Over a third of people (37 per cent) would rather spend a grand on a holiday than save it or pay off debts. However, 28 per cent showed their caring side by offering to treat the family or put the money towards helping others.
Chiltern Railways commissioned the survey to highlight that rail commuters from the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire border area travelling to London can save over £1,000 a year on the cost of a season ticket.
Chiltern Railways spokesperson Emma Gascoigne says the survey highlights how precious our time is and that we all aspire to spend more time relaxing and away from the office. She says "We asked respondents to tell us what they would do with an unexpected £1,000 and the most common response was to go away on a holiday or mini break.
"It's not really surprising that we want to escape on holiday and maybe the current financial situation has prevented some people going on their normal summer break and a spare £1,000 would allow them to take the plunge."
Some of the more unusual responses were to buy a basset hound, go to Vegas and get married and pay for study towards an MA.
The kind-hearted among us opted to help build a school in Malawi, pay for parents to have central heating and fund an overseas Lifelong Learning project.
A Chiltern Railways Season ticket valid for travel from Wendover to Marylebone, including parking, offers savings of £1,070 compared to travel from Tring to Euston. In addition, Chiltern Railways season ticket holders can enjoy free weekend travel anywhere on the Chiltern Railways network. To find out more, visit http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/tickets-and-fares/
- ends -
For further media information please contact the Chiltern Railways press office on 020 7333 3014. Alternatively, please call Emma Gascoigne on 07771 668793 or mailto: emma.gascoigne@chilternrailways.co.uk.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Thursday, 24 December 2009
HiQ celebrate a decade of development
The introduction of the congestion calming M42 hard shoulder for traffic has been voted as the best automotive invention of the last 10 years.
Leading fast fit network HiQ has celebrated the end of the ‘noughties’ by asking customers for their favourite innovation of the decade, with the motorway’s hard shoulder being used at peak times coming out on top.
HiQ asked 200 of its customers to vote for the most successful piece of automotive gadgetry or invention that has made the most difference to motorists’ and the highways.
The M42’s traffic calming measure was voted as the best innovation (32 per cent) in the last 10 years with satellite navigation systems second (27 per cent) and the M6 Toll coming third (18 per cent).
HiQ’s create demand manager Geraldine McGovern said: “We wanted to commemorate the last 10 years in some way, and thought it would be nice to ask customers what they thought was the most memorable and successful creation over the decade.
“Traffic congestion has, and will continue to pose problems for drivers, so we can see why a scheme like the M42’s has been so popular. It has certainly saved us all time!
“We hope that the HiQ fast fit network will be top of motorists’ lists in 10 years time as we attempt to revolutionise the way the way cars and vehicles are repaired across the UK.”
Motorists have been able to use the hard shoulder from junctions 3a to seven, in the Midlands, since 2006.
The hard shoulder on the M42 is used at peak times and the speed limit is reduced to 50mph to ease congestion.
The full results are:
M42 hard shoulder running (32 per cent)
Sat Nav systems (27 per cent)
M6 Toll (18 per cent)
On-board tyre pressure monitoring systems (10 per cent)
SPECS Cameras (4 per cent)
Others (9 per cent)
The HiQ fast fit network celebrated is now hoping to make a big name for itself in the new decade, after celebrating its 1st anniversary as a fully franchised network in 2009.
In the first 12 months of operating as a fully franchised operation, retail turnover was up in double digit figures, average ticket value is up by more than 5 per cent and retail footfall has increased by more than 8 per cent.
HiQ retail director Juergen Titz said: “2009 has been a challenging year. But the overall picture is that there is always room for individual entrepreneurial performance .”
Leading fast fit network HiQ has celebrated the end of the ‘noughties’ by asking customers for their favourite innovation of the decade, with the motorway’s hard shoulder being used at peak times coming out on top.
HiQ asked 200 of its customers to vote for the most successful piece of automotive gadgetry or invention that has made the most difference to motorists’ and the highways.
The M42’s traffic calming measure was voted as the best innovation (32 per cent) in the last 10 years with satellite navigation systems second (27 per cent) and the M6 Toll coming third (18 per cent).
HiQ’s create demand manager Geraldine McGovern said: “We wanted to commemorate the last 10 years in some way, and thought it would be nice to ask customers what they thought was the most memorable and successful creation over the decade.
“Traffic congestion has, and will continue to pose problems for drivers, so we can see why a scheme like the M42’s has been so popular. It has certainly saved us all time!
“We hope that the HiQ fast fit network will be top of motorists’ lists in 10 years time as we attempt to revolutionise the way the way cars and vehicles are repaired across the UK.”
Motorists have been able to use the hard shoulder from junctions 3a to seven, in the Midlands, since 2006.
The hard shoulder on the M42 is used at peak times and the speed limit is reduced to 50mph to ease congestion.
The full results are:
M42 hard shoulder running (32 per cent)
Sat Nav systems (27 per cent)
M6 Toll (18 per cent)
On-board tyre pressure monitoring systems (10 per cent)
SPECS Cameras (4 per cent)
Others (9 per cent)
The HiQ fast fit network celebrated is now hoping to make a big name for itself in the new decade, after celebrating its 1st anniversary as a fully franchised network in 2009.
In the first 12 months of operating as a fully franchised operation, retail turnover was up in double digit figures, average ticket value is up by more than 5 per cent and retail footfall has increased by more than 8 per cent.
HiQ retail director Juergen Titz said: “2009 has been a challenging year. But the overall picture is that there is always room for individual entrepreneurial performance .”
Win £1,000 in your pocket
Chiltern Railways would like to know what you would do with a spare £1,000. Answer our survey at http://bit.ly/8KUhZ8 and you could win £1,000.
If you think your Season Ticket to London is too expensive, it may be because you're travelling from the wrong station. For example, if you travel from Tring, you could save over £1,000 a year by changing to nearby Wendover and travelling with Chiltern Railways instead. To find out more visit http://bit.ly/5XTsgC
One respondent will be chosen at random when the survey closes on 4 January 2010.
Terms and Conditions
Prize will consist of a cheque for £1,000. Terms & Conditions apply: 1. The promoter of the competition is The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd (the “Promoter”) 2. The competition is open to all recipients of the promotion who are residents of the UK, aged 18 or over. 3. The competition is not open to employees of the Promoter or anyone connected with the organisation or with the promotion. 4. Entry is free without obligation, other than adherence to these rules. 5. The competition will close on 04.01.10. 6. Only one entry per person is permitted. 7. The winner’s details will be available on request by emailing kathy@connect-group.com. The winner will be notified within 7 days of the result. 8. The judges’ decision will be final. The Promoter reserves the right to alter the prize and offer a substitute of equal value if necessary. 9. The winner must be willing to participate in any promotional publicity . 10. The Promoter’s decision as to the operation of the competition will be final. No correspondence will be entered into. 11. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time without notice, if in our opinion events or circumstances occur outside our control. 12Supply of email address is deemed to be acceptance of these terms and conditions. 14. The Promoter will not share your personal information with any third parties except those necessary to administer the competition.
If you think your Season Ticket to London is too expensive, it may be because you're travelling from the wrong station. For example, if you travel from Tring, you could save over £1,000 a year by changing to nearby Wendover and travelling with Chiltern Railways instead. To find out more visit http://bit.ly/5XTsgC
One respondent will be chosen at random when the survey closes on 4 January 2010.
Terms and Conditions
Prize will consist of a cheque for £1,000. Terms & Conditions apply: 1. The promoter of the competition is The Chiltern Railway Company Ltd (the “Promoter”) 2. The competition is open to all recipients of the promotion who are residents of the UK, aged 18 or over. 3. The competition is not open to employees of the Promoter or anyone connected with the organisation or with the promotion. 4. Entry is free without obligation, other than adherence to these rules. 5. The competition will close on 04.01.10. 6. Only one entry per person is permitted. 7. The winner’s details will be available on request by emailing kathy@connect-group.com. The winner will be notified within 7 days of the result. 8. The judges’ decision will be final. The Promoter reserves the right to alter the prize and offer a substitute of equal value if necessary. 9. The winner must be willing to participate in any promotional publicity . 10. The Promoter’s decision as to the operation of the competition will be final. No correspondence will be entered into. 11. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time without notice, if in our opinion events or circumstances occur outside our control. 12Supply of email address is deemed to be acceptance of these terms and conditions. 14. The Promoter will not share your personal information with any third parties except those necessary to administer the competition.
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Top business brains share recession-busting insights
The recession-busting insights of three top business brains were revealed to an audience of West Midlands’ professional accountants at a seminar presented by ACCA (the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Birmingham.
The event was hosted by Glyn Morris, president of ACCA’s West Midlands Regional Network and finance director of Higgs & Sons Solicitors, and was inspired by a quote from American thinker, George Wood Bacon:
“Fortunes are not made in boom times . . . Fortunes are made in depressions or lean times when the wise man overhauls his mind, his methods, his resources, and gets in training for the race to come.”
Sharing their experiences and thoughts on surviving the current economic climate were Stephen Hughes, chief executive of Birmingham City Council, independent consultant and former group finance director Raj Gandhi, and ACCA President Brendan Murtagh.
The trio was introduced and interviewed by motivational business speaker and best-selling author Jeff Grout, enabling the audience to discover their personal insights on a number of time-critical and relevant business issues.
Glyn Morris said: “The event audience was drawn from across the West Midlands, and included accountants from all stages in their careers. I am sure everyone gained valuable information that they can take back into their working lives.”
An audio recording of the evening will be made available on the ACCA website - uk.accaglobal.com – which also carries information on membership and other association events.
ACCA is a global accountancy body, supporting 362,000 students and 131,500 members through a network of 57 global partnerships all focused on helping accountants add value.
The association aims to promote the highest professional and ethical standards, advocating sound business practices and sustainable development.
Event co-host, Higgs & Sons, is one of the West Midlands’ largest law firms, providing a full range of legal services. The company recently announced it is to move its 170-strong team to £1.5m prestigious new offices on the Waterfront in Brierley Hill.
Monday, 21 December 2009
AUTOGAS – THE THIRD FUEL OF CHOICE FOR MOTORISTS
Autogas UK has welcomed comments from Inigo Palacio Prada, chairman of the Global Automotive Industry Network (GAIN), highlighting that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stands out as the ‘third fuel of choice for motorists’.
LPG represents a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel, with more than 14.6 million vehicles worldwide making the most of its financial and environmental benefits.
In an interview for Automotive Industries magazine(1), Inigo Palacio Prada explained how LPG not only saves money and reduces harmful emissions with no loss of engine performance but is also readily available right now, through the Autogas refuelling network – making it the third fuel of choice for motorists.
“Electric vehicles are no doubt going to emerge as an alternative to traditional automotive fuels at some stage in the future,” said Prada. “We must remember that Autogas can provide significant benefits over gasoline and diesel and is available here and now.”
Emma Bartle, spokesperson for Autogas Limited said: “We welcome the comments of Mr Prada, which echo our beliefs that LPG is the most accessible alternative to petrol and diesel currently available.
“Although electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, LPG is readily available right now, with a comprehensive refuelling network throughout the UK.
“Environmental concerns run deeper than just reducing CO2 emissions. Vehicles running on LPG do produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel, but also 120 per cent less oxides of nitrogen than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel, and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles(2).
“All of these other pollutants should also be considered when trying to improve urban air quality.
“And, of course, drivers are already reaping the benefits of reduced motoring costs. Forecourt prices of LPG are typically half that of petrol or diesel, making it attractive to individuals and commercial operators, and LPG motorists can benefit from up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge as well as lower company car tax or vehicle excise duty.”
Autogas is the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, with more than 200 refuelling sites and ambitious plans to expand the network further over the next year.To help drivers find their nearest LPG service station Autogas, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, offers a free to download ‘point of interest’ file for leading satellite navigation systems. Users can log onto www.autogasfinder.co.uk or www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/satnav to upload the Autogas locator file so that no matter where you they are in the UK they can find their nearest Calor Autogas site.
GAIN is the network set up by the World LP Gas Association to promote Autogas to consumers and governments worldwide.
For further information on fuel supplies and bulk tank installation, contact Calor on 0800 216 659 or visit www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk.
ENDS
1 Automotive Industries magazine, September 2009
2 Small particle emissions are related to health effects including increased risk of heart and lung disease and problems such as asthma. All figures taken form the EETP 2003
Notes to Editors
- There are around 1,400 public access vehicle refuelling sites in the UK in addition to which many businesses have their own “bunkered” facilities.
- LPG powered vehicles listed on the Powershift register can gain up to 100 per cent discounts and exemptions from the London congestion charge
- There are around 150,000 LPG vehicles on UK roads
- Finding your nearest Calor Autogas refuelling site couldn't be simpler – a file of retail sites is available for downloaded from the Autogas web site (www.autogasfinder.co.uk)
- A savings calculator can be found on www.autogas.ltd.uk
LPG represents a realistic alternative to petrol and diesel, with more than 14.6 million vehicles worldwide making the most of its financial and environmental benefits.
In an interview for Automotive Industries magazine(1), Inigo Palacio Prada explained how LPG not only saves money and reduces harmful emissions with no loss of engine performance but is also readily available right now, through the Autogas refuelling network – making it the third fuel of choice for motorists.
“Electric vehicles are no doubt going to emerge as an alternative to traditional automotive fuels at some stage in the future,” said Prada. “We must remember that Autogas can provide significant benefits over gasoline and diesel and is available here and now.”
Emma Bartle, spokesperson for Autogas Limited said: “We welcome the comments of Mr Prada, which echo our beliefs that LPG is the most accessible alternative to petrol and diesel currently available.
“Although electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, LPG is readily available right now, with a comprehensive refuelling network throughout the UK.
“Environmental concerns run deeper than just reducing CO2 emissions. Vehicles running on LPG do produce 17 per cent less carbon dioxide than petrol and 2 per cent less than diesel, but also 120 per cent less oxides of nitrogen than petrol and a staggering 2,000 per cent less than diesel, and up to 120 times less small particle (PM10) emissions than diesel vehicles(2).
“All of these other pollutants should also be considered when trying to improve urban air quality.
“And, of course, drivers are already reaping the benefits of reduced motoring costs. Forecourt prices of LPG are typically half that of petrol or diesel, making it attractive to individuals and commercial operators, and LPG motorists can benefit from up to 100 per cent exemption from the London Congestion Charge as well as lower company car tax or vehicle excise duty.”
Autogas is the UK’s leading supplier of LPG, with more than 200 refuelling sites and ambitious plans to expand the network further over the next year.To help drivers find their nearest LPG service station Autogas, a joint venture between Calor and Shell, offers a free to download ‘point of interest’ file for leading satellite navigation systems. Users can log onto www.autogasfinder.co.uk or www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk/satnav to upload the Autogas locator file so that no matter where you they are in the UK they can find their nearest Calor Autogas site.
GAIN is the network set up by the World LP Gas Association to promote Autogas to consumers and governments worldwide.
For further information on fuel supplies and bulk tank installation, contact Calor on 0800 216 659 or visit www.lpg-vehicles.co.uk.
ENDS
1 Automotive Industries magazine, September 2009
2 Small particle emissions are related to health effects including increased risk of heart and lung disease and problems such as asthma. All figures taken form the EETP 2003
Notes to Editors
- There are around 1,400 public access vehicle refuelling sites in the UK in addition to which many businesses have their own “bunkered” facilities.
- LPG powered vehicles listed on the Powershift register can gain up to 100 per cent discounts and exemptions from the London congestion charge
- There are around 150,000 LPG vehicles on UK roads
- Finding your nearest Calor Autogas refuelling site couldn't be simpler – a file of retail sites is available for downloaded from the Autogas web site (www.autogasfinder.co.uk)
- A savings calculator can be found on www.autogas.ltd.uk
Friday, 18 December 2009
POST-CHRISTMAS CHARITY CHEER
A north west car retailer group is aiming to provide some charity festive cheer this Christmas by helping those unable to spend the season at home.
The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund will benefit to the tune of £25 for every car sold at Inchcape’s 13 Volkswagen sites during the company’s January sale, which runs from 29th December to 10th January.
Cumbria Community Foundation’s appeal has already raised over £1m to help the victims of the recent floods that have left hundreds of people in temporary accommodation and without possessions.
The group’s sites in Chester, Bromborough, Salford, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Hyde, Stockport, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Telford are hoping to raise over £10,000 for the fund during the ten-day event.
Inchcape north’s divisional marketing manager, Tony Carr, said: “It’s important we help others at Christmas and this fund was very appropriate, as many flood victims will be spending the festive period away from their homes.
“Members of staff have family and friends directly affected by the floods, so we’re pleased to help in a small way.
“I hope lots of people take advantage of the offers we have and at the same time, help such a great cause.”
Deb Muscat, Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund Appeal’s acting director, said: “We’re grateful to every individual or business donation, especially from those outside Cumbria.
“Inchcape’s innovative idea shows the different ways businesses can help raise money.
“The Fund strives to improve the quality of life for those who have had their lives affected by floods in November this year.”
The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund will benefit to the tune of £25 for every car sold at Inchcape’s 13 Volkswagen sites during the company’s January sale, which runs from 29th December to 10th January.
Cumbria Community Foundation’s appeal has already raised over £1m to help the victims of the recent floods that have left hundreds of people in temporary accommodation and without possessions.
The group’s sites in Chester, Bromborough, Salford, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Hyde, Stockport, Shrewsbury, Bridgnorth and Telford are hoping to raise over £10,000 for the fund during the ten-day event.
Inchcape north’s divisional marketing manager, Tony Carr, said: “It’s important we help others at Christmas and this fund was very appropriate, as many flood victims will be spending the festive period away from their homes.
“Members of staff have family and friends directly affected by the floods, so we’re pleased to help in a small way.
“I hope lots of people take advantage of the offers we have and at the same time, help such a great cause.”
Deb Muscat, Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund Appeal’s acting director, said: “We’re grateful to every individual or business donation, especially from those outside Cumbria.
“Inchcape’s innovative idea shows the different ways businesses can help raise money.
“The Fund strives to improve the quality of life for those who have had their lives affected by floods in November this year.”
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
WINTER FAYRE SUCCESSFULLY RAISES FUNDS FOR HOSPICE
Shropshire’s Severn Hospice is celebrating Christmas early following donations at a local Winter Fayre.
Shrewsbury’s Volkswagen retailer Inchcape, held the event at its Vanguard Way showroom and raised over £400 for the Hospice.
Local businesses ranging from a vineyard to cosmetics set up stalls, helping to raise vital funds for Severn Hospice.
Inchcape Volkswagen’s brand manager, Pete Southall, said: “The Winter Fayre was enjoyed by all and gave people the chance to raise money for a very worthwhile local charity, while at the same time letting them do some early Christmas shopping.”
Shrewsbury’s Volkswagen retailer Inchcape, held the event at its Vanguard Way showroom and raised over £400 for the Hospice.
Local businesses ranging from a vineyard to cosmetics set up stalls, helping to raise vital funds for Severn Hospice.
Inchcape Volkswagen’s brand manager, Pete Southall, said: “The Winter Fayre was enjoyed by all and gave people the chance to raise money for a very worthwhile local charity, while at the same time letting them do some early Christmas shopping.”
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