Clacton Essex Mobile Security Patrol Service

Jack Smink at The Henegar Centre

Jack Smink and the LST Band and Vocalists
Invite you to experience
A Tribute To Elvis

Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Henegar Center for the Arts
625 E. New Haven Avenue
Melbourne, Florida 32901
(321) 723-8698

All Seats $28.00
Also Visit: http://www.henegar.org/

New internet radio station for Bracknell and the Royal County of Berkshire (UK)

Community internet radio station, Radio Bracknell, launches on 1st February 2009.

Bracknell, Berks, 01 January, 2009:

Radio Bracknell, a new community internet music radio station, launches on 1st February to broadcast around the clock to Bracknell, Berkshire and, through the power of the Internet, around the globe.

The radio station, founded by marketing and public relations consultant John Hicks, who has close family connections with Bracknell, seeks to involve local people by encouraging them to share their passion for music by presenting their own shows or, in the case of local musicians, facilitating them showcasing their work to a larger audience.

Listeners can enjoy the programmes on their computers at work, PC’s at home, wi-fi radios, many models of mobile phones, Playstation PSP’s and in-car entertainment systems through Bluetooth enabled hands-free mobile phone kits.

John has been involved in several internet and local radio stations previously including being co-founder, along with international country music radio and television personality Lee Williams, of the very successful country music station, CMR Nashville (http://www.cmrnashville.net/) which had a global listening audience of 2 million people in the year ending September 2008. But he says Radio Bracknell will be different.

“We will be at the heart of the local community, despite also being listened to by people around the world. Enabling young people, local DJ’s and music enthusiasts to produce and broadcast their own shows is only the first element of that community involvement.” John said.

Elsewhere, John has worked with schools and youth groups to enable young people to produce programmes so time has been allocated in the Radio Bracknell schedule for such programmes.

“Our website will have comprehensive links to sources of “what’s on” and job vacancies information. It will also support local retailers, venues and outlets by facilitating local businesses offering our listeners special promotions through membership of our RBXclusive listener club.” John added.

Local people who would like to be involved can volunteer to help by maintain and developing the websites (including MySpace, Facebook and Next2Friends presence) or promoting the station in the local area. John said: “Volunteering enables local people to become part of a small team supporting a local project whilst having fun at the same time as gaining new skills”.

The choice of music is very wide, from pop and dance through to jazz and country. Some shows are being syndicated from the United States with some stations there taking Radio Bracknell programmes on a reciprocal basis.

“Some people ask why I am proceeding with the launch in the current economic downturn here in the UK. Having weathered the economic storms over many years in business, I know these things are cyclical. Like all businesses, radio stations take several years to gain credibility so launching now means that we will be established by the time the UK economy shakes off the recession. Besides, we all need cheering up and Radio Bracknell will be fun, interesting and useful so perhaps the timing is perfect.” John says.

The Radio Bracknell website, where further information can be obtained, is at http://www.radiobracknell.com/ and John can be contacted at john@radiobracknell.com.

Basingstoke security fencing contractor extends product offerings

PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
Basingstoke, UK
November 20th 2008



Basingstoke security fencing contractor extends product offerings

Hampshire’s Asset Fencing, specialist security and perimeter fencing contractors operating nationwide, have extended their portfolio of products by the addition of automated gates, bollards and barriers from leading European manufacturer BFT.

BFT Automation (UK) Limited are the UK subsidiary of BFT S.P.A., an Italian manufacturer of access automation technology who specialise in gate and door automation for the home and commercial markets as well as providing a range of technology solutions for car parking systems.

Stuart Davies, Operations Manager of Basingstoke-based Asset Fencing said “We are constantly seeking to widen the range of choice offered to a commercial and domestic customers and the addition of the quality BFT range does that. They offer cost-effective solutions to our customers’ needs who will receive the same high level of service whether they are buying a budget kit to automate a gate or a fully functioning parking revenue system.”

For swing gates, Asset Fencing offer a selection of swing gate equipment classified under the headings: ‘Electro-Mechanical’ and ‘Electro-Hydraulic’.

Electro-Mechanical equipment is generally designed for the domestic user and has a duty cycle which suits family residences and entrances that are not busy throughout the day.

Electro-hydraulic equipment is generally designed for a higher duty cycle and is suitable for busy entrances and prestige gates. Our hydraulic gate equipment is fully serviceable and, if properly maintained, will give many years of reliable service.

As an alternative to swing gates, sliding gates offer a number of advantages over swing gates and are generally the more popular choice in mainland Europe. Why ..?

A sliding gate does not need the space that a swing gate requires to open. This leaves the full length of the driveway usable for parking vehicles (useful where space is restricted.). A closed sliding gate offers better resistance to being forced than a pair of swing gates and therefore higher security. Additionally, sliding gates will work across an upward sloping driveway where a pair of swing gates would not open inward.


"Other products from the BFT range include rising bollards and car park barriers” added Stuart. “These extend our current offering of wooden and steel fencing, window grilles, CCTV installation, monitoring and maintenance, crash barriers, car park and building access control solutions, anti-ram raid barriers, security lighting and window hoardings as well as temporary event security fencing.”

Asset Fencing offer free site surveys and further details which can be found on the Asset Fencing website (http://www.assetfencing.com) or by calling 01256 329742.

Asset Fencing is a subsidiary of Facilities Resource Limited (http://www.facilities resource.com) which manage outsourced facilities and security management for blue chip and smaller companies in the UK.

USA TODAY leads rave reviews of "Love Won Out"

USA TODAY LEADS RAVE REVIEWS OF "LOVE WON OUT"

Tokyo Rosenthal's new CD, "Love Won Out", received the latest in a series of rave reviews today from USA TODAY.

The review, written by acclaimed BNN music reviewer Simon Barrett, was published on USA TODAYS web site and joined many other positive reviews in the short time that the CD has been released.

Rosenthal, fresh off a tour of The Netherlands, was ecstatic over Barrett's comments. "It's not often that a reviewer takes the time to analyze a CD the way Simon did", said Rosenthal. "And I'm glad that after listening so closely he liked what he heard. So far, while it's only been several weeks, the experts seem to like what I've done and for me that's the 'acid test'. I thank them all for their time and consideration."

To read Simon Barrett's review go to http://content.usatoday.com/topics/article/Places,+Geography/Towns,+Cities,+Counties/Tokyo/016l1ZTaYh5Jq/1.

Additional reviews are available on Toke's web site(http://www.tokyorosenthal.com/)

To purchase or sample Tokyo Rosenthal's new CD "Love Won Out" go to www.cdbaby.com/cd/tokyorosenthal3.

For further information on Tokyo Rosenthal or where to catch a live performance visit http://www.tokyorosenthal.com/

Maximising the impact of your marketing in the credit crunch

Ten Ideas for Marketing in a Recession
by John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press and Public Relations

Even the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, is now using the “R” word. Yes, Recession is here! I fully believe that, because of it, just about every business and organisation out there is having to cut back on expenditure in some areas of activity, become more efficient, and more effective with their spend.

It’s nothing new, we are always being asked to do that, but this time it’s serious. It hasn’t been this serious since the 2001 Dot Com bust.

I was with a client earlier this week and we were brainstorming a marketing strategy for this recession and I was asked for my top ten ideas for marketing through these stormy seas. I thought I would share them with you.

1. Existing customers are key: In times of economic uncertainty, when budgets are getting cut back, people buy from who they know. This means you’ve got to engage with the customer base more frequently and deeply than ever before. Look at your communications strategy for customers remembering that it is far more expensive to attract new customers than it is to retain existing ones.

2. Supplier relationships. You will have already looked with your suppliers at ways of cutting costs and/or improving service. You will have already reviewed your purchasing policies and procedures to ensure maximum value. Now look for opportunities to work with them on joint promotions, joint marketing and advertising including newspaper and radio advertorials, links to and from their website or other ways in which you can help each other. These other ways might include attending trade fairs together or setting up regional/local seminars, workshops or exhibitions. Now is the time to be creative whilst limiting exposure to costs!

3. Joint ventures. Try and look for new working relationships. I was talking to a manufacturer who was seeking marketing advice. I talked myself out of the job because the solution was actually to go out and license the product to an existing High Street retailer who has the outlets and sales volume. I was lucky enough to develop a working relationship with a management consultancy and they introduce clients to me, and vice versa. No cost to either of us!

4. Measure Everything: Know what works, and what doesn’t, and stop what doesn’t. We do this in normal times but the pressure is now on to do it as effectively as we possibly can. I was working with my client Sunset Lingerie http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ and during the last few months we found that 36,000 hits were from people in the US. Result? We established a US mirror image site with US graphics, US sizes and priced in dollars. A low cost attempt to capitalise on the reality of who is using their website meant that they have an additional income stream.

5. Invest in Communications: Communications becomes a high ROI tactic in tough times. Use it! Make sure your PR firm is using all the social media tools at your disposal to get your message out. If you don’t have a PR firm then start a FaceBook page, start a blog, brand a You Tube channel, create a corporate page on Next2Friends http://www.next2friends.com/ and develop some viral content. Its low cost and it works. Use your PR firm to also push out some articles across the web to help raise your profile and make it easier for people to find you. And, do not forget to get out there! Be seen at trade fairs, have a stand at the local xmas fayre, donate a prize to the childrens ward xmas party, whatever is appropriate. It needn’t costs much money at all. Look at the Chicago Rock Cafe promotional car in the photograph above, this cost nothing! Yet, the profile of the venue was raised significantly over the twelve months of the sponsorship deal from the local Chrylser dealership!

6. Data is king. Review both your data and the way it is collected and maintained. Ensure that the collection system is comprehensive and that it is kept up to date. Unless you are a government agency or department, where it is normal to lose confidential data on a train or left in a highly visible briefcase on the back seat of our car ready to be easily stolen by the first thief walking past, you must ensure that we comply with the strict requirements of the Data Protection legislation. Do not abuse that data. If you need more data, for direct mail shots or telesales campaign, buy some in. It is not that expensive and is an invaluable tool.

7. Your website. Increasingly, customers are using websites to find suppliers and find the best deals. Look at your website with fresh eyes, does it work, does it say what you want it to say, do you need special offers at this time, are your Unique Selling Points prominent? Also review with your webmaster is the Search Engine Optimisation is working its best. Check if you have plenty of links to and from your site. Look at opportunities to generate new income from affiliate scheme or advertising. I sold some adverts on some of my websites for $30 a year, not big bucks but that is money I didn’t have before and it took me five minutes to drop them into my sites. In addition, I now have another new business contact that I might be able to develop a new working relationship with.

8. Internal communication. When senior managers are under pressure, it is too easy to stop listening to colleague or communicating back to them. Make sure that your internal communications, even if just using simple email systems, are working. In particular, make sure you are listening to customer facing staff so that you are hearing the feedback they are getting from your customers.

9. Have a Strategy. Strategy is about sacrifice and if everything is a priority then nothing is a priority. Make it a living, breathing, document that you share widely with colleagues even if some commercially sensitive areas are withheld. Let the staff feel part of this process. Revisit it regularly and update it in the light of practical experience.

10. Business networking. I hate business networking events, even the better ones from Business Link, as I have never met anyone either sensible or someone I really would like to business with. They wasted my time. The best forum for meeting like minded business people that I have found is online at We Can Do Biz http://www.wecando.biz/ and membership is free. I guess what I like about it most is that the business people on there are friendly, helpful and business community minded!

And remember to create your own networks. The photo above was taken at a Recruitment Fair for Chicago Rock Cafe in Yeovil. I simply went round the town inviting retailers and other employers to have a free stand at a recruitment open day. The local newspaper sponsored it and gave us plenty of free advertising as a result. The exhibitors put out flyers in their stores or factories so Chicago Rock received plenty of positive PR. I made new business contacts. Chicago Rock also won some Christmas party bookings from the exhibitors. Cost? Nothing!!!

I’m sure there are lots of ideas about marketing in a recession. Please share a few with me as I surely could use all the help I can get, and let’s share it with others!

But, more importantly, have the faith to remember that these things are cyclical. Those of us with grey hairs have seen this before and prudent financial and business planning now will put us in good stead to be there at the end ready for the upturn.


You can read John’s blog on marketing for small businesses at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com or visit his website at www.headlinepromotions.co.uk

An outstanding example of a community based PR, helping our friends the honey bees

By John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press and Public Relations

I admire a brilliantly produced and executed public relations campaign, especially when it has social worth. Let me tell you about one of the best examples I have come across, from across the pond in the US.

We know of the plight of the modest honey bees that are responsible for pollinating more than 100 different crops, $15 billion worth annually over in the U.S., and they play a critical role in the agricultural industry’s ability to provide food products to the rest of the world.

But, honey bees are dying at an alarming rate. Over the last several winters, a substantial percentage of the honey bee population in the United States and Europe has vanished, many under mysterious circumstances.

This is a new phenomenon. I remember back in the early 1960s going with my father to visit his hives in the rural English countryside and the bee population was thriving. Honey was abundant and we spent many happy hours spinning the handle on some sort of antiquated contraption to extract the honey from the comb. And, oh, was that taste wonderful.

For Häagen-Dazs ice cream, the reality of this threat has spurred the superpremium ice cream maker to launch a national campaign in the US to protect these tiny unsung heroes. Everything from poor nutrition to invasive mites to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) – a phenomenon where bees from a colony abruptly desert the hive and die – is affecting the bees.

This disappearance has scientists stumped and has the potential to affect many of our favourite nuts, fruits and berries – key ingredients in some of the most popular Häagen-Dazs flavours. In fact, more than 40 percent of Häagen-Dazs all-natural ice cream flavours include ingredients dependent on honey bees for pollination.

To discover and prevent what’s killing our honey bees, the US Häagen-Dazs brand is launching the Häagen-Dazs loves Honey Bees™ campaign to fund sustainable pollination and CCD research at Pennsylvania State University and the University of California, Davis.

“Häagen-Dazs ice cream is made from the finest all-natural ingredients, and the plight of the honey bee could mean many of the ingredients used in our top flavours, like Vanilla Swiss Almond and Strawberry, would be difficult to source,” said Häagen-Dazs brand manager Josh Gellert.

Putting all its marketing might behind the issue, the Häagen-Dazs brand has launched an amazing website, supported by print, television and online advertising, dedicated to educating Americans about the problem and seeking their help to spread the word and join the campaign. The effort includes information in retail stores and Häagen-Dazs® Shops and a full public relations campaign.

To further spotlight the issue, the Häagen-Dazs brand launched a new honey bee-dedicated flavour – Vanilla Honey Bee which I must go and try just to check if I can recapture that flavour I remember from my childhood. The brand is also tagging all of its honey bee-dependent flavors – from Häagen-Dazs Wild Berry frozen yogurt to Caramelized Pear and Toasted Pecan ice cream - with a HD loves HB™ icon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the new flavour and all HD loves HB tagged flavours will be used to fund the $250,000 donation to UC Davis and Penn State.

Häagen-Dazs has recruited prominent university researchers and beekeepers to serve on a Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bee Board to provide insight and consultation on the complex honey bee situation.

“Honey bee health and sustainable pollination is a major issue facing American agriculture that is threatening our food supply and endangering our natural environment,” said Diana Cox-Foster, Ph.D., leading CCD researcher at Penn State and Häagen-Dazs Bee Board member. “Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream’s generous donation to Penn State’s research programmewill provide immediate funds for research, outreach and student training to help find a CCD solution and preserve our natural food supply.”

“The Häagen-Dazs brand and UC Davis have a shared goal of preserving our local natural ingredients in a sustainable future and their donation to the UC Davis Laidlaw facility will help us reach our goals through advances in research and community awareness programs,” said Michael Parrella, Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bee Board member and associate dean, Division of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, UC Davis.

There are several ways consumers can help save our pollinator allies upon whom we depend:

• Create a bee-friendly garden with plants that attract honey bees.
• Support the Häagen-Dazs loves Honey Bees program – a portion of the proceeds of the sale of all bee-dependent flavours will go toward helping the honey bees.
• Educate neighbours, schools and community groups about the severe situation the honey bees and our food supply are facing which is why I am penning this article.
• Buy local honey, never a hardship!
  

You can see how the Häagen-Dazs brand is helping honey bees by visiting http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/. and be impressed how marketing and public relations, community relations, business interest and consumer awareness can be sometimes neatly combined for the common good.

In my view, this is one of the best PR campaigns I have ever seen. Gosh, I wish I had thought of it!

Author details – John Hicks is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR established in 1996 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to provide PR, promotions, event management, marketing and web design support for small business in the UK.

John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, brings together many years of experience across a wide range of business sectors in the UK and Far East. John and his small team's particular speciality is in the manufacturing, retail, internet radio, security, professional services, hospitality, leisure & entertainment sectors but are well-versed across many sectors.

John writes for a number of journals worldwide including the Californian Chronicle, Los Angeles Chronicle, the EzineArticles article resource website and the UK’s Daily Telegraph Newspaper blogsite. He is also an occasional consultant to City financial institutions, advising on the leisure and entertainment sector in the UK.

John is a complementary partner of Ambiance Consulting - one of the UK's leading change management consultancy practices.

During his career, John has operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously having been a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer. He has also worked in newspapers, local radio, the education sector and a substantial manufacturing sector advisory body in the UK.