AMTICO FLOORS FITTERS WITH NEW TRAINING COURSE

Amtico International has launched a new training course to maintain the high standards of installation delivered to its customer base.

The one day Spacia Contour course welcomes flooring specialists from across the UK who want to learn more about this exclusive product range. Installed using Amtico International EasyGrout, the new ready mixed grouting solution, Spacia Contour delivers a genuine tiled effect that provides the perfect alternative to traditional ceramic tiles, but with the added durability of vinyl.

Priced at £95 per person and based at Amtico International’s UK and European Sales office in Solihull, the course will show floor fitters how to install Spacia Contour efficiently, to a high standard and with confidence.

In addition to the Spacia Contour course, the Amtico training centre provides a three day Floor Installation course covering skills, new tools and up to date techniques in the installation of Amtico International products. With ten fitting bays and two demonstration areas, the course covers all aspects of installation including sub-floor identification and preparation, levelling compounds, adhesive selection and hands on installation including designs and layouts.

Sian Lewis, marketing manager for Amtico International, said: “These courses have been designed as part of our ongoing commitment and investment to support the flooring industry as a whole. We hope that those trained will deliver the necessary skills that are needed to meet the high standards of installation.”

For more information about course dates, availability or to book your place, please call the Amtico International training centre on 0121 745 0821.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Amtico International by Connect PR

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

VOLKSWAGEN’S COOL NEW BUSINESS DEAL WITH REFRIGERATION COMPANY

A Loughton van centre is celebrating after securing a £1.7 million pound deal with a facilities management company to supply over 80 vehicles for its refrigeration division.

Abridge Volkswagen Van Centre has provided the entire fleet of 88 Volkswagen vehicles to Arcus Engineering, who operate the refrigeration maintenance contract in the South East for leading food retailer, Sainsbury’s.

Arcus Engineering, based in Upminster, was launched earlier this year as a new sister company to ArcusFM. The facilities management provider presently manages the facilities contract for the national network of Sainsbury’s stores and its new refrigeration division expands the company’s portfolio.

The fleet mostly comprises of the recently launched more fuel-efficient Volkswagen Transporter vans plus some of the smaller Volkswagen Caddy for easier manoeuvrability around Greater London. The vehicles interior conversions and contract hire agreement has been managed by Lex Autolease.

Past experience and reputation of the Volkswagen brand secured the deal as ArcusFM fleet manager, Janet Bass, explained.

She said: “It was imperative that we launched Arcus Engineering with a fleet that was reliable and robust. Abridge Van Centre was very helpful throughout the process by providing a range of demonstrator vehicles that we could test at our leisure before making the decision.

“We are now looking at introducing Volkswagen vehicles into ArcusFM fleet.”

Wendy Williamson, commercial sales manager at Abridge Van Centre, added: “We are delighted that Arcus Engineering is satisfied with the vehicles and our customer service. We continually work hard on providing a high level of customer service and developing our links with local businesses; and we believe this is acquisition is evidence of that.”

For further information on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range of vans and passenger carrying vehicles, or any of the latest finance offers at Abridge Volkswagen Van Centre call 08444 128 983.

For more information contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

CAR RETAILER SUPPORTS SWIMMING STAR

Northgate Volkswagen is getting behind an up and coming swimming star as he prepares for one of the most important competitions of his swimming career, the GB National Youth Finals.

Danny Proffitt, 15, who swims for West Suffolk Swimming Club at Haverhill Leisure Centre has been participating in competitive events for the past seven years.

His latest challenge is to compete in the GB National Youth Finals before working towards the European Youth Championship Finals in 2012 representing his country.

Brand Manager of Northgate Volkswagen in Bury St Edmounds, Rob Rolfe recently presented Danny with his sponsorship certificate.

James said: “The local community is very important to us and we have made it our company policy to support individuals from the region where we can.

“We are very pleased to assist Danny in his quest to reach the European Finals and we would like to wish him the very best of success in reaching his goal.”

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

Connect PR hit the headlines!

You’ve got to hold and give and do it at the right time...

...No, we’re not talking about our beautifully crafted press releases here at Connect PR, but the World Cup, which is keeping us all busy at the moment.

Yes, yes, checking up on Fabio’s final 23 man squad took up a bit of time this week, but we’ve also been doing a lot of World Cup work for our clients too.

WD-40, that bastion of lubrication, has sprayed its name onto the Greatest Show on Earth by issuing free England car flags with every can of WD-40 sold at independent retailers.

Check out our picture of Zoe (above), already flying one of the flags out of her executive Audi A5. It’s amazing what our account executives can afford. She’ll be buying a pair of Jimmy Choos for £500 next.

I wonder how many Johnstone’s Paint Trophy mini-footballs £500 quid could buy?

We’re no experts in the maths department, so we’ve been offering the exclusive merchandise to allow fans to have a ball as the World Cup approaches.

A host of top titles are running the competitions in the coming days to keep the trophy in everyone’s minds as the summer officially arrives.

Would you like one? Just leave a comment at the end of this blog and we’ll drop one in the post to you, you lucky things!

Meanwhile, back on the coal face, Kathy and Ben have been learning everything about underfloor heating systems at a two day seminar on installation and application, courtesy of Uponor.

The fact neither of them have homes suitable for underfloor heating is now of little consequence. The pair of them are painting their very own meander and bifilar patterns, (below suitably screeded floors of course!) and have got new birthday present requests!

Our new client Uponor is revolutionising the plumbing and underfloor heating market and it was a real eye opener to see just how advanced their heating systems are.

So advanced in fact, that then mere sight of a copper pipe has brought Ben out in a rash, and Kathy in a fit of rage. Thanks Uponor, for a marvellous couple of days.

And finally, Connect PR has been reminded to keep up the social networking, courtesy of a new addition to the office.

A little bird (we were thinking of the Common Tit, but Richard wasn’t about unfortunately) flew into the office today and tweeted its little heart out.

Obviously lost, dazed and confused, the feathered friend was eventually plucked from danger and thrown back into the Wolverhampton sky. No surprise that he flew back to us five minutes later then. Poor thing.

In seriousness, the cute little bird reminded us of the virtues of twitter, and other social networking sites. We have long pioneered the use of such sites and our clients have been benefiting for months of tweeting.

HiQ, Baxi, WD-40, Uni-ball, Reeves, Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Volkswagen and so many other clients are all reaping the rewards of regular dialogue with their end users. It really is invaluable, and we’re so pleased, if not humble, to have stolen a march on so many other agencies in this area.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Connect PR

PENTRAETH’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY SUCCESS

A Welsh male voice choir and a local teenage soloist helped Pentraeth Motor Group celebrate their 30th anniversary.

The event was attended by over 100 customers past and present who were treated to a combination of classic Welsh and English in the Volkswagen van centre.

Managing director Ken Jones gave a brief talk about the beginning and continued growth of Pentraeth before introducing the evening performers.

Former Pentraeth Volkswagen brand manager Emlyn Parry was among the choir, while Lucy Kelly sang and Sara Huws enchanted guests with her harp playing.

Ken said: “What a wonderful well to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I can’t thank every enough for coming along and those who performed for the guests.

“The 30 years have flown by and I’m pleased many staff have been with Pentraeth most of that time.

“We pride ourselves on being a company giving customers what they expect and staff a secure and positive environment to work in.”

The celebrations are continuing for Pentraeth as it offers motorists special 30th birthday offers on various vehicles. To view Pentraeth Automotives special offers please see local press advertising for bespoke vehicles and the Volkswagen web site for new vehicle offers.

KENT CHILDREN TAKE PRIDE IN CAREERS

A school visit from a local business manager has inspired children to choose their careers early.

St James the Great Primary School in East Malling has been teaching Year six children about their aspirations and ambitions for their future professions

The talk by Beadles Volkswagen’s service manager, Steve McGannon, from inspired many of the children to consider a future in the automotive industry.

Due to the popularity of Steve’s visit, Beadles Volkswagen invited Jack Cadwallader, Matthew Abrey, Alix Lucas and Shannon Calverley to the retailer for a tour of the workshop and showroom.


Clare Mason, senior leader of learning at the school, said: “We were delighted to receive the invitation from Beadles Volkswagen for the children have a guided tour and talk with staff.

“They had an incredible afternoon and returned to school with knowledge, enthusiasm and desire for a career in the car industry.

“We continually look at ways of developing children’s interests in their future working life and can’t thank Steve and Beadles enough for their support.”

Steve said: “Children are the future workforce for many local businesses and it’s important we help them make the right choice in careers.

“By talking to them in school and allowing visits, children can sample life at a car retailer early, before deciding if it’s the right career for them.

“Judging by the enthusiasm of the children, I’m sure a few of them will be back in the coming years.”

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