Thursday, June 22, 2006

Andy Kyriacou proves the power of a press release


Andy Kyriacou proves the power of a press release!

By John Hicks
Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR





On Monday, the UK's news media feverishly announced that their flagship music programme, TOP OF THE POPS, was to be scrapped. It was front page stories on many newspapers, featured in television and radio news and was the subject of a phone-in on BBC Radio Five Live.

In it's 42 year history TOTP, as it is known, has faced competition from new media, particularly on-line sources of music and CD's. In recent years it had been moved from its traditional slot on a Thursday night to Sunday evening - a questionable decision by the BBC but they are a power unto themselves.

I remembered that my clients, MODERN ROMANCE, had appeared on TOTP in the 80's and so rang their lead singer, Andy Kyriacou, for his thoughts.

He was sad at the demise of the programme. It had always been his dream to appear on the programme and so, when he and the band went on to promote their then new release 'Everybody Salsa', it was the ambition of a lifetime. Of course, the band went on to great things right across the globe but the euphoria of that first appearance on TOTP remains with him today.

This joy was not diminished when Andy and the band were featured in a reminiscent TOTP2 special many years later!

On Monday afternoon, Andy jotted down a few thoughts and e-mailed them to me. From this I created a press release which, after he had quickly signed it off, I distributed to media contacts and across the Internet. I also used that to post responses on web forums covering the topic.

That afternoon, we had a brief mention on BBC Radio Five Live's popular drive time show.

By 10am Tuesday morning, a BBC journalist was on the phone. Because of the urgent time scale, I arranged for him to speak to Andy direct on the telephone. Within hours, we had full page coverage on the BBC website which has hits in the hundreds of thousands from around the world! Not only did it feature Andy's story but there was a link to the Modern Romance website!

It's results like this that make you go home after a long day on the road, or in the office, with a huge smile!

So, what are the two lessons from the last two days? Firstly, scour the newspapers and actively listen to the radio for stories where your clients can link in.

Even if you are not a PR consultant but are in business, learn this lesson too! As a marketing and promotions manager in the leisure industry, I too scoured the newspapers. Maybe there was a charity being established, for whom I could organise a fundraising event, or a business celebrating a success, for whom I could organise an event for customers and/or staff. I never found a newspaper where there wasn't at least one business opportunity for me!

Once you spot a story, don't delay - get on the phone to your client and media contacts. Whilst you are having a coffee, your competition are on the case on behalf of their clients. When I first heard the story, I was driving on the motorway so I pulled into the first service station I could find and started phoning!

I was going to sign off with a "Good luck" message for you. But, you know what? You make your own luck.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Pop legend regrets the demise of BBC's "Top of the Pops"

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
20th June 2006.

BBC ends the TOTP Modern Romance story


1980’s pop legends MODERN ROMANCE, who had hits worldwide with such hits as ‘Best Years of Our Lives’ still attract crowds at venues across Europe following their music being included in the Box Office hit ‘SHREK’ and on many compilation albums, one released as recently as last month.

The Band, led by original member Andy Kyriacou (pictured), were grateful to the exposure and experience their appearance on ‘Top of the Pops” gave them and so are disappointed that the programme is to be scrapped after 42 years.

Andy Kyriacou said, “What a defeatist attitude by the beeb! I know many independent filmmakers would be over the moon with 3 million viewers every week, and the programme would make a profit. Maybe the profit margin is not big enough for a greedy corporation like the beeb, but either way, what about those 3 million who have stuck with TOTP?”

“Is it a case of "We don't care - the 3 million are the few, and if we can't have a monopoly like we used to, then we're not playing this game anymore!!! It's only good when we are No.1 at showing the present No.1. Loyalty by the viewers is obviously not taken into consideration. Maybe those 3 million have stayed loyal because they actually prefer the format of TOTP, as opposed to the no-presenter, fast music approach of the cable and sky channels.” added Andy.


“This is a big mistake by the beeb. They are admitting defeat, despite having 3 million viewers every week, and in the process of cancelling the show, they are getting rid of an institution. The very fact that they are cancelling it because of the lower viewing figures, is like the Prime Minister deciding he doesn't get enough visitors at No.10 and moving to Milton Keynes!!! Ridiculous, yes!!” said Andy who was featured in a TOTP2 Special.

Details of Modern Romance are available on their website www.modern-romance.com. Venues wishing to book Modern Romance, or Personal Appearances by Andy, are invited to initially contact John at Headline Promotions on 07771 575 654 or john@headlinepromotions.co.uk.


ENDS



Note to Editors

Further details of Modern Romance are available through his website http://www.modern-romance.com/. External sites include: http://unashamed.pop.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/page5.html. Telephone interviews can be arranged through Headline Promotions, Press & PR.
A photograph of the band is available. For jpeg please e-mail John.

Media enquiries to:John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Modern Romance story to be headline news

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
20th June 2006.

Modern Romance story to be headline news

1980’s pop legends MODERN ROMANCE, who had hits worldwide with such hits as ‘Best Years of Our Lives’ still attract crowds at venues across Europe following their music being included in the Box Office hit ‘SHREK’ and on many compilation albums, one released as recently as last month.

The Band, led by original member Andy Kryriacou, have appointed Basingstoke-based Headline Promotions, Press & PR to handle their UK media relations.

Initially focussing on a 2007 UK tour, Headline Promotions will develop and implement an integrated marketing, promotions, PR and advertising campaign working with Andy’s management and support agencies.

It was in April 2001 that Modern Romance was reborn, as a result of many months of deliberation.Andy Kyriacou had been toying with the idea for a long time, and finally, due to constant requests from family, friends and above all, fans, he opted to “go for it”. Andy has made it clear that the consistent letters from fans, from all over the world, was a very powerful factor in his decision to put the name of the band out on the lips of the public.When asked in an interview, Andy remarked, “The name Modern Romance, would make people immediately break into ‘Everybody Salsa’, or ‘Best years Of Our Lives’, and believe me, that is enough to get you really thinking! People would constantly be asking if the band would follow the trend sweeping the music world, and reform. In the end, I realised that it was something I had to do”.

John Hicks, Managing Director of Headline Promotions Press & PR, said, “I first saw Modern Romance at Butlins Bognor Regis some years ago. At first I didn’t recognise the name but when the band started I realised that I knew all of their songs. They are first class performers and their new tracks are brilliant. We are very much looking forward to raising the band’s profile and marketing them to the corporate market for which I know there will be a huge demand.”

The UK tour will include dates with Andy making personal appearances with dancers or appearing as a 6-piece acoustic set but there will also be dates with the full live 9-piece band.

Details will be published on their website www.modern-romance.com. Venues wishing to book Modern Romance, or Personal Appearances by Andy, are invited to initially contact John at Headline Promotions on 07771 575 654 or john@headlinepromotions.co.uk.


ENDS



Note to Editors

Further details of Modern Romance are available through his website http://www.modern-romance.com/
External sites include: http://unashamed.pop.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/page5.html
Telephone interviews can be arranged through Headline Promotions, Press & PR.
A photograph of the band is available. For jpeg please e-mail John - to view click here.

Headline Promotions, Press & PR was founded by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, in 2005 to provide marketing, public relations and promotions support for small to medium sized businesses in the south of England.
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/
Photograph of John Hicks available. For jpeg please e-mail John - to view click here.



Media enquiries to:John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Concorde aircraft celebrated at Fleet Air Arm Museum (UK)


IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
RNAS Yeovilton, UK
20th June 2006.


Concorde 30 years on!

July 29th will see the 30-year celebration of the first British built Concorde (002) completing its test phase and being handed over to the UK’s Fleet Air Arm Museum for safekeeping.

Unlike most of the recently grounded fleet of iconic Concordes, Concorde 002 has been perfectly preserved in a purpose built building, alongside other rare and unique aircraft at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

To mark the special occasion, the Museum will host a Concorde Celebration day on Saturday 29th July.

The day will commence with a flying display of jet model aircraft by the BMFA (British Model Flying Association). The display will take place on the adjoining RNAS Yeovilton Air Station starting at 11.00hrs.

Throughout the day, visitors to the Museum will be encouraged to make and fly their own paper model Concordes using a specially designed template!

In the afternoon, there will be a series of talks by experts, including Tony English, the Museum’s technology lecturer, Patrick Hassell - who was one of the Rolls Royce technicians who worked on, and flew in Concorde 002 and Captain Ian McNeilly - who flew Concorde for BA for 10 years, crossing the Atlantic 1,030 times and reaching a record speed of 1,486mph!

Only 20 of these magnificent aircraft were ever built and they were unique. The needle-shaped nose helped to penetrate the air. It was tilted down at take-off and landing to allow the pilots to see the runway. The nose tip could reach a temperature of 127 degrees Celsius – this was due to the friction of the air at high speed.

The day promises to be one to remember for anyone with an interest in Concorde and best of all, the celebration will be included within the Museum’s normal admission price.

For full details, visit the Museum website at http://www.fleetairarm.com

ENDS


Note to Editors:

The UK’s Fleet Air Arm Museum is located at Ilchester, Somerset adjoining the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

It’s mission is “To collect, preserve, interpret and make accessible, material relevant to all aspects of the history of naval aviation and the operations of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm, the aircraft they have flown, the people who have served with them, and the ships and stations where they served, in the context of the development of aviation at large."

For more information about the Museum and this event please contact
Jon Jefferies, Head of Marketing
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Tel: +44 1935 842638 (International)
or 01935 842638 (UK)
http://www.fleetairarm.com/

Photo of Concorde available – please e-mail John Hicks for jpeg (click here to view)


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

US Elvis gains headline promotions in the UK



IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th June 2006.




Headline Promotions, Press & PR work for Elvis in the UK

Leading U.S. Elvis tribute star performer Jack Smink, and his production company Lightning Strikes Twice Productions, have appointed Basingstoke marketing and public relations consultancy, Headline Promotions Press & PR, to represent their media interests in the UK.

Initially focussing on a 2007 UK tour, Headline Promotions will develop and implement an integrated marketing, promotions, PR and advertising campaign working with Jack’s management and support agencies.

John Hicks, Managing Director of Headline Promotions Press & PR, said, “Jack is arguably the top Elvis tribute in the world and his shows are awesome, not a word I would use lightly but his acclaim is well-deserved.”

Encouraged by his loyal fan and friend, Sir Jimmy Savile (pictured), Jack has visited the UK on a regular basis. His latest visit is to conclude negotiations to appear in a major music festival and to undertake preliminary work on the UK tour. During his visit he has appeared on a number of radio stations including being interviewed by Jeremy Beadle.

“Headline Promotions have an enviable reputation in the live music and late night entertainment world and John’s experience within the leisure industry excited me so I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with him.” said Jack.

The UK tour will include dates with Jack performing solo but there will also be dates with his live 19-piece band. Details will be published on his website www.lstproductions.com.


ENDS



Note to Editors

Further details of Jack are available through his website www.lstproductions.com.
Telephone interviews can be arranged through Headline Promotions, Press & PR. A photograph of Jack with Sir Jimmy is available. For jpeg please e-mail John.



Headline Promotions, Press & PR was founded by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, in 2005 to provide marketing, public relations and promotions support for small to medium sized businesses in the south of England.
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com
Photograph of John Hicks available. For jpeg please e-mail John.



Media enquiries to:
John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

How to transfer big files for free!


HOW DO YOU TRANSFER LARGE FILES ACROSS THE INTERNET FOR FREE?

By John Hicks M.IDM
Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR


This morning, I had to send my web designers, AFH Website Designs of Yeovil, a large audio file for the new Headline Promotions website.

It was a recording of Jeremy Beadle interviewing the great Jack Smink of the United States, arguable the world's leading Elvis tribute act.

I attached it to my e-mail but received an instant warning in large red letters to say that the file exceeded my limit. What was I to do?

I suddenly remembered that, many months ago, I had seen an article about a free service called (inspirationally, I think) http://www.transferbigfiles.com/
which (equally inspirationally) I had bookmarked.

I went into my AOL Favourites listing and there it was: Transfer Big Files dotcom.

All I had to do was clink on the link to my files, attach it and then type in the e-mail address for AFH Website Designs and click "send".

A few minutes later they rang to say that the file had arrived. It really could not have been quicker or easier!

So, take my advice and bookmark that website address - you never know when you might need it.

And, when you have five minutes, relax with a hot cup of coffee and read the story of how the guys at Transfer Big Files dotcom (one of whom is pictured above) started out - read their blog!

Monday, June 12, 2006

UK Brighton Council cannot concern itself with animal welfare

Immediate Press Release – 8th June 2006
London UK



Coalition of concerned organisations oppose the authorisation of Brighton Sea Life Centre’s new animal enclosures.

In light of the recent decision by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning Sub-Committee to grant planning permission to Brighton Sea Life Centre to construct new enclosures for common seals and Asian short-clawed otters, a coalition of concerned organisations is requesting clarification over why animal welfare is not taken into account when planning committees consider structures to accommodate animals.

The Marine Connection, Born Free Foundation, International Animal Rescue, Brighton Animal Action, Captive Animal Protection Society and Brighton and East Grinstead RSPCA regional office formed a coalition to oppose the proposals by Brighton Sea Life Centre to construct two new enclosures by the entrance steps of the existing zoo.

Both species of animals would ordinarily live in complex habitats in which they travel long distances on land as well as in the water. The coalition believes that the seal and otter enclosures, approximately 95m2 and 70m2 respectively, could never hope to meet the needs of these animals which live diverse and stimulating lives hunting their prey, exploring their huge environment and utilising their well adapted skills.

The coalition launched a postcard campaign detailing specific concerns such as the planned enclosures inadequately protecting the animals from physical invasion of objects and people or from constant noise, pollution, vibration and disturbance from cars, people and events.

The precarious placing of the enclosures on steps is a risk to visitors viewing the exhibits and does not adequately cater for disabled access.

However, despite raising these genuine concerns with Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning sub-committee, the plans for the enclosure were passed without consideration for either the health or safety of the public or the welfare of the animals.

It was in fact made clear by the Chairman of the sub-committee that animal welfare should strictly not be taken into account in this case. Although a disappointing outcome resulted from this committee, the coalition was encouraged that the margin was small with six councillors voting against the plans and just seven approving the plans.

Andrina Murrell, captivity officer for the Marine Connection remarks, “I was shocked to learn that the sub-committee was encouraged not to consider animal welfare in this case; especially bearing in mind the function of the planned structure is to accommodate animals!”

“I was also surprised with Councillor Leslie Hamilton’s comments (Chairman of this sub-committee) in a letter to the Argus (20th May 2006) where he stated that he “would have concerns for the welfare of the animals in the proposed pools” but that the species of animals to be housed and their welfare and requirements are not matters for the planning application sub-committee. This begs the wider question of why a planning committee which must consider public safety and disabled access, should not also consider the well-being of animals to be contained in the structure (where applicable) before the structure is built” Andrina added.

Brighton City Council’s “Animal Welfare Charter” states, “animals have the right to enjoy five basic freedoms” and was produced to reflect and address local concerns over animal welfare.

The ‘five basic freedoms’, as referred to by zoo licensing law incorporate an over-arching commitment offering animals a suitable environment which satisfies the animal’s requirements, emulates the wild’s physically and psychologically stimulating environment and in which they are given every opportunity to exhibit behaviour as displayed in the wild.

Although the Sea Life Centre maintains that they provide adequate care for the specific needs of each animal, we believe that the plans for the new enclosures cannot guarantee these requirements. The Charter also states that the Council will take account of animal welfare issues in its “decision making processes”.

The coalition suggest that this was clearly not done by the Planning Applications Sub-Committee despite the fact that in national planning policy advice, the function of proposed infrastructure should be taken into account (Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development). The function of the new enclosures at the Brighton Sea Life Centre is to house animals, but in this instance it appears the entertainment aspect of clear viewing was the only function considered.

“In view of the developments surrounding the Brighton Sea Life Centre proposals and the wider implications, this coalition of concerned organisations has decided to request clarification and to challenge the decision of the Council’s planning sub-committee” Andrina explained.

“We have written two letters: one to Brighton and Hove City Council requesting clarification of their commitment to the “Animal Welfare Charter” and why it was not considered in any capacity in the Sea Life Centre proposals; the second letter is to the Zoo’s Forum (the Government’s advisory board on zoo matters) requesting details of the planning application procedure when infrastructure involves the housing and/or management of wild animals.”

“As a coalition, we believe that not taking animal welfare into account when considering structures to house animals and provide them with their required needs, care and appropriate space is unacceptable.” she added.

Further information is available from The Marine Connection website at www.marineconnection.org


ENDS

Media enquiries to:John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com



Editors’ notes:

The Marine Connection (registered UK charity 1062222) is a London-based charity, established in 1997. Over the last few years, the charity has progressed from a small voluntary organisation to one of the UK’s established international conservation charities. One of the charity’s main aims is to ensure as many people as possible realise and understand the importance of protecting dolphins, whales and porpoises and their natural habitat. One way they achieve this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research.

Through the charity’s informative website and quarterly magazine, Seventh Wave, the charity encourages supporters worldwide to participate in helping to protect dolphins and whales and support various projects.

In the UK, the Marine Connection carries out vital educational project work in the Moray Firth area of Scotland, which is home to the most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins in the world. Through the charity’s Adopt A Dolphin project, people learn more about how to help conserve these marine mammals and their fragile eco-system.

The five freedoms as detailed on Brighton & Hove City Council’s “Animal Welfare Charter”
1. Freedom from fear and distress
2. Freedom from hunger and thirst
3. Freedom from pain, disease and injury
4. Freedom from unnecessary constraint
5. Freedom from physical discomfort
For further information on these principles please see the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/gwd/zooprac/index.htm


To view copies of the coalition letters, the postcard campaign details and for further information please visit www.marineconnection.org/mcpressrelease/slc080606.htm


For further information/copies of letters and images contact:
Marine Connection
Andrina Murrell (Captivity Officer)
Email: amurrell@marineconnection.org
Tel: 020 7499 9196
Fax: 020 7409 2133
www.marineconnection.org

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Climate change causes drought in UK but public failed by government and business

Here is my personal reflection on global warming as it impacts in the UK.

Last month, I wrote about the practical effects of climate change on my household as the drought begins to bite.

Now, the UK House of Lords science and technology committee has been looking at water policy in the UK and, to no-one’s surprise, it finds government failures, greedy water supply companies and failures by the statutory regulation body!

The peers' report criticised Prime Minister Tony Blair’s deputy, John Prescott's, whose former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) failed to plan properly for increased housing in the South East.

There is an acute housing shortage, especially at the low cost end of the market, so tens of thousands of homes are being built in the southeast. Guess what? They need a water supply! You know what – I could have told them that if they had asked.

But, not only didn’t they ask me but they failed to ask the water suppliers! Instead they held lots of meetings. Not my words, this is what Lord Selborne, the committee chairman, said, “There was quite a muddle in what was then the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the projections as to what the increased water demand would be".

He said the planning process took too long, an inevitable consequence of consultation. "There were many meetings, but we didn't feel that the water companies themselves were sufficiently consulted. Either they had failed to take the opportunity themselves or that the ODPM had failed sufficiently to take account of their views."

So it takes a House of Lords committee to ascertain that the government "failed to consider the water management implications of their house building plans at an early enough stage".

So, what else does the report identify? After years and years of the public complaining, they found that water companies are still not addressing the issue adequately. Prices householders pay for water have risen well above inflation every year to help these businesses repair and replace failing pipe work. Yet, they continue to lose millions of gallons each year.

The water regulator, Ofwat, forced Yorkshire Water to waive £40 million in charges to its customers after an inquiry found it was responsible for "serious failures" over leaks, interruptions of supply and erupting sewers.

But the committee issue a warning that prices would "inevitably" have to rise to pay for installing water meters and tackling leaking pipes.

Pay more? Yes!

But what timing is it to issue this warning on the very day that companies were announcing record profits.

United Utilities, one of Britain's largest water companies, operating in north-west England, reported pre-tax profit up 21pc before exceptionals to £481m in the year to March. The average household bill charged by United is set to jump 14.3pc over the two financial years to March 2007.
Chief executive Philip Green said: "With real price increases ahead we should continue to deliver strong profit growth."

Yet Ofwat has agreed to higher bills at United and many of its peers to help finance from retained profit large-scale investment to replace antiquated water mains. However, some of the extra profit will be used to increase United's total dividend by 3.4pc to 43.87p.

Pennon, which owns South West Water, also unveiled strong growth in pre-tax profit before exceptionals, of 24.6pc to £110.9m, as the company introduced some of the highest bill increases in the country. South West Water's average household bill has jumped 26.1pc over the past two financial years.

Pennon's final dividend was boosted 20.2pc to 35.1p. The company repeated its plan to raise the dividend by 3pc in real terms each year until March 2010.

The Consumer Council for Water said: "These profits are being reported when bills are going up and there are water restrictions in place in the south. In that situation the onus is on the water companies to prove they are delivering benefits to customers as well as shareholders."

Well, in the Hicks household we are not feeling that case is proven as the prospects of standpipes in the streets grows daily.

When I listened to the television news this morning, I heard that we had a record wet month in May but the weather has turned sunny and dry. Great for a day on the beach but we have less water available per head of population than Syria!

This news was followed by reports that the water suppliers, who hold a monopoly over us as we have no choice but to buy from them, will enjoy increased profits and shareholder dividends.

The Lords committee said there should be more re-use of water both by the water companies and in new housing developments. This might include the recycling of wastewater and rainwater.

Householders are being urged to consume less water. I wash my car less frequently than I used to, use a watering can instead of a hose in the garden (picured), have invested in a water butt, have a brick in my toilet cistern and turn off the tap whilst brushing my teeth. There is yet more that I can do and I urge everyone to “do their bit”. Businesses also need to consider what they can do to help.

The Government was urged by the committee to make it easier for water companies to have universal metering of customers, while providing extra help through the benefits system for people struggling to pay their bills.

The report revealed a "very high level" of unpaid water bills and said those people who could afford to pay but refused to do so should be partially disconnected from the water supply.

At the root of the problem, said the report, was the Government's failure to ensure properly integrated water management. The peers called for new regional boards, with greater consumer and environmental representation, to work out the best balance of measures for each part of the country.

Yep, more bureaucracy is clearly the answer to everything. Since Tony Blair took over, the number of quasi-government bodies (quangos) has mushroomed. They need offices, staff, equipment, glossy printed brochures and never-ending budgets.

So, as I traipse down to a standpipe the public service gravy train will flow even wider.

No! More bureaucrats are not going to help. A sensible government policy, restrictions on obscene profits in monopoly suppliers and effective regulation by Ofwat (supposedly the consumers’ water watchdog) is needed.

Lord Selborne said that his committee was concerned that Ofwat "in its drive to ensure low water prices for consumers has taken its eye off the ball when it comes to ensuring adequate security of supply.” If only I could say that we had achieved lower water prices!

This water shortage is a consequence of global warming. The government, private water monopoly businesses and the regulatory authority have failed us on this issue. My plea to them is to learn the lessons as they seek to address the other consequences of climate change – and learn them quickly.

As the committee said, "The Government must work much harder to integrate environmental, social and economic interests in the management of water."

This article was first published by The Los Angeles Chronicle June 2006

Monday, June 05, 2006

New appointment to Headline Promotions Press & PR team


IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
June 2006
Basingstoke, Hampshire,UK








New appointment to Headline Promotions Press & PR team

Basingstoke marketing and public relations consultancy, Headline Promotions Press & PR, has appointed Christian Bennett as project manager to lead the company into exciting new areas.

John Hicks, Managing Director of Headline Promotions Press & PR, said, “Christian has sound experience of promoting a national drinks brand within the nightclub, bars and restaurant sector in the UK and so is the ideal person to lead the development of our http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/ resource for the late night drink and restaurant industry.”

“Building on our existing expertise in marketing, promotions and public relations in this industry, this new website heralds the expansion of our business right across the UK. We have trialled a basic website and this has been well received by venue managers and marketeers alike. We have appointed AFH Website Designs of Yeovil to construct a dynamic new website, Christian will be leading that project from our side and manage its eventual launch in conjunction with http://www.engineseeker.com/ who will support the search engine promotions and web advertising.” John added.

Christian will be studying for formal marketing qualifications at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCOT).


ENDS


Photograph: Christian (centre) pictured with Headline Promotions, Press & PR promotions team members Tracey Whatmore (left) and Hannah Smith (right).

Marketing opportunities and difficulties with the London Olympics 2012

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) recently issued new guidance setting out its views on the interpretation of the London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Act 2006 ("LOGAPGA") and the Olympic Symbol etc (Protection) Act 1995 ("OSPA").

These are the Acts that give LOCOG special statutory rights against advertisers who use Olympic references without permission.The 53-page guidance note is available on the London 2012 website (www.london2012.com).

Inevitably, the guidance is lengthy and detailed but it contains a number of helpful flow-charts. However, as its creators are at pains to point out, it "provides LOCOG's interpretation of its statutory rights and is not a substitute for legal advice".

But, as leading UK marketing lawyer, Nick Johnson (pictured) of European lawyers Osborne Clarke (www.osborneclarke.com) says, “No prizes then if you guessed that LOCOG's interpretation on a few issues might tend to favour LOCOG!”

“For instance, LOCOG gives an example of how it sees the honest statement of fact defence under OSPA working in practice. It claims a poster put up throughout a chain of pubs stating "X BRAND Brewery – Watch the OLYMPICS live here – X BRAND Brewery" would be an infringement. LOCOG boldly states that this would not be "in accordance with honest practices in industrial and commercial matters". But would a court agree?”

The guidance suggests that an accountancy firm would infringe LOCOG's rights if it hosted an Olympic-themed lunch and sent out invitations stating "A, B & C Co London 2012 lunch – join us on 20 June for lunch and to hear how the 2012 Games is impacting the UK's economy". However, would this activity really suggest to the public that there is an association between A, B & C Co and the London Olympics?

Interestingly, the guidance also suggests that commercial organisers of conferences about the London 2012 Games should ensure materials carry a disclaimer to state that the conference is not an official source of information on the Games and is not endorsed by LOCOG. This seems to be an acknowledgement by LOCOG that disclaimers can be effective in preventing an association being suggested – one for non-sponsor advertisers to bear in mind for future reference?

All in all, marketers with queries about Olympic references would be wise to heed LOCOG's recommendation and seek independent legal advice.



Adapted with consent of the copyright holder by Headline Promotions, Press & PR from a piece originally published on www.marketinglaw.co.uk. (C) Osborne Clarke 2006

Saturday, June 03, 2006

UK manufacturing looks set to benefit from growth in global economy

Britain’s manufacturers have continued where they left off in the first quarter of 2006, with output increasing in the second quarter and looking better than at any time in the last ten years.

The second quarter 2006 engineering outlook survey, carried out by EEF and RSM Robson Rhodes, suggests that the strong growth across the global economy, including the recent pick up in Europe, is the main driver of growth for UK companies.

The EEF is a well-respected membership organisation serving the needs of manufacturers across the UK. EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, has a membership of 6,000 manufacturing, engineering and technology-based businesses and represents the interests of manufacturing at all levels of government.

Comprising 11 regional Associations, the Engineering Construction Industries Association (ECIA) and UK Steel, EEF is one of the UK's leading providers of business services in employment relations and employment law, health, safety and environment, manufacturing performance, and education and skills.

RSM Robson Rhodes is an equally well-respected national firm of chartered accountants and consultants providing a full range of business services to the UK private and public sectors.

Bob Hale, chairman of RSM Robson Rhodes’ National Manufacturing and Technology Group, commented: “It is heartening to see that the sector seems to have turned the corner and pessimism has been replaced by optimism.

“Domestic orders whilst up over the past three months, lagged behind exports which saw increased business with Europe, mainly because of a reviving German economy. An upturn in output and orders is anticipated over the next quarter.

“More companies are planning to invest over the coming 12 months – a clear sign of increased optimism in the sector going forward. However, downward pressures on margins remain with most sectors still experiencing cost increases which cannot be reflected in increased selling prices.”

The West Midlands is unfortunately lagging behind the rest of the UK economy in terms of reporting negative change in output and minimal growth in orders over the last three months. “This is principally because of a poor showing by the metal products and automotive industries within the region,” says Hale.

“Conditions remain tough in these sectors and the recent demise of Eliza Tinsley demonstrates this. However, there is still a raft of very successful businesses within the regional economy including major players such as Rolls Royce, IMI and GKN, as well as many smaller players such as Castings, Hill & Smith, Hadley Industries, Hampson Industries and Wagon.”

In contrast, the South East, South West and East Midlands regions have shown a very good growth rate – primarily because of buoyant aerospace and electronics industries.

Concludes Hale: “Those Midlands’ manufacturers that have re-engineered themselves - through a combination of lean manufacturing techniques and embracing technology - should continue to prosper within the global marketplace. One of the key factors in maintaining a healthy business is commitment to R&D and ongoing investment throughout the company.”

Commenting on the survey, EEF chief economist, Steve Radley, said: “Our survey shows that manufacturers are making the most of a strong global economy, with exports, investment and employment all expanding. However, the domestic market remains subdued, suggesting that the UK’s Monetary Policy Committee should hold off from raising interest rates.”

In summary then, the key results include: output indicators at highest levels for ten years; strong world economy supports growth; some improvement in margins; investment plans holding up; employment prospects more positive as job cuts ease; and growth forecasts to the fourth quarter of 2006 in engineering and manufacturing revised up to 3.8 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively.

As I said in a previous article, UK manufacturing may be on the ropes but is certainly not down!


Copyright: John Hicks, Headline Promotions, Press & PR
You can see John’s marketing & PR blog at www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of Metaltech Precision Engineers Ltd.

This article was first published by The American Chronicle series in June 2006.