ResidentsHQ wins National eWell-Being Award for Building Community Networks
ResidentsHQ, the social networking service focussed on injecting life and community spirit into modern residential developments, today announced its win at last week’s National eWell-Being Awards. Through providing a secure and private service for each development, ResidentsHQ aims to make it easy for residents to interact with each other, assist managing agents as well as bodies such as residents’ associations connect to those living within their properties, and help developers add value to new developments.
Andrew Painter, managing director, ResidentsHQ said: “This award validates our belief that social networks like ours can really make a difference. Through the intelligent application of social networking technology, we help residents break the ice and connect with their neighbours, and empower managing agents to communicate with those living in their properties. Our work in developments such as the Royal Arsenal, Imperial Wharf and Chelsea Bridge Wharf - another major regeneration programme - is proof of this.”
For example, prior to the ResidentsHQ website being launched in the Royal Arsenal Development, many residents had lived there for several years with very little interaction taking place. Within weeks of launch this had radically changed. Over 100 residents joined in the opening week of the service and began initiating running clubs, mother/toddler groups and cocktail parties. After six months of service, ResidentsHQ had 600 residents signed-up at Royal Arsenal, with over 100 logging in each day – a number which is set to increase as the website is being extended to allow residents to communicate with the property’s managing agent. It must also be pointed out that this growth in numbers has been almost totally organic, with little requirement for central communications ‘pushing’ the service.
Andrew concludes: “As well as helping residents able to easily connect with each other, they can also discuss topics of mutual interest in a forum, exchange goods in a local market place and share views on local businesses. Furthermore, our service has facilitated the community in coming together to protect their interests, by for example, using the ResidentsHQ online surveys functionality to lobby against local planning applications and parking regulations.”
The National eWell-Being Awards aim to highlight those organisations that are at the forefront of innovation in ICT for environmental and social improvement. The awards, now in their seventh successive year, are organised by SustainIT, an initiative of the UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development (UKCEED), and sponsored by BT and Unison amongst others.
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About ResidentsHQ
ResidentsHQ is a newly launched online secure and private social networking service exclusively for residential developments. Created in 2008, ResidentsHQ is a privately-held company, with headquarters in London.
For more information visit www.residentshq.com.
For further information, please contact ResidentsHQ Press Office:
Rebecca English, ResidentsHQ
Tel: +44 (0)7778 609675
E-mail: rebecca.english@residentshq.com
Will the New Aflite Affiliate Network Be Good for Affiliates As Well As Small Business?
Aflite is the new affiliate network built for new and small online businesses due for launch early July. The broader selection of new, unique and innovative merchants delivers attractive propositions for affiliates to market.
The Aflite.co.uk network has been designed for accessibility to small and new businesses to start affiliate marketing. But, does it make sense for affiliates to join?
Affiliates want the following from their network and its merchants:
- Assurance of payment
Aflite provide tools to ensure affiliates can analyse the quality of a merchant. The API (Application Programming Interface) gives affiliates the power to run live checks on merchants before displaying a merchant on their website.Calculations based on historic data produce a quality score of a merchant. This information is passed to the affiliate for their own assesment. - High commission rates
Due to Aflite’s billing model, 100% of commission is paid to affiliates. Aflite charge merchants on their credit top ups, freeing up commission for affiliates. - High conversions
Although conversions in some cases may be lower, smaller less well known businesses often pay more commission than the large brands. Combined with Aflite’s billing methods affiliates should see a good return from their chosen merchants. - A good proposition
It’s always good to offer something a bit different. New businesses are often innovative in their approach, providing new business models and services that aren’t typically found from the larger retailers.
Aflite has worked hard to address the issues that face affiliates, striving to be a network profitable for both small businesses and affiliates.
The new network is due for launch in the second week of July 2009, if you have any questions or suggestions for Aflite please checkout their holding page at http://aflite.co.uk for contact details. There are also some benefits in registering your interest early.
Dance Teacher Mirror Dilemma Solved: With New Featherweight Mylar Mirrors
Mirrors are one of the most important 'must haves' in any dance class, where students have to learn and improve their dance techniques. The dance teacher dilemma of being unable to use mirrors in the classroom has finally been solved with an innovative new product that has now been developed in the UK, the Featherweight Mylar Portable Mirror.
Independent dance teachers face a number of challenges when looking for dance mirrors for their classes. Often dance teachers are situated in multi-purpose venues, such as schools or local community centres, meaning installing fixed wall mirrors is out the question.
Portable glass mirrors are available on the market, but many dance teachers are unable to use them as they are too heavy and do not comply with safety regulations. In these tough economic times, the new mirrors also offer an alternative to expensive fixed wall mirrors, without compromising on quality of reflection.
The Featherweight Portable Mirror, made out of Mylar foil, is a dance mirror with a difference. Made with a state-of-the-art metallic foil, rather than glass, the 4’ x 6’ mirror weighs just 4kg and gives an incredibly clear reflection. The mirror is mounted on a lockable wheel based stand, so is easily moved, secured and stored.
Glass Installations, the Stoke-on-Trent based firm manufacturing the new mirrors, has already supplied its Featherweight Portable Mirrors to dance teachers throughout the UK, with an extremely positive response. More details about the product can be found on the company’s website www.glassinstallations.co.uk
Set up in 1996 by Bob Quarmby, Glass Installations Ltd. began specialising in high impact mirrors to be used in the Leisure industry. In 2007 the company relocated to a larger site in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire to begin production of a new Featherweight Mylar Mirror. This new product, made out of a state-of-the art glassless foil, has the advantage of being lightweight and also has the capability to be produced in huge sizes.
ISHOPSTYLE.CO.UK CHALLENGES RECESSION WITH DISCOUNT DESIGNER PRICES.
June 22, 2009, iShopStyle.co.uk has become an overnight internet phenomenon, rapidly growing from an unknown site, to make it in the nation’s top 50,000 most visited websites* in a matter of months. The site which was started by 18 year old sixth form student, Jamie Dickinson, is women’s first choice online store for cut price fashion clothes and accessories.
The site, which receives over 1,000 visitors a day sells tops, dresses, underwear and more. The site’s forte is its range of dresses, which it is able to trade for a mere £9.95 each, to a maximum of £18.95; the same dresses which were originally for sale at up to £90 in high street stores. Savings have increased as visits to the site have allowed for bigger bargaining power, and have allowed for the introduction of the iShopStyle.co.uk summer sale, with all prices being guaranteed to be up to 80% off the original retail price in the high street stores. The online shop now boasts of selling fashion products previously seen in stores from Topshop through to Ralph Lauren.
Jamie Dickinson started the online store after seeing the high price women were paying for style and fashion, and comparing them to the cost of producing such items, he said “I felt the high street stores were cheating consumers with extortionate prices, and had to find a way of helping people out, especially with the media being riffled with recession problems and job cuts”. Jamie invested in over 1,000 products, at massive reductions and passed these savings on to consumers.
Up until now, the British consumer has had no real way of combating the high prices high street clothes are sold at. The introduction of Primark stores helped to see low prices in basic wear, but brand name fashion has always been highly priced, especially in stores such as House of Fraser. Inspiration for the online store was reached after a visit to a nearby T K Maxx store outlined the emphasis for low priced designer goods, but their haphazard approach to store layout has disappointed many customers who have found that it takes extensive periods of time to search through the masses of clothes available; iShopStyle.co.uk has eliminated this problem by allowing all products to only be available through their easy to use online navigation system.
Once the customer has discovered their desired clothing, the online stock management control, allows them to see whether their selected clothes are in stock and displays a variety of high fashion alternatives also available.
Dickinson said, "The site has revolutionized the consumer’s ability to challenge the price of high end fashion, and has raised the bar in such an ever growing industry", which seems to be important as retailers fiercely compete with each other for valuable consumer pounds.
* Source: Alexa Web Rankings (alexa.com)
Edomidas launch Presenting To Win DVD
4In a recession, new business opportunities are even more crucial to convert and difficult to come by. So when the chance does come, it is critical that businesses make the most of the situation, delivering a pitch that wins the audience over quickly and confidently.
Edomidas, the leading experts in effective pitching strategies, has released a DVD “Presenting to Win” that aims to help in this challenging area with its unique methodology for presentations.
Led by David McDermott, viewers are treated to all the expertise of a leading international expert in competitive pitching and communication skills.
David has worked on thousands and pitches over the years in all sectors and market conditions and his impressive client list includes HSBC, Alianz, Standard Life Investments, Barclays, Addleshaw Goddard, Land Securities and many more.
The Presenting To Win DVD learning pack provides all the effective strategies to create in successful persuasive presentations as well as vital tips in structuring your pitch and keeping your content credible, relevant and engaging.
Helpful examples will also highlight how things sound, look and feel when delivered effectively with David also sharing his unique insight into the successful techniques to grab and keep your audience’s attention.
David McDermott, MD of edoMidas says: “Pitching is a hugely challenging practice, but I truly believe anyone can achieve a persuasive presentation with a focus on the core strategy. This DVD will be hugely useful and help companies get out there and win business.”
The ‘Presenting to Win’ DVD is now available online at www.edomidas.com
Creativity From Within. Art Psychotherapy
What is Art Therapy?
The relationship between the therapist and the client is of central importance, but art therapy differs from other talking therapies in that it is a three way process between the client, the therapist and the image or construction. It offers a way to express and communicate for people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings in words.
Where does Art Therapy take place?
Art therapy can be found in the following settings.
Health services
* Hospitals, medical and psychiatric
* Outpatient facilities
* Eldercare facilities
Social services
* Residential treatment centres
* Youth centres
* Correctional facilities
* Rehabilitation centres
Educational settings
* Mainstream and special schools
Community settings
* Art studios
* Community centres (this includes private practice art therapists)
* Cross-cultural centres
What do I do in Art Therapy?
You are given time with art materials to make things, play and talk.
Why do people see an Art Therapist?
Sometimes changes in their lives at home, school, with family and friends make some people behave differently, or have very strong feelings about. It may be hard to talk and think about how you feel.
What kind of things do Art Therapists help people with?
Some reasons a person sees an art therapist may be:
To help you think about how you look and feel about yourself
To feel more confident in yourself
To explore changes and bad experiences in your life from the past and put them behind you
To understand why you do things that you don’t want to do
To have a stable and understanding place to go when things in life seem very unsafe or changeable
How can Art Therapy help me?
Art therapy encourages you to express yourself and communicate how they feel. This helps them gain increased self awareness, understanding and self esteem. Art Therapy can be another way to express things.
Do I have to be good at Art?
Art therapy is not about being good at art but being willing to use the materials to express yourself with art materials. Art Therapy aims to help people make change and grow on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe environment.
When and where will I see the Art Therapist?
You will see the same art therapist on each Appointment. You will work in a quiet room at your local centre.
Who knows that I am doing Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is private within the health team unless you or someone you know is unsafe and have been or are at risk of being hurt. We will talk to you about this when we meet.
While you do Art Therapy your work will be kept in a safe place and is looked after by the Art Therapist. When you have finished working with an Art Therapist you can keep your Art work or it can be stored for up to 3 years at the centre after this is will be safely disposed of. The person who has referred you and your G.P., parents or carers will know you have been offered Art Therapy. Your Art Therapist will have supervision with another professional in their team, to make sure that they are helping you in the best way they can. If other professionals work with you we may all meet to make sure we are all working together to help you and your family. You can tell people you are doing Art Therapy if you want to.
What happens if I don’t like Art Therapy?
If you are not happy with Art Therapy we want you to talk to us about this. If you have questions about Art Therapy please feel free to ask your Art Therapist.
Monica Gobourne is a state registered Art Psychotherapist based in Greenwich, south east London
Region: All
Website: www.creativityfromwithin.co.uk
Business Development:
Phone 07762782114
Guitarbitz.com win 3rd Prize in Bristol Rovers Sponsorship Draw
Press Release Summary
guitarbitz.com (an online guitar retailer) has won 3rd Prize in a limited draw of 96 tickets to be the main shirt sponsor of Bristol Rovers for the 2009/10 season.
Main body text
Bristol Rovers Football Club has today drawn the winners of their prize draw to be their shirt sponsor for the 2009 / 2010 season.
First Prize (Home Shirt Sponsorship) was won by N-GAGED (trainers in the logistics industry), Second Prize (Away Shirt Sponsorship) was won by Stevens Hewlett and Perkins (solicitors) and Third Prize (Advertising Hording at the Memorial Stadium) was won by guitarbitz.com (online guitar shop, based in Frome).
James Oliver – Director – exclaimed “he couldn’t believe he heard the number 45 announced by Eddie Large”. Eddie Large – comedian of famed duo Little and Large - performed the draw at the Memorial Stadium at 1pm on the 29th May 2009 using the velvet bag and cubes used to draw the Carling Cup.
Davin Kenwood – Company Secretary – dashed to the stage to collect the prize awarded by Barry Bradshaw – Director of Bristol Rovers.
Reporters then interviewed all 3 prize winners for use in local press and TV.
Davin commented “this is a great way for Bristol Rovers to help local small businesses get recognition in the community.”
All entrants to the draw will receive a corporate hospitality day from Bristol Rovers for 10 people at a home game in the 2009/10 season.
The owners of www.guitarbitz.com (James Oliver and Davin Kenwood) are fans of Bristol Rovers and jumped at the chance for their company to sponsor their life long team.
Well done guitarbitz.
Contact:
Davin Kenwood
guitarbitz.com
0845 2222 603
davin@guitarbitz.com
www.guitarbitz.com
Guitarbitz.com was created in early 2004 to cater for the UK’s 3 million guitarists. We wanted to create an internet guitar shop that could cater for guitar players of all levels, but with particular help for beginners and intermediate players, with clear product descriptions and photographs, easy navigation and no techno babble! We have been operating for over 5 years, and have dedicated mail order facilities and large stocks of all our key products. We also now a have a shop, opened in the Autumn of 2007, giving customers the opportunity to visit us in Frome, Somerset and try out our large range of guitars, amplifiers and accessories.
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If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Davin Kenwood, please call 0845 2222 603 or e-mail davin@guitarbitz.com
Online Recruitment with a Difference
AWD online is taking the traditional recruitment agency model to a new level with its new online flat fee recruitment service.
Gary Silver, a Director at AWD online explains, “AWD online was set up to give businesses from all different sectors an alternative, value for money, way to recruit new permanent employees for their company.
We have streamlined the traditional recruitment model, which has reduced our costs that are now passed on to our clients, and unlike other online flat fee recruitment companies we keep our pricing structure simple, with no additional costs or hidden extras. One vacancy credit will cost £525 (+vat), with discounts being offered for multiple jobs.
Historically businesses would either recruit staff directly by placing adverts in magazines and newspapers, or more recently online, or utilise the services of a traditional recruitment agency.
Although all of these methods to recruit staff have some advantages, they also have big disadvantages. Some of the major disadvantages by employing these approaches were that businesses would either receive not enough or too many unsuitable applications from direct advertising, which was also extremely time consuming to process, or the businesses would have to pay high fees to recruitment agencies for each applicant they hired, which would become very expensive.
Our unique flat fee recruitment model is designed to provide our clients with the best of both worlds. The low cost of advertising directly with the expertise of using a professional recruitment company.
CVs are sourced just as you would expect from a traditional recruitment agency, but without the costs associated to it, and unlike online job boards, our service is not automated. We are experienced flat fee recruitment consultants who take the time to talk to each client and potential applicant to ensure there is a real fit in skills and expectations required for the vacancy.
By using our flat fee recruitment service our clients know they are receiving real value for money and the chance to hire some of the best hand picked applicants in the market place, and our applicants know they are going to be offered some career enhancing opportunities that are a perfect match to their skills and experience”.
AWD online can be contacted on: 0330 088 1895
Small Retail Is Booming
Small Retail Is Booming
In the current economic climate the high street is struggling, everyday on the news there is talk of another high street giant in trouble. But there is some good to come out of this, small independent retail is booming.
Our business at www.theshopfittingsstore.co.uk is the supply of shopfittings and slatwall. Since November we have seen an increase of business from our small retail customers.
More and more small retail businesses are starting up, and existing ones have the budget for refitting and creating new displays.
Due to this upturn in trade we have priced our slatwall and shop display items very competitively, Slatwall is the wall panels that you can use to display almost anything and small retail businesses love it.
Contact Info: jonathon hall
08458388976
jonathon.hall@theshopfittingsstore.com
www.theshopfittingsstore.co.uk
*Use the info above to contact persons regarding this press release*