News
FIRM SIMPLIFIES COLLECTING OVERSEAS PAYMENTS FOR HAULIERS
26 / Aug / 2010
FIRM SIMPLIFIES COLLECTING OVERSEAS PAYMENTS FOR HAULIERS
Cash flow management specialists Octempo RM have embarked on a crusade to help road haulage firms by rolling out their international credit control service.
The Warrington-based company has won contracts with a number of courier, shipping and air freight companies this year, and believes the ability to collect payments in up to 27 languages is a major factor.
Operating in the client’s name, Octempo RM uses foreign nationals to communicate more effectively when sending out invoices, making follow-up calls and taking payments from overseas companies.
Understanding the language, and more importantly the business culture, is crucial to building a good relationship with a foreign client, and could make the difference between being paid promptly or late, or even being paid at all.
Managing Director Julian Llewellyn said: “Cash flow is a major headache for road haulage firms, particularly when dealing with companies from overseas.
“The international nature of their work means haulage firms must have an understanding of business cultures in foreign countries, as well as the language.
“We support a large number of hauliers engaged in domestic and international groupage, full load and back load activity.
“We have tailored our offer specifically to the needs of shippers, forwarders and hauliers, with a money-back guarantee if we don’t deliver improved cash flow within three months.”
Octempo RM offers a range of services across the whole order to cash cycle, including sales ledger management, credit risk management, credit control, early arrears collection and debt recovery.
They can deal with companies in various languages including French, Russian, Portuguese and even Cantonese!
Their modular service allows companies to pick and choose from their services and only pay for what they use.
Further information is available at www.octempo.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035/07880 733138, or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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FORMER BAGGIES STARS RETURN TO WALSALL GOLF CLUB
19 / Aug / 2010
FORMER BAGGIES STARS RETURN TO WALSALL GOLF CLUB
A host of former West Bromwich Albion players descended on Walsall Golf Club to raise money for charity.
Players from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s played a round at the Broadway Club as part of their ongoing efforts to generate cash to provide financial, personal and moral support to ex-Baggies footballers when required.
Cash is also often donated to local causes – last year the £1000 raised was split between Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, Cancer Research and liver transplant research at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
Among those who attended are Brendan Batson MBE, Ray Wilson, Bobby Hope and Gary Robson, all of whom played in last year’s event.
Organiser Geoff Snape said: “We had 22 teams of four taking part, many of whom represent local businesses and Baggies supporters.
“Each team featured a former player, giving everyone a rare opportunity to meet one of their heroes.
“Walsall Golf Club supports us well and we like the format of greens to tees, because it speeds up play, as well as the ambience of the clubhouse and excellent restaurant facilities.”
A number of golf societies play regularly at Walsall Golf Club, including Walsall Police Golf Society, Bromford Iron and Steel, and The Rubber Industry Golf Society.
Club Secretary Peter Thompson said: “Golf is a wonderful way for old and current friends to come together, catch up and raise money for worthy causes.
“We are popular with a number of golf societies around the West Midlands, because they are often experienced golfers who look for a challenging course and quality facilities.”
Further information on Walsall Golf Club, along with contact details should you want to take your golf society to Broadway, are available on the club’s website: www.walsallgolfclub.co.uk.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035/07880 733138, or info@richardswancottssociates.co.uk.
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CATWALK FOOTBALLER TAKES GUILDHALL BY STORM
19 / Jul / 2010
CATWALK FOOTBALLER TAKES GUILDHALL BY STORM
Port Vale footballer Marc Richards brought the Guildhall Shopping Centre to a virtual standstill by joining glamourous models on the catwalk to help a local children’s hospice.
The striker’s appearance was part of the Stafford centre’s ‘Dress Like The WAGs’ event, which brought together retailers like Wallis, Evans and Store Twenty One to show shoppers how to dress like Victoria Beckham and Colleen Rooney on a budget.
Organisers reported a huge increase in visitor numbers, and this helped raise over £250 for the Donna Louise Hospice in Trentham.
The centre’s Marketing and Promotions Manager Anne Graham said: “It was a great day with visitor numbers up 20% on the previous Saturday and 40% on the same Saturday last year.
“Retailers reported additional sales and interest in the items featured as a direct response to the event, and we raised over £250 for the Donna Louise Trust.
“We have also organised the Heroes’ Day and a world record attempt for the number of people doing the Conga in their wellies.
“This is a serious record-breaking attempt so we’re appealing to the people of Stafford to turn up in huge numbers and bring their wellies along.”
The Heroes’ Day featured contributions and displays from Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, and the Air and Ground Aviation.
Anne Graham said: “The Staffordshire Regiment, the Cadet Corps of the Grenadier Guards and Staffordshire Search and Rescue were all on hand at the Heroes’ Day.
“And there were also some emergency vehicles and marching bands on show.
“The intention of the day was to showcase the fantastic work these organisations undertake, as well as raising public awareness and demonstrating career opportunities.”
Further information on these and other forthcoming events is available at www.guildhallstafford.com.
Registration for the world record attempt will start at 11am on 15th August in the Market Square, Stafford.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035/07880 733138, or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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COWBOY WILLWRITERS TARGET LOCAL RIVALS
01 / Jul / 2010
COWBOY WILLWRITERS TARGET LOCAL RIVALS
Local will-writer David Nixon has almost fallen victim to a rival firm operating in the same company name.
The MD of Staffordshire Wills, based in Stafford, was horrified to find a leaflet pushed through his door offering cheap wills with his own company name on it. Having looked up the website, his company name Staffordshire Wills appeared again.
The rival firm’s web address (www.staffordshirewills.co.uk) is also very similar to his own, www.staffordshirewills.com.
Mr Nixon contacted the firm, which has since changed its name to Stafford Wills, and challenged owner John Tuohy about several claims on their website. He is now discussing his next step with Trading Standards.
He said: ““I was really shocked how someone could just appear and muscle in on my good name.
“Some of the claims made on the website appear dodgy. For example they claim to have been trading for four years, but how a company can operate in a small town like Stafford with the same name as me for that long without my knowledge surprises me.
“I have since taken the issue of the trading name with the owner and it has now changed. Other information on the website seems to be an attempt to mislead the public and I am discussing it with Trading Standards.”
This follows recent warnings from Trading Standards to the public across Staffordshire about bogus will-writers offering cheap wills.
In May, Trading Standards officers revealed an increasing number of people had been approached by tricksters claiming their wills were invalid due to changes in the law.
They were also encouraged to pay in cash on the spot for wills they never received, or did not give them the protection they were lead to believe it would.
David Nixon said: “As a will-writer it is of utmost importance that customers trust me. My reputation is everything and without it my business would be ruined.
“For that reason we are members of the Institute of Professional Will-writers, and have just achieved Office of Fair Trading Stage 2 approval for our Customer Code of Conduct.
“This means clients can buy with confidence knowing they are not going to get ripped off.
“We give our prices up front so there are never any nasty shocks, clients are given a 7 day cooling off period to review their decisions, and no money is paid out by the client until the work is completed to their satisfaction.”
Further information on David’s company can be found at www.staffordshirewills.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 0178 472035/07880 733138 or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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Notes to editors
A statement from Staffordshire Trading Standards about bogus will-writers can be found here: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/news/press/tradingstandarswarningoverwillscams.htm
INDEPENDENT STUDY: GUILDHALL IS THIRD BEST SHOPPING CENTRE IN WEST MIDLANDS
08 / Jun / 2010
INDEPENDENT STUDY: GUILDHALL IS THIRD BEST SHOPPING CENTRE IN WEST MIDLANDS
Stafford’s largest shopping attraction has risen five places in an independent index of shopping centres, after increasing revenue by almost 20% through the recession.
The Guildhall Shopping Centre is now third in the list of major shopping centres, put together by international retail data specialists CACI, after adding another £40m to the £240m customer spend recorded in 2008-09.
The study ranked the Guildhall alongside other ‘Major Centres’ in Burton-on-Trent and Leamington Spa, while Birmingham and the Merry Hill Shopping Centre, Dudley were in a separate ‘Primary Centres’ section.
But even taking into account those primary centres, the Guildhall’s strong recent performance means it is ranked 9th overall.
Bosses believe this provides further evidence that Stafford shoppers want to help local retailers, as shown by the success of the Enjoy Stafford initiative – over 20000 have joined up to the Shop Local scheme since its launch in May 2009.
The centre’s Marketing and Promotions Manager Anne Graham said: “Stafford has maintained its position as a major retail centre and gone from strength to strength, despite the recession.
“We are now only behind centres in Burton-on-Trent and Leamington Spa on the Retail Footprint list.
“We believe this is down to the efforts we have made to attract more visitors to the centre, and an increasing willingness from local shoppers to spend with retailers from the town.”
The number one shopping centre overall is London’s West End, which had a consumer spend of £3.1bn in 2009-10, ahead of Glasgow in second and Birmingham third.
Further information is available at www.caci.co.uk and www.guildhallstafford.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035/07880 733138, or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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BLACK COUNTRY PRECISION ENGINEERS PLAY BIG PART IN UPGRADE OF US SUBWAY SYSTEM
04 / May / 2010
BLACK COUNTRY PRECISION ENGINEERS PLAY BIG PART IN UPGRADE OF US SUBWAY SYSTEM
A Black Country engineering firm has joined forces with a contemporary in the USA to work on a tooling and component project for the American underground system.
Tipton-based Midland Tool and Design is collaborating with the Californian company to provide stampings, which will be used in power regeneration, on a large flywheel which will convert and reuse the energy generated in braking on the US subway network.
Bosses claim they received the call due to their experience and expertise, built up since the firm was established in 1969, and the accuracy of their innovative Modulam system.
Managing Director Darren Booton said: “We’ve been producing laminations and related tooling for 40 years now and that appealed to the client.
“They wanted to deal with a company with that expertise because the accuracy of the laminations is crucial to the success of the project.
“By using the Modulam system we can also ensure stampings meet their exact requirements immediately, meaning the project could begin without any delay manufacturing an accurate prototype.”
Despite only being launched in January, the Modulam system has already helped MTD bring in major contracts in the aerospace, medical components and motorsports sectors.
Since the turn of the year, the firm has embarked on projects with several aerospace companies, supplying laminated core packs which enabled the client to bring their product to market with dramatically reduced lead times.
Darren Booton said: “It’s been a good start to the year and more companies are approaching us because we can deliver on tooling, stamping, bonding and grinding projects.
“Very few engineering companies can provide such a full service.
“Hopefully it also suggests the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors are beginning to turn the corner after a difficult 2009.”
Midland Tool and Design employs 28 people at their 20000sq ft site in Tipton. Alongside their recent successes they are also working towards gaining the prestigious AS9100 aerospace accreditation.
This should be completed in April, allowing MTD to work more closely with its customers in the aerospace sector.
Further information is available at www.mtdltd.co.uk.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 0800 902 0465 or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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SECOND GOLF DAY TO HELP AREA’S HOMELESS AND VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
29 / Apr / 2010
SECOND GOLF DAY TO HELP AREA’S HOMELESS AND VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
A Staffordshire-based financial advisers are to host their second annual golf day for victims of domestic violence, abuse and homelessness.
Newcastle’s ASC Financial Management have organised the event, at Wychwood Park Golf Club near Crewe on 20th May, to raise money for local charity Arch North Staffordshire.
They hope the fundraiser, which is followed by a two course meal and charity auction, will top the £3000 brought in at the last golf day at the Izaak Walton Golf Club, Stone last June.
ASC Director Tony Castrey said: “It promises to be a great day with mutual benefit to all parties involved.
“Arch is a charity that we can whole heartedly get behind, with more people affected by domestic violence and homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, than ever before.”
The event was supported by a number of local companies last year, including Knights Solicitors and corporate film producers Reels in Motion, who will be filming this year’s golf day.
Companies can enter a team of four for £160 (£40 per person), or individuals for £45 each.
Arch’s Corporate and Community Fundraiser Ray Elks said: “We are extremely grateful to ASC for hosting this year’s charity golf day.
“Over the last 12 months Arch has supported over 3000 people, including more than 600 adults and children fleeing domestic violence.
“It is with the support of individuals, organisations and companies like ASC that we can continue to assist those people in the community who are most in need of help and support.”
A range of sponsorship opportunities are also available, including sponsoring a hole, a tee and a fairway.
For more information call Tony Castrey on 01782 255024, or visit the company’s website: www.ascifa.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 472035, or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk
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SPEEDY INSTALLATION A BREEZE FOR AMD
13 / Apr / 2010
SPEEDY INSTALLATION A BREEZE FOR AMD
Odour control specialists Air Management and Design have beaten the clock to complete their latest installation in just two days.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme based company designed and installed the new fume extraction unit for the Coventry and Solihull Waste Disposal Company, a council run facility based in Coventry which handles the destruction of medical waste.
Normally this type of installation would take at least a week. But because their client can only shut down operations for a limited time, AMD had to turn the job around much quicker.
AMD Managing Director Steve Evans said: “The old extraction unit was in need of repair, but the nature of the client’s operation means they could only close the plant for a couple of days.
“Any longer than that, and the waste on-site would cause an odour and problems for local residents.
“They came to us because we’re the only company in the UK who could see a project like this through from design to completion.”
The Coventry and Solihull Waste Disposal Company’s John Knight said: “We went to AMD because they offer the complete package from concept design and manufacture through to installation.
“They also appreciate the importance of working to achieve customers’ deadlines, without any negative impact on product quality.”
For more information, visit AMD’s website at: www.air-md.co.uk.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 01782 416371/07880 733138, or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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DESIGN COMPETITION AIMS TO BOOST CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY
06 / Apr / 2010
A leading fancy dress sales specialist has launched a crusade to encourage more children to use their imagination.
Staffordshire-based Wonderland Party, which has supplied costumes to celebrities like Chris Moyles and Jonathan Ross, and TV series like Little Britain, is linking up with primary schools around the country to host their ‘Design a Costume’ competition.
The winner will receive a Nintendo Wii, with the WiiSports game to promote exercise, and could have their costume manufactured at the company’s Stoke-on-Trent headquarters.
Bosses hope the move will encourage more young people to use their creativity and think about what they could achieve in life.
Managing Director Jozef Machnicki said: “For various reasons children are turning their backs on playing outdoors and using their imagination, which is a huge shame and could have implications for their health and the country’s future.
“Games consoles like the Wii are fabulous developments, but by encouraging young people to stay indoors are having a major impact on obesity levels, and could affect our creative industries for generations.
“Using fancy dress costumes helped me to use my imagination when I was younger – I could be a cowboy one day, an astronaut the next – and I don’t see why our children can’t have the same enjoyment now.”
Wonderland also hopes the competition could help to raise young peoples’ aspirations by encouraging them to think big, and ultimately run their own businesses or reach the top of their chosen profession.
Jozef Machnicki said: “Imagination is a big part of running a successful business – we now turn over more than £2million per year, and we couldn’t have reached that level without being creative in our goal-setting and having the belief to follow it through.
“Hopefully in some small way, by encouraging children to design an out-of-this-world costume, they’ll see an alternative to watching TV and maybe even pursue a career in the creative industries.”
The company has also slashed prices on children’s costumes and are now selling them at cost.
Further information on the competition, and the special offer, can be found at www.wonderlandparty.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 0800 902 0465 or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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SEMINAR TO HELP THOSE IN THE DARK ON ULTRA EFFICIENT LIGHTING
29 / Mar / 2010
Konica Minolta Sensing has joined forces with Pro-Lite Technology, the Photonics Cluster and The Photonics and Plastic Electronics Knowledge Transfer Network to host their first light and display measurement seminar.
The event, on April 27th, will feature a wide range of presentations from industry experts on how to cut emissions and use less energy, and the role of new technology in LEDs.
Delegates will hear from luminaries including Allan Horn (Lighting Industry Federation), David Chan (University of Swansea) and Dr Paul Miller (NPL), and have the opportunity to meet with the speakers and discuss potential working projects.
Examples of new LED technology will also be on show, and available for trial during the event.
Konica Minolta Sensing’s UK General Manager Paul Bowman said: “LEDs are being used in increasing numbers in lighting and display applications, but unfortunately cannot be manufactured with consistent optical properties.
“Therefore the measurement of LED output is a critical requirement, but it is not an easy task and cannot be measured using traditional photometric and colorimetric methods.
“The tutorial will explain the metrics used to measure output, the importance of ultra-efficient lighting, and how it differs from traditional sources of light.
“And it will also present the opportunity to test and review the latest generation of photometric test equipment.”
‘LEDs Solid State Lighting – Understanding the Metrics and Quantifying Performance’ takes place at the Aston Science Park in Birmingham on April 27th, starting at 8.30am.
Tickets cost £25 + VAT and include onsite parking, lunch and refreshments and a tour of the Photonics Cluster laboratories.
Further details are available from Alex Clarke at Photonics Cluster on 0121 260 6331 or alexc@bsp-a.com.
Media enquiries should be directed to Richard Swancott Associates on 0800 902 0465 or info@richardswancottassociates.co.uk.
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