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/
30 April 2010
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
8 April 2010
PROJECT PR RANKS WITH THE BEST IN THE UK
08 April 2010: Suffolk PR agency Project PR has been recognised as one of the best PR agencies in the UK after national industry magazine The Drum named it as the fourth most awarded PR agency outside of London in 2009.
Project PR won four Gold and two Silver awards in the annual Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards for East Anglia in 2009, more than any other agency in this region. The company’s success led to its high ranking amongst PR firms nationally. Over the past five years the agency has won a total of 16 nationally recognised PR industry awards.
“It was quite a surprise to us and a fantastic accolade for the team here that we were ranked alongside some of the world’s largest PR agencies such as Weber Shandwick, who were placed third. Winning industry awards has certainly helped us to gain recognition for our PR work both locally and nationally and we very much look forward to further success with our clients in 2010,” said Penny Arbuthnot, Director at Project PR.
Project PR employs a team of six PR and marketing professionals and has built its success on delivering results for its many local and national clients, who include Ford Retail, Suffolk manufacturer Challs International, Ipswich Building Society, social landlord Havebury Housing Partnership and live-in care agency Christies Care.
In the CIPR Pride Awards 2009 Project PR won Gold, the top award, for four specific categories: Consumer PR; Best Use of Social Media; Not for profit PR and Outstanding Young Communicator which was awarded to Project PR’s Account Director Helen Sharkey. It won silver in the ‘Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy’ and ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ categories.
The survey by Drum Magazine looked at all the industry awards schemes entered by agencies outside of London in order to identify 2009’s most decorated agencies. Project PR was ranked fourth for the number of PR awards won. See www.thedrum.co.uk/mostawarded/2010
For more information about Project PR see www.projectpr.biz
Ends
Project PR won four Gold and two Silver awards in the annual Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards for East Anglia in 2009, more than any other agency in this region. The company’s success led to its high ranking amongst PR firms nationally. Over the past five years the agency has won a total of 16 nationally recognised PR industry awards.
“It was quite a surprise to us and a fantastic accolade for the team here that we were ranked alongside some of the world’s largest PR agencies such as Weber Shandwick, who were placed third. Winning industry awards has certainly helped us to gain recognition for our PR work both locally and nationally and we very much look forward to further success with our clients in 2010,” said Penny Arbuthnot, Director at Project PR.
Project PR employs a team of six PR and marketing professionals and has built its success on delivering results for its many local and national clients, who include Ford Retail, Suffolk manufacturer Challs International, Ipswich Building Society, social landlord Havebury Housing Partnership and live-in care agency Christies Care.
In the CIPR Pride Awards 2009 Project PR won Gold, the top award, for four specific categories: Consumer PR; Best Use of Social Media; Not for profit PR and Outstanding Young Communicator which was awarded to Project PR’s Account Director Helen Sharkey. It won silver in the ‘Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy’ and ‘Best Use of Media Relations’ categories.
The survey by Drum Magazine looked at all the industry awards schemes entered by agencies outside of London in order to identify 2009’s most decorated agencies. Project PR was ranked fourth for the number of PR awards won. See www.thedrum.co.uk/mostawarded/2010
For more information about Project PR see www.projectpr.biz
26 March 2010
Council leaders to speak up for the East of England
The 52 council leaders and elected mayors in the East of England have formed a new organisation to speak up for the people and local communities they represent.
The East of England LGA will campaign on behalf of the people who live and work in the region, ensuring their voice is heard in Westminster and Whitehall. It will also provide a wide range of quality and cost effective services to local authorities.
Under current legislation, the East of England LGA will also constitute the statutory regional “Leaders’ Board” and have responsibilities for regional strategic planning and economic development, in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), as part of the new Regional Strategy Board (See Notes to Editors).
East of England LGA Chairman Cllr Robert Gordon said: “We all know that the next few years are bound to bring substantial challenges for local government, particularly with the anticipated constraints on public spending. I want the regional LGA to be a forum through which its members can identify and share best practice for the benefit of the people and communities we all serve.
“It will concentrate its work in areas where, by working together, we can add value for our member councils and it will speak up for the people and communities we represent, ensuring that local government has an effective voice.
“As the first Chairman of the East of England LGA, I look forward to working with councils of all political parties (and none) in promoting and enhancing our role as the democratic voice of the region.
“We will also have to be ready to adapt should the outcome of the general election bring further changes to the regional architecture.”
The East of England LGA is a new voluntary and independent association set up by the 52 local authorities in the region following the abolition of the East of England Regional Assembly in March 2010.
The Management Committee of the East of England LGA consists of:
• Cllr Robert Gordon (Chairman, Conservative), Leader of Hertfordshire County Council
• Cllr William Nunn (Vice-Chairman, Conservative), Leader of Breckland District Council
• Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith (Group Leader, Liberal Democrat), Leader of Cambridge City Council
• Cllr Roy Davis (Group Leader, Labour), Deputy Leader of Luton Borough Council
• Cllr Garry Hague (Conservative), Leader of Thurrock Council
Further information about the East of England LGA will be available from the 31st March 2010 at www.eelga.gov.uk when the new website goes live.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information, photographs of the Management Committee or to arrange an interview with an East of England LGA spokesperson, please contact:
Stephen Hinchley - Tel: 01284 729430, Mob: 07710 312237
Claire Sefton - Tel: 01284 729427 Mob: 07920 257940
East of England Local Government Association
1. The East of England LGA is an independent organisation representing the 52 local authorities in the East of England and the regional interests of people living and working in the East of England.
2. The Association is governed by the 52 council leaders and elected mayors. Its meetings are open to the media and general public.
3. Under current legislation, the East of England LGA also constitutes the statutory regional “Leaders’ Board” with responsibilities for regional strategic planning and economic development in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Regional Strategy Board
The Regional Strategy Board is the partnership arrangement agreed between Local Government in the East of England and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA). The Regional Strategy Board provides leadership to the region on the preparation and delivery of a Regional Strategy and accountability to the region through the East of England LGA and EEDA. Further information is available at www.eelga.gov.uk/regional-strategy
East of England LGA Management Committee
Cllr Robert Gordon (Chairman), Conservative, 01992 556582
Cllr William Nunn (Vice-Chairman), Conservative, 07766 814214
Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith (Group Leader), Liberal Democrat, 01223 577257
Cllr Roy Davis (Group Leader), Labour, 01582 730939
Cllr Garry Hague, Conservative, 01375 652099
The East of England LGA will campaign on behalf of the people who live and work in the region, ensuring their voice is heard in Westminster and Whitehall. It will also provide a wide range of quality and cost effective services to local authorities.
Under current legislation, the East of England LGA will also constitute the statutory regional “Leaders’ Board” and have responsibilities for regional strategic planning and economic development, in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), as part of the new Regional Strategy Board (See Notes to Editors).
East of England LGA Chairman Cllr Robert Gordon said: “We all know that the next few years are bound to bring substantial challenges for local government, particularly with the anticipated constraints on public spending. I want the regional LGA to be a forum through which its members can identify and share best practice for the benefit of the people and communities we all serve.
“It will concentrate its work in areas where, by working together, we can add value for our member councils and it will speak up for the people and communities we represent, ensuring that local government has an effective voice.
“As the first Chairman of the East of England LGA, I look forward to working with councils of all political parties (and none) in promoting and enhancing our role as the democratic voice of the region.
“We will also have to be ready to adapt should the outcome of the general election bring further changes to the regional architecture.”
The East of England LGA is a new voluntary and independent association set up by the 52 local authorities in the region following the abolition of the East of England Regional Assembly in March 2010.
The Management Committee of the East of England LGA consists of:
• Cllr Robert Gordon (Chairman, Conservative), Leader of Hertfordshire County Council
• Cllr William Nunn (Vice-Chairman, Conservative), Leader of Breckland District Council
• Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith (Group Leader, Liberal Democrat), Leader of Cambridge City Council
• Cllr Roy Davis (Group Leader, Labour), Deputy Leader of Luton Borough Council
• Cllr Garry Hague (Conservative), Leader of Thurrock Council
Further information about the East of England LGA will be available from the 31st March 2010 at www.eelga.gov.uk when the new website goes live.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information, photographs of the Management Committee or to arrange an interview with an East of England LGA spokesperson, please contact:
Stephen Hinchley - Tel: 01284 729430, Mob: 07710 312237
Claire Sefton - Tel: 01284 729427 Mob: 07920 257940
East of England Local Government Association
1. The East of England LGA is an independent organisation representing the 52 local authorities in the East of England and the regional interests of people living and working in the East of England.
2. The Association is governed by the 52 council leaders and elected mayors. Its meetings are open to the media and general public.
3. Under current legislation, the East of England LGA also constitutes the statutory regional “Leaders’ Board” with responsibilities for regional strategic planning and economic development in conjunction with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA).
Regional Strategy Board
The Regional Strategy Board is the partnership arrangement agreed between Local Government in the East of England and the East of England Development Agency (EEDA). The Regional Strategy Board provides leadership to the region on the preparation and delivery of a Regional Strategy and accountability to the region through the East of England LGA and EEDA. Further information is available at www.eelga.gov.uk/regional-strategy
East of England LGA Management Committee
Cllr Robert Gordon (Chairman), Conservative, 01992 556582
Cllr William Nunn (Vice-Chairman), Conservative, 07766 814214
Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith (Group Leader), Liberal Democrat, 01223 577257
Cllr Roy Davis (Group Leader), Labour, 01582 730939
Cllr Garry Hague, Conservative, 01375 652099
12 March 2010
Family focus puts opticians in line for national award
Ipswich based Kite Opticians has been named as a finalist for the ‘Family Optician of the Year’ award as a result of its family friendly focus.
The practice has many long-standing clients who have entrusted the health of their eyes to Kites for thirty years or more and whose children and grandchildren have also become clients. In many cases three generations of the same family regularly attend for eye checks.
Kite Opticians’ highly professional approach has led to the establishment of 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.
The practice also introduced a new range of child-friendly features to eye care including colouring packs and toys while children wait, favourite cartoon characters on eye test charts and a child friendly dispensing area with toddler to teenager frame designs.
For elderly clients Kite Opticians has easy access, a disabled toilet and the latest technology to monitor eye health. Unhurried thoroughness of examinations has led to great loyalty from the clients. A partnership with a hearing care specialist allows people to have a hearing test at the practice when they visit if they wish. Home visits are also provided for those who find difficulty getting out.
The final aspect to impress judges was Kite Opticians’ community involvement, which over the past year has included sponsorship of Team Ipswich and an archery tournament as well as involvement with local schools.
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.
Adrian Kite of Kite Opticians, said:" The Optician awards are very strongly contended from every part of the UK, so it is a real honour to have made the final. It is our approach of personal care and attention in looking after every member of the family's eyes that has resulted in this recognition. What’s really pleasing is the wonderful reaction we’ve had to the news from our clients.”
The final judging required testimonials to be supplied by existing clients.
He added: “The support we had from our clients is testament to the dedicated team we have here who go the extra mile in ensuring everyone who visits us, young or old, enjoy the very best in eye care. I had a warm glow after reading the lovely comments made about us!"
The Family Optician of the Year Award is a category in the national Optician Awards 2010. Kite Opticians will be attending the presentation ceremony at The Hilton, Park Lane in London on 17 April. Four other family based opticians from around the UK have also been short-listed.
Ends
5 March 2010
10 tips to networking success
At the networking event which I attended this morning, (Refer-on, Felixstowe) we had a 30min session on the above topic, and I thought I’d share it with all of you!
1. Plan ahead – get the attendee list and make a not of who you intend to chat to
2. Be early – if the attendee lists aren’t available pre-event, this gives you a chance to do the above.
3. Be regular – as your face becomes more familiar, people will gravitate towards you and will be able to match the face to the name
4. Have a tale / story – keep it relevant i.e a similar client or some interesting success you have had recently
5. Meet, greet and move on – don’t spend any longer than you need to with one person. Try to meet 5-7 strangers in each session
6. Effective 60seconds – make sure you take advantage of your chance to make a first impression
7. Volunteer – offer to do a talk at another session, or write the minutes, or provide the lap top – it makes you look professional, helpful and enthusiastic
8. Giving is best – be the first to suggest exchanging business cards, or meeting up for a coffee – don’t expect that it’s coming
9. Have a 1:1 – either after the meeting, or another day
10. Follow up – if you say you will email or call, then do. It makes you look credible and trustworthy.
A final thought…………..”People buy from people they know, like and trust!”
Good luck in your networking endeavours!
Helen
1. Plan ahead – get the attendee list and make a not of who you intend to chat to
2. Be early – if the attendee lists aren’t available pre-event, this gives you a chance to do the above.
3. Be regular – as your face becomes more familiar, people will gravitate towards you and will be able to match the face to the name
4. Have a tale / story – keep it relevant i.e a similar client or some interesting success you have had recently
5. Meet, greet and move on – don’t spend any longer than you need to with one person. Try to meet 5-7 strangers in each session
6. Effective 60seconds – make sure you take advantage of your chance to make a first impression
7. Volunteer – offer to do a talk at another session, or write the minutes, or provide the lap top – it makes you look professional, helpful and enthusiastic
8. Giving is best – be the first to suggest exchanging business cards, or meeting up for a coffee – don’t expect that it’s coming
9. Have a 1:1 – either after the meeting, or another day
10. Follow up – if you say you will email or call, then do. It makes you look credible and trustworthy.
A final thought…………..”People buy from people they know, like and trust!”
Good luck in your networking endeavours!
Helen
1 March 2010
Ipswich Building Society reports on a very good 160th year
1 March 2010
Ipswich Building Society members will from today start receiving details of the Society’s results for 2009.
Despite the turmoil in the financial services industry and the very difficult conditions of the UK recession the Society has announced a strong set of results.
Highlights include
• Total Asset growth of 9% to £462 million
• Mortgage lending of £76 million
• Net savings inflow of £24 million
Commenting on the results, Paul Winter, Chief Executive, Ipswich Building Society, said: “The confidence and trust our customers have shown have been essential to Ipswich Building Society’s success during a period when many other financial institutions have suffered. We have achieved this through taking our responsibility to our customers and to our wider community seriously and through our continual focus on quality of service and innovative, competitive products.”
Further details of the Society’s achievements will be given at the Society’s AGM on 24th March.
Ends
Ref: IBS 025-10
For further press information please contact:
Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR
Tel: 01473 326401 (07885 238374)
Email: penny.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IpswichBuildSoc
Notes to editors:
1. Ipswich Building Society is hosting a media lunch on Thursday 4th March, 12.30pm – 2pm. If you have not already confirmed your attendance and you would like to attend please contact Penny Arbuthnot at Project PR on 01473 326401.
2. Ipswich Building Society has approximately 65,000 members and currently has over 80,000 savings accounts and over 5,000 mortgage accounts.
3. The Society’s head office is at 24, The Havens, Ipswich IP3 9SJ where there is also a contact centre.
4. There are nine branches across Suffolk in Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Halesworth, Woodbridge, Tower Ramparts Ipswich, Ravenswood Ipswich, Hadleigh, Haverhill and Sudbury.
5. 80% of the Society’s members live in the East of England with the remainder living across the UK.
6. Ipswich Building Society was established in 1849 and celebrated the 160th anniversary of its formation in 2009.
7. See www.ibs.co.uk or www.twitter.com/IpswichBuildSoc
Ipswich Building Society members will from today start receiving details of the Society’s results for 2009.
Despite the turmoil in the financial services industry and the very difficult conditions of the UK recession the Society has announced a strong set of results.
Highlights include
• Total Asset growth of 9% to £462 million
• Mortgage lending of £76 million
• Net savings inflow of £24 million
Commenting on the results, Paul Winter, Chief Executive, Ipswich Building Society, said: “The confidence and trust our customers have shown have been essential to Ipswich Building Society’s success during a period when many other financial institutions have suffered. We have achieved this through taking our responsibility to our customers and to our wider community seriously and through our continual focus on quality of service and innovative, competitive products.”
Further details of the Society’s achievements will be given at the Society’s AGM on 24th March.
Ends
Ref: IBS 025-10
For further press information please contact:
Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR
Tel: 01473 326401 (07885 238374)
Email: penny.arbuthnot@projectpr.biz
Twitter: www.twitter.com/IpswichBuildSoc
Notes to editors:
1. Ipswich Building Society is hosting a media lunch on Thursday 4th March, 12.30pm – 2pm. If you have not already confirmed your attendance and you would like to attend please contact Penny Arbuthnot at Project PR on 01473 326401.
2. Ipswich Building Society has approximately 65,000 members and currently has over 80,000 savings accounts and over 5,000 mortgage accounts.
3. The Society’s head office is at 24, The Havens, Ipswich IP3 9SJ where there is also a contact centre.
4. There are nine branches across Suffolk in Aldeburgh, Saxmundham, Halesworth, Woodbridge, Tower Ramparts Ipswich, Ravenswood Ipswich, Hadleigh, Haverhill and Sudbury.
5. 80% of the Society’s members live in the East of England with the remainder living across the UK.
6. Ipswich Building Society was established in 1849 and celebrated the 160th anniversary of its formation in 2009.
7. See www.ibs.co.uk or www.twitter.com/IpswichBuildSoc
29 January 2010
Regional Director of Homes and Communities Agency to open 30 affordable homes in Bury St Edmunds
Date: Monday 1st February 2010
Time: 9.30am unveiling of plaque, followed by a look round new homes (residents have already moved in)
Venue: Maundy Close Bury St Edmunds IP33 3NT
Who: Terry Fuller, Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency, Steve Cook, Chief Executive, Havebury Housing Partnership, Councillor Ann Gower, St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Contact: Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR
Terry Fuller, Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency will officially unveil a £4 million, 30 home development in Bury St Edmunds which has transformed a run down area of the town and was completed well ahead of schedule.
‘Maundy Close’ was named to celebrate the Queen’s visit to St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 2009 to distribute Maundy Money to local residents. The development has transformed the area, where eight poor standard 1930’s flats were demolished to make way for the 30 new homes. They help relieve the pressure for more affordable housing where house prices are amongst the highest in the region.
Chief Executive of Havebury Steve Cook, said: “Nearly 2,000 people are currently on the register for an affordable home home in this area so building new homes is something we care about doing and doing it well. These homes are part of a much larger programme to help the desperate need for affordable homes and we have managed to complete them well ahead of schedule.”
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said:
“I am delighted that these properties are already providing a home for local people and that they are bringing new life into the area. We will continue to look at every opportunity to develop more affordable housing.”
The new homes at Maundy Close have been built to comply with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new mandatory standard which measures the environmental impact of new builds in nine different areas of sustainability using a rating of one to six, with six being the highest. The areas assessed include energy efficiency and CO² emissions, building materials and water usage.
Green features of the properties include high levels of wall, floor and roof insulation, low energy light fittings and solar thermal panels to provide up to 60 per cent of hot water needs.
The development was funded with the help of a £1.15m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and built by Baker Construction.
There are a total of 30 properties on the development.
• New homes at 1-15 Maundy Close comprise of six, two bedroom houses; six, three bedroom houses and two, four bedroom houses.
• At 84 to 94 Out Westgate there are 16 new flats comprising 12, two bedroom flats and four, one bedroom flats.
Time: 9.30am unveiling of plaque, followed by a look round new homes (residents have already moved in)
Venue: Maundy Close Bury St Edmunds IP33 3NT
Who: Terry Fuller, Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency, Steve Cook, Chief Executive, Havebury Housing Partnership, Councillor Ann Gower, St Edmundsbury Borough Council
Contact: Penny Arbuthnot, Project PR
Terry Fuller, Regional Director, Homes and Communities Agency will officially unveil a £4 million, 30 home development in Bury St Edmunds which has transformed a run down area of the town and was completed well ahead of schedule.
‘Maundy Close’ was named to celebrate the Queen’s visit to St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 2009 to distribute Maundy Money to local residents. The development has transformed the area, where eight poor standard 1930’s flats were demolished to make way for the 30 new homes. They help relieve the pressure for more affordable housing where house prices are amongst the highest in the region.
Chief Executive of Havebury Steve Cook, said: “Nearly 2,000 people are currently on the register for an affordable home home in this area so building new homes is something we care about doing and doing it well. These homes are part of a much larger programme to help the desperate need for affordable homes and we have managed to complete them well ahead of schedule.”
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said:
“I am delighted that these properties are already providing a home for local people and that they are bringing new life into the area. We will continue to look at every opportunity to develop more affordable housing.”
The new homes at Maundy Close have been built to comply with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new mandatory standard which measures the environmental impact of new builds in nine different areas of sustainability using a rating of one to six, with six being the highest. The areas assessed include energy efficiency and CO² emissions, building materials and water usage.
Green features of the properties include high levels of wall, floor and roof insulation, low energy light fittings and solar thermal panels to provide up to 60 per cent of hot water needs.
The development was funded with the help of a £1.15m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and built by Baker Construction.
There are a total of 30 properties on the development.
• New homes at 1-15 Maundy Close comprise of six, two bedroom houses; six, three bedroom houses and two, four bedroom houses.
• At 84 to 94 Out Westgate there are 16 new flats comprising 12, two bedroom flats and four, one bedroom flats.
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