<![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ <![CDATA[Pressat Main Newswire]]> https://pressat.co.uk/media/site/logo.png https://pressat.co.uk/rss/ en-gb Copyright: (C) Pressat Pressat <![CDATA[ Kurt Muller Gets a makeover with ATMEDIA ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/kurt-muller-gets-a-makeover-with-atmedia-4d2aaa19660c605fcc62d482093a6677/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/kurt-muller-gets-a-makeover-with-atmedia-4d2aaa19660c605fcc62d482093a6677/ Friday 21 March, 2014
Manchester based digital agency, ATMEDIA has refreshed the online presence of Kurt Muller, a designer clothing brand whom specialises in contemporary Men's and womens clothing.

One of the aims for the new website was to reflect the brand's ethos through a modern, simple and clutter-free shopping experience whilst being powered by a scalable, secure and powerful back office system.

The recent startup has been working with Kurt Muller for the past year helping nurture the brand with an aim to translate the success of their 12 UK stores through various new online channels.

ATMEDIA Managing Director comments:

Were extremely proud of the site and the excellent feedback it has received. The redesign has brought KM inline with current industry competitors both in terms of design and technical delivery.

KM Managing Director Comments:

We are pleased with what ATMEDIA have achieved, a clean & fresh website design built on a powerful platform which is customisable for future integration. A job well done!

###

Note to Editors:

As KM is a vertically integrated business, they source, design, manufacture and distribute directly to their customers, through their 12 Company owned stores and multi-channel retail concession partners such as House of Fraser.

ATMEDIA recently launched through a business incubator scheme through the University of Salford.


Contact Information:

Kurt muller: Chandni - 0161 274 4849 / ck[@]kurtmuller.com


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 Mar 2014 15:16:38 GMT Retail & Fashion
<![CDATA[ Triodos Investment Management Launches Triodos Organic Growth Fund ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/triodos-investment-management-launches-triodos-organic-growth-fund-13c8e80ed37067b473e6d9ee7a2ec18d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/triodos-investment-management-launches-triodos-organic-growth-fund-13c8e80ed37067b473e6d9ee7a2ec18d/ Tuesday 21 January, 2014
New evergreen impact fund will invest in organic and sustainable consumer businesses across Europe

Triodos Investment Management announces the launch of the Triodos Organic Growth Fund, a unique new long-term evergreen fund, which will provide equity to leading organic food companies and sustainable consumer businesses across Europe. The fund starts with EUR 25.3 million, provided by committed private and institutional impact investors, including Netherlands-based insurance company Achmea. Triodos Organic Growth Fund aims to grow further to EUR 150 million.

With the launch of this fund, Triodos Investment Management is pioneering a new model for impact investing: mission aligned private equity, with a long-term focus, not driven by exits. This is crucial for the further expansion of the fast growing sector for organic food and sustainable consumer products in Europe. The frontrunners in this sector, now mature companies, are hampered in their growth by the lack of long term capital that is aligned with their companies' missions and values. These companies seek capital without being disadvantaged by short-term focussed investors.

Triodos Organic Growth Fund will build up a diversified private equity portfolio in leading later-stage organic and sustainable consumer businesses across Europe, with a focus on food and beverages, natural textiles and personal care. These frontrunners are central actors in a maturing and rapidly expanding market segment, which is key in the transition to a sustainable economy.

Marilou van Golstein Brouwers, Managing Director Triodos Investment Management: 'Triodos Organic Growth Fund will invest in values-driven and profitable businesses with a solid and growing market position. These are privately held companies seeking capital for further growth that will not compromise on their core values and social or environmental objectives. Triodos has been committed to developing this sector for more than 30 years. That is why companies value our expertise, our approach and our longstanding relationships and find in us a strongly aligned shareholder.'

The fund is open to qualified and professional investors across Europe. Anchor participants in the first closing include Netherlands-based insurance company Achmea and trade union CNV Vakmensen.

Harry van den Heuvel responsible for Alternative Investments within Achmea insurance company: 'Investing in Triodos Organic Growth Fund marks an important next step for Impact Investment in our Social Responsible Investment policy. Triodos Investment Management has developed a unique fund, which provides an innovative solution for long term private equity investments. The fund offers us unparalleled access to leading European organic and sustainable consumer brands and retailers and the opportunity to participate in a fast-growing sector.'

The Triodos Organic Growth Fund is a sub-fund of Triodos SICAV II, an unlisted investment fund based in Luxemburg. The Triodos Organic Growth Fund is semi open-ended in structure and is traded on a quarterly basis, at net asset value.

- Ends -

Editor Notes

Triodos Investment Management is a specialist in developing and managing sustainable investment funds. Triodos Investment Management manages 18 investment funds that each invest in different sustainability themes and/or have different risk-returns profiles. The funds focus on investments in renewable energy, sustainable real estate, culture, organic farming, microfinance in developing countries and investments in listed companies that meet strict sustainability criteria (SRI funds). At the end of June 2013 the combined assets under management of the Triodos investment funds amounted to EUR 2.4 billion. Triodos Investment Management BV is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triodos Bank NV.

For further information, please contact:

Sandra Bergsteijn, Triodos Investment Management
T: 0031 (0)30 694 24 22
E: sandra.bergsteijn@triodos.nl

www.triodos.com


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 Jan 2014 13:24:31 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ London Drivers Safest in the UK According to New Research from AVIVA ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/london-drivers-safest-in-the-uk-according-to-new-research-from-aviva-8ecf775feaf4a9e0b5c913ef714f2c0a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/london-drivers-safest-in-the-uk-according-to-new-research-from-aviva-8ecf775feaf4a9e0b5c913ef714f2c0a/ Thursday 21 November, 2013
It may have one the heaviest traffic volumes in the UK but Greater London tops the safe driving table according to analysis from Aviva's Drive App.*

Data from over 3.5 million miles driven by users of the app reveals the areas with the safest drivers. Greater London, including areas such as Islington, Chelsea and Croydon takes the top spot in Aviva's table - which is especially impressive given the heavy traffic volumes, indicating residents are more likely to prioritise safety over speed. Drivers from Devon also demonstrated strong road safety skills by placing second in Aviva's table, with East Yorkshire coming in third.

At the bottom of the table, according to data from the Aviva Drive app, are Buckinghamshire, (home to Milton Keynes and its many roundabouts); Norfolk (perhaps the long, flat roads are a temptation to some to put their foot down?); and Northamptonshire (which may suffer from the fast-paced influence of Silverstone?).

The Aviva Drive app uses smartphone technology to record a motorist's driving style - covering their acceleration, braking and cornering. At 200 miles, the app gives drivers an individual driving score, which is used to calculate any personalised discount the motorist has earned - up to 20% off their Aviva premium. The discounts are in addition to any other Aviva discounts for which they are eligible.**

Heather Smith, director of marketing at Aviva, said of the findings, "Although it's fun to look at different regions' driving scores, our results clearly show that the UK is a nation of safe drivers. The average score by all users of the Aviva Drive app was more than 6 out of a possible 10, meaning most drivers qualified for a discount on their premium.

"In fact, three out of four drivers who completed the app qualified for some form of discount, and 31% of drivers qualified for the maximum 20% discount. So even though the Aviva Drive app is seen by many as an interesting way to measure how safely you drive, it's also a great way to save on your motor insurance."

For the Ages

Data from the Aviva Drive app also demonstrated that age continues to be a relevant factor in how we drive, although it did challenge a few popular age-related driving stereotypes. Over 70's, for example, scored best out of all ages on careful braking. And those aged between 60 and 69 were found to be the safest 'generation' of drivers. All age groups scored lowest on cornering out of the three driving behaviours that the app looks at (acceleration, braking and cornering), with those under 20 scoring lowest out of all ages.

Gender Parity

Aviva's app has not yet settled the age-old question of who is a better driver, men or women. However, it did show that married people (on average) scored better than those who are single.

Drivetime

The most popular time to begin a journey is between 3:00 and 4:00pm, as kids come out of school, although morning rush hour is also busy, with 5:00am to 7:00am the peak times. Journeys tail off later in the evening, although men make around twice as many journeys as women between 10pm and 5am.

The app also supported the discounts drivers can earn for not making a claim, as drivers with higher No Claims Discounts had better driving scores.

Heather concluded, "There is a lot we can learn from the Aviva Drive data, helping us to ensure we offer the best price to each individual customer. Of course, the beauty of the app is that you are recognised for who you are: not old or young, married or single, but instead how you drive. We think that is the fairest way to price insurance.

"And with three out of four app users qualifying for a discount on their insurance, we know that it is appealing to our customers, as well."

- Ends -

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:

Aviva Press Office
John Franklin
T: 01603 680795 / 07800 692110
E: john.s.franklin@aviva.co.uk

*Based on data from drivers who have downloaded the app and received a quote by completing the required 200 miles between 1st June 2013 to 1st November 2013. Data based on a minimum of 100 users per area.
** The discount depends on your score and premium - minimum premium of £200. Discount available on one car per policy only (applied to the first car that the principal policyholder is identified as being the main driver of). Discount is calculated after any eligible offers have been deducted. Discount does not apply to optional extras.

Notes to Editors:

Aviva provides insurance, savings and investment products to 34 million customers worldwide.

We are the UK's largest insurer with over 14 million customers and one of Europe's leading providers of life and general insurance. We combine strong life insurance, general insurance and asset management businesses under one powerful brand. We are committed to serving our customers well in order to build a stronger, sustainable business, which makes a positive contribution to society, and for which our people are proud to work.

We are ranked as one of the UK's top ten most valuable brands and Aviva Plc is in the top 10% of socially responsible companies globally in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. In 2012 we invested £5.7m into our UK communities. One in three of our employees were involved in community investment activities which included giving nearly 30,000 hours.

Aviva is working in partnership with Railway Children through the Aviva Street to School programme to get children living or working on UK streets back into everyday life, especially education. Find out more at www.aviva.co.uk/street-to-school.

The Aviva media centre at www.aviva.com/media includes company information and a news release archive.

For an interactive introduction to what we do and how we do it, please click here www.aviva.com/library/reports/this-is-aviva-2013/

For broadcast-standard video, please visit http://www.aviva.com/media/video/.

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/avivaplc


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 Nov 2013 13:19:09 GMT Motoring
<![CDATA[ Press Invitation - Save The Date - Three Regions, One Evening - London, Monday 16 September 13 ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/press-invitation-save-the-date-three-regions-one-evening-london-monday-16-september-13-78330058da28d9631ab94f7f39439d6d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/press-invitation-save-the-date-three-regions-one-evening-london-monday-16-september-13-78330058da28d9631ab94f7f39439d6d/ Thursday 17 October, 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 17 Oct 2013 23:06:40 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Skills Minister unveils new investment in skills for key industries ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/skills-minister-unveils-new-investment-in-skills-for-key-industries-0dcd9d6cc5712100179601c3a8eff501/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/skills-minister-unveils-new-investment-in-skills-for-key-industries-0dcd9d6cc5712100179601c3a8eff501/ Thursday 17 October, 2013
Skills Minister John Hayes today announced the release of funds totalling over £2.4m from the Growth Innovation Fund (GIF) to the nuclear and creative and cultural sectors.

With a Government investment of more than £920k, the National Skills Academy for Nuclear will expand its activities into nuclear manufacturing to help UK manufacturers take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new nuclear build programme.

The NSA for Nuclear will collaborate with SEMTA and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, based in Sheffield, to create a focal point to boost companies capability to develop skills.

Within its first three years the expansion aims to deliver a more skilled workforce, with an increase of 3,500 learners taking up NSA recognised programmes, including more than 500 apprenticeships.

The National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural will receive around £1.5m to extend its operations and open up opportunities for more than 1,200 new apprenticeships and craft training for young people across the jewellery, design and cultural heritage sectors.

The NSA Creative and Cultural also plan to reach around 1.2 million young people through their careers information, advice and guidance material over the next 5 years.

It will work in conjunction with a number of leading organisations and employers, including the Goldsmiths Company, Holts Academy and the British Jewellers Association, the Design Council, Tate, V&A, Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The creative and cultural industries contribute over £36.5 billion (in Gross Valued Added) a year to the UK economy.

In both cases Government funding will be matched by business and delivered over three years.

Mr Hayes said:

It is businesses themselves that are best-placed to identify the skills they need to drive growth. This investment is very good news for the UK nuclear and creative industries and will help them to overcome the skills gaps that stand in the way of them meeting their full potential.

The new centre for excellence for nuclear manufacturing will increase the number of opportunities for technicians and skilled workers and ensure that UK firms can source the skills they need to grow their market share in an expanding market.

The National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural has already demonstrated its success in working with more than 200 employers in the theatre and live entertainment business. I am delighted that investment will allow them to increase opportunities in the design, cultural heritage and jewellery sectors.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry said:

The nuclear new build programme and existing decommissioning activities provide a substantial opportunity for UK manufacturers to expand and create highly skilled jobs across the country.

The expansion of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear to include nuclear manufacturing through work with Semta SSC and the Nuclear AMRC is an excellent example of skills bodies working together to improve the provision of nuclear related training to ensure that the UK workforce can take full advantage of the job opportunities that will be created by a new build nuclear programme.

Meeting the skills demand for the nuclear new build programme will be a challenge, and to this end, the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance (NESA) exists to facilitate collaborative working amongst all skills bodies related to the nuclear industry.

Jean Llewellyn OBE, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, said:

The opportunities for the manufacturing supply chain in this area are considerable from the UK alone, running into many millions. Combine this with the global market share manufacturers in the UK could access and the importance of this sector in delivering high value exports becomes apparent.

Working in this strong and effective collaboration with the Nuclear AMRC and Semta SSC provides a really unique opportunity to provide the right support for the sector in a clear and collaborative approach. The nuclear manufacturing expansion of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear will support the UK supply chain to ensure it is well placed and has the skilled workforce required to gain maximum value from this global renaissance.

Paul Latham, Chairman, Creative & Cultural Skills, said:

We have been building our skills academy for the last four years through our initiatives for theatre and music. It is only through the strength of our existing partnerships, our founder colleges and our industry members, that we were able to make the case for this extension project, which will enormously enhance our offer to young people and strengthen the skills base of a range of creative businesses, individuals and organisations.

With this funding, we can now support the further development of higher-level, industry-led apprenticeships, careers guidance, specialist education and training, and new professional standards for all those working in the creative sector. We look forward to working with a wide range of partners in this new three-year development period.

The GIF was set up to help employers overcome barriers to growth within their sectors and industries. The National Skills Academies for Nuclear and Creative & Cultural Skills were both successful in submitting expressions of Interest to the Growth and Innovation Fund in 2011.

So far the Government has committed over £15 million to boost innovation and productivity, enable industries to set new professional standards and support new or extended national skills academies. Sectors that have benefited include; health, science-based industries, environmental industries, renewable energy, employment services and hospitality.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 17 Oct 2013 22:10:19 GMT Business & Finance Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Green light for pioneering scheme to tackle rush hour road works disruption ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/green-light-for-pioneering-scheme-to-tackle-rush-hour-road-works-disruption-084b6fbb10729ed4da8c3d3f5a3ae7c9/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/green-light-for-pioneering-scheme-to-tackle-rush-hour-road-works-disruption-084b6fbb10729ed4da8c3d3f5a3ae7c9/ Thursday 17 October, 2013
An innovative scheme to help reduce disruption caused by road works on London's busiest roads was given the go-ahead today by Transport Secretary Justine Greening.

The Transport for London scheme - the first of its kind in Britain - will start in June. TfL will be able to charge utility companies up to £2,500 a day to dig up the busiest roads during peak times when road works cause the most disruption.

This will incentivise utility firms to carry out their works more quickly and at times when roads are quieter. Companies would be able to avoid the charges by carrying out works during less busy periods or, if appropriate, at night.

Justine Greening said:

"Anyone who has travelled on London's roads knows how frustrating it is to find major routes being dug up in the middle of the rush hour or - even worse - lanes coned off when no one is even carrying out any work.

"It's not just inconvenient but expensive, costing the economy £4 billion a year.

"Im pleased the Mayor and TfL have got cracking in bringing forward proposals for a lane rental scheme which will bring real benefits to those travelling in the capital."

In order to gather evidence on the effectiveness of lane rental, the Department for Transport has proposed that there should be up to three pioneer areas and is inviting applications from two more interested local authorities. Successful pioneer areas will need to have exhausted other options, including using a permit scheme and their lane rental schemes will have to be evaluated annually.

The guidance which accompanies the new powers makes it clear that lane rental charges must be avoidable and proportionate to the costs of congestion. Any revenue raised from the implementation of lane rental charges will have to be used to fund measures which could help to reduce future road works disruption. This could include infrastructure work, research or measures to improve the management of works.


Notes to editors

1. The primary legislation (section 74A of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991) provides the necessary powers for local highway authorities to put in place lane rental schemes, subject (in England) to the approval of the Secretary of State, and allows Regulations to make further provision about such schemes.


Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066
Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292
Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000
Department for Transport Website: www.dft.gov.uk
www.twitter.com/transportgovuk | www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 17 Oct 2013 22:03:37 GMT Motoring Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Prince Charles Forestry Advisor To Host Costa Rica Tall Ship Cruise ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/prince-charles-forestry-advisor-to-host-costa-rica-tall-ship-cruise-b7f8e04d9f0b16c4de6799ad07f5809a/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/prince-charles-forestry-advisor-to-host-costa-rica-tall-ship-cruise-b7f8e04d9f0b16c4de6799ad07f5809a/ Monday 22 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 22 Jul 2013 11:04:06 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Nominations Open For The 2013 Business Travel Journalism Awards ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nominations-open-for-the-2013-business-travel-journalism-awards-4a3110954a1e88f6c94be20924591c6b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/nominations-open-for-the-2013-business-travel-journalism-awards-4a3110954a1e88f6c94be20924591c6b/ Monday 22 July, 2013
Nominations for the tenth annual Business Travel Journalism Awards open today, Monday, July 15. There are new categories, a glamorous new venue and a new chair of the judging panel in honour of the tenth anniversary of these prestigious awards.

The awards, organised and promoted by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, recognise the individual journalists, designers, editors and, for the first time this year, editorial teams, who go above and beyond to bring business travel and meetings & events industry news and stories to life. The awards are judged by a panel of journalists and independent industry experts.

Categories

There have been a few revisions and an expansion of the categories this year, to incorporate the ever-changing nature of the industry. These include a new category for trade press news journalists, an expanded range of Meetings & Events awards, team awards for the first time, plus new sections for the always hotly-contested features category. All information on how to enter is below and at: www.businesstraveljournalismawards.co.uk

Individual awards:

NEW: Business Travel News Journalist of the Year - trade
The journalist who provides the most timely, accurate and original news reporting on business travel in trade titles (across print online and broadcast).

NEW: Business Travel News Journalist of the Year - consumer
The journalist who provides the most timely, accurate and original news reporting on business travel in consumer titles (across print online and broadcast).

NEW: Meetings & Events News Journalist of the Year
Presented to the journalist who has provided the best coverage of the Meetings & Events aspect of the business travel industry (across print, online and broadcast).

NEW: Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year - air
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on business travel-related aviation topics with the most accuracy and style.

NEW: Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year - accommodation
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on business travel-related accommodation topics with the most accuracy and style.

NEW: Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year - technology
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on business travel-related technology topics with the most accuracy and style.

NEW: Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year - industry trends
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on business travel-related trends with the most accuracy and style.

Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year - destination
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on business travel and conference and incentive destinations.

NEW: Meetings and Events Features Journalist of the Year
The journalist who has provided the most insightful analysis and commentary on meetings and events topics.

NEW: Meetings and Events Editor of the Year
The editor who demonstrates the best leadership, enterprise and coverage of meetings and events.

Business Travel Editor of the Year
The editor who demonstrates the best leadership, enterprise, and coverage of business travel.

Best Newcomer to Business Travel or Meetings & Events Journalism
The journalist with three years' experience or less who conveys business travel issues in the most compelling and accurate manner.

Responsible Business Journalist of the Year
The journalist who best covers corporate social responsibility (environmental, safety, security and health) topics related to business travel and / or meetings and events.

Business Travel Supplement of the Year
The editor/publication that publishes the most effective and impactful business travel supplement.

Best Use of Social Media in Business Travel Journalism
The journalist who best uses social media to cover the business travel beat.

New team awards as follows:

Editorial Team of the Year - Business Travel
Awarded to the editorial team who provide the most insightful analysis on all aspects of business travel, bringing new topics to the fore and provoking debate on key issues.

Editorial team of the Year - Meetings & Events
Awarded to the editorial team who provide the most insightful analysis on all aspects of meetings and events, bringing new topics to the fore and provoking debate on key issues.

Design Team of the Year for Business Travel or Meetings & Events
The design team which delivers the best creative and engaging design / artwork relating to business travel or Meetings & Events front covers and feature pieces.

Plus the prestigious award:

The Journalists’ Business Travel Journalist of the Year
In recognising one’s peers, journalists are encouraged to submit their nomination(s) for who they think is the business travel industry’s top writer. The judges will determine the shortlist of nominees, and journalists attending the awards will vote for the winner.

How to enter?
It is easy to enter with three quick steps. Go to the BTJA website (www.businesstraveljournalismawards.co.uk) to:
Enter your contact details and the name of the person you are nominating
Select the category you want to enter
Upload the appropriate supporting documents
Add in a brief explanation of why you are submitting an article, or additional context if you wish.
Details

You may enter more than one category, but not the same article for more than one subcategory – for example, you can enter an article for ‘Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year – Air’, but would need to choose a different one if you wanted to enter ‘Business Travel Features Journalist of the Year – Technology’. Don’t be shy – enter your work or nominate a colleague. All supporting material must have been published between 1 October 2012 and 8 August 2013.

Deadline
Nominations are due before 8 August 2013.

Save the date
The winners will be announced during the Business Travel Journalism Awards black-tie dinner on Friday, 11 October 2013, at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in Holborn, central London.

-Ends-

For more information contact:
Louise Prior at Prior PR on louise@priorpr.com or 07786 227572.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 22 Jul 2013 11:03:56 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Royal Baby On Board ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/royal-baby-on-board-0d0264ca6d17fc6ca15cef51cacf6189/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/royal-baby-on-board-0d0264ca6d17fc6ca15cef51cacf6189/ Wednesday 17 July, 2013
As the nation waits with bated breath for the now-overdue Royal Baby, it appears that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's pregnancy has sparked the biggest baby boom in 40 years. New figures suggest that more than 700,000 babies will be born in England this year - the highest number since 1971, according to the Royal College of Midwives.

In anticipation of the arrival of the latest addition to the Royal Family, VisitEngland rounds up some of the best holidays and experiences on offer for new families, as two become three…

Baby in Tow
His or Her Royal Highness the Prince or Princess of Cambridge will likely spend a great deal of their childhood at London's Kensington Palace where the Duke and Duchess will reside. To mark the occasion, the nearby Hilton London Kensington has created a 'Tot-ter Around Kensington' package. Guests can enjoy a two-night shopping break, ideal for mother-daughter bonding and mums-to-be. The package includes a two-night stay at the stylish Hilton London Kensington, with each guest receiving a VIP card for Westfield London Shopping Centre, situated directly opposite the hotel. The VIP card entitles shoppers to offers and discounts of up to 20% from over 80 stores and restaurants. Stylish mums-to-be can stock up on baby treats from stores including Bébé Bisou, Mamas & Papas and Atelier de Courcelles. Price dependent on availability. To book, visit www.hilton.com/kensington

Meanwhile, one of the luxury suites at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane has been transformed into a five-star nursery for jet-setting babies. The hotel has teamed up with bespoke nursery designers Dragons of Walton Street and transformed a Premium Park View Suite into a quintessentially English nursery, designed and tailored with a royal baby in mind. Dragons of Walton Street has a historic association with the Royal Family, with William and Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie all growing up in a Dragons nursery. Inspired by the suite's idyllic views of Hyde Park and the hotel's history, this latest creation is fitted with bespoke, hand crafted and painted furniture. The pièce de résistance is a beautiful dolls house toy cupboard hand painted to represent Grosvenor House's signature architecture. Select from three packages starting from £2,230 per night. To book, visit www.marriott.co.uk

Outside the capital, Cornwall's Bedruthan Steps Hotel has a 'Welcome to the World' break, offering new mums and dads a helping hand through their first year of parenting. The package encourages new parents to deepen their bond with their new arrival through baby massage, swimming and yoga classes. The break includes workshops with psychologist Dr Sarah Mundy on some approaches to the challenges that new parents face. The hotel aims to take the pressures off you and take care of your every need - no need to worry about cooking, washing, cleaning or tidying up here. If you need some time out, the expert childcare team is on hand to allow you to experience some 'me' time to stroll the spectacular coast path, relax by the pool, have a Mama Mio massage treatment or spend quality time with your partner. Available 11 - 13 October 2013. Two night breaks from £255 per person based on two adults sharing. Baby goes free (of course!). To book, visit www.bedruthan.com

Born to Rule
Fans of the growing Royal Family can take a look back at royal babies past at 'The Royal Child', a new photography exhibition at the Athenaeum. The hotel, which sits within sight of Buckingham Palace, offers an exclusive Royal photography and afternoon tea experience, available at weekends from 22 June to 31 August 2013. Guests will have the opportunity to view over 50 images whilst Curator of the exhibition, Ian Pelham-Turner provides fascinating insights into how Royal children have been brought up since Victorian times, and how the new Royal baby may be treated This exclusive event will take place over afternoon tea served in the athenaeum's Hyde Park room. The afternoon tea has been created by the same team who were awarded 'Top London Afternoon Tea 2012'. Tickets to the exhibition and afternoon tea cost £60 per person. In addition, the hotel is also offering a 'Best of British Break', including the mentioned tea, from £299 per person. To book, visit www.athenaeumhotel.com or call 0207 640 3364.

In addition, the Museum of London celebrates the momentous occasion with a new display. 'A Royal Arrival' delves deep into the Museum of London's collection to showcase baby clothes and memorabilia worn by former royal babies, from Charles I to George III and Edward VII to link the latest royal arrival to over 400 years of UK history. Objects on show include a delicately embroidered skullcap worn by an infant Charles I. Other pieces include a tiny linen vest embroidered with a crown and a small lace mitten belonging to George III. A nursing robe thought to have been used by Queen Victoria, shoes worn by her many children and a dress blazoned with the three feather insignia belonging to her eldest son, Prince Albert Edward (later Edward VII) will also go on show. Free admission. For more information, visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Explore beyond the photographs by visiting some of the places baby British royals spent their childhoods. The Sandringham Estate holds many memories for the Royal Family. It is a favourite retreat of The Queen, and the late Princess Diana was born in a cottage located in the estate's extensive grounds. Prince Charles had many childhood adventures at Sandringham House, the much-loved royal retreat, which is a beautiful place to visit. It's only a short trip from King's Lynn station, itself around a two-hour train journey from London. For more information, visit www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

Windsor has a vibrant royal history, especially where young royals are concerned! Y Bwthyn Bach, also known as The Little House, is a miniature cottage in the grounds of Windsor's Royal Lodge. The Little House was presented to Queen Elizabeth (then Princess) on her sixth birthday and the Queen's children and grandchildren have played in the house over the decades, though it isn't open to the public. However, located to the south of Windsor town centre, Windsor Great Park is a well-loved and popular recreational retreat for many families, and has views of Windsor Castle. Windsor is also home to LEGOLAND, where you can see a miniature version of Buckingham Palace. For more information, visit www.windsor.gov.uk

The InterContinental London Park Hotel at 145 Piccadilly was once Her Majesty the Queen's childhood residence. Check out the newly-designed Royal Suite, which celebrates the Queen's signature taste with modern British design. Located between Mayfair and Knightsbridge, and in view of many of London's stunning landmarks, the InterContinental is the epitome of elegance. Afternoon tea in the Wellington Lounge is a must; you're sure to feel like royalty, sipping Champagne and overlooking the iconic Wellington Arch. For more information, visit www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/london/lonhb/hoteldetail

Babies Go Too: Tot-ter Around England Out of Season
Anyone with babies or toddlers is in a privileged position when it comes to summer holidays. Pre-school families enjoy affordability, flexibility, and having the countryside and coastline all to themselves by travelling outside of the school holidays. Classic Cottages has a vast choice of appealing properties for young families across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. And by clicking on the baby-friendly button, you narrow the results to only show properties that have cots, highchairs, stair-gates, baby baths, bath mats, changing mats and socket covers. Try Coombe Barn (sleeps six + cot), situated on a working farm that's tucked into the Tamar Valley, which has an indoor heated swimming pool with views of Dartmoor, an outdoor children's play area and a soft play area for toddlers. Just up the road, The Springer Spaniel Inn is a treat with its Rick Stein-trained chef and 'Little Jack Russell' children's menu. From £141 per person, per week. To book visit, www.classic.co.uk

As The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may well discover, the first trip away as parents of a young baby can be a daunting experience. An endless packing list and the worry of whether you'll actually be able to relax with your baby when you finally arrive can make you wonder if it's worth travelling at all. For families of any age, a stay at New Park Manor in the New Forest is a welcome relief. It even comes with Royal credentials. Originally the favourite Hunting Lodge of King Charles II, this 17th century manor house is in the heart of the Forest, just outside Brockenhurst. Having recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, it is set to become the most family-friendly luxury hotel in the Forest. Alternatively, enjoy one of Luxury Family Hotels' seven other properties around the country. From The Ickworth, a grand country estate in Suffolk, to the elegant Fowey Hall in the pretty Cornish fishing town of Fowey; and from the atmospheric Moonfleet Manor overlooking Chesil Beach in Dorset to Polurrian Bay on the Lizard Pensinsula, there is plenty to be inspired by. Stay two nights from just £249 per room B&B, including a three course dinner on one night, or three nights from £349 per room, with a three course dinner on two of those nights. To book, visit www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk

Just for Mum - Pre-and Post-Baby Pampering
Kate is reportedly the first ever royal to have had a baby shower, and now mothers to be can emulate the royal party style. Until 31 July, mums to be can receive the royal treatment with a 'Royal Baby Shower Afternoon' at St James's Hotel and Club. On arrival, you'll receive a luxury baby gift worth £85. You will then receive a -pregnancy treatment at Spa Illuminata, one of the finest spas in central London, before afternoon tea from award-winning executive chef, William Drabble. The package is £89 per person, with a minimum of eight people. You'll even stand to win a three-course meal for two at Michelin-starred Seven Park Place, including a glass of Champagne - if the mother-to-be delivers on the same day as Kate Middleton. For reservations, e-mail events@stjameshotelandclub.com

If it's escapism you need, book in a night away from the kids and check into The Bingham for or a 'Mums-Only Sleepover'. Every Sunday until 31 December, the hotel is offering packages for sleep deprived mums in its Queen Single Bedrooms - perfect for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Read a book or potter around the hotel's boutique shop, have a hot bath with Abhana bath oils and scented candles, and treat yourself with room service or dinner in the river view bar. After a night of blissful uninterrupted sleep, enjoy a peaceful breakfast before returning home a new woman. From £150. To book, visit www.thebingham.co.uk

Just for Dad - Wet the Babies Head in Royal Fashion
Following the arrival of His or Her Royal Highness the Prince or Princess of Cambridge, the Royal Household is sure to be in celebration mode. Join in the fun and celebrate by wetting the baby's head with the help of the Royal Warrant Holders...

It wouldn't be much of a party without the pop of a cork and an overflow of Champagne. And to emulate Buckingham Palace, you need look no further than your local Waitrose. The first supermarket chain to be awarded a Royal Warrant by the Queen, the branch in Windsor is a regular supplier to the Royal Household, and with shops all around England, extravagance need not be a journey too far.

For an authentic English wine tasting experience, head to Chiltern Valley Wines in Oxfordshire and try before you buy. Holding a Royal Warrant since 2007, the vineyard is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty that's the perfect spot for wine tours and tastings, £15 per person.

Complete the party by serving Fortnum & Mason cucumber sandwiches with Essex's Wilkson & Son condiments on beautiful Wedgwood China from England's capital of porcelain, Stoke-on-Trent. Have-a-go activities at the Wedgwood Centre start at just £5.

For more inspiration on family breaks and activities in England, visit www.visitengland.com/royalbaby

Ends.

For further press information please contact:

Mark McCulloch / Laura Dewar / Rebecca Holloway
VisitEngland Press Office
Tel: 020 7578 1446 / 020 7578 1437 / 020 7578 1429
Email: Mark.McCulloch@visitengland.org / Laura.Dewar@visitengland.org / Rebecca.holloway@visitengland.org

Notes to Editors:

About England
• Historic yet contemporary, traditional yet cutting-edge, metropolitan yet wild: England is truly a unique destination and a real powerhouse in global tourism.
• With ancient Hadrian's Wall straddling the wild north and the world's biggest indoor tropical rainforest nestled in the far south, England really is the ultimate mix of old and new as well as being home to some of the most iconic sites in the world, including Stonehenge, the honey-hued Georgian terraces of Bath and the towering peaks and glistening meres of the Lake District.
• Did you know that in 2010 there were 96.4 million domestic overnight trips in England, 25.5 million inbound visits and 872 million tourism day trips?

More information can be found on www.visitengland.com


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 17 Jul 2013 12:29:12 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Spain Welcomes Increase In Visitor Numbers ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/spain-welcomes-increase-in-visitor-numbers-210f71db869c613855fe87e09f183ef6/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/spain-welcomes-increase-in-visitor-numbers-210f71db869c613855fe87e09f183ef6/ Tuesday 16 July, 2013
- In May 2013, Spain welcomed 5.8 million international tourists, representing a 7.4% year on year increase.
- For the same period, the UK saw a 9.3% yearly increase in visitors to Spain and accounted for well over a quarter (27.1%) of all international visitors.
- Between January and May 2013, Spain has welcomed in excess of 19.8 million international visitors representing a cumulative rise of 3.9% year on year.

Source Markets

During May 2013, Spain saw a 9.3% year on year increase in UK visitors to Spain, making it the largest international tourism market to the country and representing well over a quarter of all international visitors (27.1%). The Balearic Islands were the main destination of choice for Brits, welcoming almost one in three of all British visitors and registering a 10.8% rise in British visitors compared to the previous year.

For the same period, Germany was the second strongest market, capturing 17.3% of all international visitors to Spain and registering a 13.2% increase compared to May 2012. France was the third strongest source market representing 14% of all international visitors and seeing a 5.9% year on year rise in French visitors to Spain.

Cumulatively from January until the end of May 2013, Spain welcomed more than 19.8 million international tourists, up 3.9% year on year. The UK maintains its position as Spain’s strongest inbound market seeing a cumulative year on year rise of 4.4% and representing over 22% of all international visitors, followed by Germany (16.4%) and France (16.4%).

Key destinations

During May 2013, Catalonia welcomed 1.5 million tourists (+ 6.3%), marking its sixteenth consecutive month of growth, with France representing the strongest inbound visitor market to the northern Spanish region.

The Balearics followed closely registering 1.4 million tourists (+ 13.2%) with seven of every ten visitors coming from the UK or Germany.

Andalucía welcomed 781,000 tourists (+ 5.7%) in May, with the Nordic countries, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom collectively taking full responsibility for the year on year growth.

The Canary Islands saw in excess of 690,000 visitors (+ 8.5%), with the UK accounting for the majority of visitors with a significant year on year growth of 10.5%.

Expenditure

In May 2013, Spain saw a 8.9% year on year increase in tourism expenditure. From the UK alone, tourism expenditure rose by 13.8% for the same period, accounting for the largest share (> 20%) of the total.

From January until the end of May 2013, Spain benefitted from more than 18 million euros in tourism expenditure, representing a cumulative rise of 7.9% compared to the same period last year. The UK is accountable for the largest share of tourism expenditure (18.4%), followed by Germany (16.5%) and France (10%).

Cumulatively from January to the end of May, the average expenditure has grown (+1.4%) with visitors spending an average of €883.00 in total and €111.00 per day. For the UK alone, the average spend has increased by over 4% year on year to a total of €704.00 per person, and €91.00 per day. Interestingly the biggest spenders are the Dutch, with an average total spend of €919.00 and an average daily spend of €114.00.

Other key statistics

During May 2013, over 83% of all international visitors to Spain arrived by plane. Air travel to Spain saw an 8.2% increase whereas access by road grew by 4.9%.

Whilst most visitors opted for hotel accommodation (66.6%), other types of accommodation saw a sharp rise (+24%).

In terms of types of travel, package holidays dropped by 6.4%, capturing 28.8% of Spain’s visitor market.

For more information on Spain as a holiday destination, please visit www.spain.info. For news, openings and events, please visit http://socialnewsroom.spain.info/. For further information, please contact spain@lotus-uk.co.uk


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 16 Jul 2013 10:17:59 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Sean Kelly to lead road bike tour from Bangkok to Phuket ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/sean-kelly-to-lead-road-bike-tour-from-bangkok-to-phuket-bde5fbf9818146678fdbfcfc61e0d115/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/sean-kelly-to-lead-road-bike-tour-from-bangkok-to-phuket-bde5fbf9818146678fdbfcfc61e0d115/ Tuesday 16 July, 2013
Ride with legendary pro cycling champion Sean Kelly on a SpiceRoads Cycle Tour in February 2014

SpiceRoads Cycle Tours is pleased to announce that legendary pro cycling champion Sean Kelly will be leading a road bike tour from Bangkok to Phuket, Thailand, on January 31- February 7, 2014.

This special road bike tour is designed for cyclists that want to push themselves hard each day and at the same time have an opportunity to ride with a former professional cyclist. Spending eight days with Kelly they will have intimate time with him to get training tips and to hear some of his tales of racing against Eddie Merckx, Greg LeMond, Laurent Fignon, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain at the European classics and Grand Tours.

Hailing from Ireland, Kelly was one of the most successful road cyclists of the 1980s, and one of the finest classic riders of all time. From turning professional in 1977 until his retirement in 1994, he won nine monument classics, and 193 professional races in total. During his career he started in the Tour de France 15 times and wore the maillot vert on four occasions, won Paris-Nice seven years in a row and the first UCI World Cup in 1989. Kelly was a complete rider who could sprint, time-trial and climb with the best and raced hard during the entire racing calendar.

Retired from professional cycling since 1994, Kelly nonetheless remains hugely involved in the sport, from his work as a TV commentator for Eurosport covering the Tour de France, to his formation of the Sean Kelly Cycling Team. Kelly is rightly regarded as one of the greatest sportsmen to ever come from Ireland.
On the Bangkok to Phuket tour cyclists will ride 700 km in six cycling days. The group, which will be limited to 20 participants who have road riding experience, will ride along both the east and the west coast of Thailand and overnight at resorts along the way, with afternoons free to enjoy the beach or the pool.

The tour starts in the Thai capital of Bangkok ends at Nai Yang beach on the resort island of Phuket. The Ride with Sean Kelly tour cost is US$2,750 and will be fully supported by air conditioned vehicles, with water, sports drinks and snacks provided during the ride. Riders can bring their own bikes, or rent a Trek 2.1C from SpiceRoads for US$200.

About SpiceRoads

SpiceRoads is a specialist bicycle tour operator based in Bangkok offering a range of two-wheel tours throughout Asia. SpiceRoads tours cater for every level of cyclist and range from day-trips to complete country explorations. Participants are invited to join tours with fixed date departures scheduled throughout the year, while private or tailor-made tours can be arranged for groups or individuals on request. The professional operations set-up includes a fleet of well-maintained mountain and road bikes and support vehicles. All tours are led by experienced cycle guides.

Please call or email for more information or photos:

Contact: Patricia Weismantel
Telephone: +66 2-381-7490
patricia@spiceroads.com
www.spiceroads.com



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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 16 Jul 2013 10:17:40 GMT Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Kate Nash To Co-Host WGSN Global Fashion Awards Shortlist Party ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/kate-nash-to-co-host-wgsn-global-fashion-awards-shortlist-party-aa9c15f1034fa6c8dc9c2c831375cb6d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/kate-nash-to-co-host-wgsn-global-fashion-awards-shortlist-party-aa9c15f1034fa6c8dc9c2c831375cb6d/ 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 13 Jul 2013 13:52:27 GMT Business & Finance Retail & Fashion
<![CDATA[ The Liverpool Pirate Festival Sails Into Action At Albert Dock - Bigger And Better Than Ever! ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-liverpool-pirate-festival-sails-into-action-at-albert-dock-bigger-and-better-than-ever-592999cb54c922823cb5f39d4a1a0963/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-liverpool-pirate-festival-sails-into-action-at-albert-dock-bigger-and-better-than-ever-592999cb54c922823cb5f39d4a1a0963/ 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 11 Jul 2013 18:49:18 GMT Entertainment & Arts Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Brand USA Seeks Representation Firm in France ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/brand-usa-seeks-representation-firm-in-france-b1696c14dbf4095a4c13715584115b8f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/brand-usa-seeks-representation-firm-in-france-b1696c14dbf4095a4c13715584115b8f/ 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 11 Jul 2013 18:48:53 GMT Business & Finance Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Park Plaza Leeds Takes On Abseiling Challenge To Support Cash For Kids Charity ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/park-plaza-leeds-takes-on-abseiling-challenge-to-support-cash-for-kids-charity-8fb31e1420243e30da61277f5394b31b/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/park-plaza-leeds-takes-on-abseiling-challenge-to-support-cash-for-kids-charity-8fb31e1420243e30da61277f5394b31b/ 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 11 Jul 2013 18:47:51 GMT Education & Human Resources Travel & Tourism
<![CDATA[ Benicassim Fib Festival 2013 planned to go ahead as organisers quash cancellation rumours ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/benicassim-fib-festival-2013-planned-to-go-ahead-as-organisers-quash-cancellation-rumours-a3535728ce5e86aef6026a0dd39d96fd/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/benicassim-fib-festival-2013-planned-to-go-ahead-as-organisers-quash-cancellation-rumours-a3535728ce5e86aef6026a0dd39d96fd/ Thursday 4 July, 2013
Benicassim festival also officially know as FIB has released a statement on the official Facebook page regarding the cancellation rumours ahead of the 2013 festival on the 18-21 July.

Festival organisers released a statement which was only posted in Spanish quashing the cancelation rumours drifting through the media"FIB is in no way Affected by the acquisition and This Year's festival will go ahead as planned 18-21 July 2013.
"

Organisers of Spanish festival Benicassim will not be cancelled this year, despite rumours of suspension in light of alleged organisational problems. A statement regarding the go-ahead of the event is due today (Wednesday 3 July).

The event is set to take place from 18-21 July with performances from Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age and more - but Spanish newspaper El Pais has reported that vendors are owed 'substantial amounts' and that suppliers have reportedly not been offered a guarantee on their payment. This has caused many festival goers and media outlets to speculate tha


Denis Desmond and SJM Concerts have jointly acquired a substantial portion of the shares of Maraworld SA, parent company of the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB).

Vince Power remains a shareholder in Maraworld SA. Continue serving as CEO until August 2013.

FIB is not affected by this acquisition and this year goes ahead as planned from 18 to 21 July.

Vince Power said: "The difficult economic climate, coupled with the bad year suffered by Music Festivals PLC has motivated my decision to sell a significant stake Benicàssim Festival. I am pleased that two of the most important European festival promoters are now partners. IBF is one of the festivals best established and most loved in the world and I wanted to secure the future of the festival for many years. I am delighted that we have found excellent partners for FIB forward into a new phase and fans ensure it is secured and is solid this year and for years to come. Next year, IFF celebrates its 20th anniversary and hope to live many more memorable festivals in the coming years. "

The headliners this year are The Killers, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Primal Scream and Beady Eye, Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, The Courteeners, Hurts, Deap Vally, Jake Bugg and Azealia Banks also confirmed, along with a long list of other groups that are available on www.fiberfib.com

+ + + + +

MARAWORLD SA SELLS Shareholding

Denis Desmond and SJM Concerts have Jointly acquired a major shareholding in Maraworld SA, parent company of Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB).

Vince Power Remains a shareholder in Maraworld SA. I will continue as Managing Director in charge until August 2013

FIB is in no way Affected by the acquisition and This Year's festival will go ahead as planned 18-21 July 2013.

Vince Power comments, "The Difficult economic climate coupled With The bad year Suffered by Music Festivals PLC has PRompted my decision to sell a major shareholding in Benicàssim festival. I am pleased That 2 of Europe's best Known Festival Promoters are now taking part. IBF is one of the world s most established and best-loved live music events and I wanted to Ensure the future of the festival for many years to come. I am pleased we have found great partners to take Benicàssim forward to its next phase and to guarantee it is secure and solid for the fans, This year and every year. Benicàssim Next year celebrates its 20th anniversary and I look forward to many more memorable festivals in years to come. "

This years' headliners are The Killers, Queens of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys, Primal Scream and Beady Eye, With Kaiser Chiefs, Dizzee Rascal, The Courteeners, Hurts, Deap Vally, Jake Bugg and Azealia Banks Also confirmed, alongside a host of other talent.

Full line-up can be found at www.fiberfib.com|


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 04 Jul 2013 10:00:05 GMT Entertainment & Arts
<![CDATA[ Durham University student unearths carved head of Roman god in ancient rubbish dump ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/durham-university-student-unearths-carved-head-of-roman-god-in-ancient-rubbish-dump-ac81b3e73b6eb1d95e4ef96d361e0a47/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/durham-university-student-unearths-carved-head-of-roman-god-in-ancient-rubbish-dump-ac81b3e73b6eb1d95e4ef96d361e0a47/ Thursday 4 July, 2013
An 1,800-year-old carved stone head of what is believed to be a Roman god has been unearthed in an ancient rubbish dump.

Archaeologists made the discovery at Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, in County Durham.

First year Durham University archaeology student Alex Kirton found the artefact, which measures about 20cm by 10cm, in buried late Roman rubbish within what was probably a bath house.

The sandstone head, which dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD, has been likened to the Celtic deity Antenociticus, thought to have been worshipped as a source of inspiration and intercession in military affairs.

A similar sandstone head, complete with an inscription identifying it as Antenociticus, was found at Benwell, in Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1862.

Dr David Petts, Lecturer in Archaeology at Durham University, said:

“We found the Binchester head close to where a small Roman altar was found two years ago. We think it may have been associated with a small shrine in the bath house and dumped after the building fell out of use, probably in the 4th century AD

“It is probably the head of a Roman god – we can’t be sure of his name, but it does have similarities to the head of Antenociticus found at Benwell in the 19th century.

“We may never know the true identity of this new head, but we are continuing to explore the building from which it came to help us improve our understanding of late Roman life at Binchester and the Roman Empire’s northern frontier in Northern England.

“Antenociticus is one of a number of gods known only from the northern frontier, a region which seems to have had a number of its own deities.

“It's also an excellent insight into the life and beliefs of the civilians living close to the Roman fort. The style is a combination of classical Roman art and more regional Romano-British traditions. It shows the population of the settlement taking classical artistic traditions and making them their own.”

Alex, 19, from Bishop’s Stortford, in Hertfordshire, said:

“As an archaeology student this is one of the best things and most exciting things that could have happened.”

He added: “It was an incredible thing to find in a lump of soil in the middle of nowhere – I've never found anything remotely exciting as this.”

Dr David Mason, Principal Archaeologist with the site’s owner, Durham County Council, said:

“The head is a welcome addition to the collection of sculpture and inscriptions from Binchester. Previous religious dedications from the site feature deities from the classical pantheon of gods and goddesses such as the supreme god Jupiter and those associated with healing and good health such as Aesculapius, Salus and Hygeia.

“This one however appears to represent a local Romano-Celtic god of the type frequently found in the frontier regions of the Empire and probably representing the conflation of a classical deity with its local equivalent. The similarity with the head of Antenociticus is notable, but this could be a deity local to Binchester.”

The Binchester head is African in appearance, but Dr Petts, who is also Associate Director of Durham University’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, said experts were unsure whether these features were deliberate or coincidental.

He explained: “This is something we need to consider deeply. If it is an image of an African, it could be extremely important, although this identification is not certain.”

Dr Mason added: “The African style comparison may be misleading as the form is typical of that produced by local craftsmen in the frontier region.”

The find was made as part of a five year project at Binchester Roman Fort which is shedding new light on the twilight years of the Roman Empire.

The Binchester dig is a joint project between Durham University’s Department of Archaeology, site owner Durham County Council, Stanford University’s Archaeology Centre and the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland.

Each summer, undergraduate archaeology students from Durham and the United States are joined by volunteer members of the public to painstakingly reveal more fascinating details from Binchester’s past.

* Visitors attending the Binchester Roman Festival on the weekend of July 13/14 will be able to see the head for themselves, along with other objects found during the current excavations. The Festival features guided tours of the excavations by Dr Mason as well as a programme of re-enactment events including firing of a full-size model of a ballista, a Roman artillery catapult, and demonstrations of ancient riding and fighting skills.

For details, see Binchester Roman Fort.

About Binchester Fort

Binchester – known to the Romans as Vinovia – was established in the later 1st century AD and was once the largest Roman fort in County Durham.

Sited on the main Roman road between the legionary headquarters at York and Hadrian's Wall, it controlled an important crossing point over the River Wear. It was also surrounded by the remains of a substantial settlement which would have housed the civilian population.

The major excavation fieldwork has been underway since 2009 and focuses on a section of the fort interior and a sample area of the nearby civilian settlement.

Previous finds at the site have included the remains of very late Roman activity at the fort, among them evidence for large-scale leather production dating to the very final years of Roman control in Britain in the late 4th and early 5th century AD.

Other evidence discovered at Binchester, including structures and artifacts, might also indicate continued occupation at the site into the early medieval period.

The archaeologists’ work at the site featured on BBC Two’s Digging for Britain in 2011 and on Channel Four’s Time Team in 2008.

About Antenociticus – a “Geordie” Roman god?

A carved stone head depicting Antenociticus was found in 1862 at a temple dedicated to the deity at Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne. Fragments of a forearm and a lower leg were also found, suggesting that the head may have been part of a life-sized statue

The small temple of Antenociticus stands in the vicus (civilian settlement) outside Benwell (Condercum) Fort, one of 13 permanent forts added to the line of Hadrian’s Wall during its construction.

The temple was built in about AD 178-80, probably to mark the promotion of the Roman cavalry prefect who dedicated one of three altars in the temple to Antenociticus.

It is thought Antenociticus was possibly worshipped as a source of inspiration and intercession in military matters

Antenociticus is not mentioned at any other Romano-British site or on any inscriptions from the Continent, hence his identification as a local deity.

The Benwell head is now on display at Newcastle’s Great North Museum: Hancock.

PRESS CONTACT:

Monday to Friday 0900 - 1700
Tel +44 (0) 191 334 6075
Email media.relations@durham.ac.uk
Fax + 44 (0) 191 334 6073


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 04 Jul 2013 09:01:40 GMT Education & Human Resources Leisure & Hobbies
<![CDATA[ Firms win more than £500,000 of council contracts on new website ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/firms-win-more-than-500000-of-council-contracts-on-new-website-44c9e22586d48bdf41daec0e12819671/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/firms-win-more-than-500000-of-council-contracts-on-new-website-44c9e22586d48bdf41daec0e12819671/ Wednesday 19 June, 2013
Firms have won deals worth more than £500,000 from a new online initiative spearheaded by Surrey County Council.

The council has revealed that local businesses have been awarded 26 contracts totalling £521,000 through the BuildSurrey website within six months of launching.

Surrey created the site to help companies land building and repair work from the council, its main contractors and others in the public sector as part of a pledge to ensure 60% of the authority’s spending on goods and services is with local businesses.

Its successful launch helped the county council earn a government award last month for being among the top 10 authorities in the country to do business with.

The contracts news comes after around 100 businesses attended an event in Woking to encourage companies to register on BuildSurrey and hire apprentices.

Oxted-based Pembury Construction Services has just secured a contract through BuildSurrey worth around £45,000.

Director Phil Ithier said: “We attended a number of BuildSurrey events, which helped us to understand the process for registering and using the web portal for tendering purposes. We had a number questions, all of which were responded to promptly and we have just secured our first contract.”

Surrey County Council Leader David Hodge said: “Local businesses are the bedrock of every community, creating jobs and stimulating growth. If they thrive, we all thrive and that is why we have set a goal of making sure 60% of our spending is with Surrey businesses.

“Our BuildSurrey website has been an innovative way of helping to achieve this by helping local firms win contracts worth more than £500,000 and I’m sure it will continue to prove its worth in the months and years ahead.”


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 19 Jun 2013 12:55:47 GMT Business & Finance Entertainment & Arts
<![CDATA[ East Belfast launches RAPID a new scheme to get drugs off the streets ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/east-belfast-launches-rapid-a-new-scheme-to-get-drugs-off-the-streets-e8119cd322a35854590d12f3bd8e4153/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/east-belfast-launches-rapid-a-new-scheme-to-get-drugs-off-the-streets-e8119cd322a35854590d12f3bd8e4153/ Wednesday 19 June, 2013
RAPID’ (Remove all Prescription and Illegal Drugs) is a community safety initiative that promotes the removal of all illegal or unused prescription drugs and new psychoactive substances (often incorrectly referred to as ‘legal highs’) from the community. People can safely and anonymously deposit drugs in a drug box safe located at Connswater Shopping Centre.

Welcoming the scheme, which has seen the disposal of 450 items during the first three weeks of operation, Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “Substance misuse, whether it is alcohol, illegal drugs, the misuse of prescription drugs, or these new substances, can have a very real and damaging effect on people’s physical health and wellbeing, as well as their mental health, relationships, family, friends and community.

“As Health Minister, I have seen all too frequently the devastating impact that substance misuse can have on our society – from the health and social care system, to the economy and the criminal justice sector.”

Turning to the costs of drug and alcohol misuse, the Minister continued: “A report commissioned by my Department highlighted that alcohol misuse alone costs us up to £900 million every year, and almost £250 million of these costs are borne by the Health and Social Care Sector. Adding in the costs of drug misuse would bring this figure to over £1 billion.

“However, even these stark figures cannot bring home the individual tragedies and the human cost that substance misuse causes right across Northern Ireland.”

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) leads on the cross-departmental strategy to reduce the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse on Northern Ireland, known as the ‘New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs’. The RAPID scheme will support two of the key issues set out in that strategy, tackling new psychoactive substances (sometimes incorrectly labelled ‘legal highs’) and the misuse of prescription drugs.

Concluding, the Minister said: “As well as providing a way of getting potentially dangerous drugs off our streets, RAPID will also allow us the opportunity to test substances and put out clear public health messages to the community.

“This is a great example of partnership working and engagement with the local community. We need to build on this approach and ensure that we continue to work together across sectors and organisations to get the best outcomes for us all.”

EDITOR NOTES

1. ‘RAPID’ (Remove all Prescription and Illegal Drugs) is a community safety initiative between Lower Castlereagh Working Group, District Policing and Community Safety Partnership (DPCSP), Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Forum for Alcohol and Substance Abuse / Community Action Support Team for Drugs & Alcohol (FASA / CAST), Belfast City Council and Connswater Shopping Centre.

2. FASA was formed in 1995 and receives funding from the Public Health Agency (PHA) in respect of Protect Life and New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs Phase 2.

3. Media enquiries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074. Out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 19 Jun 2013 12:51:13 GMT Health Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Moderate drinking during pregnancy does not appear to harm baby’s neurodevelopment ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/moderate-drinking-during-pregnancy-does-not-appear-to-harm-babys-neurodevelopment-4be5f3c4307b60f9a939cf0d2d3ed7a1/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/moderate-drinking-during-pregnancy-does-not-appear-to-harm-babys-neurodevelopment-4be5f3c4307b60f9a939cf0d2d3ed7a1/ Tuesday 18 June, 2013
Moderate drinking during pregnancy — three to seven glasses of alcohol a week — does not appear to harm fetal neurodevelopment, as indicated by the child’s ability to balance, suggests a large study, led by academics at the University of Bristol and published online in the journal BMJ Open.

But social advantage may be a factor, as more affluent and better educated mums-to-be tend to drink more than women who are less well off, say the research team led by Professor John Macleod at the University’s School of Social and Community Medicine.

The researchers assessed the ability to balance — an indicator of prenatal neurodevelopment — of almost 7,000 ten-year-olds who were part of the University of Bristol’s Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).

ALSPAC has been tracking the long term health of around 14,000 children born between 1991 and 1992 to women resident in the former Avon region of the UK.

Those children whose mothers’ alcohol consumption during (18 weeks) and after pregnancy (47 months) was known, underwent a 20-minute balance assessment when they reached the age of ten.

The assessment included dynamic balance (walking on a beam); and static balance (heel to toe balance on a beam, standing on one leg for 20 seconds) with eyes open and then again with eyes closed. Each child had two attempts at the test.

Their dads were also asked how much alcohol they drank when their partners were 3 months pregnant. Over half said they drank one or more glasses per week and one in five said they drank one or more glasses a day.

Most of the children’s mums had drunk no alcohol (70 per cent) while pregnant, while one in four drank between one and two (low consumption) and three and seven glasses a week (moderate consumption).

Some 4.5 per cent drank seven or more glasses a week. Of these, around one in seven were classified as binge drinkers—four or more glasses at any one time.

Four years after the pregnancy, more than 28 per cent of the women were not drinking any alcohol, and over half were drinking between three and seven+ glasses of alcohol a week.

In general, the mums who drank more but were not binge drinkers were better off and older; the mums who binge drank were less well off and younger.

Higher total alcohol consumption by mums before and after pregnancy, and also higher consumption by the dad during the first three months of pregnancy, were associated with better performance in the children, particularly for static balance.

The genetic predisposition to low levels of alcohol consumption was assessed in 4,335 women by blood test. If the above surprising apparently “beneficial” effects of higher parental alcohol consumption on children’s balance were true we would expect children of mums with the “low alcohol” gene to have worse balance. However there was no evidence that the children of these women were less able to balance than those whose mums who did not have this genetic profile. In fact there was a weak suggestion that children of mums with the “low alcohol” gene actually had better balance though this study was too small to show this reliably.

Taken together, the results showed that after taking account of influential factors, such as age, smoking, and previous motherhood, low to moderate alcohol consumption did not seem to interfere with a child’s ability to balance for any of the three components assessed.

But in general, better static balance was associated with greater levels of affluence and educational attainment. In this group of mums moderate alcohol intake was a marker for social advantage which may itself be the key factor in better balance possibly overriding subtle harmful effects of moderate alcohol use.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 18 Jun 2013 12:16:38 GMT Health Women & Beauty
<![CDATA[ SurModics Signs License Agreement with Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/surmodics-signs-license-agreement-with-clinuvel-pharmaceuticals-4adb1c6d99b65da10453269b808f65f7/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/surmodics-signs-license-agreement-with-clinuvel-pharmaceuticals-4adb1c6d99b65da10453269b808f65f7/ Saturday 15 June, 2013
SurModics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRDX), a leading provider of drug delivery and surface modification technologies to the healthcare industry, announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited of Melbourne, Australia. Under the agreement, the Company’s SurModics Pharmaceuticals unit has licensed certain of its biodegradable polymer implant technology to Clinuvel for the treatment of sun-induced skin disorders. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to announce the execution of this important license agreement with Clinuvel”
SurModics and Clinuvel have been collaborating on the development of Clinuvel’s sustained release SCENESSE® (afamelanotide) implant formulation for several years. The implant is being developed as a prophylactic treatment for a range of UV and light-related skin disorders. Clinuvel’s implant is currently being evaluated for a variety of skin disorders in several clinical trials in Europe and Australia. In addition, Clinuvel has recently announced initiation of a Phase II trial in the United States for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), an orphan disease which affects around 3,000 Americans. Independent estimates from RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) place SCENESSE’s potential market for all UV-related disorders being investigated by Clinuvel in excess of seven million patients worldwide.

SurModics’ biodegradable polymer drug delivery technology enables the drug afamelanotide to be released in a sustained and tightly controlled manner. This elegant release stimulates the production of melanin in the patient’s skin, to protect the patient from UV and light exposure.

“We are very pleased to announce the execution of this important license agreement with Clinuvel,” said Phil Ankeny, interim CEO of SurModics. “This announcement demonstrates the value of our sustained drug delivery technologies and reinforces how we partner with our customers to develop and bring to market compelling products that leverage our core technologies. It also further validates the progress we are making in securing license agreements with our customers for pharmaceutical products that incorporate technology developed by our SurModics Pharmaceuticals business. Additionally, Clinuvel has become yet another potential customer for our new cGMP manufacturing facility in Alabama.”

“Clinuvel is delighted to further our partnership with SurModics through the signing of this agreement,” said Philippe Wolgen, M.D., CEO of Clinuvel. “The launch of our clinical trial program for porphyria in the United States is a significant milestone for our company, and our partnership with SurModics reflects not only the company’s best-in-class enabling technology, but also their impressive track record of progressing technology through the rigorous regulatory process, from clinical trials to commercialization. We look forward to continuing our work together to develop effective therapies for patients suffering from severe UV-related skin disorders.”

“Today’s announcement represents a natural progression of our relationship with Clinuvel,” said Arthur J. Tipton, Ph.D., senior vice president & chief scientific officer of SurModics. “Together, our teams have solved numerous scientific and technical issues over the years culminating in the signing of this licensing agreement. Clinuvel’s product provides a novel way to treat serious skin disorders. We are excited to support Clinuvel as they continue with their U.S. clinical trials, and are also encouraged by the positive clinical results Clinuvel has generated to date.”

Clinuvel’s Clinical Trials

Clinuvel’s SCENESSE (afamelanotide) implant is currently in clinical trials for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP, or sun intolerance) – Phase III OUS, Phase II US; actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in organ transplant recipients (skin cancers) – Phase II OUS; and polymorphous light eruption (PLE, commonly known as sun poisoning) – Phase III OUS. For more information visit www.scenesse.com.

About SurModics, Inc.

SurModics’ vision is to extend and improve the lives of patients through technology innovation. The Company partners with the world’s foremost medical device, pharmaceutical and life science companies to develop and commercialize innovative products that result in improved diagnosis and treatment for patients. Core offerings include: drug delivery technologies (coatings, microparticles, nanoparticles, and implants); surface modification coating technologies that impart lubricity, prohealing, and biocompatibility capabilities; and components for in vitro diagnostic test kits and specialized surfaces for cell culture and microarrays. SurModics is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and its SurModics Pharmaceuticals subsidiary is located in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information about the Company, visit www.surmodics.com. The content of SurModics’ website is not part of this release or part of any filings the Company makes with the SEC.

About Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited

Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a leading and innovative Australian company focused on the development of SCENESSE (afamelanotide), its proprietary first-in-class photoprotective drug. Clinuvel has identified five groups of patients with a clinical need for photoprotection. Pending positive clinical results, Clinuvel aims to file SCENESSE for its first market approval for the orphan indication porphyria (EPP). For more information visit www.clinuvel.com.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, such as expectations about our pipeline, and the potential of the SCENESSE product as a treatment for sun-induced skin disorders are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including the following: (1) realizing the full potential benefits of the Company's agreement with Clinuvel requires the successful development of new products and manufacturing processes; (2) our reliance on third parties (including our customers and licensees) and their failure to successfully develop, obtain regulatory approval for, market and sell products incorporating our technologies may adversely affect our business operations, and our ability to realize the full potential of our pipeline, (3) costs or difficulties relating to the integration of SurModics Pharmaceuticals may be greater than expected and may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition; (4) developments in the regulatory environment, as well as market and economic conditions, may adversely affect our business operations and profitability; and (5) other factors identified under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009, and updated in our subsequent reports filed with the SEC. These reports are available in the Investors section of our website at www.surmodics.com and at the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

Contacts

SurModics, Inc.
Phil Ankeny, interim CEO, Senior VP and CFO
(952) 829-2700


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 15 Jun 2013 11:05:27 GMT Business & Finance Health
<![CDATA[ UK Trade & Investment Minister visits Thailand to support bilateral trade and investment ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/uk-trade-investment-minister-visits-thailand-to-support-bilateral-trade-and-investment-14e6288b37729e63605a03caa246d035/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/uk-trade-investment-minister-visits-thailand-to-support-bilateral-trade-and-investment-14e6288b37729e63605a03caa246d035/ 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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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 13 Jun 2013 09:00:41 GMT Business & Finance Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Health Minister Edwin Poots this evening praised nurses for making a real difference across the Health Service. ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/health-minister-edwin-poots-this-evening-praised-nurses-for-making-a-real-difference-across-the-health-service-ac4b0572614b8c129bb8339f1230de4f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/health-minister-edwin-poots-this-evening-praised-nurses-for-making-a-real-difference-across-the-health-service-ac4b0572614b8c129bb8339f1230de4f/ Friday 7 June, 2013
The Minister was speaking at the annual Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year 2013 Awards ceremony. Paying tribute to all the nurses who were recognised at the event, the Minister said: “All of you are deserving of our admiration and recognition and are already winners within your profession.”

Minister Poots acknowledged the unique contribution of all nurses within the health and social care system, in the context of the changing needs of an ageing population, increase in long term conditions and the challenge to support everyone to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The Minister continued: “There is a fundamental human need to be looked after with care and compassion by a competent professional and this remains a unique contribution of the nursing profession.”

Turning to Transforming Your Care, the Minister said that plans to deliver care closer to home and prevent unnecessary hospital attendances and admission would depend particularly on the skills of specialists nurses, particularly those working in the community, working within initiatives such as ‘virtual wards’ and ‘hospital at home’.

Highlighting the need for investment the Minister said: “Investment will be needed to do this and I have set aside over £1.5million specifically for workforce development and re-skilling right across health and social care to support the transition of care, in addition to other investment in workforce planning and service change. This is critical to ensure that we have the right people in the right place with the right skills, and we have a sustainable and safe health and social care services into the future.”

Mr. Poots acknowledged that the coming months and years would bring a great pace of change and difficult choices and commended nursing for looking ahead and preparing to shape the future.

Concluding Mr. Poots said: “I encourage all of you to be proud of your profession and of the service you provide. You have a gift and this evening’s event demonstrates your professionalism for the job. Look at the success that has been achieved here this evening, learn from it and replicate your success back in the workplace.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to welcome the New Chief Nursing Officer, Charlotte Mc Ardle, to her post. He said: “Charlotte has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a clear vision of how to lead the nursing and midwifery workforce into the future.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Northern Ireland Nurse of the Year Awards is now in their 17th Year. The award ceremony was hosted by Tara Mills.

2. A full list of award winners is available from Lisa Holden, Media Officer, RCN, 07789691505,

3. Media queries about this press release to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0567, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 07 Jun 2013 10:52:57 GMT Health Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ New era of education and training for NHS staff ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/new-era-of-education-and-training-for-nhs-staff-acf2861c5581452c4ab9564cc3e4ab34/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/new-era-of-education-and-training-for-nhs-staff-acf2861c5581452c4ab9564cc3e4ab34/ Tuesday 28 May, 2013
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter has today announced a wide ranging series of measures to improve the training, values and education of all NHS staff over the next two years and beyond.

The measures have been published in the government’s mandate to Health Education England, a new arms-length body set up to give NHS training and education unprecedented focus and importance. It will be backed by £5 billion and will be accountable to ministers for delivering the goals set out in today’s document.

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said:

The staff working in our NHS are our health service’s most precious resource, and we must do all we can to ensure that our staff have the right values, training, and skills to deliver the very highest quality of care for patients. Today’s mandate to Health Education England, backed by a £5 billion budget will help our many dedicated frontline staff to further improve their ability to care for patients as well as enabling our NHS to train the next generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants.

As people are living longer with more complex medical and care needs, so must we ensure that our NHS workforce has the right skills and values to provide more care in the community for older patients as well as to give each and every child the very best start in life. Plans for the future training and recruitment of our NHS will lead to better working lives for staff and better care for patients.

The commitments for Health Education England include:

Better care for people with dementia and with complex needs
100,000 staff to have foundation level dementia training by March 2014 with plans in place to extend this further by autumn 2013;
training a multidisciplinary workforce able to work in both hospitals and the community, with a target of 50 per cent of medical students becoming GPs; and
more nurses to be trained in the community, with at least 50 per cent of student nurses doing community placements as part of their training by March 2015.

Clear national workforce plans

a new five-year workforce plan to ensure the right levels of staffing and training across the health service workforce by autumn 2013; including a commitment to tackle historical shortages in doctors working in emergency medicine and encourage more doctors into emergency medicine; and
a commitment that sufficient midwives and other maternity staff are trained and available to provide every woman with personalised one-to-one care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and during the post-natal period.

Better recruitment and training

Recruitment to all NHS-funded training to be based on values and behaviours as well as technical and academic skills by March 2015;
a plan to support the progression of healthcare assistants into nursing by autumn 2014, and to establish minimum training standards for healthcare assistants by spring 2014;

the development of postgraduate training for nurses working with older people with complex care needs, for introduction in September 2014;
more GPs with mandatory training in mental health and children’s health;
increasing the number of apprenticeships as a route of entry to training for healthcare staff; and
timetable for the review of the qualifications required for non-surgical cosmetic procedures by summer 2013.
The far-reaching document is a blueprint for NHS staff training. It is aligned with the mandate for NHS England on its priorities to tackle preventable deaths; treat long-term conditions; introduce a culture of caring; and improve treatment of dementia.
Professor Ian Cumming, Chief Executive of Health Education England, said:
Health Education England exists for one reason and one reason only: to improve the quality of care delivered to patients by ensuring that our workforce has the right numbers, skills, values and behaviours, and is available at the right time and in the right place. Our mandate from the Government sets out clearly the plans for education and training that will be the cornerstone for the delivery of high quality, effective, compassionate care, by recruiting for values and training for skills. Our £5 billion budget will allow us to recruit, train and develop a workforce that will deliver improved care to patients.

The mandate is set out under six broad themes - support for service priorities, NHS values and behaviours, excellent education, competent and capable staff, working in partnership and value for money. It covers the two years from April 2013 to March 2015 and will be reviewed in autumn 2013.

Contact the Department of Health press office for a copy of the mandate.

Notes to editors

From 1st April 2013, the Secretary of State for Health will have a statutory duty to ensure that an effective education and training system is in place for the NHS and public health. This coincides with abolition of the strategic health authorities and the transfer of their responsibilities for education and training to Health Education England (HEE) and employers working together in local education and training boards (LETBS).

It will be the responsibility of HEE to provide national leadership and strategic direction for education, training and workforce development and to ensure a nationally coherent system is in place.

The NHS invests almost £5 billion each year in central funding for the training and development of its workforce and that of the public health system. This money will transfer to HEE to support the delivery of the objectives set out in the mandate.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 28 May 2013 10:04:26 GMT Health
<![CDATA[ Emirates Group Announces 25th Consecutive Year of Profit ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/emirates-group-announces-25th-consecutive-year-of-profit-53fc664f9f445dd91b6d1a2bd1440111/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/emirates-group-announces-25th-consecutive-year-of-profit-53fc664f9f445dd91b6d1a2bd1440111/ Thursday 23 May, 2013
• Group records AED 3.1 billion (US$ 845 million) net profit

• Largest capacity increase in airline's history adding 34 new aircraft and

10 new destinations

• Emirates passes 39 million passenger milestone

• Emirates profit of AED 2.3 billion (US$ 622 million)

• dnata profit of AED 819 million (US$ 223 million)



DUBAI, UAE - 9th May 2013 - The Emirates Group has today announced it 25th consecutive year of profit and company-wide growth ending the year in a strong position despite continuing high fuel prices and a weak global economic environment. The financial year also ended with some very positive newly reached capacity milestones throughout the business.


Released today in the Group's 2012-13 Annual Report, the company posted an AED 3.1 billion (US$ 845 million) net profit, up 34 per cent from last year. Even with external challenges, the Group's revenue reached AED 77.5 billion (US$ 21.1 billion) an increase of 17 per cent over last year's results. The Group's cash balance grew by 53 per cent reaching a solid AED 27.0 billion (US$ 7.3 billion).


"Achieving our 25th consecutive year of profit in a financial year with our largest ever increase in capacity across the network is an achievement that speaks to the strength of our brands and our leadership," said His Highness (H.H) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.


"Throughout the 2012-13 financial year the Group has collectively invested over AED 13.8 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) in new aircraft, products, services and handling facilities as well as the newly opened JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. This investment has resulted in an increased customer base and a rise in global brand awareness. Every dirham that we earn is strategically placed back into our business and it is this tenacious approach that has allowed the Group to maintain such strong and consistent profitability under challenging circumstances."


Despite a difficult operating environment, the Group continued to invest in and expand on its employee base, increasing its overall staff count by 12 per cent to 68,000.


Emiratescontinued with its growth plan and during the financial year saw the largest increase in capacity in the airline's history receiving a staggering 34 new aircraft, the highest in any single year and an unprecedented achievement. These aircraft were funded by raising more than US$ 7.8 billion, also a first, through a variety of financing structures. Overall capacity measured in Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKMs) increased by 5.5 billion tonne-kilometres. Other significant capacity increases include launching 10 new destinations across six continents, shipping more than 2 million tonnes of cargo for the first time and carrying an additional 5.4 million passengers over last year, the highest increase in a financial year.


In the 2012-13 financial year Emirates' fuel bill increased by 15 per cent over last year to reach AED 27.9 billion (US$ 7.6 billion). With total operating costs increasing by 16 per cent compared to a revenue increase of 17 per cent over last year.


"Managing volatile exchange rates, coupled with a persistently high fuel bill accounting for 40 per cent of our total expenditures, has required continued strong resolve," added Sheikh Ahmed. "Even with these lingering challenges we continue to grow and remain profitable despite the industry norms because we continue to rely on our proven business model and understanding of the marketplace."


"Staying the course, our strategy for growth has reaped high benefits this past financial year, which has been our strongest ever in relationship to capacity growth," said Sheikh Ahmed. "Emirates seat load factor over the last three years has been 80 per cent despite our increase in capacity by 44 per cent during the same period, showing the continued global demand for our product. In addition our capacity measured in terms of Available Tonne Kilometres (ATKMs), which includes passenger and cargo capacity, crossed the 40 billion tonne-kilometres mark, another first for Emirates."


Highlighting its sound financials and investor confidence, Emirates raised more than AED 28.6 billion (US$ 7.8 billion) in new funding mainly to secure its on-going fleet expansion, a record amount for the airline. This impressive total included US$ 587.5 million financing for additional A380's with a bond that used the debt capital market in the U.S., a first for a non-U.S. airline in years. Emirates also issued a 10-year amortised Sukuk for US$ 1 billion and raised US$ 750 million with a 12-year amortised bond matched to the payment cycle for the aircraft. It further includes more than AED 20 billion (US$5.4 billion) raised through finance and operating leases.


"We move into the new financial year with confidence and a clear vision of where we are headed. We understand that succeeding in this industry requires determination and we are unapologetic about our drive to be the best," added Sheikh Ahmed. "We strive to provide superior customer experiences and as our customers' expectations increase so do the expectations we set for ourselves. With the help of our 68,000 strong multicultural work force we have no doubt that the year ahead will again be more profitable than the last."


Emirates revenue reached a record high of AED 73.1 billion (US$ 19.9 billion) growing by 17 per cent when compared to the 2011-12 financial year. Although the average price of jet fuel did not increase over last year, it remains high and has impacted Emirates' bottom line with the airline's profit at AED 2.3 billion (US$ 622 million) representing an increase of 52 per cent over last year's results.

Carrying a record 39.4 million passengers, an increase of 16 per cent, Emirates logged a robust Passenger Seat Factor, at 80 per cent, remaining consistent with last year's results. With an increase in seat capacity-Available Seat Kilometres (ASKMs) of 18 per cent the result highlights a strong consumer desire to fly on Emirates' state-of-the-art aircraft.

Passenger yield remained steady with 30.5 fils (8.3 US cents) per Revenue Passenger Kilometre (RPKM).



Revenue generated from across Emirates' six regions continues to be well balanced, with no region contributing more than 30 per cent of overall revenues. East Asia and Australasia remained the highest revenue contributing region with AED 20.9 billion (US$ 5.7 billion) up 15 per cent from 2011-12. Europe, up 18 per cent to AED 20.1billion (US$ 5.5 billion) and the Americas up 24 per cent to AED 8.3 billion (US$ 2.3 billion) saw the most significant growth, reflecting new destinations as well as increased frequency and capacity to these regions.


Across the rest of the globe Emirates saw strong revenue increases from West Asia and the Indian Ocean up 13 per cent to AED 8.0 billion (US$ 2.2 billion), Gulf/Middle East up 13 per cent to AED 7.1 billion (US$ 1.9 billion) and Africa with AED 6.7 billion (US$1.8 billion) in revenue, up 10 per cent.

Emirates premium seat factor remained strong despite the global financial uncertainty. Premium and overall seat factor for the airline's flagship A380aircraft outperformed the network, highlighting the continued demand for the product from passengers.



With a further 198 aircraft on order worth over US$ 71 billion, combined with the airline's increasing worldwide passenger traffic, Emirates' is set to continue to drive considerable economic growth in the countries that it serves.



Forging ahead with its intricately planned expansion, Emirates received 34 new wide-body aircraft during the year including 20 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Airbus A380s and 4 Boeing 777LRFs compared with last year's 22 aircraft. With an increased fleet, Emirates launched 10 new destinations in 2012-13 including Ho Chi Minh City, Barcelona, Lisbon, Erbil, Washington, DC, Adelaide, Lyon, Phuket, Warsaw and Algiers.



Looking forward to 2013-14, Emirates has to date announced four new routes; Haneda, Clark in the Philippines, Stockholm and Milan to New York.



New A380 destinations for the airline in 2012-13 included; Amsterdam, Melbourne, Singapore and Moscow. Bringing the total number of A380 destinations to 21. In addition, a second A380 was deployed on the existing Paris and New York routes, making both now a double daily A380 service. Two of our aircraft to London Heathrow were also upgraded to A380s, making all five daily flights now A380s.



Focusing on our customer touch points, Emirates opened three new dedicated airport lounges during the year including Milan and the new First Class and Business Class Concourse A

facilities at Dubai Airport, which are among the largest in the world, bringing the total number of Emirates lounges to 35. The existing Business Class lounge in Dubai Airport's Concourse C was also refurbished to provide passengers with an enhanced experience.

Defying the industry trend, the 2012-13 financial year has been a strong one for Emirates SkyCargo who for the first time reported a revenue over AED 10 billion reaching AED 10.3 billion (US$ 2.8 billion) mark, an 8 per cent increase over last year.



Emirates SkyCargo's tonnage increased 16 per cent reaching a remarkable 2.1 million tonnes in a shrinking airfreight market, highlighting its ability to grow revenues against the industry norm. This year, freight yield per Freight Tonne Kilometre (FTKM) decreased by 6 per cent.



Contributing 15 per cent of Emirates' total transport revenue Emirate SkyCargo continues to play an integral role in the company's expanding operations.



At the end of the financial year, Emirates SkyCargo freighter fleet totalled 10 aircraft - eight on operating lease and two on wet lease.



Emirates' Destination and Leisure Management including hotels saw revenue of AED 460 million (US$ 125 million), an increase of 15 per cent over last year. The positive development was supported by the opening of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, the world's tallest hotel, at the end of 2012.



In the 53 years of dnata, 2012-13 has been its most successful yet, coming on the back of very strong results in 2011-12. With an increase of 15 per cent over last year, dnata grew its revenue to AED 6.6 billion (US$ 1.8 billion). Overall dnatawas able to outperform last year's record to AED 819 million (US$ 223 million). More than 46 per cent of this revenue comes from dnata's growing international business. This year's figures take into account the full year results of Travel Republic and newly set-up catering related Alpha LSG Joint Venture (JV) in the UK between dnata and LSG Skychefs. The JV is only reported at equity accounting levels and last year's figures have been adjusted for comparative purposes accordingly.



dnata's international growth continued with the addition of several new companies in its portfolio including the acquisition of En Route International Ltd, a supplier for bakery and packaged food solutions, a partnership with inflight caterer the Newrest Group and Mentor Africa, and the development of an expansive 20-acre cargo logistics centre named 'dnata City' at London Heathrow Airport to improve cargo services.



Revenue from dnata's airport operations increased by 7 per cent reaching AED 2.5 billion (US$ 674 million) making it the largest revenue stream. The positive development is primarily driven by strong volume growth in Dubai and in a number of dnata's other global operations.



Revenue from dnata's inflight catering, accounted for AED 1.4 billion (US$ 383 million) of its total revenue up 16 per cent, uplifting nearly 29 million meals during the year.



dnata's cargo handling division also witnessed growth with revenue increasing by 7 per cent to AED 1.1 billion (US$ 293 million) on account of rapidly increasing business volumes at Dubai World Central Airport and by expanding handling activities at Dubai International Airport.



For the year, dnata's operating costs increased by 17 per cent to AED 5.8 billion (US$ 1.6 billion). This growth is also influenced by the first full year integration of Travel Republic.



As of 31st March 2013, the Group employed 68,000 staff across more than 80 companies, representing over 160 different nationalities. The full 2012-13 Annual Report of the Emirates Group - comprising Emirates, dnata and their subsidiaries - is available at: www.theemiratesgroup.com/annualreport



-ENDS-

Photo Captions:

1) His Highness (H.H) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group



2) Concourse A, home of the Emirates A380, is the world first dedicated A380 hub



3) Concourse A, home of the Emirates A380, at sunset with the iconic Dubai skyline in the background





4) dnata's ground handling experts at Dubai International Airport, part of a 20,000-employee strong global workforce



5) dnata's 20,000 employees in 38 countries worldwide unite around a common theme of 'delighting customers'



Media Contact:

Jonathan Hill, Emirates Public Relations
Tel: (+9714) 708 2329 Mob: (+97150) 6549604
E-mail: jonathan.hill@emirates.com; visit: www.ekgroup.com/mediacenter


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 23 May 2013 15:30:49 GMT Business & Finance
<![CDATA[ Microsoft unveils Xbox One the all-in-one home entertainment system ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/microsoft-unveils-xbox-one-the-all-in-one-home-entertainment-system-8b359e667905fe5af8f9f82f01c9bc5f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/microsoft-unveils-xbox-one-the-all-in-one-home-entertainment-system-8b359e667905fe5af8f9f82f01c9bc5f/ Tuesday 21 May, 2013
REDMOND, Wash. — May 21, 2013 — A new vision for the future comes to life today as Microsoft Corp. unveils Xbox One , the all-in-one gaming and entertainment system created for today and the next generation. At Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash., the company showcased how Xbox One puts you at the center of all your games, TV, movies, music, sports and Skype.

“Xbox One is designed to deliver a whole new generation of blockbuster games, television and entertainment in a powerful, all-in-one device,” said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our unique, modern architecture brings simplicity to the living room and, for the first time ever, the ability to instantly switch across your games and entertainment.”

Introducing Xbox One

With Xbox One, games push the boundaries of realism, and TV obeys your commands.[1] Say “Xbox On” to launch your personalized Xbox One Home screen, discover what is popular on TV or see friends’ latest gaming achievements all using the most natural interface — your voice. The more you interact with Xbox One, the more it gets to know you and learns what you like. Some of the breakthrough Xbox One features that put you at the center of your living room entertainment include the following:

• TV on Xbox One.[1] Navigate and watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through your Xbox One. Microsoft is committed to bringing live TV through various solutions to all the markets where Xbox One will be available.3

• Home. Turn on your entertainment system with two powerful words, “Xbox On,” and a custom-tailored Home dashboard welcomes you with your favorite games, TV and entertainment.

• Snap. Do two things at once on the biggest screen in your home. Use Snap to jump into a multiplayer battle while watching your favorite movie, talk with friends on Skype while watching live TV, or track your fantasy team on TV as you watch the big game and more.

• Skype for Xbox One. Specially designed for Xbox One, talk with friends on your TV in stunning HD, or for the first time ever, hold group Skype calls on your TV.

• Trending.[1] Stay on top of what is hot on TV by discovering the entertainment that is popular among your friends, and see what is trending within the Xbox community.

• OneGuide.[1], [2] Find your favorite entertainment easily, searching by network, name or time, all with the sound of your voice and presented in a tailored program guide.

To create the most advanced Xbox system ever designed for games, TV and entertainment, Microsoft created a state-of-the-art gaming operating system and fused it with an equally amazing entertainment platform, so you will not have to switch inputs to watch TV or play a game. An eight-core, x86 processor and more than 5 billion transistors helps make lag and load times a thing of the past, so you can instantly jump between a game and your entertainment at lightning speed or run a host of apps right alongside your game with no loss in performance.Introducing Xbox One titles and exclusives

Gaming on Xbox One immerses gamers in cinematic worlds that look like real life, with characters that feel more human than ever before. AAA blockbuster titles unveiled for Xbox One include the following:

• “Forza Motorsport 5” from Turn 10 Studios is the latest edition of the highest-rated racing franchise of the past 10 years.[3] Built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud, no game better delivers the sensation of being behind the wheel. “Forza Motorsport 5” sets a new bar for racing games and will be available exclusively for Xbox One at launch.

• “Call of Duty: Ghosts” is the next generation of “Call of Duty” and a stunning leap forward for the franchise. It delivers an all-new world, an all-new cast of characters and an all-new story, built on a new, next-generation engine. The next-generation technical innovations built to support the incredible gameplay advancements make this the most beautiful and immersive “Call of Duty” experience yet. Activision and Microsoft also announced the renewal of their close partnership that will see both the return of the “Call of Duty® Championship,” presented by Xbox, as well as all-new downloadable content debuting first and exclusively on the Xbox platform.

• “FIFA 14,” “Madden NFL 25,” “NBA LIVE 14,” and “EA SPORTS UFC” from EA SPORTS will change the way consumers experience and play sports games. Driven by the new EA SPORTS Ignite engine, these new EA SPORTS games will deliver massive innovations in human intelligence, true player motion and living worlds. Adding to its commitment to Xbox One, EA SPORTS also announced the promise of exclusive content to be revealed in the coming months.

• “Quantum Break” from Remedy Entertainment is a revolutionary entertainment experience from the creators of “Max Payne” and “Alan Wake” that blurs the line between gaming and TV by integrating drama and gameplay into one seamless, uniquely immersive experience. How you play the game impacts the show, and the show informs how you play the game.

In addition to the amazing lineup of games coming to Xbox One, Microsoft unveiled exclusive content partnerships with some of the top names in TV, sports and entertainment.

• “Halo” television series. Award-winning filmmaker, director and producer, Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original “Halo” live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios.

• National Football League (NFL).[1] A multiyear, landmark partnership will deliver the ultimate interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve both in-game and on the sideline. The NFL on Xbox will redefine broadcast experiences through innovations around Skype, Xbox SmartGlass and player-worn technology; add an all-new fantasy football solution for the biggest screen in the house; and create a personalized NFL destination only available on Xbox One.

Introducing a new generation of Xbox Live

Xbox One is built to amplify an all-new generation of Xbox Live that is more powerful, more personal and more intelligent. Unleashing the virtually unlimited power of the cloud makes everything more convenient and accessible, from allowing games to be installed in segments so that gameplay can start quickly to updates downloading in the background. Save and store your personalized profile, games and entertainment in the cloud to access them anytime, from any Xbox One console.[4] In addition, existing Xbox Live Gold Membership for Xbox 360 will seamlessly carry over to Xbox One.[5] Xbox Live takes you deeper into the games you love with all-new features.

• Smart Match. A new Smart Match matchmaking system virtually eliminates waiting in lobbies by estimating wait times and finding people you want to play with while you are enjoying other activities — reputation fundamentally matters and helps find best matches.

• Game DVR. A dedicated Game DVR captures and accesses your magic moments, all saved to the cloud. Along with sharing tools, you will have the most amazing bragging rights with Xbox Live.

• Living Games.[6] Dynamic, living worlds evolve and improve the more you play, and advanced artificial intelligence can learn to play like you, so friends can play against your shadow.

• Expanded achievements. A new and expanded achievements system captures video of your epic moments, continues to grow a game’s achievements over time and rewards you in new ways, and your Gamerscore carries over from Xbox 360.

• Xbox SmartGlass.[6] Xbox SmartGlass is natively part of the Xbox One platform, built in from the beginning with the ability to quickly render content directly onto your device, and now more devices can connect at one time for multiplayer and shared entertainment.

Introducing the Xbox One look and feel

New Xbox One hardware is sleek and modern and complements any décor. The console is shaped in the 16:9 aspect ratio and employs a horizontal orientation optimized for its high-speed Blu-ray™ disc player. It is molded in a deep and rich liquid black color and includes a distinctive beveled edge.

The completely redesigned, revolutionary 1080p Kinect is more precise, more responsive and more intuitive. Its unparalleled vision, motion and voice technology let you reach into games and entertainment like never before by dramatically expanding its field of view and fidelity. It works in nearly any lighting condition, recognizes precise motion control from a slight wrist rotation, and distinguishes your voice even in a noisy room using advanced noise isolation.

The class-leading Xbox controller is refreshed with more than 40 technical and design innovations. Updated directional pad, thumb stick and ergonomic fit immerse all gamers in ways that are uniquely Xbox, and precision and control have been dramatically increased with all new vibrating impulse triggers.6 The Xbox One Wireless Controller is designed to work in concert with the new Kinect, allowing the two to be paired automatically to create seamless player syncing.

Xbox One will launch in markets around the world later this year. Visit the new Xbox Wire blog at http://news.xbox.com for in-depth features on the new system, including photos and videos from the unveiling event and new and rotating content from Xbox. More details about Xbox One and blockbuster games will be explored at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.

About Xbox

Xbox is Microsoft’s premier entertainment brand for the TV, phone, PC and tablet. In living rooms or on the go, Xbox is home to the best and broadest games, as well as one of the world’s largest libraries of movies, TV, music, and sports. Your favorite games, TV and entertainment come to life in new ways through the power of Kinect, Xbox SmartGlass, and Xbox Live, the world’s premier social entertainment network. More information about Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Features and requirements are under development and may change prior to release. Available features and content may vary by country. Broadband Internet (ISP fees apply) and advanced TV hardware required. Games and media content sold separately. Xbox Live Gold Membership, paid subscription and other requirements apply for some Xbox Live features.

1 Live TV with Kinect navigation, Live TV with Foo Guide, Trending, and NFL on Xbox available in U.S. at launch; anticipating global scale over time.

2 Kinect voice functionality only available in supported locales and languages.

3 At launch, Live TV will require a supported receiver device with HDMI output (sold separately).

4 Subject to geographical content restrictions.

5 Some Xbox Live content and features available on Xbox 360, including avatar content and some apps, are not available with Xbox Live on Xbox Foo.

6 In supported games.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 May 2013 19:08:38 GMT Business & Finance Computing & Telecoms
<![CDATA[ The inaugural Thailand-UK Strategic Dialogue took place on 20 May in Bangkok ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-inaugural-thailand-uk-strategic-dialogue-took-place-on-20-may-in-bangkok-e122863c192c5cafb4b875b8b877a95f/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/the-inaugural-thailand-uk-strategic-dialogue-took-place-on-20-may-in-bangkok-e122863c192c5cafb4b875b8b877a95f/ Tuesday 21 May, 2013
The Dialogue was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Jullapong Nonsrichai, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the Right Honourable Hugo Swire, UK Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. During the Dialogue, the two Ministers agreed a number of areas for future collaboration between our two countries. At the conclusion of the meeting the two sides issued the following Joint Press Statement:

Joint Press Release for the First Session of the Thailand-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue, 20 May 2013, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok
The first session of the Thailand-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangkok, on 20 May 2013. The session was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Jullapong Nonsrichai, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and the Right Honourable Hugo Swire, Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the United Kingdom.

The Thailand-United Kingdom Strategic Dialogue constitutes one of the key deliverables of the meeting between Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Prime Minister David Cameron during the former’s official visit to the United Kingdom in November 2012. The forum was designed to be a high-level and regular consultative mechanism to facilitate closer dialogue between the two countries. As such, the Strategic Dialogue is the first platform of its kind between Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Both sides appreciate Prime Minister Cameron’s keen interest to make a return visit to Thailand and encourage the visit to take place at the earliest mutually convenient time.

The two co-chairs took note with satisfaction of the existing bilateral ties and excellent collaboration, which extended over a broad scope of areas, and exchanged views on a number of bilateral issues of common interest, including the promotion of two-way trade and investment, tourism promotion and tourist safety, defence and security cooperation, education and training, and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in areas such as creative economy, as well as science and technology.

On the economic front, the two sides reviewed the growing two-way trade and investment, where the United Kingdom continues to be one of Thailand’s largest trading partners in the European Union. Both sides shared the view that the current bilateral trade volume could be increased substantially. The meeting suggested that both Governments look into doubling the current bilateral trade volume by 2018. The two delegations also agreed to further promote investment-friendly conditions, as well as to eliminate trade impediments and ease necessary regulations. They also welcomed the commencement of negotiations on the Thailand-European Union Free Trade Area and the United Kingdom reaffirmed its readiness to support Thailand during this process.

The two co-chairs recognized the important role that the United Kingdom could play in enhancing English language training and teaching in Thailand, in light of Thailand’s efforts to strengthen national competitiveness and readiness for the formation of the ASEAN Community in 2015. Thailand expressed its profound appreciation for the United Kingdom’s support, through the British Council, on several on-going projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of Thailand. The British side also reaffirmed the British Council’s commitment to provide assistance in this regard.

Another key deliverable of the meeting is the agreement for further discussion with relevant partners in the UK on the introduction of the “Premier Skills” Project, which was previously proposed by Prime Minister Yingluck to her British counterpart during her official visit to the United Kingdom in November 2012. The project is designed to develop necessary skills, such as leadership and the English language, through football training for Thai youths, particularly in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand. The two delegations shared experiences in promoting national reconciliation and resolving conflicts.

The two co-chairs also expressed appreciation for the dynamic flow of people-to-people contacts and pledged to promote the safety and security of tourists and residents alike. Visas were seen as one of the key factors in facilitating or impeding the flow of people, and so both sides agreed that immigration regulations should aim to be straightforward and transparent to help genuine tourists, business visitors, students and residents.

The Strategic Dialogue is expected to lead to enhanced bilateral collaboration and more frequent high-level contacts between the Thai and British Governments. In this connection, the United Kingdom and Thailand agreed to work together to look at enhancing the visa service between our two countries.

The two delegations also welcomed the signing of the MOU on SME Cooperation between the Office of SME Promotion and United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI), which is aimed at promoting collaboration between Thai and British SMEs, as well as the MOU between the Royal Mint and the Royal Thai Mint to enhance Thailand’s capacity in becoming a regional hub for production and distribution of coins.

The two co-chairs also welcomed positive developments in the realm of defence, particularly the re-opening of a fully functional Office of the British Defence Attaché and the re-establishment of a resident British Defence Attaché post in Bangkok. Thailand also welcomed the announcement by the British Royal Navy that HMS Daring, one of the most advanced destroyers in the Royal Navy, is scheduled to visit Thailand in January 2014. The two delegations encouraged the Royal Thai Navy and the British Royal Navy to explore possible joint activities to commemorate the occasion and step up their partnerships.

Furthermore, both delegations agreed to strengthen their partnership in the regional and international arena. To this end, a wide range of international issues were discussed, most notably the latest developments in the ASEAN and EU regions, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and possible triangular cooperation between Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Myanmar/Burma. Both delegations also agreed to enhance cooperation on climate change, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, suppression of international crime and development issues.

In the context of cooperation in international fora, the British side noted Thailand’s firm commitment and continued contribution to international peace and security through its proposed candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2017-2018.

It was agreed that the United Kingdom will host the Second Session of the Thailand-UK Strategic Dialogue in 2014.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 May 2013 12:05:20 GMT Business & Finance Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ Thousands more firms to benefit from enterprise-friendly regulation scheme ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/thousands-more-firms-to-benefit-from-enterprise-friendly-regulation-scheme-8e7e0bc54d96c2e6ab7815080e108124/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/thousands-more-firms-to-benefit-from-enterprise-friendly-regulation-scheme-8e7e0bc54d96c2e6ab7815080e108124/ Friday 26 April, 2013
Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon has announced that the Primary Authority scheme will be extended to enable thousands more businesses to benefit from more consistent enforcement of regulation, and clearer advice on how to comply.

The measures were approved by Parliament yesterday as part of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act, a package of measures to make life easier for business.

From October 1st 2013, members of trade associations such as the British Frozen Food Federation or franchises such as Pizza Hut will be able to form Primary Authority partnerships with local authorities. Through these partnerships, their members will receive assured regulatory advice and guidance from one place - and all local authorities will be required to ensure their enforcement activities are consistent with this advice.

Improving the consistency of local authority enforcement in this way will reduce the pointless bureaucracy that acts as a barrier to growth, particularly for small firms.

Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said:

The extension of Primary Authority will put the needs of business at the heart of local regulation, opening up the benefits of assured advice to thousands of small companies.

This will particularly benefit those small operations, with perhaps just a handful of employees, who suffer the most when local regulation is delivered inconsistently. Local authorities will now be able to save these shops and businesses time and money by giving them the advice and support they need to comply with the law.

The Primary Authority scheme was set up in 2009 to support local economic growth by ensuring businesses benefit from consistent advice, in areas including trading standards and environmental health. Prior to the introduction of the extension announced today, only firms that trade across local authority boundaries can participate in the scheme. There are currently 2,416 Primary Authority Partnerships covering 100 local authorities, with 743 businesses benefiting.

The Better Regulation Delivery Office, which administers the scheme, is developing additional training courses and materials to assist local authorities when dealing with trade associations and similar groups.

Among the trade organisations anticipating advantages for their members is the National Federation of Meat & Food Traders, which has 13,000 members.

Chief Executive Roger Kelsey said:

As an organisation we deal with many instances where our members have experienced inconsistency in advice between local authorities.

The extension of Primary Authority will help us put some consistency in place for our members who include around 1,000 craft butchers, who are very skilled practically but not necessarily comfortable dealing with paperwork.

The federation’s intended Primary Authority is Horsham District Council.

Principal Environmental Health Officer Paul Hobbs said:

We see significant benefits in supporting the business community; we have a corporate approach of enabling business. There are also benefits for the council in raising its profile and adding variety to the routine work done by our officers.

Brian Young, Director General of the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), said:

We welcome the extension to the Primary Authority scheme. It will significantly reduce duplication of effort for both businesses and local authorities, whilst ensuring improved levels of consistent compliance and consumer protection.

The Primary Authorities with whom BFFF members will partner will have expertise in our sector. An on-going relationship with them will mean that businesses have access to effective practical advice with respect to compliance and enforcement.

Allowing trade association members to become Primary Authority partners is significant. It will allow more businesses to benefit from the relationship – especially SMEs who may not otherwise have been able to form a Primary Authority agreement with a local authority. The involvement of trade associations will encourage co-operative sharing of best practice which will help to raise standards across the whole industry.

James Montgomery, Chairman of the Specialist Cheesemakers Association, said:

We have been proactive in helping a number of enforcement officers get a better understanding of cheese making. Primary Authority is a natural way of building on this relationship and ensuring that our members have the best advice and help in making a good safe product.

Mark Oliver, Trading Standards Lead Officer, Better Business Team, Cambridgeshire Trading Standards, said:

From both a service and professional standpoint we can see huge benefits to both regulators and businesses in actively supporting these working partnerships. In receiving assured advice, businesses have greater confidence and certainty when making decisions in complex areas of trading law.

The extension of the scheme to organisations with a shared approach to compliance now enables us to share these benefits with many more businesses and promote good practice across trade sectors. The net effect of this not only helps business but also consumers and the wider economy.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 26 Apr 2013 12:17:28 GMT Business & Finance Public Sector & Legal
<![CDATA[ GOLD RUSH FOR CHIVAS BROTHERS AS 2013 AWARDS SEASON STARTS IN STYLE ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gold-rush-for-chivas-brothers-as-2013-awards-season-starts-in-style-951dc0ce5b234d4e0a0ddb6230f2d0f8/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/gold-rush-for-chivas-brothers-as-2013-awards-season-starts-in-style-951dc0ce5b234d4e0a0ddb6230f2d0f8/ Sunday 21 April, 2013
Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has started the awards season in style, scooping an impressive total of 25 top accolades at two of the world’s most prestigious spirits competitions, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

The awards highlight the outstanding quality of the Chivas Brothers’ range, with seven brands including Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet and Beefeater Gin all receiving some of the highest accolades awarded by the judges, which included leading industry experts F. Paul Pacult and Steve Beal.

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, picked up two double gold medals for its 21 Year Old and 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny expressions at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both expressions were shortlisted for the Chairman’s Trophy in the blended Scotch whisky category at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, which the 21 Year Old was eventually awarded along with an Ultimate Recommendation.

Chivas 18 and Chivas 25 won double gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirit Competition, which represents the third double gold in a row for the pinnacle of the Chivas range, and were both shortlisted for the blended Scotch whisky Chairman’s Trophy in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

There was further success for Chivas Brothers with its malts portfolio as The Glenlivet 18 Year Old triumphed at both competitions; the USC judges endorsed the expression with its Ultimate Recommendation and shortlisted it for the single malt whisky Chairman’s Trophy, while it received a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The result marks the 10th time in 11 years that the expression has won the double gold award and reinforces its exceptional quality and consistency, Aberlour 18 Year Old was given the fifth Ultimate Recommendation and was also shortlisted for the Chairman’s Trophy for single malt whisky at the USC, while Something Special, an expression from Chivas Brothers’ range of standard, blended whiskies won the eighth double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

FULL RESULTS

San Francisco World Spirit Competition

Double Gold

Chivas 18
Chivas 25
Royal Salute 21 Year Old
Royal Salute 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny
Something Special
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old

Gold

Aberlour 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Aberlour 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve
The Glenlivet 21 Year Old

Ultimate Recommendation [Shortlisted for Trophy]

Aberlour 18 Year Old – 95 points [Single Malt Scotch]
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old (95 points) [Single Malt Scotch]

Highly Recommended – [Shortlisted for Trophy]

Royal Salute 38 Year Old Stone of Destiny (94 points) [Blended Scotch]
Chivas 18 (92 points) [Blended Scotch]
Chivas 25 (92 points) [Blended Scotch]


ABOUT CHIVAS BROTHERS

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 21 Apr 2013 23:56:15 GMT Business & Finance Food & Drink
<![CDATA[ Government Lays Foundations For Superfast Patent Processing Service ]]> https://pressat.co.uk/releases/government-lays-foundations-for-superfast-patent-processing-service-fce4507860dac7d579b3ee5d8a99749d/ https://pressat.co.uk/releases/government-lays-foundations-for-superfast-patent-processing-service-fce4507860dac7d579b3ee5d8a99749d/ Wednesday 17 April, 2013
The UK Government plans to bring a superfast patent processing service to rapidly reduce the time it takes to grant a patent. Under current legislation it normally takes a number of years to gain a patent, but under the new proposal a patent can be granted in just 90 days said Intellectual Property Minister Lord Younger today.

The government has today published a consultation on how the service should work, following on from Business Secretary Vince Cable’s announcement last year that the service would be in place in 2013.

Currently it can take a number of years to gain patent protection. This length of time is usually suitable for most patent applicants as it gives applicants time to make important commercial decisions and change their strategy in light of any decisions. However the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) recognises that this timescale may not suit everyone’s needs.

Intellectual Property Minister Lord Younger said:

Inspiration and inventive thoughts can emerge at any time, but acting on them quickly can often be the catalyst for making a real difference to the success or otherwise of an idea. Government is committed to making it easy for innovators to turn their ideas into business growth. I am sure this will help to create a streamlined and flexible patent service and bring more choice for those who use it.

The consultation will seek views on:

the principles on which such a service could be based
the conditions that would apply in order to use the superfast service
the details of how such a service should work in practice, including fees
the usefulness of existing patent acceleration services.
The IPO already offers free acceleration services which mean a patent can be granted in less than a year. Whilst granting a patent in less than a year is very quick by international patent processing standards, the IPO recognises that sometimes there are circumstances where the applicant would find it useful to obtain a grant even more quickly.

The consultation will run for 8 weeks and concludes on 12 June 2013.

Notes to editors

1.The consultation can be found at www.ipo.gov.uk/consult-2013-superfast

2.The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is within the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) and is responsible for the national framework of Intellectual Property rights, comprising patents, designs, trade marks and copyright.

3.The government’s economic policy objective is to achieve ‘strong, sustainable and balanced growth that is more evenly shared across the country and between industries’. It set four ambitions in the ‘Plan for Growth’ (PDF 1.7MB), published at Budget 2011:

to create the most competitive tax system in the G20
to make the UK the best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a business
to encourage investment and exports as a route to a more balanced economy
to create a more educated workforce that is the most flexible in Europe.
Work is underway across government to achieve these ambitions, including progress on more than 250 measures as part of the Growth Review. Developing an Industrial Strategy gives new impetus to this work by providing businesses, investors and the public with more clarity about the long-term direction in which the government wants the economy to travel.


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http://www.falcon-pr.co.uk/ 17 Apr 2013 14:22:43 GMT Business & Finance Public Sector & Legal