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Ventas Central Supports Entrepreneur Referendum to Remain in the European Union

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Tuesday 11 June, 2013
Entrepreneur and small business owner of Ventas Central , Josh Peace advocates that remaining part of the EU is essential for the UK’s economic recovery and for small businesses to continue to grow to become the future face of the UK and European economy.

A letter recently published in The Independent and signed by the UK’s top businessmen and successful entrepreneurs, highlights that Britain’s economic interest would be best served if the country maintained their place within the European Union. Managing Director of Ventas Central, an outsourced sales and marketing firm based in Chelmsford strongly believes remaining part of the EU is essential for the UK’s economic recovery and for small businesses to continue to grow and support the UK’s economy.

About Ventas Central: http://www.ventascentral.com

The letter in The Independent draws attention to the growing concerns in The City that there is a large anti-European feeling held in the UK Government. The fear held by the business community is that if Britain was to leave the European Union, then the impacts this would have on the UK’s economy would be substantial. EU membership is currently worth between £31bn and £92bn a year in income gains to the UK with the European Union consisting of an economic zone larger than that of the USA and Japan combined; with a total GDP of about £11 trillion. “Our EU membership is worth up to £92 billion a year to the UK economy and a move away from the EU would make it more difficult to trade with businesses in Europe, which would have serious knock on effects to the county’s economy as a whole” said Josh Peace, Managing Director of Ventas Central.

The single European market has bought an end to many of the non-tariff barriers to trade that used to be in place in Europe. This is critical for UK businesses. As a Member State of the EU, the UK is part of the procedure for making rules and regulations for the single market. Were the UK to leave the EU but join the European Economic Area (assuming the UK were admitted), Britain would be bound by most single market rules however would have no part to play in making the decisions of these rules.

For small businesses like Ventas Central, membership in the EU is beneficial because the European Investment Bank Group provides funding and start-up loans to support new productive investments. Both Britain and the EU are looking more heavily towards small businesses to help European economic recovery. If the UK was to leave the EU, then small start up businesses would not be entitled to this funding and there would be more pressure put on the UK Government to provide this.

“At Ventas Central, we maintain that small businesses are the future face of the UK and Europe as the key to economic recovery. It would be disastrous for the economy and future economic growth if Britain were to leave the EU” said a spokes person for the firm. “Here at the firm, we hope this letter in The Independent will highlight the importance of our membership to the EU and that it will be listened to and taken on board” added a spokes person for Ventas Central.

To read the letter published in The Independent visit: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/letters-the-benefit-of-european-union-membership-outweighs-the-cost-8622571.html

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Two Women, Six Episodes of Bell’s Palsy – A Wish List for Future Care

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Tuesday 11 June, 2013
Nicola Hawkes (40) and Laura Hickey (30) have both been battling Bell’s palsy, the most common form of facial paralysis, since the age of 17. Both have experienced three episodes of this life-altering condition and are left with permanent residual problems. They shared their stories with Facial Palsy UK, a new charity, whose mission is to ensure that every person in the UK affected by facial palsy is given access to the best information, treatment and support available. Nicola and Laura believe that healthcare guidelines for those diagnosed with Bell’s palsy could be significantly improved. The condition is often dismissed as temporary even though a significant proportion of people (approx. 28%) never recover completely.

It was the day before Nicola’s 18th birthday when Bell’s palsy struck for the first time and she happily made a full recovery. But after the second episode, aged 23, she was left with facial weakness , twitching nerves, and a very watery eye. Nicola went back to her GP and was referred to a general physiotherapist who did her best to help but had limited experience in this area. At age 36 Bell’s palsy struck without warning for a third time and this time Nicola completely fell apart emotionally. Doctors didn’t know why the Bell’s palsy kept returning and after running some tests to rule out more sinister causes, she was left to get on with it. Nicola was unaware until recently that there are specialist services for patients who suffer long-term complications after Bell’s palsy.

Nicola says: “Third time around, it was not only me finding the whole situation upsetting, I had a 9 year old son to worry about too. He found it REALLY hard and would often say, "Mummy, I can't remember what you look like!" It hurt so, so much. I’m 40 now, my face remains very weak (the nerves cause unsightly wrinkling). If the weather is cold or I’m not well, it appears worse, and I still experience some pain, a sore watery eye and weakness on one side of my mouth. I have received no follow-up care.”

Laura Hickey was enjoying a new job in promotions when Bell’s palsy first struck at age 17. Prescribed medications and advised to rest, she was reassured by her GP that things would return to normal in a few weeks, it never happened and Laura’s career plans had to change. Aged 21 and just learning to live with her altered face, Bell’s palsy struck again. Second time around she was again told it would disappear in a few weeks, even though she hadn’t recovered fully previously! After the third episode, age 27, there was no reassuring comment that it would be gone in a few weeks. Laura has since found a specialist Facial Palsy clinic by searching online, she took the details to her GP and asked for a referral, and has been having treatments over the past 2-3 years which have really helped.

Laura says: “I have seen real improvements thanks to Botox® injections and physiotherapy. I look better, and as a result I feel more confident, with an improved ability to express myself and communicate. I am also able to close my eye and go out in the cold without the pain and discomfort I'd previously experienced.”

Laura and Nicola suggest the following information would benefit patients diagnosed with Bell’s palsy:

- Information about how to tape your eye closed and also how to use eye drops properly
- For GPs to be better informed about latest research, i.e. the benefits of taking steroids within the first 72hrs.
- Advice on pain relief
- Advice on what are normal symptoms, like tingling sensations, whooshing noises in your ear, facial pain, lethargy, etc.
- Realistic prognosis rather than just blanket assurances that it will be gone in a few weeks
- A routine follow-up appointment so that further treatment options such as physiotherapy/Botulinum toxin injections/facial retraining can be offered where appropriate
- Advice on where to find support, the psychological aspect is something that not many doctors consider.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Nicola's story
Laura's story


About Facial Palsy UK

Facial Palsy UK is a new charity launched in 2012.

For more information please contact media@facialpalsy.org.uk
Tel: 0300 030 9333

Charity Aims:

- To increase awareness of facial palsy and its social, physical and psychological consequences.
- To provide information and support for people living with facial palsy, their relatives, carers and medical professionals.
- To promote diagnosis, acute and long-term management and rehabilitation of people living with facial palsy.
- To establish support groups throughout the UK.
- To raise funds to support research and training for professionals involved in the diagnosis, management and treatment of facial palsy. This should allow for better treatments, which should be made accessible to all.

Further information about Bell’s palsy recovery rates
Bell’s palsy is the most common cause of facial paralysis, a condition that can resolve with the right treatment, but not in every case. The outcome for a person with Bell’s palsy can be dependent on getting the correct treatment within 72 hours. The largest scale recent study(1) of Bell’s palsy demonstrated that without the recommended treatment with steroids, only 57% achieved full recovery at 12 months. Even with timely treatment, only 72% of patients achieved full recovery at 12 months. For those who do not fully recover, they are often left with chronic disability.

1 - Engström M, Berg T, Stjernquist-Desatnik A, et al.Prednisolone and valaciclovir in Bell's palsy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7(11): 993–1000.

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FREE ENERGY-EFFICIENCY DROP-IN FOR RICHMONDSHIRE RESIDENTS

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Wednesday 12 June, 2013
Yorkshire Energy Partnership, the North Yorkshire sustainability company, has organised a free drop-in event for local residents who are looking to take advantage of free solid wall insulation.

Insulating your home is the best way to reduce heating bills and can save residents up to £490 per year.*

WHAT: A free drop-in event for local Richmondshire residents, to assist with claiming free solid wall insulation. Light refreshments will be available.

WHERE: Colburn Village Hall, 54 Colburn Lane, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 4LZ.

WHEN: Friday 14th June - 3-7pm.

Denise Hall, Project Co-ordinator at Yorkshire Energy Partnership, is keen for people to drop in for a chat about how to save money by claiming free insulation:

“Heat escapes from solid walls twice as fast as from cavity walls, and until recently it was expensive to insulate them. Grants are now available to help local people claim free insulation and we don’t want local people to miss out. Anyone who comes to the event will be able to see just how the process works and sign up for a free survey.”

Certain streets within Scorton, Hipswell, Colburn and Richmond already have been identified as being suitable for external wall insulation. Residents in the eligible areas should have already received a letter - and if not, will do so shortly.

Solid wall insulation can be applied to either the inside or the outside of the wall and without grant funding costs around £4,000. To Find out more, contact Yorkshire Energy Partnership on 01904 545 020 or email advice@energypartnership.org.uk

-ENDS-

For more information, contact Nicky Harmson on 01904 545 020 or nicky.harmson@energypartnership.org.uk

Notes to editors:
*Statistics taken from Energy Saving Trust. Yorkshire Energy Partnership is owned and supported by City of York Council, Craven District Council, Hambleton District Council, Harrogate Borough Council, Richmondshire District Council, Ryedale District Council, Scarborough Borough Council, Selby District Council, North Yorkshire County Council, Leeds Metropolitan University and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.



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Vino2Go The Portable Wine Cup is an Ingenious Solution for Wine Lovers

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Wednesday 12 June, 2013
London (12th June 2013) – Wine making is considered to be an art form, celebrated by its fans on patios, at food festivals and at outside events. The traditional wine glass, however, was not designed with these venues in mind.

Enter the Vino2Go The Portable Wine Cup , an innovation designed especially to allow wine lovers to enjoy their passion at outside events, while listening to bands at music festival, at food festivals and while walking. The Vino2Go is a 280ml double wall tumbler with an outside shape that is easy to hold, insulated tumbler with a spill-proof lid that has a familiar wine glass encased in a BPA-free plastic.

It keeps wine at a stable temperature, and the Vino2Go lids -available in 10 vibrant colours including Merlot Red, Party Pink and Verde Green – provide a large choice for the users to match a variety of home and garden decors and not only prevents spills, but also keeps the wine free from bugs and outdoor particles.

Vino2Go is also great for those environments easily stained or for large parties when glasses can be bumped and wine spilled. The Vino2Go The Portable Wine Cup is elegantly designed and resists spills, breakage and will always retain the classy look that wine connoisseurs love.

It allows you to take your wine while camping and traveling. Already, the Vino2Go has earned rave reviews among so-called “action” wine drinkers, those who enjoy wine while on vacation or in the great outdoors or while on a romantic boat trip.

The Vino2Go is for the real world – the world where not everyone drinks while sitting back in a calm environment. The Vino2Go is a spill-proof cup that retains the sophistication of a wine glass.

Ryan Collins, Director of Uberstar said "We're especially looking forward to summer this year; seeing festival goers, sunbathers and romantics on picnics being able to look great while preventing their wine from spilling."

"Once you try Vino2Go for yourself you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. It really is the greatest thing to hit the world of outdoor drinking since the Thermos flask."

Vino2Go is available in 10 colours from Uberstar , for £14.99

For more information, samples or high resolution images please contact Ryan Collins: T: 0208 675 2140 / E: ryan@uberstar.co.uk

Customer information

• Portable wine glass
• Double walled construction controls the temperature of your drink
• Slide open and close lid provides a spill-proof glass
• Shatterproof
• 280ml capacity
• Made of SAN acrylic plastic, BPA free
• Hand Wash only
• Wine not included
• Priced £14.99, available from www.uberstar.co.uk



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IllumiRoom fuelling demand for TV wall brackets

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Wednesday 12 June, 2013
Louth, Lincs, UK, 11th June 2013 – Microsoft Research’s ground-breaking IllumiRoom technology demonstration is increasing demand for TV wall brackets at one of the UK’s leading on-line suppliers of TV Brackets, Brackets UK.

Unveiled at the CES exhibition in January and further detailed at the CHI conference in Paris at the end of April, IllumiRoom promises to revolutionise the gaming and TV viewing experience, by expanding content beyond the bounds of the TV and onto living room walls.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in demand since the IllumiRoom announcements and numerous conversations with customers suggest that this ‘augmented reality’ technology has certainly grabbed some early consumer interest and is gently driving demand,” said Brackets UK Managing Director, Dan Patchett.

He continued, “ Tilting TV Brackets in particular, that enable viewing angle to be optimised while keeping the screen flat in the middle of a wall, of course make perfect sense for such a system and can only help get the best out of the illusions it promises. Saving space and improving safety have always been strong motivations for TV wall bracket purchase, now it seems there’s another influence…”

The as yet uncommercialised IllumiRoom system makes use of a camera and a projector to dramatically extend graphic content out of the screen and into the adjacent living space. With the camera capturing the exact layout of the room, the system can adapt projected visuals to match with the living environment in real time, to create an even more immersive gaming experience.

It is speculated that the IllumiRoom technology will be integrated into Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox gaming consoles. Microsoft Research insists however that it is only a research project.

Further information from:

Dan Patchett, Managing Director, Brackets UK
Fairfield Enterprise Centre, Lincoln Way, Fairfield Industrial Estate,
Louth, Lincolnshire LN11 0LS
Tel: 08454590310
Email: help@maxoot.co.uk
Website: www.bracketsuk.com

About Brackets UK:

Established in 2004, Brackets UK has grown to become one of the largest TV Bracket suppliers in the UK. The company delivers thousands of products each month to its retail and trade customer base. The reputation of Brackets UK has been built on fantastic customer service, a great selection of TV wall brackets and accessories, and a commitment to doing everything possible to ensure a smooth purchase transaction.


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UK Trade & Investment Minister visits Thailand to support bilateral trade and investment

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Thursday 13 June, 2013
Lord Green opens a major seminar to showcase UK companies' experience in delivering large scale infrastructure projects.

Trade & Investment Minister Lord Green visited Thailand on 13 June as part of his two week Southeast Asian tour. Accompanied by a delegation of 23 UK companies from the infrastructure and professional services sector he opened a major British Embassy seminar showcasing UK expertise in large scale projects. He also met with Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt to discuss opportunities to enhance existing cooperation between the UK and Thailand in the infrastructure sector.

Opening UKTI’s Infrastructure seminar Lord Green said:

UK companies are very interested in collaborating with Thai companies to support Thailand’s infrastructure projects. The UK has many years’ experience in the development of rail networks with London Underground celebrating its 150th birthday this year as the world’s oldest and most successful underground network, delivering over one billion passenger journeys last year. The UK is constructing Cross Rail in London which is currently the largest rail infrastructure project in Europe and in high speed rail we are currently designing HS2, which will provide a high-speed link from London to Birmingham, then beyond to Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Leading UK companies are also keen to get involved in the Water and Flood Management Projects, where the UK has expertise in weather forecasting, flood management, engineering consultancy, and supply chain products such as flow-control valves and water treatment technologies.

The British Ambassador Mark Kent said:

Around the world British companies are working on all stages of infrastructure projects - from conceptual design and contracting to project financing and from project management to asset management. UK companies are also delivering world class products and services throughout the supply chain and importantly introducing innovative technologies.

The UK’s world-leading talents were brilliantly showcased during the hugely successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These events reinforced the message that Britain is the go-to partner to do business with. The 23 UK companies participating in today’s seminar are very keen to work with Thai partners to support the country’s ambitious infrastructure investment programme.

In the presence of British Chamber of Commerce Thailand members, the Minister witnessed the signing of an agreement between UK Trade and Investment and the British Chamber to enhance the support and services available to UK SMEs who want to explore business opportunities in this dynamic market.

Lord Green said:

Thailand presents an enormous opportunity for UK goods and services and we are significantly enhancing the support available for British business in Thailand. We have signed an agreement with the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand that will see them providing a wider range of services to British companies seeking to do business here.

BCCT Chairman Simon Landy added:

This initiative will present British companies with a comprehensive package of in-country advice and services designed to facilitate successful market entry. For the first time it brings together the knowledge and expertise of BCCT and its members with the experience and contacts of UK Trade and Investment – a winning partnership.




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La Dominion Acquisitions: 2014 International Festival for Business Aims to Drive SME Growth

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Tuesday 9 July, 2013
Outsourced sales and marketing firm, La Dominion Acquisitions , claim the 2014 International Festival for Business will help drive SME growth.

La Dominion Acquisition are a small business based in London who specialise in marketing, sales and customer acquisitions campaigns. The firm are planning on expanding into France by next month. The 2014 International Festival for Business will be the biggest business event since the 1951 Festival of Britain. La Dominion Acquisitions’ managing director Franck Benachour says, “We plan to attend the 2014 International Festival in Liverpool, i’m confident it will further inspire entrepreneurship here in the UK and will offer fantastic advice and support for businesses such as ours to further unite our business strategies for Britain and France.”

The International Festival for Business 2012 are set to host hundreds of high-quality events, exhibitions and celebrations from June to July 2014 in Liverpool. The festival is expecting to attract over 250,000 visitors from across the globe including many large companies and senior politicians, with plans to bring £100 million worth of investment into the UK Economy. The International event’s main aims are to accelerate global business growth by connecting companies with some of the smartest and most experienced entrepreneurial minds and best business opportunities in the world.

When questioned by businesszone.co.uk about whether small businesses will benefit from the event, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision Max Steinberg, said, “Unless we can drive small business in the region and the UK, we will have failed.”

British SME’s are significantly contributing to the UK’s economy. The International Festival for Business 2014 aims to encourage British SME’s to pioneer into new markets, within the UK as well as oversees. The event hopes to assist small businesses like La Dominion Acquisitions with moving into new territories.

La Dominion Acquisitions are a London-based outsourced customer acquisitions firm who specialise in the telecommunications, entertainment, film, gaming, non-profit and security industries. The firm who offer services in direct marketing and field sales will be expanding into France next month.

Sources:
http://www.ifb2014.com/
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/business-local/2013/05/09/liverpool-s-legal-sector-gears-up-for-international-festival-for-business-2014-99623-33292748


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Soaring Profits at Ribble Cycles

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Wednesday 10 July, 2013
Lancashire-based cycling specialist announces 22% increase in annual profits.

Specialist cycling retailer Ribble Cycles has announced a 22% increase in its annual profits. In 2012 the company’s pre-tax profits rose from £2.13m to £2.6m – achieving a record financial performance.

Based at Walton Summit in Preston and employing 50 people, Ribble attributes its profit growth to the raised profile of cycling throughout 2012. In the wake of the Olympic Games in London and the British success in the Tour de France, Ribble Cycles have seen a significant increase in their sales figures.
Managing director of Ribble Cycles, Terry Dove, commented:

“The success of Sir Bradley Wiggins in last year’s Tour de France and the coverage of cycling at the London Olympics has had a marked effect on our performance. Our increase in profitability has, however, been mainly due to the strong and growing demand, both here and overseas, for our own Ribble bike brand.”

Mr Dove expects, however, that replicating this success in 2013 will be a bigger challenge than in 2012 as Ribble is moving its entire operation to larger premises.

A new deal has recently been completed to move the firm to new premises at Walton Summit; this will give Ribble 43,000 square feet of space and is expected to dramatically improve the company’s efficiency.

Meanwhile, Ribble is expecting a busy couple of months as Britain’s interest in cycling continues to gain momentum and La Vuelta a España grows ever nearer. Following that, the Tour of Britain will no doubt ignite another surge of enthusiasm for the sport.

“Our regular customers get excited about these events, just like we do, every single year. But the Olympic spirit is very much still out there amongst new riders and hopefully, the recurring tours can keep that spirit alive for a long, long time.”

To find out more about Ribble Cycles visit www.ribblecycles.co.uk .

About Ribble Cycles

Since 1897 Ribble Cycles has been supplying high quality road bikes and parts to customers in the UK and overseas. As well as manufacturing their own custom-made road bikes , Ribble also supplies high performance bicycle parts from the world’s top cycling brands, including Shimano and Campagnolo.

Although Ribble originally traded from its premises on Watery Lane, Preston, it now operates exclusively over the internet offering free UK delivery on many items. From parts and accessories to specialist cycling clothing and energy food to improve every inch of your performance, Ribble will deliver it straight to your door.

10072013RCPRESSAT



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Pareto Global Associates: Results of Study Offer Customer Insight into Purchase Decisions

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Wednesday 10 July, 2013
Events marketing firm Pareto Global Associates welcomes the release of a study into the factors which influence how consumers choose brands.

A large-scale report by the global media agency MEC has presented insight into the factors that affect how consumers select which brands to identify with. Pareto Global Associates reveals that the report is based on the consumer habits and purchasing decisions of 100,000 customers surveyed and concerns itself with understanding the psychology behind the relationship between consumers and brands. “We strongly support research in this area. Understanding the psychology behind buying behaviour and what contributes to brand loyalty will assist in USP development and sales strategies in the coming years,” says Cyril Williams , MD of Pareto Global Associates.

Pareto Global Associates uses a marketing methodology which relates the products back to the customer’s needs. MD Cyril Williams believes that insights from the report will help boost sales by deepening understanding of consumer buying strategy. The MEC report, entitled Momentum, divides consumer psychology into four sectors – trigger, purchase, active and passive. The report indicates that the ‘passive’ stage is particularly important as the stage where consumers consider fewer brands, are less concerned with price and are happier with their decision after buying. Pareto Global Associates’ MD Cyril Williams considers the Momentum report as a valuable tool in encouraging consumers from the ‘passive’ into the ‘active’ stage whereby they become paying customers. Williams explains: “This report will help us identify what triggers are important, and where customers may be made or lost along the process. At Pareto Global Associates we place importance on the psychological aspect of purchasing and how it relates to the consumer’s emotional needs. We have found that this approach works better than a ‘one size fits all’ strategy. By understanding the customer and the psychological journey they take in purchasing, we can maximise conversion of positive customers, avoiding the traditional ‘hard sell’. This ensures greater customer satisfaction post-sale, which leads to higher customer retention and therefore better returns for our clients. Everyone’s a winner!”

Pareto Global Associates expanded to Liverpool earlier in the year and have placed a high priority on learning the Merseyside market. Cyril Williams believes that the company’s USP lies in its ability to relate to customer needs and requirements. “We want to make a positive impact in the community,” explains Cyril Williams, MD of Pareto Global Associates. “We do this by understanding our local market and building relationships with our customer base. We avoid cheap sales and look for people who will become long term customers. I feel that Pareto Global Associates offers a real ‘human element to their campaigns that many larger corporations often don’t.”

Pareto Global Associates is an event marketing and in-store promotions firm based in Liverpool. The firm works with clients in the charity, media, cosmetics and energy sectors.

Sources:
http://www.theidm.com/resources/daily-newsfeed/study-offers-customer-insight-into-choosing-a-brand/?id=801602179

http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/06/20/mec-study-over-100000-consumers-offers-insight-how-brands-are-chosen


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National Counties launches 8 year fixed rate for borrowers up to 80 years old

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Wednesday 10 July, 2013
National Counties Building Society is pleased to offer a mortgage tailored to the needs of borrowers approaching, or already in retirement and looking to deal responsibly with their outstanding debt.

The 8 year fixed rate mortgage product, available for remortgage, offers a competitive interest rate of 3.99% fixed until 28/02/2022 . It is available to people needing to borrow up to 60% of the value of their property and, despite have a 9 year mortgage term, only has early repayment charges for the first 5 years . The mortgage is available on a repayment basis only and calculates interest monthly.

By making the product available to customers up to the age of 80, this is one of the few mortgage products which actively seeks to help older borrowers and, coupled with National Counties’ personalised underwriting assessments , may allow existing homeowners to avoid trading-down.

Customers are able to withdraw equity from their existing main residence, with the reassurance of fixed monthly payments, and the structured repayment profile ensures that the initial debt is reduced steadily to zero over the 9 year term.

Keith Barber, Associate Director of Business Development at National Counties Building Society, said: “There are more than 1.6 million retired people with an outstanding mortgage in the UK and a further 600,000 with interest-only mortgages that are due to mature. We are trying to address this area with a mortgage that enables people to put in place a structured and affordable repayment plan with the comfort of known monthly repayments.

“We take our lending responsibilities seriously and our experienced underwriters individually assess each application. This approach enables us to look at each case on its merits. We are committed to offering solutions which will support existing homeowners at a time when family finances are under pressure.”

More information on National Counties’ 8 year fixed rate mortgage is available at: http://www.ncbs.co.uk/mortgages

National Counties’ 8 year fixed rate mortgage is available now and potential borrowers can complete a ‘Mortgage Eligibility’ form via the building society’s website or by contacting the Customer Centre on 01372 747771 or customer.centre@ncbs.co.uk .


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Park Plaza Leeds Takes On Abseiling Challenge To Support Cash For Kids Charity

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
Paul Rogers, General Manager at Park Plaza Leeds has teamed up with 96.3 Radio Aire and Magic 828’s Cash for Kids charity to raise funds for children in Leeds living with cancer by setting up an abseiling challenge down the 20 storey Park Plaza Leeds hotel, the fourth tallest building in Leeds and the tallest hotel in Yorkshire.

Starting at 10 am on Saturday 17 August 2013, the event is organised with the support of the UK’s leading abseiling experts Rock & Ice and is open to any daredevils that wish to experience a 77 metre abseil while enjoying stunning city views. The minimum age to join is 14 years old* and the minimum donation required to qualify is £100 per person submitted by the 12th August. The first ten people raising more than £200 each will win an overnight stay for two at Park Plaza Leeds on 16th August**.To register for a space, view the full terms and conditions and further information on how to fundraise online please visit: www.parkplaza.com/we-care/leap-of-faith

Taking on the brave challenge for an adrenaline rush and a good cause will be organiser, Paul Rogers and his team as well as Paul Hays, mid-morning presenter on Radio Aire. “I am very excited to be taking on this challenge as another way to give back to the youngest members of our community. I am delighted that many members of my hotel team, our corporate office colleagues and our media partners have embraced the abseiling and we are looking forward to raising a great amount for this fantastic cause” Paul Rogers commented.

Park Plaza Leeds is an active contributor to the community and has a strong Corporate Social Responsibility policy aiming to actively engage and participate in charitable activities throughout the year. As part of 96.3 Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids Day the funds raised from this abseil event will be donated to CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people supporting them and their families. 96.3 Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids is part of anetwork of charities that raises millions of pounds for children in local communities across the UK and this year dedicated the funds to CLIC Sargent.

Stephanie Ledigo, Cash for Kids Charity Manger added “Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids is really pleased to be the beneficiary of this thrilling challenge, at one of the top hotels in Leeds. It is really encouraging to see an international organisation such as PPHE Hotel Group, being so committed to supporting charities in the local communities in which it operates. This fundraising activity will help us to support even more children in our community to live life to the full and achieve their potential.”

To sign up and for more information on the event, please visit www.parkplaza.com/we-care/leap-of-faith

For additional information on Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts’ charity support and Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, please visit www.parkplaza.com/we-care and www.pphe.com/corporate-responsibility

*T&Cs; to abseil
The minimum age to enter the challenge is 14 (parental consent will be required until the age of 18). Minimum sponsorship/amount raised in order to participate in the abseil challenge £100, by the 12th August. Fundraisers will have to set up their own donations page online. For the full terms and conditions, please visit www.parkplaza.com/we-care/leap-of-faith

** T&Cs; - overnight package prize, when raising over £200
The first 10 fundraisers to reach £200 or more will need to notify the Cash for Kids charity and must be able to prove the amount in order to win an overnight stay for two in a Superior Room at Park Plaza Leeds. This is a room only prize for a one night stay on the 16th August 2013. Prize cannot be changed or transferred. No cash alternative available. Please contact: Amy McMillan amy.mcmillan@radioaire.co.uk/ 01132835529

- Ends -

For more information about Park Plaza Leeds and this event, please contact
Maria Karapandeli
PR Executive – EMEA
PPHE Hotel Group
0207 034 1388
mkarapandeli@pphe.com

For more information on Rock and Ice, please visit www.charityabseils.com/

For more information about Cash for Kids and the events, campaigns and children they support please www.radioaire.com/cashforkids www.magic828.co.uk/cashforkids

Press contact:
Stephanie Ledigo
0113 283 5527
Stephanie.ledigo@radioaire.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
Park Plaza Leeds is a four star contemporary hotel, located on Boar Lane in the City Square offering 187 recently refurbished stylish guest rooms and suites, including City View Executive Rooms boasting spectacular views over the city. The hotel also benefits from a brand new on-site gym, free Wi-Fi, a business centre as well as 11 meeting rooms and the award-winning Chino Latino Pan-Asian restaurant and Latin cocktail bar.
For more information regarding Park Plaza Leeds and Chino Latino visit www.parkplaza.com/leeds and www.chinolatino.eu/leeds.

About Bauer Media:
A leading UK media group, with interests spanning magazines, radio, TV, online, live events and mobile. The company aims to connect audiences with excellent content whenever, wherever and however they want.
•Its award-winning portfolio of influential media brands includes Magic 105.4, heat, Metro Radio, Closer, Kiss, GRAZIA, EMPIRE, Q, Cool FM, KERRANG!, Radio Clyde, MCN, Key 103 and FHM: all delivering must-have entertainment and information to diverse and valuable audiences.
•Bauer Media publishes 53 leading magazine titles, over 40 of which were launched by the company.
•More than 13 million people a week listen to a Bauer Media radio station. Bauer Media is also home to the number one commercial digital station - The Hits Radio.
•Box TV, a JV between Bauer Media and Channel 4 runs seven music channels, including Smash Hits, Kerrang! Magic, Q, Kiss and the number one music TV channel - 4Music.
•Bauer Media's on-line businesses have more than 10 million users, visiting some 48 unique brand sites.
Bauer Media is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bauer Media Group, a privately owned media empire offering more than 320 magazines worldwide, as well as TV and radio stations. For more information, please visit www.bauermedia.co.uk. For subscriptions and gift ideas, please visit www.greatmagazines.co.uk

About Cash for Kids:
•Cash for Kids is the cause related marketing arm for the Bauer Media network of local radio stations.
•In 2012 Cash for Kids supported over 700,000 sick and underprivileged children in local communities across the UK.
•Bauer Radio’s Cash for Kids raised over £11 Million in 2012.
Bauer Radio's Cash for Kids Charity 1122062



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Press Invitation - Save The Date - Three Regions, One Evening - London, Monday 16 September 13

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
SAVE THE DATE!


WHEN: Monday 16 September 2013, 6pm – 9.30pm
WHERE: MELIA WHITE HOUSE HOTEL, Albany Suite
Albany Street, Regents Park, London NW1 3UP


Three Italian Regions will join us in London to offer information, reply to your queries, help in planning press trips etc

The regions are:
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA: the romantic city of Trieste, the golden sands of Grado, the World Heritage city of Aquileia, the Eastern Dolomites, great wines, San Daniele Ham …….
TRENTINO: the unforgettable scenery of the Dolomites, Lake Garda, the historic city of Trento, summer and winter sporting activities, the new MUSE museum….
EMILIA ROMAGNA: an impressive number of art cities (Parma, Bologna, Modena, Piacenza, Ferrara), the lively Adriatic Coast resorts of Rimini and Riccione, world famous cuisine….
You will have the opportunity to visit the various work stations set up for the Regional Tourist Boards and ask questions about their destination whilst enjoying a spot of Italian hospitality.

Please let us know if you wish to receive a formal invitation which will be sent in late August.

Stefania Gatta
Press and Communications
Italian State Tourist Board
Tel: 020 7399 3555
Email: stefania.gatta@enit.it


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Brand USA Seeks Representation Firm in France

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for promoting the United States as a premier travel destination, is actively recruiting a destination representation firm in France to serve as an agent to promote the United States within the French market.

The awarded firm will work with Brand USA staff, agencies and event management teams on the development and implementation of cooperative marketing programs and promotions to increase the profile of the Brand USA and maximize conversion opportunities for its products.

To download the full Scope of Work and Request for Information, click here. All questions, requests for additional information and responses should be sent via e-mail to RepFirms@TheBrandUSA.com, no later than Friday, July 19, 2013, 17:00 EST.

For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visitwww.TheBrandUSA.com. For information about travel to and around the United States, please visit Brand USA’s consumer website at www.DiscoverAmerica.com.

About Brand USA
Brand USA is the public-private partnership responsible for promoting the United States as a premier travel destination and communicating U.S. entry/exit policies and procedures. Established by the Travel Promotion Act in 2010, the organization’s mission is to increase international visitation to the United States while working in partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel. These benefits include creating jobs essential to the economy and fostering understanding between people and cultures.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Camila Clark
Brand USA
202-735-2305
443-280-1794
cclark@thebrandusa.com



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The Liverpool Pirate Festival Sails Into Action At Albert Dock - Bigger And Better Than Ever!

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
The annual Liverpool Pirate Festival - one of the most spectacular events in the city's events calendar - is returning to Albert Dock on July 20 and 21, when the boom of cannons and the clash of swords will yet again reverberate around this world famous tourist destination.

The Albert Dock will be transformed back to a time when the high seas were a treacherous, dangerous place. Expect dramatic, live-action battles under sail between the pirates and the privateers - using REAL cannons and gunpowder; it has to be witnessed to be truly believed! Step aboard pirate vessels and meet the notorious buccaneers from history. And be spectator to sensational sword duels that will amaze and astound.

The Liverpool Pirate Festival comes to the Albert Dock thanks to the creative and pioneering talents of the ZEBU Pirate Brethren, whose reputation of bringing sword fights and sea battles to the modern masses is second to none. The weekend extravaganza will also include cannon and musket displays, authentic 18th century encampments giving visitors a fascinating insight into how people lived and survived in these times, and real birds of prey, all interwoven with lively folklore and authentic sea shanties. Visitors are also urged to come dressed up in their finest pirate gear, whatever their age!

Jeremy Roberts, chair of Albert Dock Tenants Business Association, said:

"The Liverpool Pirate Festival has become a firm favourite with visitors to the Albert Dock, from children to pensioners. The live battles are spectacular and are among the many highlights of this fun-filled weekend. It's an event for the whole family to enjoy."

Peter Cronin, director of development and marketing for Albert Dock Liverpool, said:

"In its 25th year of regeneration, Albert Dock continues to stage some of the most exciting events in the City, and The Liverpool Pirate Festival continues that wonderful tradition. Being a historic site which is steeped in maritime history, the Albert Dock is the perfect backdrop for this extravaganza."

Visitors can catch the live battles from 2.30-3.30pm both days. Other wonders will include a pirates parade for the little ones who can meet the most famous pirate of all, Captain Jack Sparrow, while the Dock's many restaurants and shops promise to get into the plundering pirate spirit.

Merseyside Maritime Museum will also be continuing the pirate antics well into the summer, with its very own Mersey Pirate Muster on August 3 and 4, complete with pirate music, pirate mask making workshops, and a chance to meet Captain Pugh the giant pirate parrot as you track down the Mersey Monster in a trail around the museum.

For more information on all the upcoming events, please visit www.albertdock.com.

ends.

A little bit more about Albert Dock:
Albert Dock has come a long way since being a figure of designer, Jessie Hartley's imagination. From an industrial past to dereliction, to its revival in 1988, today the Dock is Liverpool's most-visited free tourist attraction and a must-see destination for families, couples and large groups.

The scale of the area and range of attractions mean it can comfortably cater for group visitors, whether interested in culture, education or nightlife. There's a host of galleries, museums, land and water tours, restaurants and bars, hotels and shops - all set within the stunning architectural setting of the UK's largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings.

Coach parking for visitors to Albert Dock is situated a short distance away behind the impressive Echo Arena.

What can you find at Albert Dock?

Attractions:
The Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, and Tate Liverpool.

Bars, Restaurants and Cafés:
Baby Blue, BLUE Bar & Grill, Circo, Costa Coffee, Gusto, Funky Shake Bar, Miller & Carter, Hansel & Gretel's, La Crepe Rit, Maritime Dinning Rooms, PanAm, Revolution, Spice Lounge, Tate Café, What's Cooking?, Docklands Fish & Chips, The Pump House and Vinea.

Shops:
Annabel's Accessories, The Gift Company, Fab4Store, Impressions of Liverpool, Liverpool Pictures, Nature's Treasure, Nauticalia, Quay Confectionery and From Love with Liverpool.

Hotels:
Holiday Inn Express and Premier Inn.

Parking:
Parking spaces are available directly outside Albert Dock and in the new Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool multi storey car park, which is open 24 hours a day.

History of Albert Dock:
Albert Dock was designed by Liverpool Dock Trustees' surveyor Jesse Hartley and named after Prince Albert. Work began in 1841 and it opened in 1846. The Dock's warehouses stored valuable cargo from all over the world. Steamers, barges, brandy boats and corvettes (in World War II) all docked there. The Dock's fortunes waned after WWII, and it closed in 1972. In 1983 The Albert Dock Company Ltd and the Merseyside Development Corporation began to restore the site to its former glory, breathing new life into a rundown area. In 1988 Albert Dock was officially re-opened by HRH Prince Charles. From 1988-1996, Richard and Judy presented This Morning on Granada TV. Their studio looked out onto Albert Dock. The Dock has the largest group of Grade 1 listed buildings in Britain and is a World Heritage Site.

Albert Dock Media enquiries:
Jayne Moore 07773 846962 jayne@jaynemooremedia.com
or Richard Lackey 07736048748 richard@jaynemooremedia.com


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Nuneaton special school celebrates sports day thanks to HSBC and CSW Sport

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
Students from Values Academy in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, are getting set for a special Community Games sports day today. Thanks to HSBC, which has donated prizes, and CSW (Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire) Sport, which has donated sporting equipment for the day, students are ready to give their all on the track and pitches.

HSBC has donated a range of prizes, including a tournament cup and medals, for today’s festivities. Staff at the bank have also put together a football team and tug-of-war team, and will be challenging Values Academy students in a tournament.

Like many other schools, Values Academy puts on a sports day every summer. However, Values Academy isn’t like other schools. It provides an alternative to mainstream education for young people at risk of social exclusion. Many of the students have never had the opportunity to shine on the sports field before. This year’s sports day is giving them a unique chance to engage with their friends, families and community.

Lorraine Nicholls, school leader at Values Academy Nuneaton, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by HSBC and CSW’s support. Without their help, our sports day would have been a much smaller affair. As well as donating prizes for today’s sports day, HSBC has been incredibly generous with its funds and time. They have donated £500 for paint and decorating equipment – then staff gave up their own time to come to the school and help us to redecorate!

“We've also had HSBC funding approved for the gardens. Staff have already helped us to clear the courtyard and prepare the grounds, and we’re buying benches and tables for the students to use in good weather. These efforts are brilliant, and really help our young people to appreciate what they can achieve with a little understanding, motivation and confidence.”

A spokesman from HSBC said: “It is our great pleasure and privilege to be able to work with the staff and pupils of Values Academy in Nuneaton. As an organisation we always strive to be involved with members of our local community, to support them in any way that we can, as this is a trusted joint partnership. Our common aim is to help Values Academy nurture and develop its pupils – hopefully our support goes some way towards this goal.”

Today’s sports day is a fitting way to celebrate a great year at Values Academy. The students have worked incredibly hard in and outside the classroom, and are expected to get very good exam results. They have also worked very hard on renovating their school, and this sports day is both a reward and an opportunity for them to create closer bonds with their peers and community.

ENDS

Notes for editors: Values Academy (previously known as the Collegiate Centre for Values Education for Life) is a two-site school in Birmingham and Nuneaton. It provides a values-based education for young people at risk of social exclusion and is an alternative to mainstream education. It has a superb success rate and received an excellent Ofsted report for the last academic year. The school is also a registered charity. All donations are very much needed and appreciated.

For more information, please contact Val Russell, director of school, on 0121 523 0222 or val.russell@valuesacademy.org.uk , Vicky Fraser, press officer, on 07814 577217 or vicky.fraser@valuesacademy.org.uk , or visit www.valuesacademy.org.uk .



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Moss Side 'Fixers' speak to Manchester Police Commissioner to call for fair treatment for black youths

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Thursday 11 July, 2013
A group of young men from Moss Side have launched a campaign to overcome negative stereotypes of youths who live in the area.

As part of their efforts, they spoke to Manchester Police Commissioner Tony Lloyd and raised concerns that young black men are targeted disproportionately by plain-clothed officers in Moss Side.

Led by Yusuf Abdullani, 16 – and with support from Fixers, the charity that supports 16-25-year-olds to tackle the issues that fire them up – the group is producing a series of posters encouraging people to look beyond prejudices.

“When people find out I’m from Moss Side they think I’m a bad person, but I’m really not,” Yusuf says. “Me and my friends are just normal people. We’re like everyone else, we do what everyone does. We just want to build more opportunities for people from Moss Side.”

Commissioner Tony Lloyd met with the young people and said: “The best way of policing any area is where people think the police are there for them and not there against them.
“So if young people think there’s a big gulf, it doesn’t really matter who’s right and wrong, we’ve got to close that gap.”

A report about Yusuf’s campaign, featuring Commissioner Scott, will be shown on ITV Granada Reports on Thursday 4 July, from 6pm.

“People look at us with fear, but we’re just normal lads,” Yusuf says. “We’re not gang members out to cause trouble or harm.

“When people find out I live in Moss Side, one of the first things they ask is: “Have you ever been shot?” They don’t realise that actually the area has improved a lot.”

He believes that the presence of plain-clothed officers in Moss Side is failing to reduce tensions between the police and young black men.

“They’re supposed to help us, but they don’t really help us. They just interrogate us and say ‘What you doing today lads?’

“It makes you feel down and it puts your confidence down.”

Youth worker Melvyn McDonald agrees that perceptions of areas such as Moss Side can affect the way residents are treated.

“Young people like Yusuf are talented but they are stereotyped because of the areas that they are living in,” he says. “They do get treated unfairly by the police and as a youth worker I see that.

“Obviously if they think they’ve got no chance because of the area that they live in, then might as well just live up to the stereotypes, which isn’t right.

“They should have the same chances as everyone else has. They should be treated as equals.”

Each Fixer is supported to create the resources they need to make their chosen project a success, with creative help from media professionals to make their own promotional material, such as films, websites or print work.

For Yusuf, this has meant the chance to devise a series of posters which he hopes to display in a prominent Manchester location.

“I’m really happy to get the chance to get my message across,” he says. “I want to go far in life and be a role model for other people – to help them, support them and show them that you can go far in life.”

Fixers, a trademark of the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, has already supported over 7,800 young people across the UK to have an authentic voice in their community.

“Fixers started in 2008 as just an idea… an idea given a voice by some 7,800 young people over the past five years,” says Margo Horsley, Chief Executive of PSBT.

“They have reached thousands of people with their work, on a national stage as well as in and around where they live. They choose the full array of social and health issues facing society today and set about making their mark. Fixers are always courageous and their ideas can be challenging and life-changing, not just for themselves.”

Now, with a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Fixers has extended into Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Peter Ainsworth, Big Lottery Fund UK Chair, said: “The Big Lottery Fund is extremely proud to be supporting Fixers to engage with more young people to change things for the better. Fixers has a tremendous potential – one young person’s initial idea can be transformed into reality, spread across a community and make a positive influence on a wide range of people. There are thousands of young people campaigning to make improvements in their neighbourhoods and Fixers provides a platform to highlight their voluntary work and many achievements.”


Photo attached. Captions:
- Fixer Yusuf Abdullani
- The group of Fixers talk to Manchester Police Commissioner Tony Lloyd

For images, interviews or more information, please contact Matt Kurton in the Fixers Communications Team by email matt@fixers.org.uk or phone 01962 810970.

There are lots more stories about young people doing great things on the Fixers website, Twitter and Facebook pages:
www.fixers.org.uk
www.twitter.com/FixersUK
www.facebook.com/FixersUK

Notes to editors:

• Since 2008 some 7,800 young people in England have become Fixers and created more than 900 projects. Now with a £7.2 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Fixers is extending into Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
• The Public Service Broadcasting Trust is a charity that brings together mainstream broadcasters, public and voluntary sector services, and viewers.
• The Big Lottery Fund (BIG), the largest distributor of National Lottery good cause funding, is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
• BIG is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since June 2004. The Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, 28p from every pound spent by the public has gone to good causes. As a result, over £29 billion has now been raised and more than 383,000 grants awarded across arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment.


Media:


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Kate Nash To Co-Host WGSN Global Fashion Awards Shortlist Party

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Saturday 13 July, 2013
WGSN Global Fashion Awards announce Kate Nash as co-host of the WGSN Global Fashion Awards shortlist party, which is taking place at St Martins Lane on the 22nd of July.

Lauretta Roberts, Founder and Director of WGSN Global Fashion Awards, who will be co-hosting the shortlist party with Kate said: "WGSN and the Global Fashion Awards are all about style leadership and innovation and Kate is the perfect ambassador for those values. The shortlisted companies and individuals this year are truly outstanding, and from all four corners of the world, so we are very excited for the big reveal on the 22nd."

The categories to be announced on the evening include: Avery Dennison Emerging Fashion Brand, The Lycra® Future Designers Award, Footwear & Accessories Designer, Catrice Womenswear Designer, Menswear Designer, Hall of Fame, Intimates/Swim Design Team, Sports/Actiwear Design Team, Isko Denim Design Team, Sustainable Design Team, Buying Team, Preciosa Footwear & Accessories Design Team, Menswear Design Team, Kidswear Team, Best Multi-Channel Retailer, Best New Store/Refit, Best E-Store (Pure Play) and Best Store.

Kate is a staunch supporter of emerging to established design talent and is hailed as a global fashion influencer. As one of Britain's celebrated style icons, Kate is renowned across both the music and fashion industries.

Talking about her involvement Kate says: "I'm looking forward to seeing who makes the shortlist for this year's awards. The GFAs are such an important event on the annual fashion calendar and as soon as the shortlist is announced, the countdown is on until the 30th of October when the winners take stage at the ceremony at the V&A."

The fourth annual WGSN Global Fashion Awards will be held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum on Monday 30 October. A judge for the 2013 awards, Kate will be joined on the panel by Livia Firth, Creative Director of Eco Age, model and writer Laura Bailey and British fashion designer Giles Deacon.

Joining them is an international roll call of specially selected figures from within the fashion and style industries; bloggers, models, designers, stylists and buying directors including Avsh Alom Gur, Bip Ling, Rebecca Minkoff, Lucy Choi, Bora Asku, VV Brown, Katie Eary, Mr Porter's Jeremy Langmead, Bloomingdale's Brooke Jaffe and Eric Jennings of Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as the designer of the GFA 2012 award, Lily Kamper and winner of the 2012 Hall of Fame and internationally renowned photographer, Rankin.

Kate is a platinum-selling artist and a front row regular at New York and London Fashion Weeks. A recurring face in glossy magazines and a model for clothing companies on both sides of the Atlantic, Kate relates fashion to music and enjoys the symbiotic relationship the two industries have saying, "Fashion is a key element to my onstage performances. Everything I wear on stage has to communicate to the audience and function as performance-wear when I'm playing the bass, the guitar, the drums or singing. Fashion is art just as much as a piece of music is art. Seeing the two come together and work as a harmonised vision is thrilling."

Kate released her first single in 2007 and was crowned 'Best Female Artist' at the 2008 BRIT Awards. Now touring her third album, Girl Talk, Kate continues to layer her profile with fashion, acting and writing. The last three years have seen Kate star in feature films such as Syrup, Greetings from Tim Buckley and Powder Room and DJ and perform on the catwalk at London and New York Fashion Week's most exclusive events including for Vogue, Felder Felder and PPQ.

Web: www.myignorantyouth.com / Twitter: @katenash

-Ends-

About WGSN
WGSN is the global authority on style and design. The company identifies and analyses current and future style trends and provides its customers with state-of-the-art online tools that that can be used to create commercially successful products and services. WGSN defines and shapes wining style and design for over 38,000 customers globally. WGSN customers include many of the world's leading apparel, style, design and retail companies including Levi Strauss & Co., Adidas, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products, Benetton Group, and Marks and Spencer, among others. WGSN is head quartered in London and has offices all over the world including Milan, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, Los Angeles, Melbourne and Tokyo. WGSN is a 4C Service.

Web: www.wgsn.com www.globalfashionawards.com / Twitter: @wgsn / @GFashionAwards

Press contact:
Courtney Blackman at Forward PR
E: courtney.blackman@forwardpr.com
T: 020 7839 5059


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Prince Charles Forestry Advisor To Host Costa Rica Tall Ship Cruise

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Monday 15 July, 2013
Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua in the company of zoologist and TV presenter Andrew Mitchell, one of Britain’s most eminent experts on rainforests and the challenges they face.

Mitchell, who is executive director of the Oxford-based Global Canopy Programme and has acted as an advisor on forests to Prince Charles, will accompany a group of Star Clippers guests from the UK on a cruise-and-stay adventure in January 2014 on board the 170-passenger tall ship Star Flyer, visiting some of the world’s most pristine rainforest and beautiful beaches.

The ten-day holiday begins with a flight from the UK on January 16, 2014 to San Jose, Costa Rica where guests will stay for one night at the five-star Real Intercontinental hotel. The following day, embark on a three-day guided exploration of Costa Rica, taking in the Arenal volcano, Tabacon hot springs, Poas volcano and the El Silencio de los Angeles cloud forest. Accommodation during the tour will be at the five-star Royal Corin Hotel, with breathtaking views of the famous Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active in the world.

On January 19, board Star Flyer at Puerto Caldera for a seven-night voyage along the coast of Costa Rica and Panama, hosted by Andrew Mitchell. An entertaining speaker, Mitchell will give a range of fascinating talks on board, covering subjects as diverse as the politics of saving the world’s rainforests to a voyage around the world by square rigger to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Drake’s circumnavigation. All the talks are included in the price. Ports of call include exquisite beaches and sheltered bays, with numerous opportunities for wildlife-spotting, rainforest walks and snorkelling.

From £2,649pp including return flights from London to Costa Rica; transfers; three nights’ hotel accommodation; seven nights’ full board accommodation on Star Flyer; half board and guided tours on the pre-cruise section; and water sports from the ship.

Notes to editors:
Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognised as one of the premier speciality cruise lines.

Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.
The two smaller ships, Star Flyer and Star Clipper, take 170 passengers each, with a crew of 70, while Royal Clipper carries 227 with a crew of 106.

Contacts:
Star Clippers reservations: 0845 200 6145
e-mail : star.clippers@fredolsentravel.co.uk
Website: www.starclippers.co.uk
UK PR Contact: Mary Stuart-Miller, 01403 738844, mary@mstuart-miller.co.uk



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Manchester’s 200 Year-Old Canal Welcomes First City Centre Boat Trip

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Monday 15 July, 2013
Visitors to Manchester will soon be able to experience the city centre from a new perspective thanks to a unique boat trip through the heart of the UK’s first industrial city along the 200 year-old Rochdale Canal.

Owners, Mark and Ruth have spent many months travelling around the world. Now back in the UK, Ruth and Mark wanted to show people a unique side to England and set up Wandering Duck tours.

The Through the Middle tour is the only one night canal boat tour in the country and is a great way to give people a taste of boating. Starting in Piccadilly Basin where the Ashton Canal meets the Rochdale Canal, the trip travels down nine locks in the city centre where guests can experience the historic mills and buildings that line the canal, work the 200-year old locks and experience the city from a completely different angle, before heading to out to Worsley for the night.

Until Wandering Duck there was no opportunity for people to join a small group tour on the canals. Hire Boats can be expensive unless you already have a group together, and day boats don’t offer the full experience of staying on the boat overnight and working the locks.

Ruth Bratt from the Wandering Duck said: “

The city centre tour offers people a special trip through the world’s first industrialised city passing Manchester’s famous Gay Village at Canal Street, the site of the legendary Hacienda nightclub, Deansgate Locks and into Castlefield basin then onto the Bridgewater Canal."


The first trip launches on Tuesday 16th July and runs monthly on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. For bookings please visit www.wanderingduck.co.uk

David Baldachinno, waterway manager at Canal & River Trust said: “Manchester’s canals are world famous and this boat trip is fantastic as it offers people a chance to experience the delights of boating and experience Manchester a different way along this hidden gem through the city.”

Media:


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Renovating A Grade II Listed Building? 4 Things Learned From Experienced Plasterers

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Monday 15 July, 2013
Renovating A Grade II Listed Building? 4 Things Learned From Experienced Plasterers

LONDON, July 2013----Makeover Builders’ recent renovation of a Grade II listed building in Islington, North London, shows 4 key points about traditional plastering that anyone considering similar work should know.

1. Matching materials - Dry lining may be less labour intensive, but haired lime plaster (a mix of lime and horse hair) applied by hand is usually required in listed buildings. This method of plastering has practical as well as aesthetic benefits. ‘We use the haired lime for all cases where traditional materials are needed. The finish is rougher than modern mixes, so it matches the old look, and the hair stops surface cracks,’ explains Makeover Builders director Barak Chever.

2. Coving options - If the building is Grade II (rather than Grade I or II*) then it is worth checking with the local authority whether or not coving and cornices have to be made to match the originals in appearance. ‘We use a coving specialist for this type of work. He makes reverse molds and fibrous plasterwork that we then put in. It can cost £300/m, so if it’s allowed and they prefer it, clients go for plain coving,’ says Chever.

3. Old walls and damp - Gypsum plaster is used throughout modern and non-listed buildings because it dries quickly. However, water-repellant additives that stop gypsum from crumbling in the damp also stop walls from breathing. Lime plaster, on the other hand, is more breathable and, therefore, a better choice for old buildings where walls have been or are a bit damp.

4. Adapting to new materials - Because the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 came in after many period buildings had been modified, any plasterwork should be done by a skilled tradesman with knowledge of how to fix haired lime to modern substrates like metal wire and plywood.

----Ends----

About Makeover Builders:
Makeover Builders is a North London-based professional design-and-build team taking on residential and commercial commissions for interior and exterior works across the city. Director Barak Chever has over 12 years’ experience in the construction industry, both in Israel and the UK, and established links with architecture and interiors firms in London.

Contact:
Barak Chever, Director
Makeover Builders
0800 024 8727
www.makeoverbuilders.co.uk
info@makeoverbuilders.co.uk



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