Digital UK Wraps London Tube To Publicise Switchover

On January 26th, 2012 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

In April, the analogue television signal in London will be switched off, with digital technology taking over as the primary way to enjoy television programmes. With the switchover date drawing ever closer, Digital UK has partnered up with advertising agency CBS Outdoor for an ad campaign aimed at raising Londoners’ awareness of the broadcasting changes.

The campaign was launched with the unveiling of a Central Line tube train this morning that is wrapped in the distinctive colour scheme of Digital UK, with the train’s windows converted to resemble television screens and information about the digital switchover on every door.

When the switchover takes place, televisions that do not have digital capabilities will no longer be able to pick up any channels. To receive a picture, a set-top box or subscription to a cable or satellite television service is required. The cheapest way to get digital TV is a set-box that can receive ‘Freeview’ channels. Cable and satellite television requires a monthly subscription, although the choice of channels they provide is far greater. Comparison sites like Digital Choices offer impartial advice on upgrading analogue television systems and allow consumers to compare deal from cable and satellite providers, as well as offering comprehensive reviews of set-top Freeview boxes. Those who are a bit more up to speed with digital developments can race ahead by finding out when HD Freeview will be available in their area by using a postcode HD checker. Many price comparison sites feature these.

The advertising on the train will convey messages to passengers reminding them to convert analogue sets with set-top boxes and those already using Freeview to retune their equipment before London’s switchover takes place in April. Digital UK is also using money obtained from TV licensing to help eldery and disabled residents switch their televisions to digital before the deadline.

Beth Thoren, director of communications for Digital UK, said: “The Tube train is a bold and highly unusual advertising piece, which forms a key part of our wider campaign to educate and inform Londoners about digital switchover. Branding the entirety of a Central Line train provides huge impact, helping to spread the word and generate interest in switchover from Ealing to Essex.”

London is one of the last areas of the UK to be switched over to an exclusively digital signal and the ad campaign is in response to a survey that found a vast majority of Londoners were ill prepared for the switchover or were completely unaware it was taking place.

Wimdu Competition Sees Lucky Winner Play Host to Franky Moser

On January 23rd, 2012 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Tennis fans around the world are sure to be green with envy directed at the lucky winner of a recent Wimdu.co.uk competition, who has the opportunity to host German tennis star Frank Moser during the upcoming Australian Open Finals. The competition winner also received a pair of tickets for this year’s tournament.

Frank Moser is one of the foremost tennis players in the world, ranked within the top 100 on the doubles circuit. Naturally his work takes him everywhere and Moser welcomes the opportunities provided by the Wimdu service to get an authentic local experience: “I get to meet new hosts around the globe constantly. I also find the cultural exchange and local knowledge they impart infinitely exhilarating”, he said.

Wimdu connects independent hosts with guests all over the world, charging both a small administration fee for the listing and booking service. Accommodation available through the service ranges from cozy London B&Bs to entire apartments in the Czech Republic, with many quirky options for travellers looking for a unique experience (one Sussex GP rented her stable to Christmas holidaymakers seeking an ‘authentic’ nativity experience). Most accommodation advertised through the service takes the form of a spare room in the host’s home – a feature that provides excellent opportunities to gain a local perspective and in some cases can even lead to forming close friendships.

The Wimdu service has proved extremely popular among hosts as it provides an easy way to generate income from a spare room. It is predicted that the numbers of people using the service will shoot through the roof during the upcoming Olympics – with a government scheme in place that means hosts do not have to pay tax on earnings from renting a room until they exceed £4250, many Londoners will see Wimdu as an excellent way to earn some extra cash during these tough economic times.

Furniture Hides Historic Surprise

On January 20th, 2012 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

According to a recent article in the Hartlepool Mail, a mother got a historic shock from an item of antique furniture. 52-year-old Jean Thomson was moving her recent purchase when an old photograph fell unexpectedly from one of the drawers.

When eight months ago she bought the unit at an auction house, married mother of two Mrs. Thomson had not bargained for the sideboard’s hidden surprise. The picture is what seems to be a boys’ school photograph, and judging by the four-figure number held up by one of the boys, it dates from 1929 – more than eighty years ago.

The boys in the photograph are either standing on or next to the benches in a field, although it is not immediately clear from the picture where it was taken. Mrs. Thomson’s best guess is that the photograph was stuck to the bottom of one of the drawers for posterity’s sake, but over time the glue dried out and lost its adhesive qualities, causing the photograph to fall when it was disturbed.

The mum-of-two told the Hartlepool Mail that she will keep hold of the picture until someone comes forward with further information – it clearly has sentimental value and is a piece of family history for someone out there. The owner of the photograph, or anyone who may know more, should contact the news desk of the Hartlepool Mail so they can inform Mrs. Thomson.

Antique furnishings can hide all manner of secrets, not all of them as intriguing or fun as the mystery photograph. Damp, rot and damage are all common features in older pieces of wooden furniture – buyers who want to avoid the risks might be better off purchasing unused items, such as these comfortable designer sofas, from a first-hand retailer, such as discount online vendor Fashion For Home.

Charity Slams Energy Companies For Failure To Invest In Heating Subsidy For Poor Families

On January 17th, 2012 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Charity Save The Children has recently been openly critical of the UK’s major energy suppliers, claiming that they have failed to invest in a government scheme that was put in place to provide assistance to the country’s poorest families with paying their ever rising home heating costs.

According to Save The Children, of the UK’s eight hundred thousand poorest households, only twenty-five thousand are currently benefiting from a one hundred and twenty pound discount on their fuel bill, which they receive as part of the coalition government’s Warm Homes Discount scheme. The charity argues that the number is so low because of a ‘huge’ lack of investment on the part of energy suppliers. A comparison of energy prices shows that gas rates have risen an average of fifteen per cent this year, with electricity rates going up by almost ten per cent. Incentives like fixed price energy are no good to families in this position, as just finding the money to cover a bill can be hard.

Save The Children also believe that the government’s scheme is only currently reaching three per cent of families in the country that are at risk of ‘fuel poverty’ because energy companies have not committed enough funds to the scheme this year and the rise in fuel costs is leading to higher heating insurance prices. Chief executive Justin Forsyth said: “It’s unacceptable that 97 per cent of the UK’s poorest families who need help heating their homes this winter will get nothing because energy companies have not put up nearly enough money. The scheme needs millions more from the energy companies, or the cost will be counted in children’s futures.”

Save The Children’s research suggests that half of the parents in low income households fear that their child could fall ill this winter as their house would be too cold. Almost as many said that they were considering cutting down their food bill in order to be in a position to pay their heating bill when it arrived. Less than one in ten of the people surveyed were aware of the Warm Homes Discount and were planning on apply for it.

The No Child Left In The Cold campaign also took the opportunity to urge the government and energy suppliers to end this shortfall in order to allow more eligible households to receive the fuel discount and prevent more families from falling into fuel poverty.

Symantec Announces Two Cases Of Server Hacking

On January 14th, 2012 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

PC virus protection software giant Symantec confirmed yesterday that hackers have publicly exposed source code used in two of its older PC security programmes. In a statement released late on Thursday (5 January 2012), the company claimed that the source code that was compromised is almost five years old and the hacking will not have any effect on customers using Symantec’s popular Norton Anti-virus products, as had previously been reported.

In the statement, the company said: “Our own network was not breached, but rather that of a third party entity. We are still gathering information on the details and are not in a position to provide specifics on the third party involved. Presently, we have no indication that the code disclosure impacts the functionality or security of Symantec’s solutions.”

The affected products were confirmed as Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0 and Symantec Antivirus 10.2. Both products are aimed at business customers and have been on the market for five years. Symantec spokesman, Cris Paden said: “We’re taking this extremely seriously, but in terms of a threat, a lot has changed since these codes were developed. We distributed 10 million new signatures in 2010 alone. That gives you an idea of how much these products have morphed since then, when you’re talking four and five years.”

The announcement is worrying for those in small business that rely on Symantec security products. Hackers are gaining knowledge at a similar rate as the companies that aim to stop them, with methods for hacking server cases and Thomson routers easy to find online.

Those still using the products targeted by the hackers will be given access to a remediation process that Symantec is currently developing as a response to the breach. Details of this process will be made available to customers shortly, although it is recommended that business users upgrade to the latest products, keeping the older software as computer spares should they ever be useful in the future.

Indian hacking group ‘Lords of Dharmaraja’ claimed earlier in the week that it had managed to access source code pertaining to Symantec’s Norton AV products, although Paden claims that the information the group posted on Google+ came from a document Symantec made available to the public in 1999. A second set of Symantec documents the group posted online a little later, however, did feature source code for Symantec Endpoint Protection 11.0 and Symantec Antivirus 10.2, Paden said, hence the need for a remediation process.

Travel Insurance Companies Slammed As ‘Get-Out’ Clause Complaints Soar

On January 10th, 2012 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Travel industry watchdog Which? Travel has slammed insurance companies that specialise in holiday cover following a huge rise in the number of complaints regarding the implementation of ‘get-out’ clauses that often leave holidaymakers overseas without valid insurance cover.

Following an investigation into the reasons behind the enforcing of ‘get-out’ clauses, Which? Travel has accused insurance companies of changing policy terms, often after they have already been sold. This has left thousands of British travellers without valid insurance for their trips, forcing some to cancel their holidays entirely.

Almost a third of all the holidaymakers surveyed by the watchdog claimed that when they informed their insurance company of medical conditions that were diagnosed after the initial policy was taken out, they were told that they would need to pay more to remain covered or simply had their cover removed completely. This was true for those going on all-inclusive resort breaks and those booking independently, for example staying in privately owned apartments in Amsterdam. This is due to ‘ongoing medical warranties’ that travel insurers slip into policies. According to various travel insurance companies, these warranties allow them to change cover terms even after the policy has been bought and paid for.

While some packages come with travel insurance as part of the deal, those who book their holidays independently, e.g. private apartments for rent in Rome, stand to lose a great deal of money if their health situation changes, even if a doctor has declared them fit to travel.

The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) ruled eight years ago that it was not fair or reasonable for insurers to terminate cover for medical conditions that were diagnosed between the date the policy was taken out and the start of the holiday. It would only be reasonable if the change was so great that the risks involved in covering the traveller became different too.

The acting assistant editor of Which? Travel; Chris Gray said: ‘We believe insurers behaving like this are acting against the ruling of the Financial Ombudsman Service and we encourage members to report any cases like this to the FOS. If the customers’ medical advice is that they are fit to travel and pose no extra risk, insurers should follow that advice and allow policies to continue unchanged, not rely on an inflexible screening process. These policies are also unbalanced because customers have to produce medical evidence if they want to cancel, but insurers reserve the right to cancel without medical evidence.’

Could Servers Replace Household Heating Systems?

On December 28th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Research conducted by the University of Virginia in conjunction with computing giant Microsoft has shown that servers have the potential to replace traditional heating systems in the home. While computer hardware like Thomson routers are commonplace in households at the moment, the paper published by the team of researchers believes that server cases could also find a place in the home.

Data centres produce massive amounts of heat, with large scale server ‘farms’ often stored in huge refrigerated rooms to prevent them overheating. The team of researchers believes that the heat produced by this hardware could potentially be used to heat homes, acting as what they called ‘data furnaces’. Any home with a broadband connection has the potential to become a micro data centre and use the heat generated to keep them warm during chilly winter months. All that would be required to make the idea functional would be a cabinet full of servers that was connected to the house’s existing heating system.

The idea may seem esoteric, but in terms of reducing carbon footprints, it is certainly feasible. The paper states a belief that around 110 motherboards could potentially generate a similar amount of heat as a traditional heating system does to keep a home warm during winter. In warmer months, any heat generated that is not needed could easily be released through venting.

While technology enthusiasts may be excited by the announcement, it could be some time before the idea is fully implemented in households. If the idea is embraced, then trials are much more likely to take place in businesses, although the potential for job creation is bound to get governments interested. If servers start to be installed in homes to heat them, there will be more demand for qualified engineers and companies that manufacture or sell computer spares, which could help kick start economic growth in areas where it has recently been, at best, sluggish.

Data centres use considerable amounts of energy, for example Google has recently revealed that its data farms use the same amount of energy as 200,000 homes. These ‘data furnaces’ could be instrumental in helping to cut down on the amount that is wasted across the world. While some industry analysts may see the announcement as a load of hot air, the potential for using technology for computing purposes as well as heating could help keep home and business utility bills down while reducing carbon footprints and boosting employment through the creation of new jobs.

Job Losses Announced in Travel Industry as Thomas Cook Could Axe More Than 1000 Jobs

On December 24th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Following the announcement last week that tour operator Thomas Cook is to close 200 of its UK stores over the next 2 years, it has been revealed that more than 1000 members of staff are facing losing their jobs as the company implements cost cutting measures in an attempt to save the floundering business.

The news is bad for those employed by Thomas Cook, but could be positive for the growing number of companies that broker the letting of private apartments for holidays, an area of the travel industry that appears to be avoiding the troubles that have beset tour operators in the last year. A simple check on Wimdu shows that more and more people are listing their spare rooms or second homes for holiday rental as travellers seek to find ways they can save money and avoid the dangers of their operator collapsing while they are out of the country.

Thomas Cook has also hinted that more jobs could go as customers increasingly shun high street travel agents and turn to online options to book their holidays.

2011 has been a terrible year for Thomas Cook. A revelation that they were seeking an extra £100 million from lenders led to the company’s share prices falling by 75 percent in a single day, although company bosses are now confident that they have a sound footing financially.

The tour operator, which has been in business since 1841, issued a series of profit warnings this year. Notably poor sales figures in the UK led to the resignation of chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa in August, with the company being run by Sam Weihagen, Fontenla-Novoa’s deputy since then.

While the company is not equipped to help travellers find obscure accommodation, such as a Bed and Breakfast in Nice, when it comes to package holidays, there are not many companies that can boast the depth and range of knowledge and services that Thomas Cook provides. In a bid to keep there core services intact, the company also announced this year that it intended to sell £200 million worth of foreign assets in the next 18 months. It is hoped that these sales can help reduce the tour group’s ever increasing debts.

The first of these sales were announced this week as the company sold its stake in five Spanish hotels and a golf resort in the Mediterranean country. The money from this should go some way to reducing the company’s borrowings.

Cosine Builds Brand Awareness Through Client-Led Field Sales Solutions

On December 23rd, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

As Christmas draws closer by the day, businesses must work harder than ever to promote their brands and make an impression on consumers. Perhaps the most effective way to ensure a brand stands out from the crowd is through the calculated application of field sales solutions that connect the brand to its consumers. Cosine UK is leading the way with its client-led field selling initiatives.
For many brands, opportunities to create a personal impact on consumers are few and far between. Whilst some brands have the benefit of spaces, such as their own shops, within which to foster and promote a brand identity, others may not be so fortunate. If your brand is delivered to consumers partly or wholly through third-party stores, it might be more difficult for you to engage directly with consumers and build a recognisable brand identity.
By making intelligent use of field marketing processes, you may nevertheless build and promote an identity for your brand. Lindt is connecting with customers by using Cosine UK to conduct a nationwide sampling campaign at Sainsbury’s stores. Under existing plans, Lindt will invest in more than 558 sampling days for its new Lindt Chocolate Bear throughout the country, reaching over 140,000 customers during the crucial festive season.
Cosine will ensure that its employees are dressed to replicate the look and feel of the suppliers brand identity whilst sampling its product. This means that to customers in Sainsbury’s stores on sampling days, experienced Cosine employees will act as brand ambassadors for Lindt – allowing them to forge and develop the kind of personal relationships that sell products in both the short and longer terms.
During this campaign, consumers may be completely unaware that Cosine staff conducting the sampling initiatives are not directly employed by Lindt, adding to the sense that a big brand is making the effort to connect with its customers on a personal level. This is good for the identity of the brand on two levels: first, it means that consumers no longer think of the brand as a faceless corporate entity, and second, it means that the brand can reinforce its values and identity in the minds of its consumers.
Brands are able to mobilise consumer demand and foster repeat purchasing habits through sampling. By enforcing a visual association between the agency employees sampling a product and the brand on whose behalf they are working, a strong brand identity can be forged. As an added bonus, sampling is at its most effective when used to promote a seasonal product, such as the Lindt Chocolate Bear. These benefits combine to make client-led and on-brand sampling initiatives an extraordinarily effective way for agencies like Cosine to improve brand sales in the approach to Christmas.

About Cosine:
Cosine is an industry-leading field marketing agency. Whether you need an innovative field sales solution to help your brand expand or you are looking for a bespoke tactical team to arrange the promotional event of the century, Cosine UK has the expertise to make it happen.

Telecom Price Rises Affect Broadband, TV And Home-Phone Customers

On December 20th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

British Telecom, the UK’s largest supplier of phone and internet services, has recently announced an increase in their prices that looks to effect more than 10 million of their customers, in the same year that they reported annual profits of £1.7 billion. The announcement comes just weeks after energy suppliers also increased rates for increasingly cash-strapped consumers, leaving many UK consumers feeling the pinch during this festive time.
Under the new price scheme, some 3.5 million BT Anytime call plan customers are facing a monthly increase of 20 pence to their bill, while monthly line rental charges are set to increase from £13.90 to £14.60, a rise of 5 percent. BT have also stated that incentives for customers, like discounts for those who choose to receive paperless bills, are also to be scrapped. On the back of these announcements, it is arguable that price comparison sites such as Homephone Choices, the UK’s only Ofcom approved comparison site, may see an increase in site traffic in the coming weeks, as households in Britain look for ways to cut their cost of living through switching to a low price landline or broadband provider.
John Petter, BT director, was quick to defend the price increases and reassure customers, explaining that prices would then be frozen until 2013 for selected services. Petter said: “We are making a series of price updates, but are freezing some prices until 2013 to provide customers with greater certainty over bills.”
It is worth noting that price hikes are occurring across the industry, with Sky increasing the cost of its line rental by £1 per month in July, Virgin Media’s line rental going from £12.99 to £13.90 in August and Talk Talk raising theirs from £12.60 to £13.80 in October. In fact, most of the major telecom companies have increased their rates over the last 6 months, with Orange even announcing increased rates for their customers on monthly payment plans on the same day as BT, although the hike will not be implemented until February 2012. Orange customers will see their bills become 4.34 percent more expensive when it comes into effect. In a statement on their website, Orange justified the price increases by saying: “As you probably know, inflation is at a 20-year high, which is having a significant impact on businesses and households alike.”
While telecom suppliers will obviously still be hoping to entice new custom through offers like installing a phone line for free or discounted rates for a set period of time, it remains to be seen whether these price increases will have an effect on customer confidence and satisfaction in the coming weeks and months. If anything, they surely must realise that the timing is not ideal with Christmas only weeks away.

Could The Biomass Directive Could Harm Fashion For Home Industry?

On December 19th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Posted in General News

The British furniture industry has raised concerns over a government directive that encourages energy companies to burn wood for fuel, arguing that any increase in the price of wood could have an extremely harmful effect on their business. A report detailing the industry’s worries, commissioned by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), was launched at a meeting in the House of Lords last week, with a view to increase awareness of how the Renewables Obligation Woody Biomass Subsidy is having a detrimental effect on furniture manufacturers and retailers, such as Fashion For Home.

In conjunction with the British Furniture Confederation (BFC), FIRA launched the report at the House of Lords to enable them to share their findings with parliament, ensuring that relevant MPs were invited to attend. FIRA has held a number of summits this year to discuss Biomass directives and how they are effecting business for the furniture industry. The report details the outcomes of these summits, which were a coming together of industry leaders to look at how government directives that encourage the burning of wood by power companies are forcing the price of new timber higher and higher, in turn forcing the cost of lounge furniture collection manufacture and retail to increase as well. The industry will now use the report to lobby the Government on behalf of furniture wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers.

The report details a list of recommendations on ways the government could ensure that manufacturers can continue production without having to face the difficulty of rising prices caused by the Renewables Obligation Woody Biomass Subsidy. Since the biomass subsidies were introduced, timber prices have increased by 55.1 percent in 5 years, which is having a noticeable effect on the furniture industry’s profitability.

It is also likely that these increased production costs will result in job losses across the industry. A great number of furniture manufacturers base their operations in areas where there are already limited employment opportunities. If the UK furniture industry was to disappear, close to 5,000 workers would find themselves unemployed.

The increased cost of production will undoubtedly lead to an increase in product prices for consumers, which raises eyebrows as the subsidy paid for the burning of renewable fuel is paid by the consumer through their utility bills. Consumers are therefore paying for renewable energy which distorts the market against them, both as a consumer and also to the British manufacturing industry.

FIRA suggests that rather than using virgin wood as fuel, timber that is at the end of its usefulness should be used instead, ending the practice of sending old and broken furniture to landfills.

Thomas Cook Announces Plan To Close 200 UK Branches

On December 19th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Posted in General News

The world’s oldest tour operator, Thomas Cook has today announced they are to close 200 of their high street branches in the UK as part of its plan to turn the business around. The figure is 125 stores higher than previously expected, as the company is forced into drastic measures to cut costs. The news of the closures comes as the company reported a £398 million ($616 million) loss for the year to the end of September.

Thomas Cook believes the civil unrest in Egypt and Tunisia and floods that Thailand has experienced for the bulk of the year have contributed to their financial situation, as those countries are all key destinations for the company. Chief executive Sam Weihagen stated: “This has been a very challenging year for the group, despite which we still delivered an underlying operating profit of over £300m.”

It is also arguable that to save money, UK travellers have been looking to destinations closer to home for their breaks, such as private owned apartments in Edinburgh or short break at a Bed and Breakfast over more exotic and expensive destinations like holiday apartments in Hong Kong, for example. People are increasingly looking to the internet to save a few pounds as well, booking flights and accommodation separately in order to keep costs from spiralling. While Mr Weihagen accepts that the rise in popularity of these internet based companies has affected the company, he beliefs there will always be a place of travel agents on the high street: “I think there will always be a need for shops. You can always discuss how many.”

The news of Thomas Cook’s recent financial trouble also had a negative effect on business. Rival company Tui ran adverts that appeared to mock the company’s troubles by stating: “Another holiday company may be experiencing turbulence, but we are in really great shape”. Thomas Cook complained to Abta about the ad campaign.

The company’s turnaround plan aims to improve profits by up to £110 million a year. In addition to this, they are in the process of selling off assets to help cut its debt. This week they announced the sale of Spanish hotel chain Hotels Y Clubs De Vacaciones (ICV) to Grupo Iberostar for a reported 72.2m euros ($95.4m; £61m), as part of this process. They are also looking to reduce their fleet of aircraft from 41 to 35 and drop almost 500 hotels from their listings.

There is some positivity amongst these cost cutting measures. Thomas Cook announced rising online sales this year and have also reported record profits for their Scandinavian business and for the branch of the company in Germany.

Consumer Data Shows Increased Complaints About Energy Companies

On December 18th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Data compiled from consumer watchdogs Consumer Focus, Consumer Direct and the Energy Ombudsman show that complaints about the UK’s ‘big six’ energy providers increased a great deal during the last quarter of this year.
Covering July to September 2011, the figures show that complaints to five of the six largest energy suppliers increased, the only exception being Scottish Power. When compared with data from the same period last year, complaints about EDF Energy have soared to ninety-six percent higher, a startling figure. Consumer Focus operates a complaint-based league table, usually awarding stars to companies depending on the amount of complaints they have received. By receiving one hundred and fifty complaints or more per hundred thousand customers, EDF have the privilege of becoming the first major energy supplier to receive a no-star rating in the league table.
Also losing stars were Npower, who slipped to a two star rating, and E.ON, who fell to three stars. The director of external affairs at Consumer Focus, Adam Scorer, noted: “It is disappointing, but perhaps not surprising, that complaints on energy issues have risen at a time when energy bills are increasing.”
All six of the largest energy providers; E.ON, EDF, SSE, British Gas, Npower, and Scottish Power announced increased rates this year. These increased prices, combined with a rise in the cost of home cover policies like heating insurance means that customers are more likely to complain when they encounter an issue with their service.
This is not a good time for energy suppliers, as they have also come under fire recently from regulatory body Ofgem, who accused them of making company electricity prices too high for existing customers, who are often forced onto higher rates when they renew contracts. They recommended implementing more fixed price energy rates for businesses, as well as seeking more power to punish energy companies that do not adhere to their guidelines.
The issue that customers complained about the most was back billing, where a supplier increases a customer’s bill due to undercharging them in previous months. The area that saw the biggest increase in complaints was communications, mainly centred on suppliers being unreachable over the phone. EDF received over ninety percent of these complaints.
EDF claim that they are in the process of implementing a new billing system and has been since the beginning of the year, which may account for some of the issues customers have had regarding their billing or contacting the company. In a statement, they declared that: “Despite careful planning and the recruitment of over 700 additional customer service staff to protect our service levels to customers through the transition, our customer services operated to a lower standard between May and September. In particular, answering calls to our customer service agents took longer than expected.”
This will provide little comfort to those who have experienced difficulties with the company in recent months. It will be interesting to see whether EDF stay on a no-star rating when the next batch of figures are released.

Apple set to re-enter HD TV market with voice activated set

On December 16th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

It was revealed last week in a note to investors, that Apple has arranged production of TFT-LCD flat panel screens with Japanese technology company Sharp. This has led to speculation that Apple will be launching their latest attempt at cracking the television market at some time in 2012.
Apple’s last foray into the world of digital television can in no way be hailed as anywhere near as successful as their ventures into personal media devices like the iPod and iPad. The last update to Apple TV, which was originally launched in 2007, is thought to have only moved two million units, a paltry figure when compared with the forty million units the iPad has shifted since March 2010. They hope to change that with a new television that will boast voice control and access to iCloud; Apple’s virtual storage service.
Provisionally titled the iTV, details are currently thin on the ground but in October, the US patent office published a submission from Apple for ‘real time video process control using gestures’ which includes the use of infra-red and motion sensors to detect movement. The popularity of the voice recognition software Siri, that was introduced on the iPhone 4s this year, means the voice recognition is also highly probable as a feature for the iTV. Source of the note; analyst Peter Misek of Jefferies, a US-based bank, believes that Apple’s competitors are taking the news very seriously: ‘Other TV manufacturers have begun a scrambling search to identify what iTV will be and do.’
Many HD TV checker websites, such as Digital Choices , offer market analysis as well as Sky HD checker services and price comparisons. In fact, many of these sites stated their belief at the beginning of the year that internet TV would take off in 2011. Indeed, Chinese manufacturer Hisense introduced an internet-ready TV that runs Google’s Android software last month. A key feature of the TV is the user can control it with hand gestures, a function that the iTV is also likely to boast. This, combined with Apple’s announcement, also appears to have swayed many other companies to consider incorporating the mobile operating system into their internet TVs.
Apple’s attempt to re-enter the TV market will undoubtedly take their competition with South Korean technology company Samsung, who already have a range of internet-ready televisions available, to a new level. Samsung is Apple’s biggest competitor in the mobile device sector, producing tablets and smartphones and the two companies are currently engaged in over twenty patent infringement lawsuits around the world.

Independent Mediators Could Hold the Key to Reducing Sick Leave

On December 6th, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

As the Government seeks to cut the number of workers on sick leave by establishing an independent body to assess claims, their pilot scheme highlights the need for effective workplace mediation in order to ensure employees remain positive and motivated, which in turn, should make them less likely to seek long-term spells of absence.

Anyone who works knows that there is no such thing as a stress-free job. Before a worker can begin to tackle the duties in their job description, one must be familiar with in-house policies and procedures, ensure that their working practice meets the minimum standard set by employment laws and adhere to regulations such as Health and Safety. If you are part of a team, as well as the aforementioned red-tape, there is also the matter of workplace politics to deal with.

Earlier this month, the government announced plans to shake-up the process of getting signed-off on long-term sick leave. In a report commissioned by Dame Carol Black, Government director for health and work and David Frost, formerly of the British Chambers of Commerce, it has been recommended that the decision making in cases of sickness lasting longer than four weeks, should be taken away from GPs, whom the Government claim have no incentive at the moment to question the validity of claims and delve further into what might be the reasoning behind the patient’s request. Instead, the report proposes that the power to sign people off work would be transferred to an independent panel comprising of GPs

A pilot scheme run in Leicestershire by the local Primary Care Trust since 2010, where two GPs only assessed cases deemed legitimate by the GPs that made the referrals showed that when workers that had been on long-term sick leave did return to work, 78 per cent of them did so, not because of their improved health, but due to support with reintegrating into the workplace and where needed, mediation or negotiation regarding issues that may have contributed to the original health problem. The scheme’s report listed these instances as ‘non-medical interventions’, and showed the full extent of the effects a lack of mediation and conflict resolution can have.

With this in mind, it is arguable that those in supervisory or management roles should receive mediation training in order to develop an understanding of what constitutes an effective and appropriate workplace relationship. This could be beneficial for spotting potential disputes before any issues that may be bubbling under the surface become too great and employee health or wellbeing is compromised. As ACAS and other independent mediators can assist with dispute resolution, if the government’s plans go ahead, it is possible that these bodies will be called upon more and more, as employees who seek respite from difficult working environments find their claims for long-term sick leave rejected and the need for managing conflict resolution becomes more pertinent.

Does an Increase in Private Apartment Lettings Spell the End for Large Tour Operators?

On December 2nd, 2011 by admin | No Comments | Posted in Press Release WS

Last week, travel agent Thomas Cook, the company that invented the package holiday announced that it was borrowing £100 million in order to stay afloat during the lean winter months. The news sent shock waves through an already struggling travel industry that has experienced one of the most troubling years in recent memory. Usually popular summer destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia and Greece have been plagued by civil disorder, while common winter break destination Thailand has seen unprecedented flooding since July and many Alpine ski resorts are yet to even see a snowflake. Adding to this is the global economic climate, which sees most workers more concerned about ensuring their continual employment than booking their next summer holiday.

But while tour operators have struggled this year, independent travel providers have seen an increase in business. Is the way that we are planning, researching and booking holidays changing, or is this merely a blip in a notoriously changeable industry?

While package holiday providers have struggled to entice travellers and therefore turn a profit, the independent travel market appears to be growing. Easyjet, British Airways and Ryanair have all announced healthy profits, and online travel companies are taking a bigger share of the market each year. There has also been an increase in the popularity of websites such as Wimdu that allow people to advertise spare rooms or in some cases entire houses for holiday lettings, giving customers that are looking on finding apartments in Berlin, Paris, Madrid and a myriad of other destinations the opportunity to see new places in a way that tour operators simply cannot offer.

Gone are the days of travel agents offering a service that would otherwise be unavailable to those looking to book holidays. If travellers are planning a visit to a destination they have been to before, they can often be more knowledgable about the place than the agent dealing with them. Agents’ hands are also tied when it comes to those who want to avoid large hotels and crowds but are looking to find a break in a tourism hotspot such as Paris.

This is where sites like Wimdu come into their own. Potential holiday makers can search through all the rooms they have on offer in various cities, for example; Paris apartments. Through client testimonials and information provided by the host, you can be safe in the knowledge that you have somewhere to stay during your visit. All that is left to do is arrange travelling to and from the destination. With a host of no-frills airlines offering cheap flights and easy to follow booking instructions, extras that package holidays provide- like coach travel to and from the airport- are not required.

But how much is piece of mind worth? Not all holidaymakers are looking for unpredictable adventures. Many want safe, relaxing and hassle-free trips abroad. As long as tour operators like Thomas Cook can adapt to the changing needs of their clients, there will customers looking to have every aspect of their break planned for them. The biggest worry for them should be whether the population at large can afford to take holidays in the first place.

Can ‘Field Agent’ Threaten Field Marketing Agencies?

On November 26th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Field marketing has traditionally been the preserve of industry professionals, but a new smartphone application called Field Agent threatens to replace agency workers with members of the general public.
Brands can use the iPhone application to upload a set of simple instructions, for example asking users to check the level of stock of a particular product in a number of different stores owned by a high street chain. Personal users charged with the task (or part of the task) are offered small sums of money in return for their services. Using geo-location technology, Field Agent can determine which of its users are well-placed to complete the task and will post its details to the relevant people.
Although Field Agent has been available for more than a year, its increasing number of users has sparked controversy in the professional field marketing community. Around 10,000 people are said to have downloaded the application, although the vast majority of these do not use it regularly.
Critics have argued that users of the application lack the skills to carry out tasks effectively – and more importantly, there is no guarantee that they will complete assigned work at all. Nevertheless, some field marketing agencies have embraced the application and are seeking ways to use it to their advantage by ‘crowdsourcing’ unskilled portions of their work. According to a post on the official Field Agent blog, the application should be viewed as a complementary service to those provided by field marketing agencies rather than a replacement.
While the new application does provide a uniquely cost-effective way of completing simple field marketing jobs, such as counting stock and taking photographs, it cannot provide brands with the analysis and recommendations that add meaning to findings. It is also impossible to crowdsource many of the more complex activities undertaken by field marketing agencies, such as arranging experiential marketing initiatives or training retail staff. Neither are users of the smartphone application qualified to implement field sales solutions on behalf of brands. Although audit and merchandising are important field marketing activities, they are far from the most technical and demanding jobs performed by agencies.
Perhaps the Field Agent application poses a problem for agencies that rely heavily on low-level work for their profits. Despite this, it is highly unlikely to have a significant impact on bigger players in the industry. Field marketing agencies are forever seeking ways to increase productivity and performance whilst reducing costs, so there may be something to be gained by ignoring the knee-jerk impulse and asking the eternal question: how can we use this to maximise our return on investment?

Fixed Energy Prices, Blackburn Biomass and the Drive Towards Renewables

On November 25th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

It has been revealed that a new biomass power plant due to be constructed in Sheffield will cost twice as much as was indicated by early estimates. Weighing in at £120 million, the new power plant built by energy company E.on will also provide 5MW more power than had originally been planned, bringing its total capacity to 30MW – or enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.
The biomass power plant will be built on a site known as Blackburn Meadows, and E.on will rely on local businesses for its construction as far as possible. When the plant is completed and goes online in 2014, it is expected to create around 30 permanent jobs for members of the local community. Local MP Clive Betts heralded the plans as “great news for the area”, claiming that the power plant would “deliver a much needed boost for local jobs”.
Biomass is one of a number of low-carbon energy solutions that are being tested and implemented throughout the world. The environmental benefits of using low-carbon methods of generation should not be underestimated; however, there are additional costs associated with ‘green’ fuels, and consumers should expect to pay higher prices for energy generated in a sustainable fashion. Both domestic and business electricity prices can be expected to rise as we increase the proportion of our power that comes from sustainable sources.
All this will come as welcome news to consumers who are on fixed price energy plans. Any rise in the cost of each unit of electricity will not affect customers who have signed on to fixed-term contracts at fixed energy prices. One of the greatest potential advantages of such plans is that if the price of energy goes up, for example as the result of the increasing international price of oil or an increasing reliance on renewable energy sources, subscribers will not have to pay increased rates until the expiration of their existing contracts. The downside is that if the price of energy goes down for any reason, the price such consumers pay will also remain unchanged – and there can also be issues with moving house or home in the middle of a contract, so these contracts are ill-advised for anyone who holds flexibility as a priority.
Although it is difficult to predict what will happen to energy prices in the future, current trends indicate that the price of energy is increasing over time. Indicators show that this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future: fossil fuel reserves are dwindling, many governments have lost faith in nuclear power, and the message that sustainable power generation is necessary to preserve our environment is beginning to get through to consumers. With Christmas on the horizon, many of our energy-related thoughts will be dominated by questions of boiler insurance and breakdown cover – but we should also be thinking about and budgeting for our future energy use.

A Basic HD TV Buyers’ Guide

On November 23rd, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

If you are considering your next television purchase, you have probably given at least a passing thought to choosing a High Definition (HD) capable model. As you might expect, HD TVs are generally more expensive than their PAL counterparts – but the extra money will bring an improved picture quality and viewing experience.
So the question is: is it worth it? The answer depends on a number of factors, such as your viewing habits, the other hardware that is available to you and your geographical location. It also depends on the particular model you are considering – some HD televisions are better than others and there is also considerable variation in cost. Budget matters not only in terms of the television set you can afford, but also the television packages. HD packages on commercial networks such as Virgin and Sky are more expensive than their non-HD counterparts.
It is important to check that you are able to receive HD signals in your local area. Whilst coverage is already good in most urban environments and improving all the time, it is sensible to use a HD TV checker (such as the one offered by Digital Choices) to make sure that your home has HD coverage from your intended service provider. If not, it may be better to wait for coverage before shelling out the extra cash for a HD capable television set.
In terms of viewing habits, if you generally use your television to have Hollyoaks on in the background whilst you exercise, you will probably gain little real benefit from HD; on the other hand, if you regularly give major sporting events your full attention, you will notice a greater difference. As a rule of thumb, dramas and comedies work fine in PAL – but nature documentaries, action movies and fast-paced sports will all benefit from HD.
Remember that HD is not the be-all and end-all of television quality. Essentially, a HD television set is one that is capable of receiving and interpreting a high-resolution signal, meaning that the resolutions available on HD TVs are invariably better than those that rely on PAL. Telecommunications industries put a lot of work and money into developing and promoting the latest standard, but other specifications remain as relevant as ever. When choosing your TV, pay attention to values such as the “contrast ratio”, “refresh rate”, “colour saturation” and “colour accuracy”. Further information about any of these specifications can be found online.
Finally, it is also important to think about the display of your television set. At the minute, many consumers are faced with the choice between LCD TVs, LED TVs and plasma TVs. Each type of television has its own advantages and disadvantages, although plasma is the least likely to be suitable for all homes. Plasma televisions must be larger than a certain size and there is a risk that static images left on their displays for too long may burn into the screens.

Google Offers to Ignore Wi-Fi Routers Once Users “Opt Out”

On November 20th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Google has finally implemented a system for allowing users to remove their Wi-Fi hotspots from a controversial database it assembled through its Street View cars.
However, the internet company has been condemned by some commentators for forcing users to “opt out” of the system rather than allowing them to “opt in”. This means that internet users who are either unaware of the privacy infringement issue or uncomfortable with the removal process will default to having their Wi-Fi hotspots used by Google.
The internet search giant came under severe criticism for automatically collecting sensitive data when its cars were equipped to record the locations of all Wi-Fi hotspots they encountered. Regardless of whether systems used Netgear routers, Thomson routers, Cisco routers or any other makes and models, information regarding their geographical location was collected by the Google system. The affected systems included the vast majority of home Wi-Fi networks connecting desktop PCs and laptops, as well as those run by businesses to connect server cabinets and other computer parts UK.
To make matters worse, Google reported that its Street View cars had accidentally copied large chunks of data from the networks as they went along. As well as collecting the names of all Wi-Fi networks and their unique MAC addresses (the equivalent of a car license plate for a computer network), technology used by Google copied payload data from unencrypted networks. This meant that large amounts of personal and potentially very sensitive data were recorded by the Google system.
Responding to pressure from “several European data protection authorities”, Google official Peter Fleischer announced in September that Google would make an opt-out feature available to users. It is widely believed that the internet company chose this approach over an opt-in alternative because this would greatly reduce the effectiveness of its system.
Google explained that the collection of hotspot locations enables it to pass better information to Google Maps-based GPS systems used by mobile phone handsets. According to Google, using a database of Wi-Fi hotspots (which rarely move), GPS systems are able to gain a quicker understanding of the whereabouts of the user. This saves on unnecessary power consumption and speeds up the GPS process, enabling better GPS positioning whilst moving.
Users who are interested in opting out of the system can find detailed and specific instructions on how to do so at the Google web site. The procedure essentially requires users to add a suffix to the end of their Wi-Fi network names – so to take one example, a network previously entitled “Household” would become “Household_nomap”. Once this action is completed, the “Household_nomap” Wi-Fi hotspot will be automatically removed from Google’s database the next time it is used.

Freeview HD TV Equipment Picks Up In Sales

On November 13th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

From modest beginnings, sales of HD TV equipment for Freeview customers have passed 3.1 million units as of the end of September. The service, which launched last year, took just under a year to pass 1 million. Sales have soared since the high definition platform was rolled out across the country, now covering 80% of the UK population.
Homeowners can check whether their area is HD-ready, by using the Digital Choices HD checker available online. By entering your address and digital TV provider, customers can instantly check coverage and ensure they are able to receive the Freeview HD service.
The 80% of the population who are able to use HD through Freeview will soon increase to almost every household in October 2012, when analogue TV is switched off in all parts of the UK, simplifying analogue-vs-digital choices for consumers. This coincides with Freeview’s tenth birthday as a TV platform.
Freeview managing director Ilse Howling said that 90% of Freeview HD sales have been for integrated TVs (TVs with Freeview HD built-in), while 10% have been for set top boxes. Commenting on the sales, Howling also stated that this reflects the integrated nature of Freeview for modern televisions. Further improvements could lead to sets built with both HD and Freeview+ timeshift services in the future.
From its beginnings in 2002, Freeview has sold more than 70 million products. Owned by five shareholders (the BBC, Sky, ITV, Channel 4 and transmission firm Arqiva), Freeview HD is now set to be joined by Channel 5, which may take the fifth HD channel slot on the platform in April 2012. Freeview HD currently has four channels (BBC One HD, the BBC HD Channel (due to turn into the BBC Two HD), ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD). Previously rejected for failing to meet Ofcom’s requirements for launch as a HD channel, Channel 5 HD is already available on Virgin Media and Sky.
With increasingly integrated packages for TV services available, customers are choosing to include phone and broadband choices as part of an all-in-one product for their homes. Freeview plans to become more involved with this, as Howling stated: “Most Freeview HDTVs and some Freeview+ HD recorders now offer smart features giving viewers access to more entertainment such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Facebook.”
In a statement, Howling added: “Breaking through the three million sales barrier is huge achievement for Freeview HD. Freeview has continued to provide the most-loved programmes in the format people want since Freeview launched in 2002. Our focus now is to ensure we continue to develop and give viewers what they want over the next ten years, post-switchover and beyond.”

Marketing Agencies and the Future in the Mid-Year Marketing Trend Survey 2011

On November 9th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

A recent study published by The Kern Organization provides valuable insight into marketing trends, revealing that 43% of marketers allocated 25% or more of their total marketing spend with external organisations such as field marketing agencies.
The Kern Organization study, conducted in July 2011, used data collected from a sample of almost 400 top marketing executives working for businesses in various industries. In terms of business sales revenue, the executives used were a varied mix: 44% came from companies generating less than $100 million per annum and 56% from those generating over $100 million per annum. 30% came from organisations whose annual sales revenues exceeded $1 billion and which can be regarded as highly successful.
Marketing is generally regarded as a fast-moving industry in which trends change rapidly and the consequences for marketing strategies that are slow to adapt can often be disastrous. The Kern Organization study found that the marketing landscape today is very different from five years ago, with a marked shift from businesses relying on traditional marketing expertise towards using modern marketing specialists such as content strategists. This has come about partly as the result of the rapid development of the online marketing industry.
However, despite an increase in the significance of online marketing practices, the survey also found that few respondents were satisfied with their social media marketing performance. So far it seems that many marketing professionals have struggled to capitalise on the growing memberships of social networking sites.
The study also found that analytics and accountability are increasingly seen as central features of satisfactory marketing campaigns. The marketing executives sampled in the study were in agreement that better integration of online (e.g. web advertising click through rates) and offline (e.g. field marketing revenue generation figures) analytics is significant in improving the effectiveness of marketing spend. Almost 70% of respondents considered analytics either “important” or “very important” and the survey also noted a surprising jump in the number of professionals who use some level of marketing automation: almost 50% this year. This probably reflects the ease with which automated marketing processes can be analysed.
This year has seen a marked departure from the previous few years of recession, in which marketing executives were forced to prioritise customer retention over the acquisition of new customers. By contrast, the Mid-Year Marketing Trend Survey 2011 identified customer acquisition as the top priority for most marketing professionals. This signifies a partial return to marketing normalcy after a period of uncertainty and cutbacks, although the flexibility of marketing professionals remains integral to their success.
With flexibility becoming ever more important, we may see a shift towards outsourcing of marketing functions to dedicated agencies. In particular, there are many benefits to outsourcing field marketing jobs, which can be mercurial and are often tied to seasonal demand. This spares employers from the obligations associated with recruiting an in-house team, in turn giving businesses a greater level of manoeuvrability in the context of a changing market.

Recycle Your Old Motherboard, Monitor or Server Case Across the UK

On November 8th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

By recycling old computer spares and parts, residents across the UK can offset waste and reduce their carbon footprint. There are plenty of ways to do this, and more are occurring all the time in local areas.
Council-sponsored initiatives are working across the country to encourage residents to recycle their old computer parts. An important part of a sustainable waste strategy, recycling computer spares can offset the growing waste caused by the disposing of electrical items, which accounts for 4% of European municipal waste.
In September in Dacorum, Watford, residents have recycled nearly 800 items, including mobile phones, scanners and printers as well as other computer spares. This was part of a recycling scheme organised by the Dacorum Borough Council, and formed part of a series of events which took place in collaboration with Hertfordshire Waste Partnership and Ecosystems Ltd.
More recently, in Hastings, new bins have been installed across the town, where residents can take their small electrical goods, such as printers, hairdryers and mobile phones, to be recycled. “These bins are conveniently located at the big supermarkets and the leisure centre, so whether you’re doing your weekly shop or taking the kids swimming, its never been easier to recycle,” said Councillor Phil Scott, lead member for the environment at Hastings Borough Council.
Bristol City Council have sponsored a reuse scheme, which has run since the start of this year, and they have now handed out 500 low-cost recycled computers across the city. This initiative works to ensure that everyone has access to digital technologies as Bristol becomes established for its creative sector. “Bristol has a well-developed and successful digital creative sector and plays host to world leading companies such as Aardman,” stated council leader, Barbara Janke. “We want the opportunities that come from being a connected digital city spread to all our residents.” There have already been many applications for the recycled computers, as well as offers from businesses who want to donate their old machines.
Even if local recycling services are not available, residents across the country can offset their electrical waste by looking online for websites which offer computer recycling services. They can also choose to pare down their computer use when building a server, by opting for Blade servers rather than a standard rack-mount model. When choosing items such as a server case, users can opt to allow plenty of room for new, additional equipment, rather than having to replace their product a few months down the line.
Donated computer spares and other electrical equipment can provide valuable resources for charities and not-for-profit organisations, as well as helping the environment. By recycling electrical goods, and choosing to replace computer parts rather than whole machines, residents are doing their bit to reduce their carbon footprint whilst saving themselves time and money in the long run.

Coming Winter Prompts Need for Motorbike Breakdown Cover

On November 4th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Another big chill has been forecasted for this winter, and councils across the UK are stockpiling salt to avoid the shortages experienced during the cold spell of last year. The shortages of safe roads last year caused many drivers to risk accidents, and local councils are working to ensure that this does not happen again.
“Whatever surprises the weather may have in store for us this winter, motorists can count on council highways teams being better prepared than ever before to keep disruption to a minimum,” says Peter Box, LGA economy and transport chairman.
As the winter months approach, keeping safe on the roads becomes increasingly important. Drivers are being urged to consider their breakdown choices when it comes to insurance as the nights begin to draw in.
“Being stranded at the side of the road in the dark can be a very distressing experience and having adequate breakdown cover can give you the peace of mind that help is only a phone call away,” says Pete Harrison, a spokesman for Moneysupermarket.com.
Motorcyclists can receive insurance policies which contribute to a lower total cost of ownership than car owners and there are specific motorbike breakdown cover policies for them too. There are many websites available for drivers to compare breakdown cover online.
The Department for Transport statistics have shown that the majority of road incidents during the winter months took place between 15:00 and 17:00 GMT – during the school run. Insurance policies can be easily obtained, and there is a wealth of information available for drivers and motorcyclists to online.
Accidents can also be avoided by drivers ensuring that their vehicles are maintained and well looked after. In Scotland, the Get Ready for Winter campaign is encouraging drivers and motocyclists to make sure that their tyres, lights and brakes are all in good order before heading out on the road.
Officers from the Lothian and Borders Police will be carrying out road checks, and visiting public places to explain the importance of road safety to drivers and cyclists. Pedestrians are also encouraged to ensure their own safety by wearing high-visibility clothing when walking at night.
“Last year’s extreme weather brought home the importance of making sure that road users are prepared for the winter months, regardless of whether you are a motorist, a cyclist or a pedestrian,” said Superintendent Alan Duncan, head of the Road Policing Unit at Lothian and Borders Police.

Confusion Over Disputed Sky TV Premier League Supremacy

On October 27th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

The past week has been a difficult one for broadcaster bSkyb. Falling share prices reached a low yesterday with frenzied media coverage of the European Court of Justice ruling that set-top box decoders are not inherently illegal. The implications were yesterday believed to be far-reaching – media commentators varied in the details of their assessments, but most were quick to suggest that this landmark legal decision could spell the doom of Sky TV and its domination of Premier League football match coverage.
However, today has revealed that the decision could make less of a difference to the average football fan than had previously been supposed. For one thing, part of the ruling conceded that the Premier League has the ultimate copyright to certain aspects of its match coverage, including theme music, video intro sequences and replay footage. Whilst footage of the match itself is not covered by the copyright, this nevertheless gives the Premier League all that is necessary to raise legal objection to public showings of Premier League matches that contain these features (i.e. pretty much all of them).
The precise details of the ECJ ruling remain frustratingly difficult to understand. Perhaps tellingly, bSkyb share prices have tentatively risen after yesterday’s low, although it remains to be seen how strong they will be at the close of trading today. It is however clear that for at least the next year and a half, consumers will benefit from competition between Sky and European broadcasters over the cheapest available Premier League match subscriptions. Nevertheless the cost of set-top decoder boxes required to view overseas broadcasts may potentially bridge the gap between cut price foreign subscriptions and higher domestic service charges.
According to The Guardian, privately both Sky and the Premier League believe that the number of consumers to go down this route will ultimately be limited since a large number of those who would consider this approach already watch free illegal streams of the matches online. Perhaps more importantly, this challenge to the Premier League’s territory by territory approach to granting broadcast rights for football matches may lead to the implementation of a new pan-European broadcasting rights deal, although this will not become clear until rights deals come up for renewal early next year.
Meanwhile customers who are looking for a cheaper alternative to Sky TV subscriptions and compare Sky vs BT TV packages will find the BT Vision service still provides amongst the cheapest Premier League matches available anywhere.

Sampling and Sales this Christmas

On October 26th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Now that there is not long to go before Christmas, many businesses will be thinking about how best to maximise sales figures at this crucial time of the retail year. Field sales solutions are a useful addition to the marketing mix as competition increases in the approach to Christmas. One of the most effective methods of converting footfall into product sales at a grocery store is sampling, so this in particular will help to make the most of Christmas spending.
The benefits of sampling are manifold. One of the problems with selling food products can be that it is difficult to differentiate one brand of foodstuff from another brand of the same foodstuff. Field marketing agencies can connect consumer to product through a human medium during a sampling campaign. This helps to differentiate one brand from other brands produced by corporations perceived as ‘faceless’ by consumers.
Another great advantage of using product sampling in a store is that it creates the sense that the business concerned is generous to its customers. The importance of this effect should not be underestimated; sampling can be an excellent means of increasing customer satisfaction and even encouraging brand advocacy as 85% of customers say they would recommend a sampled product to a friend. This in turn will pay dividends in the run up to Christmas, and should continue to benefit a brand for months to come as satisfied customers tell other consumers about their positive experience of a particular product.
Sampling has the power to encourage consumers to switch brands. Whilst it can be difficult to break established purchasing habits amongst consumers, offering a free sample removes the element of ‘risk’ perceived by a consumer when considering an unfamiliar brand. By experiencing and evaluating the product personally, a consumer can make an informed choice about whether to change brand – with the experience of sampling a brand for free firmly in their recent memory.
It is not unusual for sampling campaigns to result in average incremental sales uplifts of 400% over the sampling period. During the Christmas holiday period, when footfall in grocery stores is at an extended peak, the potential impact on sales figures can be enormous. Added to the fact that the vast majority of purchasing decisions are made in store rather than beforehand, this can make a significant difference to the total sales figures of your brand. Typically somewhere between 10% and 15% of customers who sample a product they did not intend to purchase will change their minds and purchase on the day.
Using a product sampling campaign to promote a product or line of products can make a greater share of consumer spending a reality for many businesses. Field marketing is more important than ever during the festive season, and a well run campaign can produce a significant return on investment in the run up to Christmas.

Boiler Insurance Worthwhile as Winter Approaches

On October 23rd, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

In the spring and summer months it is all too easy to dismiss spending on boiler insurance as frivolous and unnecessary. However with autumn upon us and winter approaching fast, households without boiler insurance should consider investing in a plan before it becomes too late.
It is easy to understand the temptation to dispense with insurance plans. Household and business electricity prices increase as the amount of natural light decreases for everyone regardless of whether they are on a plan with fixed energy prices, and there are increasing pressures on our incomes throughout the imminent holiday season. Many of us will never have cashed in on our insurance plans, and after a quick calculation the monthly or annual expense can seem anything but worthwhile. Nevertheless a surprisingly high number of UK residents experienced a boiler breakdown last winter, so think carefully before you decide to go without cover.
There is some evidence to suggest that winters in the UK are getting colder. According to the Met Office, the winter of 2010 was the coldest on average since 1978/9. If this winter continues the trend, many household boilers will be put under additional strain and may fail when they are needed the most. Whilst insurance may not seem a worthwhile expense now, it will seem foolhardy to have missed the opportunity to insure your boiler if and when it breaks further down the line. Boilers are notoriously expensive to repair and replace, and many households without large incomes will struggle to cover the costs of a last minute boiler replacement.
This is not simply a matter of convenience – particularly for households with single glazing and less than the optimum level of insulation, central heating can help ward off winter illnesses that thrive on immune systems weakened by the cold. You cannot put a price on good health, and boiler insurance should be seen as an investment in your personal wellbeing throughout the winter months.

TalkTalk Remains Most Complained About Landline Provider

On October 19th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

TalkTalk remains the most complained about provider of fixed broadband and telephone services in the UK, it has emerged following a recent Ofcom report. The report aims to provide consumers with relevant information about the volume and nature of complaints against various telecommunications providers to help them make an informed decision about which provider to choose.
Out of the providers of mobile broadband and telephone services, 3 UK came out worst with a density of 0.14 complaints per 1000 customers, driven largely by disputed charges and customer service issues according to the BBC. A spokesperson for Three commented: “We are disappointed by these figures and we will work with Ofcom to better understand what is driving them… We take all complaints seriously and continue to work to improve our ability to resolve them.” At the other end of the scale, O2 was the least complained about provider of mobile telephone and broadband services with a density of just 0.02 complaints per 1000 customers.
Problems with TalkTalk Group services have been partly the result of a problematic takeover of Tiscali in 2009. One of the most significant issues arose when many customers were charged for services they had already canceled. As well as being a customer relations nightmare for the British telephony firm, erroneously charging consumers has cost TalkTalk a total of £5.5m – £2.5m in payouts to affected consumers spread across refunds and courtesy payments, and £3m in fines levied by industry watchdog Ofcom.
TalkTalk has been predictably keen to draw attention to the fact that it has made significant improvements over the past few months. This is what the company had to say following the Ofcom report: “It’s encouraging that Ofcom’s data demonstrates that, following the Tiscali integration, the service we offer our costumes has significantly improved in the last quarter with the number of complaints as a percentage of customers dropping by over 50%.”
Although TalkTalk competes with other cheap landline providers in the UK, it does not always offer free phone line installation along with its other services. Whichever provider you are considering for your landline, you should make sure to check the relevant pricing system thoroughly as you may end up incurring more charges than expected. We recommend using one of the many comparison sites available online, such as HomePhoneChoices, before settling on a provider for your home phone line.

Active Selling at Christmas Can Help Seasonal Sales

On October 14th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

With the national economy in trouble and Christmas on the horizon, many manufacturers will be asking themselves what they can do to ensure their products do not fall by the wayside this holiday season. One marketing strategy that can make a real difference around Christmas time is active selling.
Broadly speaking there are two types of sales pitch; active and passive. Passive selling is often less intensive and capitalises on existing awareness of and interest in the product being marketed. This is an effective strategy for products with an established, clearly defined market and targeted audience, such as car insurance being sold on a car insurance website.
By contrast, active selling hinges upon convincing members of the public that they need a particular product, such as a new variety of toy or board game.
Active selling can also be an effective tool for marketing products that are already familiar to the consumer, especially at either large events, or during specific seasons.
Christmas is a particularly good time of year to implement an active selling strategy. Consumer spending increases before and during the Christmas holiday period, and the popular emphasis on giving gifts means that consumers are also more interested in new and different products than they would be at other times of the year. This backdrop provides the perfect opportunity to build a consumer base for your product.
At the same time, many businesses invest heavily in marketing campaigns around Christmas – and this means your product will be in heavy competition for consumers. By actively selling your product instead of relying on a passive sales strategy, you will stand a greater chance of securing satisfactory sales figures.
There are a number of different active sales strategies that could benefit your business in the run-up to Christmas. One effective strategy involves holding product demonstrations in a popular store with a high volume of footfall. A business that produces a particularly sharp and sturdy kitchen knife might struggle to stand out from the crowd in a catalogue. Nevertheless after witnessing an impressive display of the knife in action, consumers will be far more likely to spend money on the product; if the demonstrator has a plentiful supply of the knives on hand he or she will be likely to make sales. In short, active selling (a form of field marketing) allows a business to draw public attention to the unique features of a particular product and is a vital component of many Christmas marketing strategies.

Cosine UK Strike Gold in The Field Marketing and Brand Experience Awards, 2011

On October 11th, 2011 by Mark | No Comments | Posted in Press Releases

Last week the Field Marketing and Brand Experience (FM&BE) Awards went off with a bang. The circus-themed ceremony saw many major industry players rewarded for their efforts, including Cosine UK, who received the much vaunted Gold award in the ‘Field Marketing Agency of the Year’ category.

Judges took into consideration agencies that had performed across multiple brands and in multiple categories when they made the most significant Agency of the Year awards. Contending agencies were also required to provide confidential evidence of sound financial management and clearly sustained billing levels throughout the past year. This contributes to the good professional standing of awards made at the ceremony, because even fielding an entry requires significant time, effort and the provision of evidence from the agencies concerned.

Alexander Armstrong presented the Gold awards at this year’s ceremony, which took place at the Marriott Mayfair and featured music from Ronnie Scott’s jazz orchestra (performing as Pete Long’s Big Top Bop) and the Carny Villains. Highlights also included an array of exciting circus performances and the return of the Lifetime Achievement award, given to Robin Carlisle, Managing Director of Mobile Promotions.

CosineUK at the Field Marketing & Brand experience Awards 2011

Perhaps the biggest winner at this year’s award ceremony was CosineUK. The industry leading field marketing agency picked up Gold awards in the ‘Most Effective Client Relationship’ and ‘Most Effective Sales/Demo Campaign’ categories for their work with BT Business as well as the overall Field Marketing Agency of the Year award. CosineUK received an impressive grand total of 5 awards, all of which were either gold or silver, clearly demonstrating its ability to deliver consistent results. Over the years CosineUK has won awards for work with several major clients, including Sainsbury’s.
Businesses seeking to invest money in field sales solutions or brand experience can use the comprehensive awards to get some indication of which agencies might best fulfill their objectives. The FM&BE Awards are well respected within the industry because they are judged by a panel of industry experts on the basis of campaign records and results submitted by the competing agencies.

Awards are made in around 30 different categories covering the full range of field marketing and brand experience functions. The FM&BE Awards are specifically designed to be accessible to all types of brand strategies that place ambassadors into the field or create a live brand conversation, meaning that most agencies filling field marketing jobs are eligible to apply.
Many of the agencies involved in the awards return to compete in subsequent years, clearly demonstrating the commercial value of silverware obtained at the event. Apart from being a fantastic evening of fine dining and entertainment, the FM&BE Awards also represent a serious contribution to the marketing industry and the businesses within it. Whilst less successful agencies might dispute this claim, CosineUK is sure to agree.

About Cosine UK:

Cosine UK, the 2011 winners of the Field Marketing Agency of The Year award, are a Field Marketing Agency based in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire. Cosine UK focus strongly on retail activation, product sampling, direct sales, events & tactical marketing, and their clients include Sainsbury’s and Nokia.

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