Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
July 7th 2008

Basingstoke agency helps launch new fashion retailer

Europe's newest lingerie on-line retailer has appointed Basingstoke’s PR, marketing and promotions agency, Headline Promotions, Press & PR, to handle the campaign for the recent launch of their new shop at http://www.sunsetlingerie.co.uk/ which is expected to attract substantial orders during the summer and autumn wedding season and in the run up to Christmas.

Richard Davies of Luxembourg-based Sunset Lingerie said: "Our PR and marketing agency, Headline Promotions Press & PR, will undertake the website search engine optimisation, media relations and an on-line advertising campaign across Europe. The team came highly recommended and presented a credible campaign strategy."

Headline Promotions Managing Director, John Hicks, said: “We will be working with photographers in the region to build a portfolio of models to help present the products in the on-line shop and at events. Negotiations are progressing with a major glamour model for the design of her own-label range to be retailed exclusively through the website. This is on top of our web marketing and advertising campaign so we have a busy time ahead.”

With the UK economy struggling, is this a good time to launch a new retail outlet? John Hicks said: “In a recession, people will still want quality lingerie for special occasions, including weddings, and to give as presents. We will use the next couple of years to develop the brand name Sunset Lingerie into a household name in time for when the economy recovers.”

Part of the launch campaign includes a celebrity launch party in Windsor in a few weeks when some new inclusions in the range of sexy underwear and lingerie will be unveiled. Demand for invitations is expected to be high!

Further details of the Basingstoke PR agency can be found at http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/


ENDS

Photo: John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Notes to Editors:
Headline Promotions, Press & PR was established in 1996 in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to provide PR, promotions, event management, marketing and web design support for small business in the UK by John Hicks, a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing, bringing together many years of experience across a wide range of business sectors in the UK and Far East.John and his small team's particular speciality is in the manufacturing, retail, internet radio, security, professional services, hospitality, leisure & entertainment sectors but are well-versed across many sectors.


Media enquiries to:

John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/

Keywords: Sunset Lingerie, sexy nighties, glamour models, on-line retailers, bridal wear, autumn brides, summer brides, Christmas presents, xmas presents, Richard Davies, Headline Promotions, John Hicks, Basingstoke, retailing in a recession,






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More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

PRESS RELEASE
London, UK
July 2, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


More misery as wild dolphin captures continue in Solomon Islands’ waters

A further 12 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins have recently been captured and are waiting in sea pens to be exported to marine parks.

This comes nine months after the controversial exports of 28 wild caught dolphins from the Solomon Islands to Palm Atlantis in Dubai last year, and by further captures of dolphins by local fishermen who wanted to start a “dolphin business”.

As a charity working for the protection and welfare of dolphins worldwide, the Marine Connection has huge concerns for not only the welfare of the captured animals but, also, any further captures and exports as the number of dolphins around the Solomon Islands is unknown and any further taking of animals could have a devastating effect on local populations if the government allows captures to escalate.

Once again, these captures were authorised despite no adequate peer reviewed scientific surveys being undertaken to assess that the removal of the animals from the wild will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in these waters. This is a basic requirement of international legislation as outlined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), whose aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Under CITES law, no captures should be allowed until a Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) has been issued by the exporting country. The Solomon Islands have issued this declaration due to methodological flaws of the study the charity is challenging the effectiveness of this NDF.

Unfortunately the cruel market for wild dolphins is fuelled by the popularity of marine parks and tour operators that promote them. Marine Connection allege that holiday giants Thomson (a branch of tour operator TUI) are promoting excursions to the Palm Atlantis resort in Dubai, the facility that purchased and imported the dolphins from the Solomons last year. Ironically, TUI are also partners of 2007 “Year of the Dolphin” an initiative launched by the United Nations which aims to highlight the many dangers dolphins face in the wild and has been extended into 2008.

The charity has concerns over the inclusion of TUI, as one of the major threats to wild dolphins today is their direct capture and trade to supply marine parks. “Captures are most likely not sustainable and may have significant conservation implications” – these facts were acknowledged by all “Year of the Dolphin” partners and TUI should prove its commitment by pledging to cease sales of this type of excursion.

A spokesperson for the Marine Connection, said: “Tour operators such as Thomson and Virgin who promote and profit from captive dolphin facilities have a huge responsibility today - environmentally, socially and ethically. Excursions to captive dolphin facilities, artificial enclosures which confine these socially complex and predatory animals, are an inherent contradiction to this tremendous responsibility. As long as tour operators promote these facilities and people continue to visit them, wild captures will continue.”

Further information can be found at www.marineconnection.org

ENDS

For media-related inquiries, or images contact:
Janja Novak, Campaigns Development Officer, Marine Connection
Tel 00 44 (0) 20 7602 1574 email: janja@marineconnection.org

Notes for Editors
The Marine Connection is a London-based charity, working both nationally and internationally for the welfare, protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and porpoises - from the smallest to the largest species, they all need protecting. One way the charity achieves this is through a mix of campaigning, education and research. The Marine Connection has achieved, or contributed to, many important victories for dolphins and whales. However, whilst an actively campaigning organisation, education and research also play a vital part of the charity’s conservation work. One of the charity's main objectives is to ensure everyone understands the importance of protecting these marine mammals and their natural habitat.


Press released issued through the UK-based Press Release Writing Service
(http://www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk/)

John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
25 Basingfield Close
Old Basing
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG24 7BGUnited Kingdom
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Fleet Air Arm Museum Veterans Day, ‘Huge success’

PRESS RELEASE

Yeovilton

1st July 2008

Veterans young and old thronged to the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Sunday 29th June 2008 to be awarded their Veterans badges.

The presentation of badges was officiated by Admiral Terry Loughran and David Laws MP supported by veteran CPO Stu Rainsbury, WO1 Julie Halford and 22 year old Marine Chris Turner who has recently returned from serving in Afghanistan .

The presentations took place under Concorde accompanied by Musicians from the Royal Marines Association Concert Band.

Elsewhere throughout the Museum, surrounded by aircraft spanning almost 100 years, exhibitors and Museum staff encouraged visitors to reminisce and record their memories related to bygone days. WW2 memories were brought sharply into focus by AsOne Theatre Productions who performed a programme of nostalgic wartime classics.

Says Museum Director Graham Mottram . “We were delighted to see so many families, often spanning three generations, as grand children watched their grand parents receive their badges. The day was a huge success and much enjoyed by all.”

Helping to receive visitors and answer their queries throughout the day were children from Bucklers Mead School in Yeovil.

ENDS

Caption 1: Veterans badge
Caption 2: David Laws MP presenting Veterans badge to WW2 veteran



ENDS.



Media Enquiries: Jon Jefferies Head of Marketing. 01935 842638

John Hicks M.IDM

Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations

25 Basingfield Close

Old Basing

Basingstoke

Hampshire RG24 7BG

England

Tel: +44 7771 575 654

www.headlinepromotions.co.uk

john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Distributed through the Press Release Writing Service www.pressreleasewritingservice.co.uk

UK nightclub marketing and promotions get a helping hand

PRESS RELEASE
26th June 2008
Basingstoke, England

UK nightclub marketing and promotions get a helping hand

Nightclubs, late night bars and restaurants, cue sports bars and live music venues are all facing a difficult time as the UK economy falters.

Basingstoke Public Relations consultant, John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/), deals with this particular sector and is confident that effective marketing and promotions will enable them to keep their head above water until times get better.

Back in 1969, John established an on-line resource site for owners, operators and managers in the hospitality and entertainment industry. This offers advice and information about all aspects of the business sector, from marketing through to the use of celebrities for special events.

John’s background is that he has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, internet radio broadcasting, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and a promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.

Now, John has re-launched the Nightclub Marketing website with a new-look design, in the format of a book with chapters on specific topics including new developments such as “running your own radio station”.

The re-launch coincides with the introduction of his new Mentoring Scheme.

The mentoring programme, allows for a venue management team to have in-depth support from John for a week. During that time, they will work together to devise a SWOT and competitor analysis, a marketing and PR programme, training needs analysis and a customer relations strategy.

After the week, John will remain available for telephone support for a period year for the management team. This transfer of knowledge will enable the team to manage their own destiny and help prepare newer staff for future management roles.

Of course, effective marketing and promotions will not ensure business success on their own. They have to accompany high standards of customer care and service. The new website and John’s unique mentoring service will give them the edge however.

Further details can be found on John’s re-launched website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/

ENDS


Further information can be obtained from:
John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
Basingstoke, England
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
Mobile: 07771 575 654

You can read John’s occasional blog at: http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/


John has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, local radio broadcasting, manufacturing and entertainment sectors. He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.
John also writes for several UK and US newspapers and blog sites as well as having contributed to a number of published works. He has also acted as an occasional advisor to City funds and investment banks with interests in the UK leisure sector.
His principal business is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR but he is also heavily involved in internet radio, a performer management agency and leisure property development. Not much time then for his passion for live music!


Keywords: nightclub marketing, late night bars promotion, John Hicks, advertising restaurants, promoting cue sports clubs and live music venues, internet radio stations, mentoring for nightclub managers, Headline Promotions

This press release has been distributed by the Press Release Writing Service

Gaining free publicity from a company anniversary

A client asked me for small business public relations advice for his retail store in relation to their 10th anniversary of trading. I thought that I could usefully share my thoughts with you.

Whatever the nature of your organisation, company, small business or retail store the fact that it is celebrating its 5th, 10th or 20th anniversary it is important to you so, naturally, you want the world to know. But if all you do is call the reporter at your local newspaper and announce the anniversary, don’t be surprised if the reporter says, “Who cares?” You need a clever hook to get free publicity if you're celebrating an anniversary.

Here are several ideas to get you started:

1 Sponsor a contest in honour of your anniversary. A men’s clothing store can have an Ugly Tie Contest, put the entries on display and ask customers to vote for the ugliest tie. Create your own day, week and month of the year.

2 Call the local radio station and donate prizes for their presenter to give away. Tell them they can have the prizes to give away however they wish, as long as they mention your store and your anniversary.

3 Take a poll or survey and announce the findings on your anniversary date. A bookstore, for example, can poll readers on the one book they would most like to have with them if they were stranded on an island.

4 Sponsor a free class at your store. A gourmet food store can invite patrons to a free class on cooking with wine. You might even invite a local celebrity chef to be the teacher. Be sure to hand out free samples of the food.

5 Ask customers to explain in 50 words or less the most unusual or outrageous way they have used one of your products or services. The winner gets a cool prize.

6 Team up with a local school or charity such at the homeless shelter, and donate products or services they can use. Ask them if they will work with the media to try to get free publicity for the donation.

7 Try and tie-in any anniversary announcement with news of a successful bid for new work, or get a testimonial from a long-standing customer (especially if that customer was with the business right from the early days!).

8 Ask your local newspaper if they will feature a competition for which you will supply the prize. If you are a club or bar, call a party! That is what you are good at so invite your regulars and get a supplier to sponsor some product to give away. It always worked for me!

9 One of my favourite stunts was to celebrate the anniversary of a restaurant. Chef baked an enormous cake and iced it in the shape of the company logo. We then took large chunks round to the local elderly persons' homes - the press loved it and we received great newspaper and local radio coverage

10 Invite a celebrity in to sign a few autographs. It costs a little but is worth every penny! There are loads of agencies you can contact or I can always put you in touch with one (see my e-mail address below).

In terms of free space in the local newspaper, you could always consider a special feature where your suppliers are all contacted and asked to support an advertising feature. The newspaper then provides you with editorial coverage and a photo. I am sure you have seen the sort of thing I have in mind. Newspapers call these “advertorials” and, basically, the suppliers pay the costs. A good photo and a good supporting photograph can make these very readable and interesting. Poor copy and a poor photo will consign your advertorial to the dustbin of history so consider spending a few pounds with your local PR consultant to make sure this is a success.

One final pointer is to remember to plan well ahead. You need to talk to suppliers well in advance, especially if they want to be involved in launching one of their new products in association with your event. Also, you need the time to make sure your advertising and marketing budget allows for special initiatives and special offers to tie-in with your anniversary.

I hope this is helpful. You are welcome to send me further ideas and, maybe, copies of your media coverage for your latest anniversary. My e-mail address is john@headlinepromotions.co.uk and you can read my blog at http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

This article was first published on the Amazines dotcom article database - June 2008

SEO Top Ten Tips to maximise the impact of your Press Release

If you have gone to the trouble of writing a press release and want to maximise the on-line potential then think about how search engine optimisation can help you.

I was recently consulted by a client, Asset Fencing (http://www.assetfencing.com/) who specialise in protecting UK businesses’ assets with perimeter systems - through physical deterrents, detection and monitoring systems with the supply, installation & maintenance of industrial, commercial and security fencing, barriers, CCTV, access controls and the like.

They wanted to initiate a press release campaign on the web over a number of months. Their question was how to maximise the impact of a press release on the Internet.

Here were my top ten suggestions to help them and I thought it would be useful to share my thoughts.

1. Choose and use your keywords. Think like your reader. What words are most likely to be searched for by people looking for what you want them to find in your release? Choose/use those words multiple times. By the way, do remember to name your images on your website and in press releases after one of your keywords; a simple tip often forgotten.

2. Use bold, italics, headlines and subheads to make key phrases and keywords more visible. Emphasized text may help your release stand out and can positively impact search engine results.

3. Keep your headlines short. Google recommends headlines between 2 and 22 words for optimum visibility and search results. And Google results display only the first 63 characters of each headline.

4. Keep it readable. While your goal is to appear high in search engine results, don't miss the mark by writing copy that's overly repetitive, spammy or unreadable. You want search engines to find you and for readers to click through to your text. Strike a balance.

5. Be careful with puns, innuendo and double meanings. Search engines, spiders and robots have no sense of humour. Keep this in mind when trying to attract their attention.

6. Write timely content that provides useful information to readers. Provide tips, advice, or analysis in your press release that is relevant to your industry or your customers' interests. Search engines are more likely to include releases that are honestly useful in their results.

7. Utilise hyperlinks and anchor text, but don't overdo it. Too many links can flag your release as spam and get you kicked out. One link max per 100 words is recommended. Choose relevant links that direct traffic to the specific pages you are promoting rather than generic company links.

8. Be consistent. Some words have multiple spellings— such as "t-shirt" and "tee-shirt," or "email" and "e-mail." Stick with one spelling to avoid appearing illiterate, preferably choosing the more frequently searched spelling.

9. Keep it fresh. As releases age, they tend to drift lower in the search engine results pages. A campaign of several releases is more likely to drive results than a single press release.

10. Publish on your own website. Be sure to publish releases to your own website also. Since links are like votes, link to them. And work with your web team to make sure your site is optimized. Make sure you copy them to your local media – newspapers, radio, internet radio stations and TV stations.

I would wish you “good luck” but, in business, you make your own luck.

Finally, if you are struggling to produce a professional press release then ask a professional PR consultancy but ask for a price first. Many, like my own company (Headline Promotions, Press & PR) have a fixed fee – ours is £99 which represents value for money and just a small investment as part of your overall marketing strategy.

About the author:
Award winning PR and media relations consultant, John Hicks is a member of the Institute of Direct Marketing and writes for several US & UK journals and magazines. He is a Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/) which specialises in “PR with a marketing edge” for UK businesses, especially those in the leisure & entertainment, facilities management outsourcing, nightclubs, retail, local & internet radio, manufacturing and security sectors.

John can be contacted direct at john@headlinepromotions.co.uk

Local performers given unique showcase opportunities

PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, UK
April 20th, 2008

Local performers given unique showcase opportunities

The imminent launch of Radio Basingstoke dotcom, at 1pm on Wednesday 1st May, gives north Hampshire bands and artists of all genres a new and unique opportunity to showcase their work.

They have the chance of having a half-hour programme dedicated to their work on a show hosted by Radio Basingstoke's Station Manager, Lee Williams, who will interview the artists and play their promotional CD's on air. The programme will air three times over a two week period at different times of the day.

The CD will also feature as their "Artist of the Week" on a new website to be launched shortly.

This new radio station, a joint venture by local music management company Astrid Music Promotions and Public Relations consultancy Headline Promotions Press & PR, will play music of all genres round the clock and, whilst there will be some presenters, there will be less chatter and more music. Though it is funded by commercials, these will be kept to three minute segments each half hour.

Station Manager, Lee Williams said: “Radio Basingstoke is a community radio station, at the heart of our local community, and support of local artists is part of our mission. During our early days, until such time as we obtain sponsorship for some programmes, we will ask for a contribution of £200 from our featured artists. Once we obtain commercial sponsorship then there will be no charge!”

Artists wishing to showcase their work can submit details by e-mail to john@radiobasingstoke.com

Asked if he was confident of the future of Internet radio, Williams said: “A recent report claimed that internet radio has hit the mainstream. More than 8 million people in the UK listen to web-based radio services every week and nearly 2 million download podcasts on a weekly basis, according to a survey that suggests internet radio has hit the mainstream.”

Commissioned by the industry's audience research body Rajar, the Ipsos Mori survey last autumn found that more than 12 million people have listened to the radio online and 8.1 million listen every week either through live streaming or "listen again" services.

Ipsos Mori found that 75% of users do not listen to less live radio as a result of listening again online, with 50% tuning into new shows as a result.

For Radio Basingstoke, this is good news. Williams (pictured left with John Hicks, MD of Headline Promotions, Press & PR) said: “This survey proves what we in the radio industry already knew! We are looking forward to the forthcoming launch of Radio Basingstoke on 1st May and this news is very positive for us.”

Tasked more about the use of “community” in their mission statement, Williams explained that two local schools, Bishop Challoner RC School and Costello Technology College, are working on weekly shows produced by groups of students. In addition, local presenters will be featured and there will be extensive “what’s on” coverage, through the website and on-air programming. Further, local job opportunities will be featured to help jobseekers.

There are also opportunities for the general public to become involved. These range from being able to text requests to the station (0787 401 6433) through to volunteering to master their new MySpace presence (www.myspace.com/radiobasingstoke). In particular, the station will heavily feature news of what is happening in the local community so anyone with an upcoming event is asked to e-mail full details to events@radiobasingstoke.com.

For a radio station for north Hampshire, the name Radio Basingstoke was an obvious choice. Williams discloses though that it was actually a close run thing with “Amazingstoke” until it was found that an enterprising author has already registered amazingstoke dotcom. However, he was happy for the station to adopt it as part of their logo which will soon be displayed prominently around the district.

This is not the first time Williams and Hicks have collaborated. They are co-founders of the award-winning CMR Nashville Radio (http://www.cmrnshville.net/), Europe's leading country music radio station.

Radio Basingstoke will be found on http://www.radiobasingstoke.com/ through your PC, internet radio and many popular mobile phones.


ENDS

Note to Editors:

“Internet radio hits the mainstream” reported in guardian.co.uk on Monday January 28 2008.

The MySpace site for the radio station is www.myspace.com/radiobasingstoke