Smart Agency: Marketing & PR Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
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The Smart Agency blog
Tel: 0870 403 6499
Tel: 0870 403 6499
2 September 2010, 11:50 am
THE organisers of one of the region’s most exclusive events for brides-to-be are gearing up for a record turnout.
The Wedding & Lifestyle Show, taking place on October 9 and 10 at Harrogate’s Yorkshire Event Centre, is expected to attract more brides then ever before, looking to find everything they need to prepare for their dream wedding.
The chic and stylish event brings together brides and grooms to couture bridal gown designers, luxury venues, elegant stationary, exclusive menswear, bespoke flowers, gorgeous occasional-wear, stylish cars, beauty and styling.
Also on show will be the finest in wedding entertainment and honeymoons through to the little touches such as flavours, caricaturists, jewellery and lingerie.
Traditionally wedding shows tend to forget about the groom but Wedding & Lifestyle is launching a bespoke area just for men called ‘The Man Crèche’.
The creche offers a Las Vegas theme and grooms-to-be can watch football on a big plasma screen, enjoy a game of Black Jack or Roulette with professional croupiers or just chill out in the lounge area with a beer.
There will be four bridal catwalk fashion shows each day, produced by Red Ice Promotions, with professional models and dancers showcasing the very best in bridal couture, menswear and occasional wear from some of the hottest designers in the North.
Show director Hayley Nash said: “We are very excited at how plans are going for our autumn event. It is the first anniversary of Wedding & Lifestyle under the new ownership of event management company, Amplitude AV, and the show has gone from strength to strength. Despite the current economic conditions, we have more confirmed exhibitors than ever before and are excited with the launch of our ‘Man Creche’, that will hopefully encourage grooms-to-be to come along to the show with their fiancés.”
All visitors to the 2010 Wedding & Lifestyle show will have the opportunity to win a luxury honeymoon to Saint Lucia worth over £5,000 provided by Almond Resorts.
To date over three quarters of stands have been taken at the event including companies such as Slater’s Menswear, Harrogate-based Snooty Frox and Ragdoll of Pudsey.
Hilary Haresign, managing director of Snooty Frox, said: “We are celebrating our 10th anniversary this year and we see the Wedding & Lifestyle Show to be one of the key wedding events of the year. To have over 2,800 brides and their families in one place is an excellent way of promoting our Occasional Wear and we will be offering free and practical advice on all areas of wedding fashion.”
The Wedding and Lifestyle show takes place in Hall 2 between 10am to 4pm.
There is ample free parking on site and all brides go FREE with additional guests at £5.00 if booked in advance (£8.00 on the door).
To book tickets, visit www.weddingandlifestyle.co.uk or contact 0870 890 3030
For more information, interviews or photography please contact: Hayley Nash on 0870 890 3030 or Hayley@weddingandlifestyle.co.uk.
Caption for photo: Two grooms-to-be enjoy the roulette wheel at the ‘Man Creche’ which is going to be at this year’s Wedding and Lifestyle Show.
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For further information contact: Emma Kirkaldy The Smart Agency on 07983 714 001 or 01423 876 371
24 August 2010, 12:00 am
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
23 August 2010, 1:46 pm
ANGELENA Fixter is chief executive of Harrogate-based social enterprise organisation The Avalon Group and a client of PR and marketing company, The Smart Agency.
The Avalon Group provides supported accommodation and family living for vulnerable or disabled adults throughout the North of England.
The group provides a range of services to support vulnerable adults, especially those with learning and physical disabilities, to help them live life the way they choose.
What are your career highlights?
My work in Africa; my director of the year award for the third sector, and the turnaround of Avalon.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?
The people I have met on my journey, especially those with humility as well as power.
What do you enjoy most and least about your role?
Most: being in a position to turn aspirations into reality. Least: public speaking.
As a business leader, what's the key to managing people?
Remembering that everyone leaves their home as an adult and arrives at work just the same.
What are the biggest barriers to your organisation's success?
Without a doubt, money.
Despite emerging from recession what more could be done to help businesses still struggling?
I do not think it has even started for the third sector yet. There needs to be less bureaucracy and more competition as this drives up standards.
How has technology changed your life in the last five years?
I am in love with my Blackberry, and I arrive where I should because of my Sat Nav.
How has it changed/impacted on your business in the same period?
We are all more responsive, networked and communication has vastly improved. We are better 24/7 team players.
If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what alternative career would you chose and why?
I would be abroad right now in India, working with local people to start up their lives again. Or in the jungle looking for new insects and animals
Which sectors do you think will thrive/struggle in the coming years?
Struggle: The public sector, training companies, and housing related industries. I do think the third sector will struggle if we are not given the serious voice and opportunities to take advantage of the Government vision.
Thrive: Those companies that can offer a fresh and new angle to the market, those who are innovative and brave enough to try.
What do you feel are the key skills/qualities needed to run a successful business in the 21st century?
To be able to be brave, be able to forecast and plan in a way that offers safety whist being nimble.
In five words, describe your character:
Eccentric, curious and intrinsically creative.
Item courtesy of thebusinessdesk.com
2 August 2010, 5:49 pm
Independent legal expenses provider MSL Legal Expenses Ltd (“MSL”) has launched a new commercial legal expenses policy for businesses, which provides up to £50,000 financial protection for legal costs per claim.
MSL has improved the existing product and added heads of cover – employment disputes, Aspect enquiry cover for Tax, undisputed debt recovery and an identity theft resolution service.
The revamped product, with new heads of cover, is launched in response to an extensive review carried out with MSL’s broker clients across the market. Brokers will also benefit from a 25% discount on all new business premiums for the next 12 months*.
Brokers were asked for feedback on how they perceived the company’s commercial product in terms of documentation, processes, service delivery, the management of claims and overall back office support.
Following analysis of the feedback, the company has redesigned its commercial LEI product, which is now branded MSL Commercial and marketed to business owners through brokers and insurers.
MSL Commercial offers policyholders access to the company’s 24-7 telephone claims line and expert advice on a range legal protection issues facing businesses through its panel of specialist solicitors. Brokers interact with the product through MSL Connect, the company’s bespoke quote-and-buy facility, offering instant cover and which also allows for tracking of claims in real-time.
The product is designed to operate online, allowing flexibility for brokers to build competitive premium quotes to match their client’s requirements and budget. In addition, premium quotes can be saved to be retrieved later and cover arranged instantly.
MSL has also simplified its back office bordereau facility and can provide brokers with management information on sales and claims. Renewals are notified automatically, prompting brokers to contact clients with a new proposal.
Nick Garner, MSL’s Managing Director said: “All UK businesses are affected by ongoing changes to regulation and legislation. When things go wrong, the financial burden of taking legal action can often have long-term damaging affects on a company’s financial health. Our enhanced commercial product offers a greater level of cover for business people, giving them peace of mind when issues do arise, coupled with expert legal advice at the end of a phone.”
The rebranding of MSL’s range of legal expenses and assistance products coincides with the launch of their new website at www.msl.co.uk.
MSL Commercial is underwritten in-house by Financial & Legal Insurance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
MSL is one of the longest established independent legal expenses businesses in the UK, providing a range of products for insurers, brokers and intermediaries. The company manages relationships with more than 900 brokers nationwide and is looking to expand further into the commercial broking market. There are also continuing plans in to introduce new products and expand services, such as compliance support, HR consultancy and business development.
For further information contact Sales Support on 0800 195 9999 or email salessupport@msl.co.uk
MSL Commercial cover includes**:
• Employment Disputes: Provides legal costs and expenses in defending civil proceedings. This policy can be upgraded to include cover for compensation awards.
• Legal Defence: legal costs and expenses for defence in respect of civil and criminal proceedings for both the policyholder and employees in the course of their employment.
• Data Protection: legal costs and expenses for representation and defence of proceedings brought under the Data Protection Act.
• Contract Disputes: legal costs and expenses to pursue and defend a dispute with a supplier or customer.
• Undisputed Debt Recovery: The recovery of an undisputed debt with a customer or supplier in respect of an agreement for the sale, hire or the purchase of goods or services.
• TAX, PAYE and VAT Protection: legal costs, expenses and accountants’ fees to represent the policyholder in the event of an in-depth investigation by HM Revenue and Customs.
• Property: legal costs and expenses to pursue the policyholder’s legal rights to recover damages following injury or damage to property from a third party.
• Licence Protection: legal costs and expenses for actions brought against the policyholder to suspend, alter or revoke their licence.
• Bodily Injury: legal costs and expenses to pursue the policyholder’s right to recover damages following injury caused by a third party.
• Attendance Expenses: expenses in respect of any absence from work when attending any court, tribunal or arbitration hearing as a witness or a defendant at our request.
• Identity Theft Resolution Service: provides access to a private and confidential claims line and advisor to assist you in resolving your identity fraud should you become the victim of identity theft.
For more information, please visit www.msl.co.uk.
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* Policies need to be transacted via MSL Connect and be successfully accepted by the company.
**Reasonable prospects of successfully pursuing a claim must exist and cover extends to no more than two claims in any one period of insurance. All of the above is subject to terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
Media contact
Emma Kirkaldy, The Smart Agency t. 0870 403 6499 m. 07983 714 001
e. emma@thesmartagency.co.uk
w. www.thesmartagency.co.uk
8 July 2010, 2:39 pm
Angelena Fixter (pictured) CEO of Smart Agency client - The Avalon Group, celebrates the organisation's re-launch with its new corporate branding.
Harrogate-based not-for-profit organisation and registered charity, Avalon, is today re-launching itself as The Avalon Group, after a strategic review looking at all areas of the organisation.
Launched in October 1994 and granted charitable status in July 1995, The Avalon Group provides a range of services to support vulnerable adults, especially those with learning and physical disabilities, to help them live life the way they choose.
Having experienced tremendous growth, particularly over the last five years, the organisation undertook extensive research with customers, clients and employees who all felt that a new and refreshed brand would help reflect the diversity of the business and align its many different divisions.
The charity is unveiling a new fresh and modern Butterfly logo, which represents revitalisation, regeneration and exciting new growth – all key for Avalon’s 800 plus customers. The ‘butterfly’ imagery also symbolises positive changes and having a profound, far-reaching impact on people’s lives.
A new website is being launched on 1 July which will reflect the organisation’s contemporary brand and give customers and stakeholders the opportunity to see its innovative work in the social enterprise field.
The site www.avalongroup.org.uk will also feature a rolling news feed and blog giving up-to-date news on the Group’s services and activities.
Headed up by Angelena Fixter, Chief Executive, she explains how Avalon has grown over the past few years: “I am pleased with how far Avalon has evolved since my new Executive Team and I joined in 2004, and the organisation is still growing.
“Over the past few years we have opened a series of social enterprises including a painting and decorating service called Michelangelo’s Mates, a dog walking service called Wagalon and in May 2010 we launched a vintage clothing, hair-styling and coffee shop in York called The House of Avalon.
“All these services provide employment opportunities for people who might not find it easy to get a job and we are looking forward to launching a new garden maintenance initiative with East North East Leeds Homes/Leeds City Council called ‘The Garden Gang’.
“As always, The Avalon Group is committed to empowering and supporting people to be full citizens, through innovative services that provide excellent quality and value for money.”
The Avalon Group’s innovative work within the social care industry has led it to becoming the second largest Family Living Provider in the UK and in 2007 its CEO, Angelena Fixter, was awarded with the Instituteof Director’s (IoD) Director of the Year Award for the Third Sector in Yorkshire and Humberside.
The organisation has also made a number of senior appointments including Tony Hind, who joins The Group as Finance Director and Lisa Jeffery, who joins the team as Marketing Manager.
The Avalon Group currently has a workforce of over 800, including managers, administrators, operational and front-line staff and also works with volunteers and Family Living providers.
The charity currently provides services to a large number of people in the North of England.
The organisation’s Head Office is in Harrogate and also has area offices in York, Northallerton, Skipton, Scarborough, Stockton, Dewsbury and Penrith. Services are provided in North and West Yorkshire, City of York, Cumbria and Teesside.
www.avalongroup.org.uk
21 June 2010, 11:32 pm
Harrogate-based Smart Agency has won a contract to run a public relations campaign to promote ERA Healthcare, a new business that provides local authorities and care homes with expert nursing and care services personnel.
Recently launched, ERA Healthcare York is addressing the need for competent, sensitive and well-trained carers to ensure the region’s ageing population is given the dignity they deserve, as well have having confidence in the quality of the care service they receive.
ERA Healthcare York is a family-owned business run by Tim and Sharon Kent (pictured with Shelly Delaney, care manager standing). The company’s philosophy is to offer a combination of Premier Healthcare Services to Residential Care and Nursing Homes, individuals and families in need of Domiciliary Care and/or Nursing Care.
The agency will provide marketing and PR services as ERA Healthcare builds its profile and market share across the north.
Emma Kirkaldy, director at The Smart Agency, said: “it is particularly exciting to be working with a new business at the point of growth. ERA Healthcare is a new and innovative player in the provision of care personnel. Our job is to highlight the company’s success as they grow their client-base and we are pleased to support their development.”
Tim Kent, Managing Director of ERA Healthcare York, added: “We are confident that Smart’s experience and expertise will help raise awareness of our services as we expand our operations in the region.”
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For more information contact:
Emma Kirkaldy at The Smart Agency
T: 07983 714 001 or 01423 876 371
14 June 2010, 1:20 pm
A business which acts like a matchmaking service for carers and patients has set up in York.
ERA Healthcare, based on Tower Street, has recruited 24 carers since becoming registered in April, and will be recruiting over the next few months to reach its target of 50.
The business has already secured contracts with Adecco to supply staff to City of York Council, and with the Leonard Cheshire Disability Home in Alne, near Easingwold.
Managing director Tim Kent said the business was also in talks with a live-in care specialist in the south-east of England about becoming its partner to provide live-in carers to the whole of England north of Peterborough.
“That could be huge,” he said.
The business is also talking to the University of Hull about developing a recognised standard of training for its care professionals.
Tim said personalisation in the care sector, which gives patients the choice of deciding who delivers their care, was changing the whole industry and opening up the market for companies.
He said that he and his wife, Sharon, decided to set up the Yorkshire franchise of ERA, which also has an office in Sussex, after experiencing the poor end of the care industry. Sharon, a trained social worker and counsellor, and Tim, whose background is in financial services and property, set up the franchise in York to live nearer their son.
He said the company focused on recruiting the right people to change the culture of care.
“From a business point of view we thought we would need experienced carers, but then we found they could be set in their ways and not want to embrace change,” he said.
The company now goes through a lengthy appointment process to find the right types of personalities for care and trains them itself.
Tim said the business would provide carers for different care needs, including looking after people in their own homes as well as partnering with other care providers.
The business plans to expand in future, with satellite offices in Harrogate and Leeds.
Read about ERA Healthcare in York Press by clicking on the link below http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/business/news/8217691.ERA_Healthcare_sets_up_carers_service_in_York/
10 June 2010, 8:19 pm
Smart Client News:
Cheadle-based MSL Legal Expenses Limited has been confirmed as the latest company to exhibit at a prestigious event for the region's insurance brokers.
The Roadshow event, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Insurers (CII) and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), takes place this month at the famous Haydock Park Racecourse (June 15). More than 100 insurance professionals are expected from broker businesses across the North West.
MSL, one of the UK's largest legal insurance providers, works with insurers and intermediaries to provide
a range of products to protect motorists, householders and businesses against the cost of legal action and litigation.
Employing some 120 people at its headquarters at Cheadle Royal Business Park, MSL is part of a Financial & Legal Group of companies.
Looking ahead to the Haydock Park Racecourse event, Nick Garner, MSL's Managing Director said: "Regional events of this stature provide us with an excellent opportunity to share best practice with colleagues across the insurance broking community, while offering the ideal environment to network and explore mutual business opportunities."
The day begins with a lively debate involving representatives from leading insurers such as Aviva and Hiscox and input from prominent figures from the insurance profession. Current developments in environmental liability and compliance will also be discussed as will an introduction to insurance software specialist, SSP UK.
BIBA and CII members can attend the event for free. Spaces can be reserved by contacting Bob Nicholls at nichollsb@biba.org.uk or call 07831 423628.
9 June 2010, 10:21 pm
Smart Agency client news:
Westinsure Broker Alliance has launched a new service to help new start-up brokers through the process of launching and growing their own businesses.
Working alongside compliance consultants RWA Group, Westinsure is currently advising 10 start-up brokers based in locations across the UK to guide them through the often-daunting FSA application process and compliance requirements.
Other services include guidance with preparing business plans, obtaining professional indemnity insurance and helping agencies within the composite and Niche markets.
North Star Insurance Brokers, based in Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is the most recent Westinsure member to receive its FSA approval and start trading, using Westinsure’s new service.
Ruz Nabi, MD at North Star comments: “We researched all of the networks in the market to see how each would support us as a new start-up. Some wanted large fees just to guide us through the FSA application process and others wanted expensive long-term commitments. Westinsure offered the best and most convenient service and have supported us at every stage in the application and compliance process.”
Max Hardman, CEO of Westinsure said: “We regularly receive requests from new start-up brokers and have previously helped a number of companies to start trading for the first time. At the start of this year, and despite the economic conditions, we received more requests for help than ever. This gave us the incentive to launch this bespoke service, offering our experience and expertise to industry newcomers.
“This interest suggests to us that the Westinsure business model continues to be successful for all types of insurance broker and it is positive news for the industry that there is new life coming into the broker market.”
Westinsure is one of the largest network organisations in the broking sector and is an alliance of independent, community-based insurance brokers.
RWA Group is one of the leading compliance consultancies in the UK, providing market-leading compliance support for firms of all sizes and all locations.
For information about Westinsure’s broker start-up service contact Andy Waring, Head of Sales on 07717 841 456 or andy@westinsure.com
18 March 2010, 10:48 pm
MSL Legal Expenses, one of the UK’s largest independent legal expenses providers, has expanded its sales operation by appointing Kathryn Johnson as UK Sales Manager.
Kathryn, who was previously North West Regional Sales Manager for Fusion Insurance, will be responsible for a team of Regional Account Managers working with MSL’s new and existing client base.
In addition to this senior appointment, MSL is also adding two new Business Development Managers and a Sales Co-ordinator to its sales team.
Steve Turner, Commercial Director of MSL comments: “We are delighted to welcome Kathryn to the MSL team. We have aggressive growth plans for 2010 and Kathryn will be instrumental in developing sales strategy and broker panels as well as looking after ongoing training and development of the sales team.”
Kathryn Johnson comments: “I’m thrilled to have joined MSL at a really exciting time for the company. I am keen to use my experience gained at Fusion Insurance and Zurich before that, to help develop MSL’s new business strategy and expand its current client base.”
As well as her passion for insurance, Kathryn also keeps herself busy where, in her spare time, she is a volunteer medic for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team where she has been an active team member for the last eleven years.
18 March 2010, 1:34 pm
Yorkshire-based window repair and replacement expert Solaglas Windowcare has secured a number of new contracts for its Commercial division.
The Rotherham-based company, part of Saint-Gobain Group, has secured circa £600,000 worth of new business through contracts secured with Costcutter, CBES Facilities Management (part of CBES Construction Solutions) Little Chef and Barnardos.
These new contracts will be serviced by Solaglas Windowcare’s Commercial division which will provide clients with a highly experienced team offering a 24-7 emergency service for incidents involving break in, vandalism, ram-raid or accidental damage.
Managing director, Ian Davy commented: “We are delighted to have had such a successful start to 2010. By responding to our clients’ needs and increasing our presence within the commercial glazing sectors, we have been able to increase our customer portfolio significantly.
"For us, the key to sustainable growth is in taking a long-term view. We will do this by continuing to focus on providing excellent service, understanding the demands on clients, making it easy to do business with us and of course, keeping a watchful eye on costs and profitability."
Darren Pallett, Head of Property for Little Chef commented: “We were very impressed by Solaglas Windowcare’s dedicated team, levels of service and UK-wide coverage. Business continuity is crucial for Little Chef and 24/7 emergency glass repair and installation is an important factor to ensure we deliver the highest level of maintenance and service to our restaurants and customers. I am confident that our new partnership with Solaglas Windowcare will be a long and successful one.”
Solaglas Windowcare is the UK leader in the repair and replacement of windows and doors on behalf of major organisations including those from the insurance, commercial and public sectors. Currently, the business has 325 employees and last year reported turnover of over £23.5m.
The company’s extensive portfolio of clients includes major insurers, loss adjusters, major brokers, facilities management companies, building maintenance companies, government agencies, local authorities, hotels, passenger centres and retailers.
For further information, visit www.solaglaswindowcare.co.uk or call 0870 870 7171.
9 February 2010, 9:52 pm
MSL Legal Expenses, one of the UK’s largest independent legal expenses providers, has expanded its sales operation by appointing Kathryn Johnson as UK Sales Manager.
Kathryn, who was previously North West Regional Sales Manager for Fusion Insurance, will be responsible for a team of Regional Account Managers working with MSL’s new and existing client base.
In addition to this senior appointment, MSL is also adding two new Business Development Managers and a Sales Co-ordinator to its sales team.
Steve Turner, Commercial Director of MSL comments: “We are delighted to welcome Kathryn to the MSL team. We have aggressive growth plans for 2010 and Kathryn will be instrumental in developing sales strategy and broker panels as well as looking after ongoing training and development of the sales team.”
Kathryn Johnson comments: “I’m thrilled to have joined MSL at a really exciting time for the company. I am keen to use my experience gained at Fusion Insurance and Zurich before that, to help develop MSL’s new business strategy and expand its current client base.”
As well as her passion for insurance, Kathryn also keeps herself busy where, in her spare time, she is a volunteer medic for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team where she has been an active team member for the last eleven years.
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Media contact
Emma Kirkaldy, The Smart Agency T. 0870 403 6499 M. 07983 714 001
E. emma@thesmartagency.co.uk
Notes to editors
Images are available from Emma Kirkaldy.
About MSL Legal Expenses Limited
Formed in 1988, MSL is one of country’s longest established independently owned legal expenses insurance providers. The company offers a range of innovative and comprehensive legal expenses insurance products and services for the Independent broker and insurance intermediary sector.
MSL is part of Financial & Legal PLC (FLG) which comprises a number of companies with over 20 years' industry experience. This relationship ensures a full suite of legal expense insurance policies and accident management services to partners. FLG had a 2008 turnover of £16.9m and MSL Legal Expenses recorded a turnover of £5.2m. MSL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
www.msl-legalexpenses.co.uk, www.financialandlegal.co.uk
21 October 2009, 1:38 pm
For the second year running longstanding Smart Agency client has Solaglas Windowcare has shown its class and is a finalist in key categories of the Rotherham Business Awards, organised by the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.
The team at Solaglas Windowcare will find out if they have been successful on Friday 23 October at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Magna Centre, hosted by BBC presenter Harry Gration.
Solaglas Windowcare is a finalist in the Innovation in Business Award (sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University) while Sharron Pearce, Transport Supervisor at the company has been shortlisted in the Employee of the Year Award (sponsored by Morthyng) .
Last year, the company won two awards and were commended in a further two categories, which resulted in being named as Rotherham Business of the Year.
John Lewis, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would like to congratulate all the companies who have reached the short-listing stage. We have had a superb response and were very pleased to receive so many excellent entries.
“Of course, the winners will be revealed at the gala dinner and everyone at the Chamber is looking forward to celebrating with guests in style!”
Ian Davy, Solaglas Windowcare managing director commented: “The fact we have been shortlisted for a second year in succession, having won last year, reflects on our innovative approach and the high standards attained by our employees.
“Solaglas Windowcare is committed to providing the highest quality glazing repair, replacement and refurbishment to insurance, retail, commercial and public sector clients.”
Over the past year, the business has grown its Commercial Glazing and Maintenance Services activity and continues to work on behalf of retailers, facility management companies and the UK’s largest insurers and claims intermediaries.
For further information, visit www.solaglaswindowcare.co.uk or call 0870 870 7171.
ENDS
14 September 2009, 10:27 am
Nationwide emergency glazing, repair and replacement company Solaglas Windowcare has announced exciting plans to further invest in its growth within the Commercial Glazing and Maintenance Services sectors by expanding its sales team.
The Saint-Gobain owned company is continuing to invest in its people by strengthening its 15-strong sales team with the appointment a Commercial Glazing Sales Manager to focus on the retail glazing sector and a Maintenance Services Account Manager to expand its push into the government and public sectors.
The glazing specialist’s Sales and Marketing Department’s expansion will enable it to build upon the expert knowledge within the team to further enhance its service, offering and providing even better value to its customers.
Managing director, Ian Davy, commented: “These are very exciting times for us and growth is very much part of our strategy. Whilst many companies are making cut backs we are investing in our future with these appointments.”
“To achieve our goals we identified that we needed to re-structure and build a focussed sales and marketing team that was capable of delivering future growth. The appointment of sales and account managers in key areas is an important element of building our presence in our target markets.”
Solaglas Windowcare employs some 340 people, serving clients across the UK and Ireland through a network of highly-skilled engineers, the majority of which are directly-employed.
To find out more about the positions being offered call the Recruitment Line on 01709 310122 or email resourcing@solaglaswindowcare.co.uk.
Ends
Issued by The Smart Agency.
29 August 2009, 8:40 am
PR man Nigel Charlesworth is donning walking books and securing gators as he prepares to climb three peaks in Yorkshire to raise funds for research into the causes and treatment of arthritis.
A director at Yorkshire-based The Smart Agency, Nigel will scale Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in North Yorkshire over 12 hours on September 5, 2009.
He said: "In a strange way am looking forward to the climb. I am not looking forward however to the 5am start, but it's a great cause, and one that affects millions of families and individuals. I just hope the weather stays clear so that we can keep the pace up"
To contribute to the fund, click here to visit the fundraising website or go to:
http://www.justgiving.com/ArthritusResearchCampaign3Peaks/
Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) raises funds to promote medical research into the cause, treatment and cure of arthritic conditions; to educate medical students, doctors and allied healthcare professionals about arthritis and to provide information to people affected by the condition and to the general public.
To find out more about the charity, visit their website .
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27 August 2009, 2:39 pm
Client news: Independent legal expenses provider, MSL, announces a major coup with the arrival of Sue Stansfield as claims manager.
In her new position, Sue will play a key role in shaping the direction of the company’s claims management department and strategy. She will report to Steve Turner, Commercial Director.
Sue has worked in the insurance industry for over 22 years. Most recently she was at Esure where she was one of its first claims team members when the insurer formed in 2000. Prior to that she was with Norwich Union and was part of a project team that set up a centralised claims recovery unit in the North West to replicate the Norwich Union Direct model.
Nick Garner, managing director of MSL Legal Expenses said: “We are delighted to welcome Sue to the team, her knowledge and experience will be critical as we strive for the highest standards of customer service in our claims management process. We need someone of Sue’s calibre in order to help us continue to drive claims service forward and to ensure that we continue to drive efficiencies.”
Sue Stansfield commented: “MSL offers some very exciting prospects for the future and is pushing ahead with new products and services to meet the growing and specific needs of clients. I am convinced that the claims function can be one of the best in the business and I am looking forward to working with the team to help delivery a service that that revolutionises this sector.”
Sue lives with her family in Glossop, Derbyshire.
ENDS
Issued by The Smart Agency
27 August 2009, 2:30 pm
Client news: Solaglas Windowcare, the Saint Gobain-owned glazing and frame repair, replacement and refurbishment specialist has joined a select group of some 400 UK public and private sector organisations by qualifying for accreditation to the Contractors’ Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS).
The scheme recognises the highest levels of practice and aims to improve standards and reduce duplicated as suppliers’ compliance with health and safety practice is accepted by all CHAS buyers.
Accreditation means that the Rotherham-based business operates to the highest standards of health and safety practice. Achieving the standard will streamline the process when pre-qualifying for private and public tenders. It also provides a high level of confidence for clients that their service provider meets the required health and safety standards.
The process of accreditation involved a wide-ranging review of the company’s health and safety policies. These include how the business communicates its policy and operates procedure in relation to personal protection equipment (PPE), fire procedures, welfare and transport, manual handling, and risk assessment. The audit also looked at how the business ensured compliance with policy through training and audit.
The CHAS auditors also examined the provisions that Solaglas Windowcare takes when working at height. A recent project involved replacing large glazing units at a height of 30 metres on the exterior of the Urbis, one of Manchester’s most distinctive glass structures.
Ian Davy, managing director said: “It is very gratifying to attain one of the most stringent of accreditations because our entire systems and policies were exposed to extreme scrutiny and audit – and passed the test. Any claims we made in relation to health and safety practice and policy had to be documented and evidenced. It involved at least three weeks of intense qualification and audit as we opened the business up to the independent assessors.”
Mr Davy added: “We work on behalf of some of the largest insurers in the UK and have high-profile commercial clients in the defence, public, retailing, hospitality and transport sectors and we recognised that accreditation was becoming a frequent requirement of these organisations.”
How the business deals with its own contractors is also covered in the accreditation. The senior management team at Solaglas Windowcare has stated that it would prefer the companies who work on their behalf to have CHAS accreditation to ensure standards are maintained at every link in the supply chain.
The process and management of Solaglas Windowcare’s route to accreditation was led by Jon Cornforth, Health, Safety and Environment Manager.
In addition, the business has also met the requirements for membership of Constructionline, the Government's national register for suppliers. In the same way CHAS offers a tool for use in the health and safety element of pre-qualification, Constructionline provides the pre-qualification tool for use in financial standing, technical references and other areas. The CHAS management group supports the principles of a single register and so works jointly with Constructionline.
Emergency Helpline: +44 (0) 870 242 7379 or, email sales.team@solaglaswindowcare.co.uk.
ENDS
Issued by The Smart Agency
10 August 2009, 11:35 pm
Please find below a link to a presentation prepared and delivered to a business audience in Yorkshire.
http://www.slideshare.net/france98/microsoft-power-point-the-smart-agency-presentation
18 July 2009, 12:28 am
Client NewsEmergency glazing specialist, Solaglas Windowcare, has announced that the company has expanded its 24/7 UK-wide operation to cover Southern Ireland.
The Saint-Gobain owned company, which is currently targeting high street retail clients with emergency boarding-up and reglazing services, has responded to requests from UK-based clients to provide an efficient and cost-effective service in the Republic of Ireland.
The service started on 1 June although the company has spent six months putting in place a national network of contracted and vetted emergency glaziers to ensure coverage for commercial and retail businesses throughout the whole of the country.
The glazing network will be managed from the company’s base in South Yorkshire, using the existing workflow systems to ensure that quality and response standards meet those provided to commercial clients in the UK.
The company is also able to provide a national 24-hour locksmith service throughout Ireland as an additional service enhancement.
Announcing the move into Southern Ireland, managing director Ian Davy commented: “As a business we have made excellent progress in the commercial glazing sector, building relations with leading high-street retailers, facility companies and public sector agency clients with a nation repair, replacement and replacement service delivered to a high standard. This decision to expand makes sense as we make our services available to British-based businesses with outlets and operations based in towns and cities across Ireland.
“We are confident that we will run a competitive service across the country at the same quality that our existing clients enjoy in the UK.”
Solaglas Windowcare directly employs 340 people at its main office in Hellaby, near Rotherham and at its branches in Dartford, Preston, Plymouth and Kingston-upon-Thames. The company plans to expand its British network of branches.
The company’s portfolio of clients includes major insurers, loss adjusters, facilities management companies, building maintenance companies, government agencies, local authorities, hotels, passenger centres and retailers. Last year the business reported turnover of over £23m.
ENDS
Media contact
Nigel Charlesworth, The Smart Agency
T. 0870 403 6499 M. 07964 900 861
E. Nigel@thesmartagency.co.uk
Images of MD Ian Davy are available from Nigel Charlesworth 07964 900 861.
About Solaglas Windowcare
Solaglas Windowcare is the industry leader in the repair, replacement and refurbishment of windows and doors on behalf of insurance companies, commercial and public sector clients, making major savings compared to equivalent replacement costs.
Emergency Helpline: +44 (0) 870 242 7379 or, email sales.team@solaglaswindowcare.co.uk.
Solaglas Windowcare operates in sectors:
• Insurance Services
• Commercial Glazing
• Maintenance Services
• Call Management
The company is an active member of a range of industry bodies and has become members of the British Hospitality Association, the British Retail Consortium and the British Institute of Facilities Management.
Last year the business completed a major rebranding exercise and established four specific operating sectors for growth: Insurance Services, Commercial Glazing, Maintenance Services and Call Management. A recent restructure of the business’s sales and marketing department saw the appointment of three new sales managers.
10 July 2009, 4:28 pm
I recently attended a great seminar on SEO by Business Link Yorkshire in York. The presenter was from Sugarcane agency in Sheffield. if you get the chance to go to another BL event - go.
That prompted me to post this nice, concise piece from Josh Hall who writes on Simply Business's website.
The internet has become an intrinsic and vital part of most companies’ marketing efforts. Increasing and maintaining your visibility on the internet is hugely important at a time when such a large proportion of all business is done online. Even if you are not actively making sales over the internet, but rather using your website as an extended advert, it is vital that your business can be found. The internet is now many people’s first port of call when looking for products and services.
Search engine optimisation (SEO) describes the art of increasing traffic to your website, by ensuring that it appears as high as possible in the list of results on popular search engines for search terms relating to your business. As a result of its huge market share, Google is the main focus for most SEO activity.
From a sales perspective, the purpose of your SEO endeavours will be subtly different depending on the nature of your business. If your website is transactional (that is, if you actually take payments online) then you will probably want to increase the number of sales you make through your site.
Alternatively, if your business requires customers to engage in some other form of contact offline (for example a face-to-face visit or phone call), then you may just want to boost your brand impact and recognition or increase the volume and quality of traffic coming to your website – that is, you will want to increase the number of visitors, but specifically those visitors who are actually of relevance to your business.
Basic SEO principles
Hiring an SEO professional is beyond the means of many small businesses. Simply ranking higher in search engines does not generate revenue in and of itself; rather, you will only generate cash if you can convert traffic into sales. Much of this is dependent on the nature of your business and the quality of your website.
That said, there are a number of SEO activities that you can complete yourself at little or no cost. A significant proportion of the potential gains from SEO can be achieved by simply tweaking your site, and many of these tweaks can be performed by a competent internet user.
Remember that doing these things won’t make a difference overnight and that optimising for search engines shows results over an extended period of time.
Keywords
Search engines aim to produce results that are relevant to real users. As such, the quality of your content is of the upmost importance for SEO purposes. It is no longer enough to ‘stuff’ your copy with keywords, as was the case in the past. Instead, search engine algorithms are becoming ever more adept at seeking out high quality, relevant content.
But keywords are still a primary means by which search engines identify content. In order to make your copy as ‘search engine friendly’ as possible, you should help them to find the keywords.
Your first task then, is to identify keywords that will work for your business. You must find out which words people are using to search for products and services like yours. You can do this with free keyword tools like the one from Google.
One thing you should do is ensure that every page has suitable title tags (written as ), which are descriptive of the content. Where possible the title should include the main keywords you are targeting.
Some search engines also place more weight on words that are found within ‘heading’ tags, as these are used to delineate sections of content. As such, you should place keyword specific titles for each section within headings.
Backlinks
Google and other search engines place significant importance on the ‘trustworthiness’ of your site. Amongst the most important ways of building this trustworthiness is to secure links from other sites. As such, you should try to get other sites to link to yours. This relies on you providing interesting and relevant content – few site owners will be willing to link to you if you are just trying to plug your services.
The way in which links are formed is also very important. Where possible you should make sure that the keywords you are targeting (for example ‘widget repair’) are linked to a relevant page on your site which also contains those keywords. This will increase its relevance to search engines like Google.
Friendly URLs
Search engines also look at URLs to determine the relevance of a page for any given search term. So, www.example.com/widget-repair will perform better than www.example.com/12345abcde for the search term ‘widget ‘repair’. Ensuring that your URLs are ‘search engine friendly’ is a vital element of your SEO activities.
You should ensure that all of the vital pages of your website have easily interpretable URLs. It should also be noted that many search engines, Google included, do not index pages with URLs that resemble form elements. As such, you should modifiers such as ampersands wherever possible.
Alternate text
Search engines only look at text; they cannot interpret words within images. As such, you should always use regular text, rather than images, for content that is important from an SEO point of view. This is particularly important for menus; some web designers like to use images for header menus, but this can be hugely detrimental to the site’s search engine rankings.
Thankfully, search engines also look at the ‘alt text’ attribute given to images. As such, you should give descriptive, keyword-heavy alternate text descriptions to all of your important images.
This is a very whistle-stop tour of the fundamentals of Search Engine Optimisation, however it is possible to achieve an improvement in your business sales with relatively little outlay by improving your site’s search engine listings using some of the SEO tactics detailed here.
Search Engine Optimisation isn’t magic. It’s implementing certain online activities that will hopefully bring about a desired outcome – higher rankings on the search engines. Because of this, you’re unlikely to see results instantly. Search engines can take some time to ‘crawl’ and index changes to your site. So keep monitoring your site’s performance and you will soon have a good idea of what will increase your business sales.
9 July 2009, 7:45 pm
Ian Davy, MD, Solaglas Windowcare – Rotherham Business of the Year, and Smart client recently spoke to business people in South Yorkshire at an event organised by Business Link Yorkshire. As an entrepreneur who has taken the knocks and grown a business from scratch to over £20m turnover, he had some advice for businesses on surviving the downturn.
1. Regularly review your strategy
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the today. You have to take a high-level view.
2. Make changes before they become critical
If your business is heading downwards, and you have to make changes, you will have to do it with paranoid, demoralise and probably resistant people. Make them before the critical point and people will be more likely to come with you.
3. Review costs line by line
It’s so easy to become complacent over cost control – really get into the detail.
4. Ask for help
Let you bank and your customers know where you are – that’s very important when times are tough.
5. You need luck – capitalise on it
Maximising your luck is vital in business. When a competitor goes bust or you unexpectedly win a tender – build on it.
6. Don’t get complacent
Every business goes through what we call the Change House.
There is the Renewal Room when sales are good, then the Contentment Room when the market starts to get saturated. That leads to the Denial Room when everyone defers the blame, then the Confusion Room when the business is in mire and people start taking the wrong knee-jerk actions. At this stage you need a strategic plan to get you out of the mess.
7. Talk to your people
Employees are not naive or stupid, so tell them the bad news as well as the good. As soon as business drops you need to tell them. Otherwise, you they will talk about it among themselves and probably exaggerate the seriousness. If that’s the case, your best people, the very ones you need in the trenches, will look for an exit.
8. Keep close to your clients
Talk to them on a regular basis and look to introduce innovative processes that they will value.
9. Consolidate your labour
If you are down on sales and you haven’t laid anyone off yet don’t fall into the trap of letting your sales staff do four days’ work in five. Their natural reaction will be to slow down and reduce productivity. When times change it will be even more difficult to get that productivity and motivation back to previous levels. Ask people to take holiday leave or even give them a day’s unpaid holiday. It might even boost morale and keep productivity up.
10. Try to do longer deals with clients
Work with your clients to find deals that extend the relationship, but perhaps save them money in the long-run.
And finally…
It’s not always about the money
To be successful, you need to find something in your job that gives you a sense of pride and achievement. Having fun is also important and an essential part of successful business.
16 June 2009, 10:06 am
Here's some advice from The Smart Agency.
1. Invest in research and development so that new products and services are ready for launch as the economy begins to grow again. Your competitors will be inclined to cut R&D, particularly if they face high interest payments and drops in revenue. If so, your approach will yield a strong product advantage when recovery returns.
2. Learn about the customers of your weakest competitors. You might be inclined to go after their largest and most attractive clients. However, be aware that your rivals are probably working desperately to save those customers. They might not, however, have the time and resources to focus on smaller clients. Focus your attention on these potential new customers, particularly those with attractive growth prospects and strong balance sheets.
3. Identify your most critical suppliers and distributors, and determine if any face the possibility of severe impairment to their business due to the economic downturn. Assess the risk to your business if they should falter badly or even fail completely. Then, examine ways in which you might help those supplies and distributors weather the downturn. Even the smallest gesture can sometimes build an enduring loyalty that will pay off for years to come.
4. Think carefully about your talent needs. As weak companies lay off employees, many good people will find themselves searching for work. Other skilled workers may still have a job, but they may be disenchanted with their struggling firms. Capitalise on this opportunity to identify and attract talented employees, while slack exists in the labour market.
16 June 2009, 9:53 am
If you get your face in the paper on a regular basis, well done for getting personally involved in your company’s PR. Some people might worry about over-exposure, but never fear, it’s a truism that people buy from people and presenting a friendly face to the business helps the relationship.
And unless you are Coke or Google, with a brand recognised around the world, then your personal profile and image is a good way to raise your business profile. It doesn't always need to be business-related. In fact, it is in our nature to seek out people like ourselves, with experiences we can share. Your views on life, work and leisure time might just be as interesting as your thoughts on business. A case in point being the popular My Passion piece in the business section of the Yorkshire Post.
If you need further proof, just look at Richard Branson. His businesses are no less hard-nosed than any other, but his persona of grown-up hippy and challenger of established brands pervades every product – even financial services. Take away Branson, and yes, you will recognise the Virgin brand, but add his personality and you immediately have a perception of what the product stands for.
Back in the real world, small businesses that heighten their profile over competitors can reap commercial rewards. One way is to be an expert in your field. You might not think it, but you know more about your business than most people. If you have a story to tell or a point to make – tell it, and at the same time, promote your business/service. It projects a positive image of you, your business and makes you approachable.
4 June 2009, 10:11 pm
Journalists are sensitive, easily-offended souls aren’t they? No? Well you would think so if you read the comments made by the editors who provide the Q&A in the media section of PR Week.
Having a PR present when they are interviewing a senior figure (Damien Smith, Motorsport)? Must be hellish Damien – and really compromise your ability to get a story. Sam Baker at Red gets, well, red under the collar when some PR executive has the temerity to ask for a features list – when it’s probably on the site too!
Hold on, In PR when has a journalist rung to ask the bleeding obvious? Loads, I think you will find. One time when I was at Green Flag, a national newspaper journalist rang me to find out if I had the number of the RAC press office. The cheek!
5 May 2009, 4:16 pm
Time to tell the world about your company or service? There are hundreds of magazines, newspapers and TV and radio stations out there. You don't want to make a mess of it. So how do you get the right headlines?
One way is get help from a company that understands the pressures on small businesses and offers a clear GAME plan (Goals, Audiences, Methods and Evaluation).
Aim for your GOALS. Consider what you want to achieve, which audiences are key to the success of your venture and then think about the best way to communicate with them.
Remember, the main point of coverage is to get your product or service more widely known. The advantage of media coverage is the third-party endorsement it confers.
Who’s your AUDIENCE? Think about what’s likely to influence your audience’s behaviour. Shooting off press releases in every direction isn’t always a good move, so concentrating on how your audience gets its information is the way forward. For instance, exhibitions might be where your industry goes to do business, so you need to be there. Online audiences are also worth considering as people often regard what they read on the web as a reliable source when it comes to deciding on where to spend their money.
Talk to your agency about the best METHODS to get your message across (and those that fit within your budget). Publicity in local press might be good for local services, while trade press will target your potential business-to-business customers more accurately. Journalists, especially local ones, are happy to talk about your business, especially if it gives them access to a news story down the line. Try to establish a working relationship. Don’t forget the local radio stations. They are often listened to by many more people than read the local press.
When you do have news, make it succinct, factual and provide company background. Don’t be shy about growth and profit projections. Better you say it rather than a journalist paint you into a corner. If you don’t report your own figures, try to provide an alternative indication of growth i.e. employee numbers, percentage sales etc.
Treat the media as a business, like yours, working in a fiercely competitive market of their own. Your story should enhance their circulation. Never expect them to publish your news from a sense of duty.
You’re the expert, so have a point of view. This is a good way to get media coverage and position yourself as an authority on an issue relevant to your sector and to your customers. By all means, be controversial, but only if you can back it up. .
With a small enterprise, journalists expect to speak to the proprietor. Restrict media contact to as few people as possible to keep the message consistent
EVALUATE Don't just bask in the glow of your press coverage, look at what it says about the business and whether the key messages are getting across. Ask new customers where they found out about you. Then think: “what can I do next to keep this momentum going?”
Affordable help is at hand for small and growing businesses. A new service has been launched by The Smart Agency offering pay-as-you-go bespoke services for small business, not-for-profit organisations and entrepreneurs.
Visit www.thesmartagency.co.uk for more details or call Nigel Charlesworth on 0870 403 6499, nigel@thesmartagency.co.uk.
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