting our PR projects in the process.

So that's the back pages of the national newspapers sorted, what about the front?

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles are asking the question that everyone appears to have an answer for...

...What is the most popular urban myth that people still believe are true?

Apparently, some people think that if you sneeze for your eyes open, they will pop straight out of your head?

We worked with comedian Dave Spikey on a radio campaign on the theme, with the aim of disproving the theory that it is too expensive to get a van serviced at a any Volkswagen Van Centre. Quite simply, it isn't, as Dave explained to radio stations across the country!

As if working with a much loved comedian this week wasn’t enough, we’ve also been dib-dib-dobbing with the UK’s best loved lubricant and multi purpose product, WD-40.

WD-40 has announced a nationwide competition to support its sponsorship of the Scout Association's DIY Activity Badge with a cash prize for the winning troop.

Scout Groups across the UK are being invited to tell WD-40 how they have used their DIY and Scouting skills to make a difference to their community. It could be cleaning up a local park, helping clean up with a litter pick or redecorating and freshening up a community centre or Scout hut.

The winning group will be awarded £500 to use for equipment, materials or resources for their group.

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, says: “We know there are many Scout Groups up and down the country that are making a big difference in their community using their Scouting and DIY skills to help others. We want to celebrate those good examples and reward the youngsters for their efforts.”

Connect PR says: “Thanks for taking the time to read our latest blog. Next week might not be so late in the day, but it will be another mighty fine effort. We promise!”

Blue Works from WD-40 - Gets the job done right

Industrial engineers bust-a-gut to maintain their heavy duty machinery, but thanks to WD-40 Company, things have just become easier.

Its new line of speciality maintenance products – called ‘Blue Works’ – offers industrial workers a solution for a range of repair headaches.

WD-40 – a household name
Look in any household toolbox, kitchen cupboard, garage or shed and you are almost guaranteed to find a can of WD-40. The renowned multi-purpose maintenance product is a household staple and one of Britain’s most trusted brands.

But now, WD-40 is making waves in the industrial market too, when it launches a range of specialty maintenance products that are designed to perform in the toughest industrial conditions.

Introducing Blue Works
Known as ‘Blue Works’ - the range will include: Silicone Lubricant, High-performance PTFE Lubricant, White Lithium Grease, Dry Tube PTFE Formula, Multi-purpose Lubricant, Penetrant oil, Contact Cleaner and Degreaser.

Neil Gow, Senior Brand Manager at WD-40, explains the thinking behind the new range: “We’ve been hugely successful with WD-40 – it’s a product that many people use and trust. So we aim to use our strong reputation for quality to offer a range of new high-performance products for industrial users – this is where Blue Works comes in.

“These products are designed for a very specific and specialist purposes. For instance, a product like Blue Works White Lithium Grease is designed for high pressure lubrication (up to 1,400lbs), making it an ideal product for industrial gears, guides and motor pivots.”

Neil continues to explain that other Blue Works products, such as the Contact Cleaner, have been developed to clean plastic, rubber and metal precision equipment, by quickly reducing oxides and removing dirt.

Neil added: “The Blue Works range will assist in most maintenance and repair jobs in an industrial workplace. We are confident that those responsible for maintenance, as well as engineers will be pleased with their practicality and performance.”

But when it comes to performance, don’t just take Neil’s word for it.

Proven Performance
All products in the new WD-40 Blue Works range outperformed their market competitors in key performance areas, according to multiple independent ASTM tests. And, the competitor products tested were all more expensive that Blue Works too.

This success is largely down to the extensive and in-depth testing that went into the unique industrial grade formulas in Blue Works’ products - which all contain special synthetic additives and all products are approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

Speaking of the multiple independent ASTM tests, Neil insisted that product quality is at the heart of everything that WD-40 does: “This is the first time we’ve released a new product into the industrial marketplace – and we wouldn’t do it unless we were absolutely sure of our products’ ability to perform to the very best standards.”

The new Blue Works range will be available from all reputable industrial distributors from December. To find your nearest stockist call 01908 555400.

For more information please visit www.blueworksbrand.com

ENDS

Issued on behalf of WD-40 by Connect PR

For more information, please contact:
Kathy Hodson, Connect PR, The Chubb Building, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Tel: 01902 714957 / 07890381725

WD-40 Helps Scouts Do It Themselves

WD-40 launched its sponsorship of the Scouts DIY Activity Badge last night with a group of Northamptonshire Scouts becoming the first in the country to gain the accreditation.

As part of the sponsorship, WD-40 has created a new interactive resource for Scout leaders and members to access the information needed to achieve the badge.

The web-based educational tool teaches Scouts basic DIY tasks and safety considerations when carrying out DIY.

It includes tips and suggestions for ways in which WD-40 can help round the home including cleaning paintbrushes, removing crayon from walls, lubricating ironing boards and preventing corrosion on DIY tools.

Also featured in the resource is a step by step guide to creating your own toolbox and features a game where Scouts must put each action in the correct order against the clock.

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, says: “With membership numbers soaring to 500,000, and 65,000 teenagers involved in the Association, the future of the country rests in the hands of the Scouts.

“Recent research by WD-40 found that people would rather call in a professional than tackle simple DIY tasks by themselves, but we believe by sponsoring the Scouts DIY Activity Badge and providing this interactive resource we can educate the DIY experts of the future.”

WD-40’s Nick Abrams is involved in running the 17th Kettering (St Andrews) Scout group in Kettering. He says: “The Scouts movement is very important for young people. The skills they learn whilst working towards their badges will stay with them for a lifetime.

“I’m delighted that WD-40 has been able to support the Scouts with this sponsorship and make all of the information readily available in the interactive resource.”

Nikki Mason, head of corporate partnerships at The Scout Association, says: “The involvement of companies such as WD-40 can give Scouts a real boost, providing new resources and exciting ways to pass their badges. The family brand values of WD-40 tie in superbly with the Scouts movement and we’re delighted with the joint venture.”

WD-40, the multi-use product, has also launched a new communications campaign to educate consumers on the wonders of WD-40 for cleaning. Neil Gow adds: “WD-40 is well known for its ability to fix a squeaking door or lubricate an engine, but not many people know its powers stretch much further and it can be used to clean a whole host of things from tools and power tools to alloy wheels and even removing sticky labels.”

For more information on the WD-40, including 2,000 DIY, cleaning and other application ideas log on to www.wd40.co.uk. For information on Scouting including badges, your nearest group and how to join, visit http://www.scouts.org.uk/.



A video of the launch can be seen here.

DARTS FAN HITS THE BULLSEYE

A Somerset darts fan was all smiles after a chance encounter led to a game of arrows with one of the world’s best players.

Rob Burbridge from Axbridge shared the oche with world number three darts player James Wade, after attending the WD-40 stand at an Exeter trade show hosted by Toolbank.

He played a nine-dart shoot-out against James making the top four scores of the day with a 180. Rob then progressed to a final 501 game, beating James with double eight finish to win a WD-40 darts board, set of darts and case of WD-40 product.

After making the final, beating James and winning the prizes Rob said: “It was fantastic to play James and beat him, but he certainly showed his quality against me with a couple of 180s. I’m sure he missed a couple of doubles on purpose to give me a chance!

“I must thank Toolbank and WD-40 for giving me this opportunity, the prizes and also to James for passing on some tips on my throwing technique.”

David Whittome, WD-40’s head of marketing, said: “This was a great opportunity for amateur darts players and fans to test their skills against one of the best in the world.”

James added: “Playing against fans like Rob is brilliant and gives me chance to pass on tips to them.

“He threw some excellent darts and showed great composure to hit double eight!”

CONNECT PR HIT THE HEADLINES

As the boss jets off to the sunshine state and our resident blogger soaks up some seaside fun, the powers that be have asked me to muse over this week’s events at Connect PR.

We’ve made sure that the wet weather hasn’t dampened our spirits by battling through to deliver some great news in both our professional and personal lives.

Richard kicked off the week by shaking off an arm injury to step-up to the office oche. The ‘master’ threw some fine WD-40 arrows, but still lacked the accuracy to topple ‘lethal weapon’ who continues to score heavy and finish like a tungsten pro. It wasn’t all bad news for the office joker though, as his love for nature flourished by nurturing and releasing an uninvited giant moth and stag beetle from the building.

The thought of basking in the Tenerife sun couldn’t keep Becki from sourcing a great venue to host HiQ’s Hero award ceremony. The Custard Factory, located in Digbeth, will welcome heroes from across the UK in November as Sally Gunnell crowns an overall hero and rewards them with £5,000 to spend on a local community project.

Lizzie continues to hit the back of the net with some colourful campaigns for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and thanks to her best friend will be whisked away to meet Ewan McGregor next week having won an Empire Film competition on twitter.

Meanwhile, Kathy continued to work her magic on a new business pitch and Zoe received hundreds of 3-IN-ONE ponchos and air fresheners to keep fans of the drip oil dry and smelling great. Sue also cracked the wonders of survey monkey to find out heavenly and hellish family driving experiences. So if you have some time over the bank holiday weekend, let us know your family driving habits by taking a few moments to complete the following survey http://ht.ly/2v5pt.

Until next time ...

CHESHIRE BIKE SHOP IS THE CHOSEN ONE

A Cheshire cycle shop is one of just a few UK businesses chosen to test the latest product from international giants, WD-40.

The company, which manufactures a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand, has chosen twelve50bikes in Frodsham to be the first official testers of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance lubricant.

Despite being open only a few months, twelve50bikes was chosen because of the business’ service facility and the experience of the two owners.

Matt Steadman and Rick Minshull are ex-professional mountain bikes racers with over 20 years’ experience in the cycling industry.

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40 Company, said: “Twelve50bikes is the perfect place to test the new 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product.

“Matt and Rick are bike mad and most importantly are riders themselves, meaning they’ll be testing it on their own bikes first.

“The feedback they give will prove invaluable as we look at ensuring the product meets criteria to everyone maintaining a bike.

Matt, from twelve50bikes, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to test 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product

“We use huge amounts of lubricants in our service department and also on our own bikes.

“We only stock products which we’d be happy to use ourselves so look forward to the using the lubricant.”

MK DONS CHARITY CYCLE GOES SMOOTHLY WITH THE HELP OF 3-IN-ONE

Super-fit cyclists from MK Dons FC completed a gruelling Lands End to John o’ Groats charity ride due to determination, hard work and the latest product from WD-40 company.

Six of the team’s members signed up for the challenge with the aim of raising £20,000 for Help For Heroes and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET). Last month the group braved rain, screaming muscles and exhaustion to reach their goal in just ten days.

The cyclists had the backing of a number of supporters, including Milton Keynes-based WD-40, which manufactures a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand.

The company donated a quantity of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product to ensure all six bikes have enough lubrication and protection to help them through the 1,000 mile ride prior to the team’s departure on June 5th.

Darren Oldroyd, director of football and community for MK Dons SET, said: “The experience was very challenging and not helped by the disappointing weather – it rained for six of the 10 days. The 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product was very useful given those conditions.

“We found it superb as a cleaning product around the cassette and chain and a useful lubricant. Maintenance was a vital part of the challenge and every stage started and finished with bike maintenance, so the product was used extensively during the ride.”

The team, made up of Paul Mitchell, MK Dons community ambassador, Darren Oldroyd, James Parkinson, MK Dons head of partnerships, John Lloyd, MK Dons business development executive and Dave Pearson from Milton Keynes-based company Filmology, were the first cyclists in the country to use the product.

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40, said: “Supporting charities is important to us, and we’re delighted MK Dons completed the challenge and found the 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product an essential part of their kit during their quest.”

The ride has so far generated over £22,000 which will be divided equally amongst both charities.

Further donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/SETH4Hbikechallenge

MK DONS CHARITY CYCLE TEAM RECEIVES BOOST

A team of cyclists from MK Dons FC has received a local boost as they make final preparations for their Lands End to John o’ Groats charity ride.

Milton Keynes-based WD-40 Company, who manufacture a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand, has joined the list of high profile supporters of the six-strong cycling team.
The company has donated a quantity of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product to ensure all six bikes have enough lubrication and protection to help them through the 1,000 mile ride.

Starting on Sunday June 5th, the team is hoping to raise £20,000 for Help for Heroes and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET). Both will receive 50% each of the total money raised.

Paul Mitchell, MK Dons’ community ambassador, said: “We’re grateful to every person or business that has made the ride possible, but especially to those based in Milton Keynes.

“The donation by 3-IN-ONE will provide the team with the essential support to keep the bikes and riders running smoothly. We feel honoured to be the first cyclists in the country to be using this product.

“The idea of a bike ride fits in with our promotion of health and fitness and with support from our sponsors hopefully we’ll be able to continue to make a real impact on people’s lives in Milton Keynes and throughout the rest of the country.”

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40 Company, said: “Supporting charities is important to us, and we’re delighted MK Dons have taken up this challenge.

“I’m sure the team will find the 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product an essential part of their kit during the 1,000 miles.

The bike ride is for two very worthy charities and everyone working on the 3-IN-ONE brand wishes the team the best of luck.”

The team consists of Paul Mitchell, MK Dons Community Ambassador, Darren Oldroyd, Director of Football and Community in the SET, James Parkinson, MK Dons Head of Partnerships, John Lloyd, MK Dons Business Development Executive and Dave Pearson from Milton Keynes-based company Filmology.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/SETH4Hbikechallenge

WD-40 FLYING THE FLAG FOR ENGLAND WORLD CUP BID

England flag fever is gripping the country according to figures released by WD-40.

The multi-purpose product company launched a promotion last week, giving a free England van window flag with a can of WD-40 smart straw.

Interest has been so high the initial 56,000 flags are now proudly wedged in cars and vans across the country.

Neil Gow, senior brand manager at WD-40 said: “The country’s drivers are obviously getting behind the country’s bid for glory this summer, just like WD-40.

“We’ve been astonished by the speed at which the flags have gone – I haven’t been able to get one for my car!

“WD-40 is now looking at placing a further order to ensure drivers can show their support for England’s bid for summer glory.”

It's better than winning an Oscar

We would like to extend our thanks to editors at The Scotsman for awarding us 'Top Marks'.

Our offer to the GB Olympic team of lashings of WD-40 to slide them to victory caught their eye: http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Talk-of-the-Town.6127155.jp Scroll down to the Oil be looking for an excuse subheading.

Our top marks, and the employee of the week award, go to account manager and FA Cup charity hero, Richard.

Commenting on the accolade, Richard said: "To put it into some perspective, it's like winning my very own Oscar. I would like to thank all my colleagues at Connect PR, my family, and of course, the client. I will be making a chocolate cake to celebrate!"

WINTER OLYMPIANS URGED TO SPRAY THEIR WAY TO SUCCESS

The Great British Winter Olympics team is missing out on medals because it is overlooking a simple performance enhancing, home grown ingredient, it has been claimed.

WD-40, the world’s leading multi-purpose product, is confident a spray of their blue and yellow can will lead to quicker times, and more success, for skiers, snowboarders and tobogganists.

The Milton Keynes based brand now wants GB bosses to pick up the phone and discuss a success strategy for the next games in Russia.

A spokesperson said: “The difference between success and failure in professional sport comes down to mere fractions. We believe that we have a product that can lead to better times and better results for many Winter Olympic competitors.

“We would like to offer the team a year’s supply of product to help maintain equipment and hopefully improve performance in competition.”

The brand, famous for having over 2,000 uses is also providing a list of relevant uses for winter sport athletes.

The spokesperson added: “We would welcome feedback from the British Winter Olympic team and possibly new uses for WD-40.

“With various national and international competitions in the coming months, we hope the team finds positives when testing the product.”

Winter sports uses

• Lubricates sleds and toboggans
• Cleans and protects metal buckles on snow gear
• Lubricates snowboard bindings
• Removes rust from sled runners
• Stops squeaks on ski boots
• Prevents rust from forming on ski bindings

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

WD-40 TO THE RESCUE

As the ‘Big Freeze’ continues to grip the country and is bringing most of us to a standstill, there is one product out there that really can help us out in the treacherous conditions.


Lubricant specialists WD-40 is fast becoming a favourite of motorists, homeowners and businesses for its de-icing qualities and helping the nation get back on track. Normally used for cleaning, freeing rusty parts, stopping squeaks and freeing mechanisms, during the cold spell a good spray application from the famous WD-40 yellow and blue can frees frozen car locks, loosens padlocks and prevents windscreen washer spray nozzles from freezing.

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, said: “As people and businesses struggle to cope with the cold weather, many are now discovering the extra uses and benefits a can of WD-40 can provide.

“With over 2,000 uses, WD-40 is a product everyone just can’t do without, whatever the weather.

Other ways WD-40 can help with during cold weather include;

· Spraying on pipes and plumbing joints to stop them freezing
· Prevents snow sticking to shovels
· Keeps snow from sticking to satellite dishes/patio door runners
· Helps start wet damp engines

In conditions such as these a small investment in a can of WD-40 really can save people and businesses up and down the country a fortune.

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

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.