November 2010: It was announced today that the Skills Training UK Consortium has won a place on the Department for Work and Pensions’ Framework in the London Region. The Consortium is an innovative new partnership for London with PwC, the UK’s leading professional services firm. Skills Training UK, already a major Welfare to Work Prime Contractor and Provider, has also been selected for the Framework in the South East Region.
Companies on the DWP Framework will deliver all Welfare to Work programmes from 2011.
Skills Training UK will work with PwC to design and deliver bespoke packages of employment-related support in London, beginning with the new Work Programme which is the first contract to be let under the Framework. These significant contracts will replace a number of previous programmes and will enable successful bidders to offer the personalised support that is required to deal with the often complex disadvantages faced by long term unemployed customers.
Martin Dunford OBE, Skills Training UK Chief Executive and Chairman of the Association of Learning Providers (ALP), said: “We are delighted to be selected for the new Framework and to be taking a leading role in delivering the new agenda for Welfare Reform. With the combined experience and expertise of Skills Training UK and our partner PwC we will be able to transform the existing delivery models, securing sustainable outcomes and value for money.”
Daniel Burke, PwC Director, said: “We aim to add real value to the development and delivery of effective Welfare to Work programmes by bringing new insights from overseas, other sectors and from our research work for government. We are delighted to be working with Skills Training UK, an organisation with an impressive track record and a commitment to innovation and delivery that mirrors our own.”
Skills Training UK is already helping over seven hundred of DWP’s most disadvantaged customers to find and stay in work every month through Welfare to Work programmes. Its core focus is on securing sustainable employment for long term unemployed customers.
As well as being the Prime Contractor for Flexible New Deal in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, Skills Training UK delivers the New Deal programme in West London. It has twelve modern, professionally equipped training centres in London and the South East and a network of more than 60 sub-contract locations.
PwC has a wealth of experience in the design, development and implementation of successful programmes in the public and private sectors in the UK and abroad – including a significant body of work on the Welfare Reform agenda.
ENDS
For further press information about Skills Training UK please contact:
Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR. Tel 01473 326401 (07885 238374)
Email: penny.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz
Or Helen Rudd, Project PR. Tel 01473 326405 (07521 318127)
Email: Helen.rudd@projectpr.biz
For further press information about PwC contact Katherine Howbrook Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7212 2711 (07515 119096
Email: katherine.j.howbrook@uk.pwc.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
Partnership information
1. Skills Training UK and PwC formed an innovative and exciting new partnership to bid for a place on the new DWP Framework for the provision of employment-related support services in the London region.
2. Both partners believe the fiscal and labour market context demand real and significant welfare reform – and through the new partnership they can play a leading role in delivering that new agenda.
3. The partnership between Skills Training UK and PwC is rooted in the two organisations’ shared commitment to welfare reform, innovation, the delivery of sustained outcomes and value for money.
4. It brings together the experience and expertise of both organisations to design and deliver bespoke packages of support that DWP customers really need to help them find and stay in work.
5. The partnership will build a resilient, sustainable and flexible supply chain, capable of improving outcomes for customers and dealing with the full range of contracts that will be let through the Framework.
Skills Training UK
1. Skills Training UK is a leading Prime Contractor for the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Welfare to Work programmes, with a core focus on securing sustainable employment for its long term unemployed customers, improving their and their families’ life chances.
2. Its unique strengths are its size and its ability to scale up and enter new markets rapidly, establishing itself in the heart of an area through successful engagement of stakeholders in that community.
3. This approach has enabled Skills Training UK to help 5,600 people from London and the South East into work over the last year. Momentum is increasing and over 700 people are now gaining employment each month as a result of its services. Customers include some of the most disadvantaged groups in society and each person’s individual needs are always assessed and continually reviewed.
4. Employers are fully integrated into the Skills Training UK business model and Morrisons, The Metropolitan Police, Marks and Spencer, TSS Security and British Airways are amongst the clients to benefit from services such as recruitment, in-work support and training of unemployed customers who are matched to the employer’s needs.
5. For its partners, Skills Training UK offers consistent and dependable performance and innovative delivery methods, backed by sector leading Management Information Systems. The Merlin Standard report for DWP, which assesses supply chain performance, said: “The Prime Contractor has clearly promoted a culture of collaboration and cooperation.”
6. Skills Training UK has twelve modern, professionally equipped training centres and a network of more than 60 sub-contract locations.
7. Head Office, 4th Floor, Wembley Point, 1 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6DE
8. For further information see www.skillstraininguk.com
PwC
PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www,pwc.com for more information.
26 November 2010
21 October 2010
Help us support Ipswich Women's Aid this Christmas
Help us support Ipswich Women's Aid this Christmas
This Christmas, the Project PR team will be organising a fantastic Christmas party for the women and children supported by Ipswich Women’s Aid, an organisation which helps families who are experiencing domestic abuse.
We are appealing to local businesses and individuals to kindly donate new Christmas presents for the women and children, to be given out at the party in December.
Any suitable new gifts you are able provide for the children, teenagers and women would be much appreciated. Suggestions include toiletries, cosmetics, toys, CDs and DVDs. We would also be grateful for any gift wrap and labels.
Ipswich Women’s Aid (IWA) is an independent registered charity, affiliated to Women’s Aid Federation England (WAFE), which provides temporary accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. In 2009/10, IWA housed a total of 196 women and children and helped many others recover from the traumatic effects of domestic abuse. IWA currently runs two purpose built refuges in Ipswich.
Project PR is offering its services to IWA free of charge and we hope you will also be able to support this worthy organisation at Christmas.
If you can donate any gifts, no matter how large or small, please call Rachel Cass at Project PR on 01473 326406.
7 October 2010
Eating disorders starting at younger age, warns new survey
6th October 2010: The age at which people develop eating disorders is getting younger, according to a new survey by eating disorders support group Overeaters Anonymous GB.
The poll of more than 250 OA members revealed that more than half (53 per cent) said they first developed a problem with food when they were aged 10 years or younger. A further 29 per cent admitted they were between the age of 10 and 15 years old when their compulsive eating behaviour developed.
Maureen F, spokesperson for Overeaters Anonymous GB, said: “Some might find the results of the survey shocking, but as our members have underlined, it is not uncommon for us to see people who developed an eating disorder before they reached their teens.”
The survey results follow the first memorial service for young people who lost their lives to an eating disorder, held last week (28th September) at Southwark Cathedral. The occasion, organised by eating disorders charity Beat, was attended by more than 100 bereaved familes.
The OA survey also revealed the media may not play the powerful role in encouraging eating disorders we are led to believe. Just three per cent of those polled cited newspaper, magazine and television content as a major reason for developing their illness, while more than half (52%) felt that family problems and life events such as death or abuse had triggered their eating disorder.
OA member Nicky H, explains how her issues with food began before she reached her teens: “When I was about 11 I became aware of my changing body. Although I was slim I had a bit of puppy fat, which isn’t unusual for young girls, but I was paranoid about it and started comparing myself to others, wanting to be slimmer and prettier.
“I was also experiencing the usual adolescent difficulties with emotions and relationships and started dieting as a way of coping with these and to lose weight. I would restrict what I ate for a couple of weeks and exercise obsessively, lose some weight and feel great. But as soon as I ate any ‘forbidden’ food, it would trigger a huge binge and I’d put the weight straight back on, and more. This miserable cycle carried on for years.”
Maureen F concluded: “Eating disorders are complex illnesses and although our survey highlights general trends, every sufferer is different. OA provides members with a safe environment to discuss their feelings and get to the root of their compulsive behaviour and thinking about food, body shape and image, helping them on the road to recovery.”
Overeaters Anonymous GB offers a programme of recovery for anyone suffering from compulsive overeating, anorexia or bulimia, through its network of support meetings across the country. Based around the ‘Twelve Steps’ pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, OA uses the same principles to help members improve their disordered relationship with food.
Ends
OA 007
For more information or for case studies, please contact Helen Rudd or Rachel Cass at Project PR. helen.rudd@projectpr.biz / 01473 326405 or rachel.cass@projectpr.biz / 01473 326406
Notes to editors
1. ‘One of the primary guidelines – or ‘Traditions’ – in Overeaters Anonymous states that members “need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and other public media of communication.’ This means that the personal identity of OA members cannot be revealed in photographs, but they can be photographed if their identities are concealed, i.e. from behind, in shadow, etc. OA members can give interviews, so long as their surnames are not used in any subsequent article or programme.’
2. There are more than 175 organised Overeaters Anonymous groups across Great Britain which hold regular support meetings. Details can be found on the OA website www.oagb.org.uk and new members are welcome at any time.
3. The first OA meeting was held in 1960 in Los Angeles, California. OA now holds approximately 6,500 meetings in over 75 countries.
4. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organisation, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine and takes no position on outside issues. No membership dues or fees are required.
The poll of more than 250 OA members revealed that more than half (53 per cent) said they first developed a problem with food when they were aged 10 years or younger. A further 29 per cent admitted they were between the age of 10 and 15 years old when their compulsive eating behaviour developed.
Maureen F, spokesperson for Overeaters Anonymous GB, said: “Some might find the results of the survey shocking, but as our members have underlined, it is not uncommon for us to see people who developed an eating disorder before they reached their teens.”
The survey results follow the first memorial service for young people who lost their lives to an eating disorder, held last week (28th September) at Southwark Cathedral. The occasion, organised by eating disorders charity Beat, was attended by more than 100 bereaved familes.
The OA survey also revealed the media may not play the powerful role in encouraging eating disorders we are led to believe. Just three per cent of those polled cited newspaper, magazine and television content as a major reason for developing their illness, while more than half (52%) felt that family problems and life events such as death or abuse had triggered their eating disorder.
OA member Nicky H, explains how her issues with food began before she reached her teens: “When I was about 11 I became aware of my changing body. Although I was slim I had a bit of puppy fat, which isn’t unusual for young girls, but I was paranoid about it and started comparing myself to others, wanting to be slimmer and prettier.
“I was also experiencing the usual adolescent difficulties with emotions and relationships and started dieting as a way of coping with these and to lose weight. I would restrict what I ate for a couple of weeks and exercise obsessively, lose some weight and feel great. But as soon as I ate any ‘forbidden’ food, it would trigger a huge binge and I’d put the weight straight back on, and more. This miserable cycle carried on for years.”
Maureen F concluded: “Eating disorders are complex illnesses and although our survey highlights general trends, every sufferer is different. OA provides members with a safe environment to discuss their feelings and get to the root of their compulsive behaviour and thinking about food, body shape and image, helping them on the road to recovery.”
Overeaters Anonymous GB offers a programme of recovery for anyone suffering from compulsive overeating, anorexia or bulimia, through its network of support meetings across the country. Based around the ‘Twelve Steps’ pioneered by Alcoholics Anonymous, OA uses the same principles to help members improve their disordered relationship with food.
Ends
OA 007
For more information or for case studies, please contact Helen Rudd or Rachel Cass at Project PR. helen.rudd@projectpr.biz / 01473 326405 or rachel.cass@projectpr.biz / 01473 326406
Notes to editors
1. ‘One of the primary guidelines – or ‘Traditions’ – in Overeaters Anonymous states that members “need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and other public media of communication.’ This means that the personal identity of OA members cannot be revealed in photographs, but they can be photographed if their identities are concealed, i.e. from behind, in shadow, etc. OA members can give interviews, so long as their surnames are not used in any subsequent article or programme.’
2. There are more than 175 organised Overeaters Anonymous groups across Great Britain which hold regular support meetings. Details can be found on the OA website www.oagb.org.uk and new members are welcome at any time.
3. The first OA meeting was held in 1960 in Los Angeles, California. OA now holds approximately 6,500 meetings in over 75 countries.
4. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organisation, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine and takes no position on outside issues. No membership dues or fees are required.
1 October 2010
Spanish company comes to Colchester to take a bite into UK markets
East of England Inward Investment (EEII), the regional body that helps attract and support overseas inward investors to the East of England on behalf of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), has assisted Biotechnology UK Limited, a scientific development company which manufactures and distributes dental implants, in setting up a headquarters in Colchester.
The company, which is headquartered in Vitoria, Spain, has started operating in Essex in order to expand their business into the UK market. The ability to store products in the UK means that when orders are placed from UK dentists, delivery can be as quick as the next day.
Currently, the company is targeting and supplying dentists across London and Essex, but the firm hopes that through re-location to the UK, they can expand their market and be able to cover the whole country in the next 12-18 months, which will lead to the creation of new jobs for Colchester.
Allen Polley, Country Manager for Biotechnology UK Limited commented: “Locating in Essex was an ideal choice for us as the transport links are so good and also, as a scientific development company, we are involved in research and development activity in the dentistry field, so being so close Cambridge, which is the top R&D location in Europe was another huge selling point. The assistance we have received from our EEII advisor, John Dow, has been very helpful in establishing ourselves in the area.”
The company were assisted in moving to the UK by the UK Trade & Investment team, based at the British Consultate in Spain.
Biotechnology UK Limited are gearing up to exhibit in the dental implant industry’s biggest event in the calendar. Over the 6th – 9th October the company will have a stand at the worldwide EAO congress which this year is being held in Glasgow.
ENDS
The company, which is headquartered in Vitoria, Spain, has started operating in Essex in order to expand their business into the UK market. The ability to store products in the UK means that when orders are placed from UK dentists, delivery can be as quick as the next day.
Currently, the company is targeting and supplying dentists across London and Essex, but the firm hopes that through re-location to the UK, they can expand their market and be able to cover the whole country in the next 12-18 months, which will lead to the creation of new jobs for Colchester.
Allen Polley, Country Manager for Biotechnology UK Limited commented: “Locating in Essex was an ideal choice for us as the transport links are so good and also, as a scientific development company, we are involved in research and development activity in the dentistry field, so being so close Cambridge, which is the top R&D location in Europe was another huge selling point. The assistance we have received from our EEII advisor, John Dow, has been very helpful in establishing ourselves in the area.”
The company were assisted in moving to the UK by the UK Trade & Investment team, based at the British Consultate in Spain.
Biotechnology UK Limited are gearing up to exhibit in the dental implant industry’s biggest event in the calendar. Over the 6th – 9th October the company will have a stand at the worldwide EAO congress which this year is being held in Glasgow.
Photo caption: “Allen Polley from BTI and John Dow from East of England Inward Investment open the door to a new business in Colchester”.
ENDS
27 August 2010
Local PR agency buoyant after securing further new clients
August 2010: Ipswich PR agency Project PR continues to grow its business by securing another four new clients in recent months.
East of England Inward Investment, who support foreign owned businesses set up and invest in the region, Skills Training UK, a nationwide specialist provider of welfare to work training and employment advice, Resource Efficiency East, funded by EEDA to help local businesses reduce their impact on the environment, and Overeaters Anonymous, a body which works similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous but for those with eating disorders, have joined Project PR’s client list.
The agency has also agreed to assist local organisations Felixstowe Chamber of Commerce, Ipswich Women’s Aid and the Rotary Clubs of East Suffolk in raising the awareness of the work they do.
Penny Arbuthnot, director of Project PR, commented: “Our team have worked hard to ensure that our business hasn’t been affected by the economic downturn, and to spread the message that PR is a cost effective method for businesses to raise their awareness. We are looking forward to working with our new clients and enjoying a buoyant second half of the year.”
Project PR employs a team of six PR and marketing professionals and has built its success on delivering results for its many long term clients, who include Ford Retail, Suffolk manufacturer Challs International, and Ipswich Building Society.
The Project PR team is eagerly awaiting news of its entries to the 2010 Chartered Institute of PR Pride Awards with the finalists due to be announced in September. In 2009 it won four Gold and two Silver awards and earlier this year it was named the fourth most ‘awarded’ PR agency outside of London by The Drum magazine.
See www.projectpr.biz
East of England Inward Investment, who support foreign owned businesses set up and invest in the region, Skills Training UK, a nationwide specialist provider of welfare to work training and employment advice, Resource Efficiency East, funded by EEDA to help local businesses reduce their impact on the environment, and Overeaters Anonymous, a body which works similarly to Alcoholics Anonymous but for those with eating disorders, have joined Project PR’s client list.
The agency has also agreed to assist local organisations Felixstowe Chamber of Commerce, Ipswich Women’s Aid and the Rotary Clubs of East Suffolk in raising the awareness of the work they do.
Penny Arbuthnot, director of Project PR, commented: “Our team have worked hard to ensure that our business hasn’t been affected by the economic downturn, and to spread the message that PR is a cost effective method for businesses to raise their awareness. We are looking forward to working with our new clients and enjoying a buoyant second half of the year.”
Project PR employs a team of six PR and marketing professionals and has built its success on delivering results for its many long term clients, who include Ford Retail, Suffolk manufacturer Challs International, and Ipswich Building Society.
The Project PR team is eagerly awaiting news of its entries to the 2010 Chartered Institute of PR Pride Awards with the finalists due to be announced in September. In 2009 it won four Gold and two Silver awards and earlier this year it was named the fourth most ‘awarded’ PR agency outside of London by The Drum magazine.
See www.projectpr.biz
2 August 2010
RYAN INSURANCE GROUP CELEBRATES 35 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Employees from Ryan Insurance celebrating 35 years in business with a 70s day
August 2010One of the region’s leading independent insurance brokers is celebrating reaching its 35th year in business this month. Ryan Insurance, which has an offices in Ipswich, Colchester and Norwich established as a family business by Colin Ryan in 1975. As part of the celebrations, staff at the Ipswich office were invited to come to work in 70s clothing, and bring with them their 70s memorabilia. They were served 70s food and played games of ‘guess who’ using photographs from the 70s.
“It’s testament to the dedication of our team to giving great customer service that we have grown and maintained our success over 35 years” said Tim Ryan, Managing Director. “It is a family business in every sense of the word and we strive to preserve those values which are important to us and our clients.”
Local Building and Civil Engineering Merchants Collier and Catchpole have been a client of the Ryan Insurance Group since the beginning. Chris Cook from the firm said: “Ryan Insurance is a family-run business and has the same values as Collier and Catchpole. If we went elsewhere we could probably save money, but for us, nothing beats the personal service and the complete package that you get from Ryan Insurance.”
Associate Director John Girling, who is the group’s longest serving employee said: “I can remember that we used to offer a Third Party Fire & Theft policy to a 17 year old driving a Group 1 vehicle (Mini, Ford Fiesta etc) for £100! Nowadays we would be lucky to achieve a premium for the same risk of under £1,000! I can also remember selling comprehensive moped policies for as little as £12.50!”
Director Robin Belsom, who was also one of the first employees to join the business added: “I was attracted by the fact that it was a young dynamic business, which was small but growing fast.
“My first job was to sell car insurance over the counter as this was the time before telephone and internet sales. I loved meeting the public and helping them, either by saving them money or sorting out a claim. It was great fun and we got to know many of the customers really well. Some of them I speak to now, some 30 years later!
“I recall one day the great Sir Bobby Robson called, as he wanted to bring in two new signings so we could arrange their motor insurance. Bobby turned up later with Frans Thyssen and Arnold Muhren. We had paper folders at the time and I am proud to say that we had colour pictures of both on their files!
“There are many special qualities about the Ryan Group. The personal and friendly approach of Colin Ryan helped shape the development of the early Ryan's team, and I am pleased to say that Tim Ryan has the same approach but with a sharper commercial edge. Tim has always displayed a great deal of drive and energy and continues to lead the business successfully in to the future.”
All money raised through dressing up and a ‘Win a day off work’ competition will go the EACH Treehouse Appeal.
15 July 2010
Foreign Investment secures 14,566 jobs for the East of England
Investment by overseas companies created or safeguarded 14,566 jobs in the East of England over the last year, UK Trade & Investment announced today.
The inward investment figures were announced at the UK Trade & Investment Business Summit attended by over 100 of the leading overseas owned investors based in the UK.
Nationally, 1,619 foreign investment projects secured 94,346 jobs, a 20% increase from last year when 78,540 jobs were created. The new figures reveal that 32,000 of the jobs were created or safeguarded in the manufacturing sector. The leading investor country was the USA for the second year running, helping to secure 31,566 jobs .
In the East of England, 14,566 jobs were created or safeguarded by 92 projects such as DP World’s London Gateway port project in Thurrock, Essex; Nestor Pharmaceuticals - an Indian-owned manufacturer and exporter of prescription drugs, based in Mildenhall, Suffolk; and Novus Biologicals - a Colorado-based life sciences company who has established its new European distribution hub in Cambridge.
In addition, the region secured 11 research agreements set up between commercial organisations and universities or research institutions across the East of England.
Deborah Cadman, chief executive of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) said: “These figures confirm that the East of England is a magnet for overseas investors and businesses alike.
“The East of England Inward Investment and Investor Development teams have worked hard to secure and retain foreign investment in our region through their expertise, international networks and detailed regional knowledge. This combined with other business support services in the region make the East of England an ideal location for global enterprises.
“In the past year we have witnessed the openings of several major facilities in the region: Eisai in Hertfordshire, Nestor in Suffolk, Palm Paper in Norfolk and more recently Partner Logistics in Cambridgeshire. At DP World in Essex, we will see another major project develop with an estimated 12,000 jobs created in the next few years. All these demonstrate the breadth and scope of the business community and the long-term nature of inward investment.
“The secret of our continued success includes our transport links to London and the rest of the globe, world-class universities, and the top R&D centre in Europe, which is supported by the largest venture capital funding base in the UK outside London. All these great attributes mean the East of England is rightly known as the UK’s most innovative region.”
Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment Sir Andrew Cahn said: “Today’s results are a real vote of confidence in the East of England, but we must work harder to continue to attract inward investment in what is a very competitive global marketplace. Overall, inward investment fell by 10 per cent across Europe, but the UK remains the number one destination in Europe for FDI (foreign direct investment). UK Trade & Investment is committed to attracting high quality investment into the East of England, which is so important for the UK’s economic recovery.”
ENDS
Case Study
Company: DP World
Location: Thurrock, Essex
Country of Origin: UAE
Sector: Transportation/Logistics
Description: In January 2010, Dubai-based DP World, one of the world’s largest marine terminal operators, began laying the foundations of a new deep-sea container port in Thurrock, Essex.
The £1.5 billion ‘London Gateway’ project will be one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the UK for 20 years and will generate 12,000 direct new jobs. The 1,500-acre site, which will be one of Europe’s largest combined deep-sea port and logistics parks, will give excellent shipping access and transform the movement of freight around the UK, significantly reducing national road haulage.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “When complete, the Essex port will provide the UK with modern, efficient infrastructure, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions and supply chain costs.”
http://www.dpworld.com/
Case study:
Company: Nestor (UK) Ltd
Location: Suffolk, EoE
Country of Origin: India
Sector: Life Sciences
Description: In 2009, Nestor Pharmaceuticals, an Indian-owned manufacturer and exporter of prescription drugs, decided to expand its UK headquarters, based in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
With business thriving, the company has decided to increase the number of employees from 30 to 100 over the next three years.
Nestor director Kamelesh Patel says: “Our Mildenhall facility gives us access to local manufacturing expertise, flexible packaging solutions and excellent transport links.
Nestor is not only growing its product portfolio, but also increasing its customer base in the UK, Europe and West Africa, which allows us to put further investment into the facility.”
EEDA Invest and UKTI have assisted Nestor with information and relationship building in the UK and India since 2005.
http://www.nestorpharma.com/
Case study:
Company: Novus Biologicals
Location: Cambridge, EoE
Country of Origin: USA
Sector: Life Sciences
Description: In April 2009, Novus Biologicals, a Colorado-based company supplying over 70,000 antibodies and related research products to the scientific community, decided to establish its new European distribution hub in Cambridge.
CFO Todd Padgett said: “We looked at a lot of possible locations in Europe for this new office, but Cambridge was the equal or superior to all in terms of science base and provided better access to our customers.
“We have six partners in the Cambridge area alone and there are others within the biotech cluster that we have been keen to gain access to.
“We also like the cluster of science and research parks in the Cambridge area. These could provide the basis for further growth for Novus as we move forward.”
http://www.novusbio.com/
Further press information from:
Helen Rudd or Charles Arbuthnot
Project PR, Tel: 01473 326405 or 01473 326402
Email: helen.rudd@projectpr.biz or charles.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz
Notes to Editors
East of England Inward Investment is the delivery agent for Inward Investment and Investor Development for the East of England. We provide a single convenient point of contact for companies looking to locate, invest and grow their operations in the East of England – the UK’s most innovative region. We work with UK Trade & Investment and on behalf of the East of England Development Agency.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.
The UK Inward Investment 2009/10 Report refers to jobs figures provided by companies. These figures are based on company estimates.
East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Its vision is to create a leading economy, founded on a world-class knowledge base, creativity and enterprise to improve the quality of life for all who live and work here.
For further information on the above organisations visit:
http://www.eedainvest.org.uk/
http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/
http://www.eeda.org.uk/
The inward investment figures were announced at the UK Trade & Investment Business Summit attended by over 100 of the leading overseas owned investors based in the UK.
Nationally, 1,619 foreign investment projects secured 94,346 jobs, a 20% increase from last year when 78,540 jobs were created. The new figures reveal that 32,000 of the jobs were created or safeguarded in the manufacturing sector. The leading investor country was the USA for the second year running, helping to secure 31,566 jobs .
In the East of England, 14,566 jobs were created or safeguarded by 92 projects such as DP World’s London Gateway port project in Thurrock, Essex; Nestor Pharmaceuticals - an Indian-owned manufacturer and exporter of prescription drugs, based in Mildenhall, Suffolk; and Novus Biologicals - a Colorado-based life sciences company who has established its new European distribution hub in Cambridge.
In addition, the region secured 11 research agreements set up between commercial organisations and universities or research institutions across the East of England.
Deborah Cadman, chief executive of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) said: “These figures confirm that the East of England is a magnet for overseas investors and businesses alike.
“The East of England Inward Investment and Investor Development teams have worked hard to secure and retain foreign investment in our region through their expertise, international networks and detailed regional knowledge. This combined with other business support services in the region make the East of England an ideal location for global enterprises.
“In the past year we have witnessed the openings of several major facilities in the region: Eisai in Hertfordshire, Nestor in Suffolk, Palm Paper in Norfolk and more recently Partner Logistics in Cambridgeshire. At DP World in Essex, we will see another major project develop with an estimated 12,000 jobs created in the next few years. All these demonstrate the breadth and scope of the business community and the long-term nature of inward investment.
“The secret of our continued success includes our transport links to London and the rest of the globe, world-class universities, and the top R&D centre in Europe, which is supported by the largest venture capital funding base in the UK outside London. All these great attributes mean the East of England is rightly known as the UK’s most innovative region.”
Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment Sir Andrew Cahn said: “Today’s results are a real vote of confidence in the East of England, but we must work harder to continue to attract inward investment in what is a very competitive global marketplace. Overall, inward investment fell by 10 per cent across Europe, but the UK remains the number one destination in Europe for FDI (foreign direct investment). UK Trade & Investment is committed to attracting high quality investment into the East of England, which is so important for the UK’s economic recovery.”
ENDS
Case Study
Company: DP World
Location: Thurrock, Essex
Country of Origin: UAE
Sector: Transportation/Logistics
Description: In January 2010, Dubai-based DP World, one of the world’s largest marine terminal operators, began laying the foundations of a new deep-sea container port in Thurrock, Essex.
The £1.5 billion ‘London Gateway’ project will be one of the most significant infrastructure developments in the UK for 20 years and will generate 12,000 direct new jobs. The 1,500-acre site, which will be one of Europe’s largest combined deep-sea port and logistics parks, will give excellent shipping access and transform the movement of freight around the UK, significantly reducing national road haulage.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “When complete, the Essex port will provide the UK with modern, efficient infrastructure, while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions and supply chain costs.”
http://www.dpworld.com/
Case study:
Company: Nestor (UK) Ltd
Location: Suffolk, EoE
Country of Origin: India
Sector: Life Sciences
Description: In 2009, Nestor Pharmaceuticals, an Indian-owned manufacturer and exporter of prescription drugs, decided to expand its UK headquarters, based in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
With business thriving, the company has decided to increase the number of employees from 30 to 100 over the next three years.
Nestor director Kamelesh Patel says: “Our Mildenhall facility gives us access to local manufacturing expertise, flexible packaging solutions and excellent transport links.
Nestor is not only growing its product portfolio, but also increasing its customer base in the UK, Europe and West Africa, which allows us to put further investment into the facility.”
EEDA Invest and UKTI have assisted Nestor with information and relationship building in the UK and India since 2005.
http://www.nestorpharma.com/
Case study:
Company: Novus Biologicals
Location: Cambridge, EoE
Country of Origin: USA
Sector: Life Sciences
Description: In April 2009, Novus Biologicals, a Colorado-based company supplying over 70,000 antibodies and related research products to the scientific community, decided to establish its new European distribution hub in Cambridge.
CFO Todd Padgett said: “We looked at a lot of possible locations in Europe for this new office, but Cambridge was the equal or superior to all in terms of science base and provided better access to our customers.
“We have six partners in the Cambridge area alone and there are others within the biotech cluster that we have been keen to gain access to.
“We also like the cluster of science and research parks in the Cambridge area. These could provide the basis for further growth for Novus as we move forward.”
http://www.novusbio.com/
Further press information from:
Helen Rudd or Charles Arbuthnot
Project PR, Tel: 01473 326405 or 01473 326402
Email: helen.rudd@projectpr.biz or charles.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz
Notes to Editors
East of England Inward Investment is the delivery agent for Inward Investment and Investor Development for the East of England. We provide a single convenient point of contact for companies looking to locate, invest and grow their operations in the East of England – the UK’s most innovative region. We work with UK Trade & Investment and on behalf of the East of England Development Agency.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the Government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business. UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information on UKTI, visit www.ukti.gov.uk or telephone +44 (0)20 7215 8000. For latest press releases, visit the online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk/media. You can also keep in touch with developments at UKTI through www.blog.ukti.gov.uk, www.twitter.com/ukti and www.flickr.com/photos/tags/ukti.
The UK Inward Investment 2009/10 Report refers to jobs figures provided by companies. These figures are based on company estimates.
East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Its vision is to create a leading economy, founded on a world-class knowledge base, creativity and enterprise to improve the quality of life for all who live and work here.
For further information on the above organisations visit:
http://www.eedainvest.org.uk/
http://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/
http://www.eeda.org.uk/
13 July 2010
UK’S LARGEST COLD STORE LOGISTICS FACILITY OPENS IN WISBECH, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
The UK’s largest frozen food logistics facility situated just outside Wisbech in the Fenlands, Cambridgeshire, was officially opened on Friday, 9th July. The warehouse was built and is operated by Dutch company Partner Logistics, one of Europe’s largest providers of specialised, highly automated warehousing.
The building, which has a floorplan size of 175m x 88m (1.5 times size of a football pitch) and rises to 36m high, can store up to 77,000 pallets of frozen food at temperatures of minus 27 degrees Centigrade. It was developed for potato processing giant Lamb Weston Meijer which has taken the lion’s share of the 20,500 sq metre cold store, but is also being used by Birds Eye and Pinguin.
Speaking at the opening, CEO of Partner Logistics, Bram Hage, said: “The opening of our £42 million state-of-the-art facility is a major milestone in our company’s short history. It is our third and largest site in the UK and has been built due to unprecedented demand from our customers for more deep-frozen product storage. We now operate 13 fully automated warehouses in Europe and Russia.”
Since the project’s inception in 2006, support for setting up in the UK was given by the East of England’s inward investment team and Fenland District Council. Jacky Holtby of East of England Inward Investment, said: “We’ve helped with a range of matters including the planning process, recruitment and the local supply chain.” She added: “Partner Logistics’ investment is important to the longer term prosperity of the Fenlands, with its dependence on the agricultural industry. The facility has already created 45 new jobs and, with planned expansion, is set to bring a further 100.”
Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder responsible for economic development, said: “This new facility really reinforces Fenland's status as a centre of excellence in the agri-food processing and logistics industry. We are very pleased about the extra jobs it is creating, not only at the facility itself but also within the surrounding supply chains, which will give a welcome boost to the local economy.” He added: “We have worked closely with the region’s inward investment team to help secure this venture and to make sure that everything has gone smoothly for Partner Logistics.”
Partner Logistics specialises in operating highly automated warehouses, with each new facility purpose designed and built to meet the specific needs of their customers. To date, the company provides warehousing services to leading companies in food, retail and consumer goods in the Netherlands, Belgium, UK and Russia. The majority of the sites are deep freeze warehouses. However, Partner Logistics also operates sites with ambient and chilled conditions.
EEDA is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England and funds inward investment support across the region.
Ends
Ref: EI005
Notes to Editors
1. Partner Logistics is headquartered in the Netherlands and provides high quality warehousing services by operating highly automated warehouses, allowing its clients to focus their resources on their core business. Founded by Bram Hage, CEO, just over 10 years ago, PL currently operates 13 sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, UK and Russia for clients in food, retail and consumer goods. Visit www.partnerlogistics.eu
2. East of England Inward Investment delivers International Business support for new and existing overseas-owned businesses in the region. We provide a single convenient point of contact for companies looking to locate, invest and grow their operations in the East of England – the UK’s most innovative region. We work with UK Trade & Investment and on behalf of the East of England Development Agency. Visit www.eedainvest.org.uk
3. Fenland District Council provides a wide range of local services in the Cambridgeshire market towns of Chatteris, March, Whittlesey and Wisbech. We work together with local organisations to improve the economy, health, well-being and quality of life in the Fenland community. Visit www.fenland.gov.uk
4. UK Trade & Investment is the lead government organisation that provides extensive support for UK companies looking to develop international business. It also provides support for overseas companies wishing to invest in the UK. UK Trade & Investment has a comprehensive range of export services, delivered by International Trade Advisers in the UK backed-up by a network of commercial officers at British Embassies worldwide who can provide a wide variety of services such as market intelligence, advice on regulations and practical support. Visit www.ukti.gov.uk
5. East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic regeneration in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Its vision is to create a leading economy, founded on a world-class knowledge base, creativity and enterprise to improve the quality of life for all who live and work here. Visit www.eeda.org.uk
7 July 2010
Shipping and logistics group sponsors international tennis
Tim Ryan, Chairman of SaLSA, represnting Ryan Insurance, Digby Smith, Chairman of FLTA and Belinda Jarvis, representing Lloyds TSB
The annual championships, part of the Aegon British Tour, are the highlight of the East of England tennis calendar, with British and international players who feature in the World’s top player rankings. Qualifying draws take place in the first part of the week with international players joining the main draw on Thursday.
Digby Smith, Chairman of the Felixstowe Lawn Tennis Club, said: “It’s fantastic to have the sponsorship backing of SaLSA, whose members are all working hard to promote the expertise we have in our region in shipping and logistics. They’ll be entertaining local business leaders at the tennis on Friday.”
SaLSA, which formed in 2009, is a non profit making alliance which delivers specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry under the umbrella of one brand. Each member of the alliance is from a different sector, but can boast experience in the sector.
SaLSA currently has the following members: DPS Technology Group (Information Technology); Larking Gowen (Accountancy, Taxation and Business Advice); Lloyds TSB Commercial (Commercial banking and financial services); Project PR (PR and marketing); Ryan Insurance Group (Insurance Solutions and Risk Management): SOS-HR (HR and Health & Safety Advice) and Suffolk Offset (Design and Print).
See www.salsa.uk.net
Ends
For further press information contact:-
Helen Rudd at Project PR. Tel 01473 326405 / 07521318127 / Helen.rudd@projectpr.biz
Notes to Editors:
1. SALSA was formed as a non profit making alliance in April 2009 to create an alliance built around the unique attributes of each independent member. It is wholly owned and operated solely for the benefits of its members.
2. The principal objective of SALSA is to deliver specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry through a programme of events and good communication from specialist providers.
3. The membership is currently made up of experts from a number of industry segments. The members are now as follows:
Ryan Insurance Group (Insurance and Risk Management)
SOS-HR (Training, HR and Health and Safety)
DPS Technology Group (IT)
Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants
Lloyds TSB Commercial (Banking Services)
Suffolk Offset (Design, plus Digital and Lithographic Printing)
Project PR (PR and Marketing)
4. SaLSA offers companies from the shipping and logistics industry improved trading efficiency, immediate access to a broad range of expertise, access to industry information and compliance, development of business opportunities and a good communication forum.
5. The SaLSA website is http://www.salsa.uk.net/
21 June 2010
Surviving and Thriving with Social Media
Ever wondered how your business can use Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and other social media platforms to your advantage?
At Project PR we have been using social media to benefit our client campaigns and to further our own business development for the past 18 months.
We're incredibly excited about the opportunities it presents to reach and (more importantly) directly engage with a wider audience.
So if you feel a little bit in the dark about social media, let us shed some light on the subject and explain how it could benefit your business. We're delighted that two of our clients will also attend to provide their insight.
Paul Winter, chief executive of Ipswich Building Society, and
Terry Baxter, chief executive of Ipswich Town Community Trust
This will be a no-nonsense look at why social media is relevant and how business and public sector organisations can use it, including practical case studies. We'll also include advice on managing your online reputation.
There'll be ample opportunity for questions and informal discussion.
Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided.
For further information
Please see our website www.projectpr.biz/events or telephone Amy Bullard at Project PR on 01473 326403
18 June 2010
MP unveils affordable housing which is keeping village community together
New affordable housing which is helping people to stay connected with the village they grew up in has been officially unveiled (Friday 11 June) by new Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, Matthew Hancock.
The ten affordable homes were built in the village of West Row near Mildenhall after Mildenhall Parish Council conducted a housing needs survey in conjunction with Forest Heath District Council, who both see the need for local people to be able to remain within their communities in housing they can afford.
The Parish Council commissioned landlord Havebury Housing Partnership to manage the development of the new homes and to ensure that they would be let to people in housing need with a connection to the local area, for example with local family or work ties.
A grant from the Government’s Housing Corporation of £795,000 was secured and the total cost was £1.2 million.
Matthew Hancock, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, said: "I'm delighted to be opening these new homes at Cornflower Close in West Row. This sort of high quality, affordable housing, in keeping with the existing village, is exactly what we need in West Suffolk. It has been welcomed by the Parish Council, and will play an important part in making sure that good local housing is available for local people."
One of the new tenants of the homes in Cornflower Close is David Clarke, who has lived all his life in the area said: “This is like coming home for me, it means so much. The house is lovely and I have my daughter and grandson close by in the village to help me.”
Karen Mayhew, Chief Executive, Havebury Housing Partnership, said: “We were delighted to work with Forest Heath District Council and the Parish Council to provide these new homes which are helping to make a real difference to the lives of the new tenants.”
Marion Fairman-Smith, Member Champion for Housing, Forest Heath District Council, said: “This is a very welcome development for Forest Heath. As a rural authority it is vital that we can assist in the development of rural housing to allow people to stay in their communities. We are working with other parishes to help develop more rural housing schemes.”
Councillor David Ward from Mildenhall Parish Council, said: “Mildenhall Parish Council have been pleased to be involved in helping to establish this affordable housing which has enabled local residents to remain close to their families.”
The ten two-bedroom houses, which have been let at £85.85 per week, benefit from solar water heating, high levels (400mm) of roof insulation and other environmental features. Planning permission was granted for the project as an ‘exception’ site, built outside the village boundary, and the land was identified and purchased through Circle Anglia. Building contractor was Lovell.
Guests at the event included the new residents and members of Mildenhall Parish Council. After a tree planting and a look round the new homes guests enjoyed refreshments at West Row Village Hall.
The ten affordable homes were built in the village of West Row near Mildenhall after Mildenhall Parish Council conducted a housing needs survey in conjunction with Forest Heath District Council, who both see the need for local people to be able to remain within their communities in housing they can afford.
The Parish Council commissioned landlord Havebury Housing Partnership to manage the development of the new homes and to ensure that they would be let to people in housing need with a connection to the local area, for example with local family or work ties.
A grant from the Government’s Housing Corporation of £795,000 was secured and the total cost was £1.2 million.
Matthew Hancock, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, said: "I'm delighted to be opening these new homes at Cornflower Close in West Row. This sort of high quality, affordable housing, in keeping with the existing village, is exactly what we need in West Suffolk. It has been welcomed by the Parish Council, and will play an important part in making sure that good local housing is available for local people."
One of the new tenants of the homes in Cornflower Close is David Clarke, who has lived all his life in the area said: “This is like coming home for me, it means so much. The house is lovely and I have my daughter and grandson close by in the village to help me.”
Karen Mayhew, Chief Executive, Havebury Housing Partnership, said: “We were delighted to work with Forest Heath District Council and the Parish Council to provide these new homes which are helping to make a real difference to the lives of the new tenants.”
Marion Fairman-Smith, Member Champion for Housing, Forest Heath District Council, said: “This is a very welcome development for Forest Heath. As a rural authority it is vital that we can assist in the development of rural housing to allow people to stay in their communities. We are working with other parishes to help develop more rural housing schemes.”
Councillor David Ward from Mildenhall Parish Council, said: “Mildenhall Parish Council have been pleased to be involved in helping to establish this affordable housing which has enabled local residents to remain close to their families.”
The ten two-bedroom houses, which have been let at £85.85 per week, benefit from solar water heating, high levels (400mm) of roof insulation and other environmental features. Planning permission was granted for the project as an ‘exception’ site, built outside the village boundary, and the land was identified and purchased through Circle Anglia. Building contractor was Lovell.
Guests at the event included the new residents and members of Mildenhall Parish Council. After a tree planting and a look round the new homes guests enjoyed refreshments at West Row Village Hall.
30 April 2010
Shipping and Logistics Support Alliance welcomes Project PR
The Shipping & Logistics Support Alliance (SaLSA) has welcomed award winning Ipswich based PR agency Project PR as a new member of the alliance.
SaLSA, set up in April 2009, delivers specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry under the umbrella of one brand. Each member of the alliance is from a different sector, but can boast experience in this unique industry.
Project PR will be represented on SaLSA by Account Director Helen Rudd (nee Sharkey) whose experience in the industry comes from her time in the Public Relations department at Hutchison Ports UK, where she undertook work for the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International Port and Thamesport.
Project PR will aim to deliver specialist services in the areas of PR, Marketing and event management.
Chairman of SaLSA, Tim Ryan said: “We are delighted to have Project PR on board, allowing SaLSA to further expand the business support services that we can offer to the Shipping and Logistics industry.”
SaLSA is currently made up of the following members: Ryan Insurance Group, SOS-HR, DPS Technology Group, Larking Gowen, Lloyds TSB, Barker Gotelee and Suffolk Offset.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. SALSA was formed as a non profit making alliance in April 2009 to create an alliance built around the unique attributes of each independent member. It is wholly owned and operated solely for the benefits of its members.
2. The principal objective of SALSA is to deliver specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry through a programme of events and good communication from specialist providers.
3. The membership is currently made up of experts from a number of industry segments. The members are now as follows:
• Ryan Insurance Group (Insurance and Risk Management)
• SOS-HR (Training, HR and Health and Safety)
• DPS Technology Group (IT)
• Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants
• Lloyds TSB Commercial (Banking Services)
• Suffolk Offset (Design, plus Digital and Lithographic Printing)
• Barker Gotelee (Solicitors)
• Project PR (PR and Marketing)
4. SaLSA offers companies from the shipping and logistics industry improved trading efficiency, immediate access to a broad range of expertise, access to industry information and compliance, development of business opportunities and a good communication forum.
5. The SaLSA website is http://www.salsa.uk.net/
SaLSA, set up in April 2009, delivers specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry under the umbrella of one brand. Each member of the alliance is from a different sector, but can boast experience in this unique industry.
Project PR will be represented on SaLSA by Account Director Helen Rudd (nee Sharkey) whose experience in the industry comes from her time in the Public Relations department at Hutchison Ports UK, where she undertook work for the Port of Felixstowe, Harwich International Port and Thamesport.
Project PR will aim to deliver specialist services in the areas of PR, Marketing and event management.
Chairman of SaLSA, Tim Ryan said: “We are delighted to have Project PR on board, allowing SaLSA to further expand the business support services that we can offer to the Shipping and Logistics industry.”
SaLSA is currently made up of the following members: Ryan Insurance Group, SOS-HR, DPS Technology Group, Larking Gowen, Lloyds TSB, Barker Gotelee and Suffolk Offset.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. SALSA was formed as a non profit making alliance in April 2009 to create an alliance built around the unique attributes of each independent member. It is wholly owned and operated solely for the benefits of its members.
2. The principal objective of SALSA is to deliver specialist advice and services to the shipping and logistics industry through a programme of events and good communication from specialist providers.
3. The membership is currently made up of experts from a number of industry segments. The members are now as follows:
• Ryan Insurance Group (Insurance and Risk Management)
• SOS-HR (Training, HR and Health and Safety)
• DPS Technology Group (IT)
• Larking Gowen Chartered Accountants
• Lloyds TSB Commercial (Banking Services)
• Suffolk Offset (Design, plus Digital and Lithographic Printing)
• Barker Gotelee (Solicitors)
• Project PR (PR and Marketing)
4. SaLSA offers companies from the shipping and logistics industry improved trading efficiency, immediate access to a broad range of expertise, access to industry information and compliance, development of business opportunities and a good communication forum.
5. The SaLSA website is http://www.salsa.uk.net/
29 April 2010
FOUR NEW CLIENTS IN FIRST FOUR MONTHS!
Ipswich PR agency Project PR has announced four new clients, which all have a Suffolk connection.
Independent cinema group Picturehouse Cinemas, which has just bought its first Suffolk cinema in Bury St Edmunds, animal bedding company Smartbedz based in Stowmarket, Ipswich based national social work company Sanctuary and cosmetic development laboratory Jarvis, based in Hadleigh, are new additions to Project PR’s client base.
Penny Arbuthnot, director of Project PR, commented: “The range of new clients we have won shows the extent of our flexibility and experience and sets our business up for a dynamic year.”
Project PR employs a team of six PR and marketing professionals and has built its success on delivering results for its many clients, who include Suffolk manufacturer Challs International, social landlord Havebury Housing Partnership, Ipswich Building Society, Christies Care and Ford Retail.
The company was recently named as 2009’s fourth most ‘awarded’ PR agency outside of London by The Drum magazine after winning six PR awards last year and a total of 16 industry awards since 2005.
See www.projectpr.biz
28 April 2010
FAMILY FOCUS LEADS TO NATIONAL AWARD FOR IPSWICH OPTICIANS
27 April 2010 Ipswich based Kite Opticians has proved it’s the best when it comes to family friendly services, scooping the top national title of ‘Family Optician of the Year’ in the Opticians Awards 2010.
The award was presented at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane (17 April) by comedian Marcus Brigstocke when the whole Kite Opticians team was present to pick up the title.
The judges were impressed by Kite’s commitment to providing a quality service to all members of the family across the age range.
Adrian Kite of Kite Opticians, said: “The award is recognition for all of our staff and of the service they provide to our clients. We have always sought to provide personal care and attention to everyone who visits us, young or old, ensuring they enjoy the very best in eye care. I am delighted with this achievement.”
The developments at the practice and the care and attention for clients appealing to young and old alike helped increase the number of new clients by 50% in 2008 and 17% in 2009, despite the recession. Turnover has also increased.
In many cases three generations of the same family regularly attend the practice for eye checks and specialist services have been established such as a reading difficulties clinic to help families establish whether any eye problems are affecting their children’s reading. In particular Kite Opticians is a specialist in colour overlay testing and colorimetry which can identify visual stress (‘Irlen’ syndrome), an often overlooked cause of reading problems.
For elderly clients Kite Opticians has easy access and the latest technology to monitor eye health. Home visits are also provided for those who find difficulty getting out.
Competition for the Optician of the Year Award was fierce and there were four other shortlisted practices from across the UK and Ireland for the ‘Family Optician of the Year’ title. Comedian Marcus Brigstocke is known from ‘Have I Got News for You’ and ‘QI’.
Ends
Ref: KO 005
Photo Caption: Marcus Brigstocke, Christopher Kite, Dorothy Chilvers, Julie Parker, Christine Phasey, Adrian Kite, Darren Skipp (Commercial Director, Sight Care Group - Award Sponsor), Chris Bennett (Editor, Optician Magazine).
Notes to Editors
1. Kite Opticians is at 38, Berners Street, Ipswich IP1 3LU.
Telephone 01473 255250.
2. It is a family owned and run business established by Christopher Kite in 1977.
3. Adrian Kite (son of Christopher Kite) joined the business in 1999 after training at Cardiff University and Boots Opticians.
4. Adrian’s qualifications are BSc, MCOptom. He has 9 years' experience at Ipswich Hospital Eye Clinic (including the Childrens' Vision Clinic and specialist contact lens fitting).
5. Kite Opticians prides itself on providing a personal service to clients and has invested heavily in the latest technology for assessing eye health and visual ability.
6. Specialist services provided at Kite Opticians include digital retinal imaging, colour overlay and colorimetry testing and the prescribing of precision tinted lenses for those diagnosed with visual stress ('Irlen syndrome').
The award was presented at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane (17 April) by comedian Marcus Brigstocke when the whole Kite Opticians team was present to pick up the title.
The judges were impressed by Kite’s commitment to providing a quality service to all members of the family across the age range.
Adrian Kite of Kite Opticians, said: “The award is recognition for all of our staff and of the service they provide to our clients. We have always sought to provide personal care and attention to everyone who visits us, young or old, ensuring they enjoy the very best in eye care. I am delighted with this achievement.”
The developments at the practice and the care and attention for clients appealing to young and old alike helped increase the number of new clients by 50% in 2008 and 17% in 2009, despite the recession. Turnover has also increased.
In many cases three generations of the same family regularly attend the practice for eye checks and specialist services have been established such as a reading difficulties clinic to help families establish whether any eye problems are affecting their children’s reading. In particular Kite Opticians is a specialist in colour overlay testing and colorimetry which can identify visual stress (‘Irlen’ syndrome), an often overlooked cause of reading problems.
For elderly clients Kite Opticians has easy access and the latest technology to monitor eye health. Home visits are also provided for those who find difficulty getting out.
Competition for the Optician of the Year Award was fierce and there were four other shortlisted practices from across the UK and Ireland for the ‘Family Optician of the Year’ title. Comedian Marcus Brigstocke is known from ‘Have I Got News for You’ and ‘QI’.
Ends
Ref: KO 005
Notes to Editors
1. Kite Opticians is at 38, Berners Street, Ipswich IP1 3LU.
Telephone 01473 255250.
2. It is a family owned and run business established by Christopher Kite in 1977.
3. Adrian Kite (son of Christopher Kite) joined the business in 1999 after training at Cardiff University and Boots Opticians.
4. Adrian’s qualifications are BSc, MCOptom. He has 9 years' experience at Ipswich Hospital Eye Clinic (including the Childrens' Vision Clinic and specialist contact lens fitting).
5. Kite Opticians prides itself on providing a personal service to clients and has invested heavily in the latest technology for assessing eye health and visual ability.
6. Specialist services provided at Kite Opticians include digital retinal imaging, colour overlay and colorimetry testing and the prescribing of precision tinted lenses for those diagnosed with visual stress ('Irlen syndrome').
27 April 2010
Public vote 3 to 1 in favour of 'Abbeygate Picturehouse' - live opera from The New York Met on 1st May
The new owners of Bury St Edmunds’ oldest cinema say they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the enthusiasm of the local community in voting for the name of their cinema in Hatter Street, which by popular vote will be called Abbeygate Picturehouse.
The cinema will re-open this week-end (30 April) after Picturehouse Cinemas completes the first stage of its major refurbishment programme, with a live opera performance by satellite from New York’s The Metropolitan Opera on Saturday 1st May. In a complete reinvention of what cinema goers usually expect, the group has installed luxury recliner seats and plush sofas in the two completely refurbished auditoria, with new digital screens and 3D.
Lyn Goleby, Managing Director of Picturehouse Cinemas, says: “We had over 200 replies to our request to help choose the name and three to one voted in favour of Abbeygate Picturehouse. We’ve now completed stage one in our transformation of the cinema and are thrilled to be screening live opera this Saturday which cinema goers can enjoy in the comfort and style of luxury new seats.”
Armida will be broadcast live by satellite in high definition direct from The Metropolitan Opera in New York at 6pm on Saturday 1st May at Abbeygate Picturehouse, Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds. Tickets are £25. For bookings and details of membership offers telephone 0871 902 5722 or book online at
www.picturehouses.co.uk
Apart from the luxurious comfort and style of the new Abbeygate Picturehouse, cinema goers will be able to enjoy a new range and variety of films and alternative arts including independent, foreign-language and art-house films from around the World.
Renée Fleming stars in the title role of Rossini's version of Armida, the mythical story of a sorceress who enthrals men in her island prison. She stars opposite no fewer than six tenors including Lawrence Brownlee, Bruce Ford, José Manuel Zapata, Barry Banks, Kobie van Rensburg. The conductor is Riccardo Frizza.
Ends
Ref: 003
Luxury for cinema goers: Local boys try out new sofas destined for Abbeygate Picturehouse in Hatter Street, which re-opens after refurbishment on 30 April.
Press Invite
You are invited to a re-opening party on Thursday 29 April starting at 6pm. At 6.45 pm there will be private screenings of The Hurt Locker (15), Winner of Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars and The Secret in their eyes (18) winner of Best Foreign Language Film.
Further press information
For further press information about Picturehouse Cinemas in Bury St Edmunds please call:
Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR Tel 01473 326401 (07885 238374)
Penny@projectpr.biz
Or Amy Bullard, Project PR Tel 01473 326401
Picturehouse Cinemas Press Office: contact Gabriel Swartland on 020 7292 2165 or gabriel.s@picturehouses.co.uk.
Notes to Editors
Local poll to choose cinema name
The cinema, in Hatter Street in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, was to be called The Hatter Street Picturehouse, but an art gallery across the road is called just this, so the owners asked people to give their preference on one of two names for the cinema, either Bury St Edmunds Picturehouse or Abbeygate Picturehouse, due to its proximity to the town’s historic Abbey Gate, which dates from the 14th Century.
Background on Picturehouse Cinemas
1. Picturehouse Cinemas in Bury St Edmunds is at 4 Hatter Street Bury St Edmunds IP33 1NE. Telephone 0871 902 5722 or see www.picturehouses.co.uk or www.twitter.com/picturehouses
2. Screen 1 seats 120 and Screen 2 seats 70 and both auditoria have been completely refurbished in stage 1 with luxury recliner seats, sofas, 3D digital screens, new carpets and sound walling.
3. The adjacent Bingo Club is not affected by Picturehouses acquisition of the Hollywood Cinema.
4. As well as the Hollywood Cinema, Picturehouses has purchased number 4 Hatter Street, which will become a café, delicatessen and bistro.
5. This is Bury St Edmunds oldest cinema and there have been several owners since it first opened in 1924, most recently Hollywood Cinemas.
6. Picturehouse Cinemas is owned and operated by City Screen and is Britain’s largest circuit of independent cinemas.
7. Formed in 1989 to challenge the multiplex model, City Screen provides cinemas in city centre locations to serve local communities and offer a diverse choice of films and events.
8. City Screen runs 19 cinemas and programmes a further 30 independently operated venues, drawing on over 18 years’ experience in tailoring diverse and commercially successful content spanning arthouse, independent, classic, world and Hollywood cinema.
9. Each cinema is programmed in response to its local audience, and most venues have mainstream blockbusters and quality crossover titles in the mix.
10. City Screen prides itself on being at the forefront of digital cinema and other business and technological developments. These have included live cinecasts of filmmaker Q&As, comedy, music, and productions from the New York Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House and the National Theatre, broadcast to audiences throughout the UK.
11. The group opened its first cinema the Phoenix in Oxford which was bought as a going concern when the previous owners retired. In 1992 it opened its first custom-built cinema, Clapham Picturehouse, and since then has grown steadily through a mixture of new builds and acquisitions, particularly in university cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, London, Brighton and York
12. Central to the company philosophy is maintaining the individuality of each cinema.
13. Other features are:
a. building architecturally interesting cinemas in city centre locations
b. providing cafe-bars as an integral part of the cinema going experience
c. employing staff who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about film
d. providing printed programmes and online communications which inform, educate and encourage planned entertainment
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