Connect PR's week in words!

It’s been a case of trains, planes and automobiles this week in the wonderful world of Connect PR.

Let’s stay on track by talking trains first. On behalf of Chiltern Railways, we were at Moor Street in Birmingham today with the company’s director Thomas Ableman.

He announced plans to transform travel between Birmingham and London, before unveiling a countdown clock marking 100 days until the Chiltern Mainline begins.

With reporters from a host of media channels eager for more information, we were delighted to be able to assist in such a prestigious project.

With the rail tracks covered, the sky is the limit – quite literally - which is where we bring in the planes part.

Our client Goodyear is reaching for sky with its road safety plans, and has called on its iconic institution of the air to capture everyone’s imagination.

Okay, so it isn’t technically a plane, but the Goodyear Blimp is flying back into view across the UK this year, and we are busy working with the esteemed brand to maximize coverage around it.

The blimp has graced the sky for more than 85 years and has established a reputation for being a ‘guardian angel’ for the company. We’re excited to be involved in a new chapter for the blimp, so forgive us if our heads are in the clouds every now and then.

Now onto those automobiles.

With the HiQ fast fit network and Volkswagen passenger cars as clients, we are always steering their names into a number of high profile publications.

This week has been no different as a Valentine’s Day survey amongst HiQ motorists gave us a number of headlines to work with.

According to our research, men have more love for their cars than they do their partners, who tend to moan a lot more than an everyday engine, apparently.

We were stunned by the results, judging by everyone’s plans here in the office.

Zoe and Becki have bought tastebud tingling meals for their loved ones, while Lucas is going to Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant with his partner.

Mind you, Rich did take part in the questionnaire and he’s taking his other half to his local boozer – once he’s watched the Monster Trucks on Eurosport.

Who says romance is dead eh? Have a great weekend!

Connect PR

Connect celebrates two major signings

Connect Group is continuing its talent growth with the appointment of two new world-class creatives.

Stuart Perry joins the Wolverhampton-based integrated agency fresh from 11 years at McCann Erickson, where he worked on accounts including Harley Davidson. He will become a creative director and Connect’s head of design.

Alongside Stuart, Dennis Willison joins Connect as another creative director, following 15 years at Saatchi & Saatchi, London. Dennis has worked with many of the greats of advertising including the legendary, late John Webster. Dennis’ name can be found on iconic campaigns including Benson and Hedges, Hamlet, Courage Best, and the NSPCC.

Executive creative director James Sinclair said of the two new appointments: “It’s a great testament to what we’re trying to achieve at Connect that creatives of the calibre of Stuart and Dennis are now joining us.

“Like all great creatives, Dennis finds a way to blend discipline in his strategic thinking with what’s irresistibly engaging in delivery.

“Stuart combines world class design with strong conceptual thinking. In these days of oversupplied markets of me-too products with parity claims, brand personality differentiation has become vital. Stuart will raise the craft levels in the agency while helping to develop our new approach to this brand personality differentiation.”

In addition to Stuart and Dennis, Connect has also retained senior art directors Julian Bird and Richard Parsons. Both have worked with Connect as freelancers in the past.

James Sinclair added: “I’m incredibly proud that we are building an agency that operates quite unlike any other I’ve been involved in. We are actively seeking to cross-fertilise skills across departments and the agency as a whole – blending design, advertising, digital, PR, conceptual thinking and strategic insight in a way I haven't experienced in other agencies.”

Tradesman get £5K boost from Volkswagen

A Newark van centre has presented a £5,000 financial boost to a local tradesman just for taking a test drive.

Kevin Burton, owner of K & B Installations which specialises in fitted kitchen and bathrooms, was awarded the cheque after being entered into a prize draw following the test of the Volkswagen Crafter at Gilder Van Centre, previously Heron Van Centre.

The competition was aimed at giving a financial boost to tradesmen and van drivers’ businesses while also showcasing the benefits, capabilities and versatility of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ largest vehicle, the Crafter.

The self-employed fitter, who has been in business for over 24 years, provides an all-inclusive service as he is a qualified plumber, electrician and plasterer. As an authorised fitter for B&Q, Kevin works within a 50 miles radius of Mansfield and has always enjoyed the independence of working for himself.

Speaking of his win, Kevin said: “I was completely shocked when I was told I had won. Gilder Van Centre had been really helpful when I tested the Crafter which I needed to meet my growing business demand. I filled in the entry form and never gave it a second thought.

“I’m a real advocate of the Volkswagen range, my last vehicle was a Transporter which I found very reliable, and even drove like a car. I simply needed a larger van and, with all of this in mind, the Crafter seemed the ideal choice.

“The money will go towards upgrading my tools as well as investing in new equipment which will help make my job easier.”

Julie Gwilliam, head of business at Gilder Van Centre Newark, said: “We are delighted that one of our customers won this national prize draw.

“It is even more pleasing to know that Kevin has already purchased a new Crafter based on his test drive experience.”

For further information on the Crafter and the other models in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle range, call Gilder Van Centre Newark on 01636 673 691 or visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

CHARITY FAMILY WIN TRIP TO THE WILD WEST

A family from Congleton in Cheshire is saddled up and ready to fly out to a Texan ranch holiday after winning a national competition.

Denise Page secured the ‘Wild West’ break for her family after she won a ‘spot the ball’ contest at JJ’s Sensory Play Centre annual charity ball, which was sponsored by Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen in Macclesfield.

The holiday was the main prize of Volkswagen’s national competition to mark the launch of their new Touran and Sharan models.

Denise (below with Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen's brand manager, Nick Ashton) will fly out to Texas in early April with her daughter Francine and partner Guy.

Speaking of her prize, Denise said: “I was a little surprised when I had the call to tell me of my win, as I didn’t really expect all the flights and accommodation to be paid for.

“But once I had confirmation in writing, I was very excited by the choice of holidays on offer and a trip to Texas appealed to all the family – although Francine said she won’t be coming if she has to eat beans around a campfire!”

Nick Ashton, brand manager at Gilbert Lawton Volkswagen, said: “Our congratulations go out to Denise and her family and we hope they enjoy their holiday to Texas.

“We’re also pleased that we’ve helped raise awareness about the work of JJ’s Sensory Play Centre, as we extended an invitation to the charity ball to all of our customers.”

JJ’s Sensory Play Centre, which is located on Snape Road in Macclesfield, is a soft play environment which includes a sensory room. It relies entirely on donations to provide its services.

Their specialist facilities encourage young children, including those with special needs, to play in a safe environment through stimulation and interaction by using multi-sensory equipment.

For more information about JJ’s Sensory Play centre, please visit www.jjsplaycentre.co.uk or call 01625 667872.

DOUBLE TOP SPONSORSHIP FOR PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS STARS

Two of the world’s leading darts players have signed major sponsorship deals with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ahead of the 2011 Premier League.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is stepping up to the oche and backing world number three, James Wade, and the 2011 World Championship semi-finalist, Mark Webster for a period of 12-months. And as fate would have it, the two 27-year olds face each other at the season-opener taking place at London’s O2 Arena next week.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Wade explained: “I’m delighted for both Mark and myself with this double sponsorship. It shows how popular darts is becoming when a major global company invests in the sport.”

“The start of the Premier League couldn’t have worked out better, and I know Mark and I will be doing our best to put on a great show at the O2.”

Currently ranked at number 13 in the world, Webster from Denbigh, North Wales, added: “This is a leading sponsorship deal and means I can concentrate on my goal of reaching world number one. Volkswagen vans have a superb reputation for reliability, strength and success, and these are qualities that I aim to bring to the oche, during the sponsorship and beyond.”

“James and I are good friends, but when we’re on stage we’re best of enemies.”

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ head of marketing, David George, said: “This is a new and exciting arena for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. As an ex-mechanic and plumber respectively, James and Mark are both perfect ambassadors for the brand.

“With significant television and live audiences, darts is a great platform to continue raising awareness of our commercial vehicles brand. Everyone at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will be hoping James or Mark can claim the Premier League and many other trophies in 2011.”

Uponor Taps into Darts

For more details on Mark Webster's new sponsorship deal, click here:

Uponor Sinks Mark Webster Sponsorship Deal

Fresh on the back of securing a place in the PDC’s Premier League, darts player and professional plumber Mark Webster has also gained a new sponsor.

Underfloor heating and plumbing specialist Uponor has signed a 12 month deal to sponsor the 2008 World Champion including player appearances and shirt sponsorship.

To see what happened when Uponor signed Mark, click here.

In just two years, Mark has climbed the player rankings starting scratch on the PDC Order of Merit and now holds the 13th spot.

The 27 year old from Denbigh, north Wales was named as one of only eight players that will take part in the 2011 Premier League thanks to his recent success in the World Championships, where he knocked out Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor to reach the semi-finals, and the World Cup of Darts where together with fellow Welshman Barry Bates, he reached the final.

Uponor’s applications manager, Richard Haworth, says Mark’s plumbing knowledge makes him the ideal personality to be associated with our brand. He says: “Thanks to its huge TV and live audiences darts provides us with the ideal platform to reach our target audiences and communicate the benefits of Uponor systems and solutions.

“Furthermore, Mark is the perfect player to represent Uponor given that he is a qualified plumber and still carries out commercial heating installations working for an installer in his home town. He can confidently speak with authority on plumbing matters and we’re delighted to have him on board.”

Mark adds: “I’m really pleased that Uponor have chosen to support me. It’s always nice to have the backing of sponsors to spur you on and I’m excited about getting to grips with the product offering and learning about the solutions the company offers its customers.

“Of course I hope my recent run of form continues so that I can get as much exposure for the company as possible.”

Darts commands a huge following with sporting TV viewing figures second only to football. It also has a phenomenal celebrity following with Stephen Fry, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and Robbie Savage tweeting about matches and has even gained a Royal following with Prince Harry joining live audiences at the Alexandra Palace in January.

Uponor’s sponsorship will commence at the 02 Arena in London when the Premier League gets underway on 10 February.

Uponor is a leading supplier of plumbing and indoor climate systems for the residential and commercial building markets across Europe and North America and a market leader in municipal infrastructure pipe systems in the Nordic countries.

Uponor's key applications include heating and cooling solutions and tap water systems. The Group employs ca 3,300 persons in 30 countries. In 2009, Uponor's net sales totalled 730 million euros. Uponor Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd., Finland. http://www.uponor.co.uk. .