Wolfstar News Releases

Yorkshire company Wolfstar wins place on Digital Mission to New York

2009-11-04T09:47:54+00:00

Yorkshire based public relations and social media consultancy Wolfstar has been selected from hundreds of other companies across the UK to take part in the Digital Mission to New York, an opportunity for businesses to make business connections and build international profile.

Leeds-based Wolfstar, which was one of the first public relations consultancies to focus on social media and online communities, was one of the UK’s top 21 digital companies to be selected in the fiercely competitive process to join the second Digital Mission to New York, which will take place from November 15 – 20, 2009.

Read our latest blog post to find out more information about the mission.

Notes to editor:

The Digital Mission to New York is organised by Chinwag (http://chinwag.com), supported UK Trade & Investment (UKTI, http://www.uktradeinvest.org.uk) and Winston & Strawn (http://www.winston.com).
The 21 Digital Mission companies are: BandCentral, Bizk.it, Box UK, Can Studios Limited, Cognitive Match, coull, Digital Clarity, ipadio, Ixaris Systems, KMP Digidata, LAMP Digital, learn2lingo, Martingale, Mobilized, Open, ShareMyPlaylists.com, Stylescape, SubHub, The Filter, Type 3 and Wolfstar.
For more info about the digital mission visit: http://chinwag.com/digitalmission/nyc09

Media contacts:

Amy Johnston

AmyJ@wolfstarconsultancy.com

+44(0)845 838 7282

Stuart Bruce

Stuartb@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: social media, Wolfstar, Chinwag, Digital Mission to New York

Public relations consultancy unveils ambitious expansion plan

2009-10-08T14:13:17+01:00

Two leading public relations bloggers and social media strategists, Stuart Bruce and Mark Hanson, have decided to join forces, with Bruce tempting Hanson into becoming the deputy managing director of specialist public relations and social media consultancy, Wolfstar.

The appointment is part of an ambitious expansion plan being developed at Wolfstar as the consultancy continues to take advantage of the growing demand for its services from brands and organisations in the UK, Europe and USA. It brings two of the UK's most senior and earliest adopters of social media and digital engagement together in one consultancy. In addition to their experience in the industry, both men are also closely involved in the Labour Party's efforts online.

Hanson developed the award-nominated PR Media Blog for previous agency, Staniforth, while Bruce was one of the industry's first bloggers via 'A PR Guy's Musings'.

Wolfstar was one of the UK’s first specialist public relations consultancies focusing on social media and online communications, and now has one of the largest specialist teams in the UK. Its clients include Sony Ericsson, Philips, First Direct, the NHS and Silver Cross.

Stuart Bruce, co-founder and managing director of Wolfstar, said: "Mark is someone that's been on our radar for a good while and we are obviously pleased to have agreed a deal to bring him here. The reason we were keen to get him is that there is a dearth of public relations practitioners at any level who have actually worked with clients on successful social media campaigns, rather than just talking and blogging about the subject. Mark is one of the few that's been there and done it.

“This is really key to us as part of our offer is being able to provide consultancy at all levels of an organisation; based on experience of delivering. Many of the organisations we work with have had their fingers burnt already and we aim to restore their faith."

- ENDS -

Notes to editor:

- Wolfstar was founded in 2007 by current directors Tim Sinclair and Stuart Bruce

- CIPR Grand Prix Award for UK's Outstanding Small Consultancy of the Year 2009

- Finalist PR Week Best New Consultancy 2009 – result October 20

- Finalist CIPR Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy 2009 - result November 11

- Founder Member of WOM UK

Media contacts:

Amy Johnston

AmyJ@wolfstarconsultancy.com

+44(0)845 838 7282

Stuart Bruce

Stuartb@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: Mark Hanson, Stuart Bruce, Social Media, Wolfstar, Public Relations, labour blog

first direct becomes first social bank

2009-06-18T14:50:57+01:00

first direct has become the first UK bank to embrace social media with the launch of its new social media newsroom http://newsroom.firstdirect.com.

The move comes following the successful launch of the company’s presence on twitter.com earlier this year.

The social media newsroom borrows considerable amounts of its functions from the world of blogging, using social media sites such as Flickr and YouTube to “serve” content to the site and allowing users to share text, images and video across blogs and social networks.

Amanda Brown, PR and communications manager for first direct, explained the goals behind the site saying: “Increasingly, people are turning to online methods of media consumption and as a brand we have to go where the audience is. With the social media newsroom we wanted to create one central hub for all our communications online and we wanted to make those communications as portable and shareable online as possible.

“We create a lot of content that could add value to the conversations already going on online, the newsroom is a step on the way to engaging in that dialogue.”

The newsroom was created in collaboration with the social media specialist public relations consultancy Wolfstar, which created the initial concepts and provided ongoing consultancy throughout the project. These initial concepts were then designed and developed by specialist digital marketing agency MadeByPi into the final site for launch.

Stuart Bruce, managing director of Wolfstar commented: “first direct has always had a reputation for being a forward thinking company, and when we first started discussing the project we were delighted with their ambitions, particularly with their recognition that this was a primarily cultural rather than a technological shift. Wolfstar has now been working with first direct and MadeByPi for a considerable time and today’s launch represents a major step forward in the project.”

Chris Hemingway, creative director of MadeByPi added: “This has been a collaborative project and we are really pleased to have brought it to such a successful conclusion. The final product is a credit to a project characterised by the cohesive vision formed between the public relations and marketing team at first direct, ourselves and Wolfstar.”

Notes:

Useful URLs:

News room address: http://newsroom.firstdirect.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/first_direct

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/firstdirectuk

Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/firstdirect

first direct: www.firstdirect.com

MadeByPi: www.madebypi.co.uk

Wolfstar: www.wolfstarconsultancy.com

Media contacts:

Wolfstar

+44 (0)113 394 7960

Sam Oakley

samoakley@wolfstarconsultancy.com

first direct

+44 (0)113 276 6700

Amanda Brown

amanda.brown@firstdirect.com

Technorati Tags: first direct, social media news room

Silver Cross introduces the innovative Halo and Doodle

2009-05-29T13:39:53+01:00

Doodle

Key information

· Doodle is a handy high chair for meal times, but once you break it down, it also provides a low chair complete with table for playtimes.

· It can be used with the tray attached when in high chair mode or detached when using the table.

· Comes with fully adjustable and removable feeding trays that are dishwasher safe, a five-point safety harness, toy basket, crayon cups and removable, easy-clean seat pads.

Quotes

Phil Taylor, head designer at Silver Cross, said: “The best inventions begin with a Doodle. Now, our own Doodle has become a truly unique and inventive nursery product. The high chair has all the necessary features for busy parents – it’s easily adaptable and easy to clean and store.

“However, the thing that sets the Doodle apart from other high chairs, is the fact that within seconds it converts to a table and chair with crayon cups and a toy storage basket, creating the perfect place for your budding artists to get creative!”

Accessories

· Extra chairs available

Colours available

· Apple

· Stone

· Lilac

Price

· Doodle high chair retails at £150

· Extra chairs are £45 each

Halo

Key information

· Lightweight, folding pushchair and travel system ideal from birth to toddler.

· Exceptional protection and flexibility.

· Super compact and will fit in the boot of a mini.

· Converts to a complete travel system with the Ventura car seat.

· The Halo comes complete with a seat liner, footmuff, rain cover and cargo net.

Quotes

Phil Taylor, head designer at Silver Cross, said: “The Halo is our newest, most innovative, lightweight, folding pushchair and travel system ideal for babies from birth to toddler. The Halo looks different because it is different – the unique elliptical frame (the ‘halo’ around the child) delivers exceptional protection and simple flexibility.

“This product is perfect if you want a great looking, durable and compact buggy – and in addition, it will be the only buggy you need to buy. It is just as suited to new born babies as it is to toddlers and older children.

“The Halo is so compact, when folded it will fit in the boot of a mini!”

Accessories

· Halo bag

· Halo rocker

· Halo car seat

Colours available

· Fusion

· Green tea

· Ice

Price

· Halo buggy retails at £275

· Halo rocker is £100

· Halo bag is £35

· Halo car seat is £115

Media contacts:

Wolfstar

+44 (0)113 394 7960

Amy Johnston

amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Rebecca Caddy

beccac@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: Silvercross, buggies, halo, doodle

Leeds Business Week supplies all the tools for success

2009-05-29T10:34:00+01:00

Leeds Business Week will be held at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Rose Bowl from Monday 1^st to Friday 5^th June 2009.
Leeds Business Week is brought to the city by Marketing Leeds, Leeds Chamber and RIBC, and is sponsored by Yorkshire Bank.
The week, the theme of which is ‘Your Toolkit for Success’ is aimed at people of all levels of business.
Business Week will include a series of seminars, conferences and workshops, providing the tools for business success now and in the future.

Leeds Business Week kicks off with a launch breakfast featuring guest speaker Penny Mallory – rally driver-turned performance coach and motivational speaker. Other speakers include Richard Reed, co-founder of innocent Smoothies, who will help inspire young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas and enthusiasm into business, at a session hosted by Yorkshire Icons.

The week also provides an opportunity to look at the different ways in which men and women operate in the workplace. Vive La Difference, hosted by Leeds Metropolitan University, is just one of many events taking place over the week, culminating in the Yorkshire International Business Convention in Harrogate on Friday 5th June.

Inspirational business speaker and author of 'Saving the World at Work', Tim Sanders, will also be speaking at an event of the same name during the week, demonstrating how businesses can change the world by changing the way they work. He will also share personal stories on how thousands of people from the mailroom to the boardroom are innovating and helping people, communities and the planet.

Other highlights of Leeds Business Week include a seminar with Stuart Bruce, managing director of social media experts, Wolfstar. The week will also help raise awareness of the importance of innovation in business in a session for SME’s hosted by Business Link, The University of Leeds and Leeds Metropolitan University.

For further information on Leeds Business Week, including details of how to register for events, visit www.leedsbizweek.biz

Quotes

Deborah Green, chief executive of Marketing Leeds said: “Leeds Business Week is key in helping us achieve our aim of positioning Leeds as a leading business centre, both in the UK and internationally. The first ever Leeds Business Week in 2008 was an excellent example of how collaborative working can produce great results. With the support of Leeds Chamber and RIBC and the kind sponsorship of Yorkshire Bank, we have a calendar of over 20 events planned for the week, which we hope will grow on the success of last year.

“Leeds Business Week will provide the opportunity to network with a local, national and international business audience. I encourage businesses to get involved to equip themselves with the tools for success.”

Gary Williamson, chief executive of Leeds Chamber said: “We are strong supporters of business growth and development in the city. In the current economic landscape, it is all the more important to share best business practice, and Leeds Business Week is the ideal platform to achieve this. The week, with its mix of motivational seminars and inspirational speakers, will support and encourage the city’s entrepreneurs and its business community.”

Dean Cutbil, director for Yorkshire Bank added: “Yorkshire Bank is proud to be sponsoring Leeds Business Week for the second year running. We are strongly committed to connecting with the business community to ensure knowledge is shared and excellence is achieved. Leeds Business Week offers us an opportunity to do just that. We look forward to seeing a diverse range of businesses at the event, and hope those who attend find the different topics and speakers useful and inspiring.”

Extra Information

www.leedsbizweek.biz

www.marketingleeds.com

www.leedsliveitloveit.com

About Marketing Leeds

Marketing Leeds is the marketing company for Leeds, and aims to provide clear vision, purpose and leadership to ensure that the city fulfils its potential as a world class destination for business, leisure and education. It was created from a powerful partnership between the public and private sectors. The company is limited by guarantee, with a board of ten directors drawn from a cross section of the business community and the council.

The Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl, the new home for Leeds Business School from September, is Leeds Metropolitan University’s new flagship building at its Civic Quarter campus. The £57m Rose Bowl, as its name suggests, has a reflective glass ‘Rose Bowl’ lecture theatre at its heart, which literally reflects the Civic Hall. It includes flexible teaching and learning space which will become the new focal point for the Faculty of Business & Law, as well as state-of-the-art conferencing facilities for 600 delegates, making it one of the largest conference venues in the city.

Media contacts:

Wolfstar

+44 (0)113 394 7960

Amy Johnston

amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Jed Hallam

jedh@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: Marketing Leeds. Rose Bowl, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Business Week, Innocent smoothies

James Martin comes to Huddersfield to Take on the Takeaway

2009-04-09T10:05:40+01:00

James Martin is coming to Huddersfield to prove to students you can make a cheap and healthy meal in less time than it takes to get a takeaway. On Monday 18 May from 2pm, students from Kirklees will gather at Huddersfield University Union to watch James compete against the clock to create a delicious and healthy alternative to a takeaway before it can arrive.

This is another exciting part of 'Up For It', a campaign which has brought fun and entertainment to students from Kirklees, to show them that healthy cooking can be fun and anyone can do it!

Take on the Takeaway is a show aired on a Saturday afternoon and is a familiar concept to many students. The show uses celebrity chefs such as John Burton Race, Ainsley Harriet and Ken Hom to demonstrate how you can cook a quick and tasty meal from scratch in the same amount of time as it takes a takeaway to be delivered.

The event will be interactive and allow students to get involved and try their hand at cooking while also suggesting ideas for meals they would like to see being cooked. They will get the opportunity to sign up for the second part of the campaign in which students can host their own dinner parties. The best dinner party host will be in with a chance of winning a great cash prize!

Lynne Cliffe, project manager of ‘Up For It’ said: “We’re very excited to welcome James Martin to Huddersfield as part of the Up For It campaign. The Take on the Takeaway challenge will be the second initiative of the campaign so far, following a hugely successful dance event where we launched some great new dance classes for the students of Kirklees.

“James will hopefully show the students that cooking can be easy and fun. Students from the local colleges are welcome too – it should be a great day!”

The ‘Up For It’ team are currently signing up Dodgeball teams for the next stage of the initiative, which is a Dodgeball society and tournament. Many students have already put their names down for the scheme which will culminate in a big tournament in the next few months.

For up to date info on the latest events visit www.up-forit.com.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

A range of dance classes have been introduced for students as part of the Up For It scheme. Times are as follows:

- Salsa Classes will take place in the Mezzanine at the Brian Jackson Centre every Tuesday from 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

- Street Dance Classes will take place in the Dance Studio at Huddersfield New College every Tuesday from 4.15pm – 5.15pm.

- There are three more sets of classes held at Huddersfield University Sports Hall.

- Street Dance Classes will take place every Monday from 7.00 – 8.00pm.

- Bhangra Dance Classes will take place every Thursday from 5.15pm – 6.15pm.

- Salsa Dance Classes will take place every Saturday from 12.00pm – 1.00pm.

For further media inquiries please contact Wolfstar +44 (0)113 394 7960

Amy Johnston +44 (0) 7932 864 901

amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Chris Norton +44 (0)7932 864891

chrisn@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: James Martin, Up For It, Take on the Takeaway, Cooking, Huddersfield

New drinks company recruits Wolfstar to handle UK launch

2009-01-23T11:25:06+00:00

Yalp! a new drinks company based in Yorkshire, has hired the public relations and social media specialists, Wolfstar, to manage the UK launch of its first fresh yoghurt lassi drink.

Wolfstar, which recently won the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Grand Prix PRide award for outstanding small consultancy, will run a digital, word of mouth and traditional media relations campaign to drive sales through Morrisons, where the drink will be available from spring.

Yalp! is the only fresh yoghurt lassi drink on the market made from 100% natural ingredients and based on a traditional Indian recipe that is more than 2,000 years old.

The company was set up by young entrepreneurs Hayley Hadfield and Laurence Nair-Price just over a year ago. Both former students of Leeds University, they share a passion for great brands and the heritage of the lassi drink.

The account will be led by account manager, Amy Johnston, who joined Wolfstar from the Morrisons press office and has significant consumer experience in launching new products into the retail market.

Hayley Hadfield, MD of Yalp, said: “Wolfstar’s social media specialism is second to none and its offline ideas will complement these tactics and give an impressive launch for Yalp. Our product is a competitor to other yoghurt drinks on the market, but subtly different as it’s the only fresh yoghurt lassi out there. Wolfstar understood our product and the importance of a strong brand image, so we’re sure this is the right team to launch the drink.”

Tim Sinclair, chairman of Wolfstar added: “It’s great to get the opportunity to work with a new and exciting brand and we are certain that we can create an impact for the launch. It just goes to show that even in a tough economic climate, if you’re offering the right service at the right price, it is invaluable.

“Launching a new product is very exciting, but it must be well thought through, impactful and measurable. You only get once chance to make a first impression, and it’s our aim to make it a great one for Yalp.”

Ends

Notes to editor:

· Wolfstar is a public relations consultancy specialising in public relations, social media and word of mouth marketing and communications.

· Wolfstar won the national CIPR Outstanding Small Consultancy Award 2009

· Wolfstar was founded in 2007 by current directors Tim Sinclair and Stuart Bruce

For further media inquiries please contact Wolfstar +44 (0)113 394 7960

Amy Johnston +44 (0) 7932 864 901

amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Tim Sinclair +44 (0) 7831 447 774

tims@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: PR, Social Media

International superstar DJ, Chris Lake, comes to Huddersfield

2009-01-15T15:23:50+00:00

Student party goers in Huddersfield are in for a real treat when world-renowned dance music producer and DJ, Chris Lake, comes to the Camel Club, Huddersfield, in February to play an exclusive three-hour set.

Globally recognised as one of the most exciting, forward thinking and cutting edge producers on the scene, Chris Lake's rare ability to create tracks that fuse elements of deep house, electro and techno is a firm favourite with clubbers all over the world. His new single, featuring Nastala, ‘If You Knew’ is out on the February 9 after taking first place in both the Buzz and Cool Cuts charts. BBC Radio 1 legend, Pete Tong’s given it his seal of approval saying: “sounds like a cross between ‘Changes’ and the song Pjano never had – conventional, but huge... and we haven’t had a song like this for a while!”

Chris Lake feat. Nastala 'If You Knew' from Rising Music - ontour & online on Vimeo.

Chris Lake

As part of his highly anticipated 2009 world tour, Chris will be coming to popular student venue, the Camel Club, for an exclusive one night only set on Thursday February 26. This special DJ set has been arranged as part of a new campaign called Up for It, which is bringing entertainment, sports and fun to the students of Kirklees.

Chris Lake (Changes)

As well as Chris Lake’s exclusive headlining set, street dancers from a Sheffield dance group will be demonstrating their skills in the back room. The street dancers will be showcasing their best moves and encouraging other clubbers to sign-up to learn the art of urban street dancing themselves.

Dave Biddle, owner of the Camel Club, said: “We’re really looking forward to the Up For It event and having Chris Lake play in our club. Our Thursday nights have become a bit legendary with the students of Kirklees, so to have such a big name here is sure to cause a bit of a stir!”

Lynne Cliffe, project manager of Up for It, said: “We are really excited about this event, we want to get the young people of Kirklees off their sofas and onto the dance floor. Chris is sure to be a real pull with local students as he is hugely popular across the globe. We genuinely want to get as many young people involved with this campaign as possible – not just to have a great night out, but to think about doing something fun and a bit different.”

Tickets for the Up for It event will cost £3 but lucky individuals will also be able to win a pair of 20 free tickets simply by joining the Up For It Facebook fan page. The 20 lucky winners will be selected at random from the fans and announced on Monday February 23.

In 2006, Chris Lake became a global phenomenon after his first single “Changes” topped dance chart and made it into the UK’s Top 40. Prior to his debut single, Chris had already secured huge critical acclaim from several dance music pioneers such as Sasha, Sander Kleinenberg and Carl Cox. In fact, Pete Tong has also proclaimed Chris as being “the best thing to come out of Scotland since Mylo”. Chris’ debut album and world tour will be launched at the Winter Music Conference in Miami this coming March.

For further information on Up for It log onto www.up-forit.com or become a fan of the Facebook page.

For further media information please contact: 0113 394 7960

Chris Norton 07932 864891

Email chrisn@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Amy Johnston 07932 864901

Email amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: Chris Lake,Up for It,Camel Club,Kirklees

Wolfstar named number one consultancy in the UK by the CIPR

2009-01-15T15:20:31+00:00

Leeds based public relations, social media and word of mouth consultancy, Wolfstar, has been named the national Outstanding Small Consultancy of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, after fighting off fierce competition from hundreds of other agencies across the country.

Wolfstar won the gold award at the regional heat, held at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds, back in November, and was then entered into the national Grand Prix awards to find the best of the best.

The consultancy was set up just 18 months ago by Stuart Bruce and renowned Yorkshire entrepreneur, Tim Sinclair.

Tim Sinclair, chairman of Wolfstar, said: “We’re delighted to pick up this national award. It’s testament to the hard work our team have put in over the last 18 months and the fantastic clients we’re working with. To win a national award means everything to us. Leeds is our base, but we are truly a national, and in many cases, a global consultancy.

“The nature of social media means we can cross boundaries in both a physical and metaphorical sense –creating unique and impactful campaigns for clients based anywhere from Bingley to Sweden!”

Stuart Bruce, managing director of Wolfstar added: “Businesses are beginning to realise the impact this kind of PR and communications can have. We offer great service at great value – this has already been noted by our clients, so it’s fantastic to get the stamp of approval from industry heavyweights such as the CIPR.”

Technorati Tags: CIPR, Outstanding Small Consultancy, Grand Prix awards

For further media inquiries please contact Wolfstar +44 (0)113 394 7960

Stuart Bruce +44 (0)7852 135456

stuartb@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Amy Johnston +44 (0)7932 864901

amyj@wolfstarconsultancy.com

NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council appoint Wolfstar for student obesity campaign

2008-10-29T16:31:25+00:00

NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council have appointed public relations and social media specialist Wolfstar to help deliver a social marketing campaign to tackle obesity amongst students.

NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council have teamed up to create a local strategic partnership for Kirklees. The partnership brings together public sector agencies, voluntary and community groups and local businesses to discuss important issues to help improve the quality of life for people in Kirklees.

The new campaign will target students attending higher education and further education establishments in Kirklees. It will use social media and word of mouth to connect with students during the academic year with its overall aim to halt the year-on-year rise in obesity levels of students between the ages of 16 and 24.

The account team of three will be led by Wolfstar, account director, Chris Norton who said: “We know that for this campaign to be successful we can’t tell students what to do. That’s why we’ve adopted a nudge strategy to make it easy for students to do the right thing without thinking. We believe we must incite students to have fun and act of their own accord.”

Lynne Cliffe, project manager at NHS Kirklees commented: “We have come together to tackle the rising level of obesity amongst students in the area. We want to encourage students to want to adopt healthy lifestyles and exercise more frequently, but without lecturing or bombarding them with too much educational information and statistics. Bringing Wolfstar on board will bring our practical interventions to life by engaging with students via social networks and community-based, direct word of mouth communications to create a fun, sociable program that students will want to get involved with.”

Students can, on average put on as much as 15lb in weight due to their hedonistic lifestyles at university and college.

About Wolfstar

Wolfstar is a new specialist consultancy, based in Leeds, which offers its clients multiple way communications solutions combining traditional public relations with social media and word of mouth communication techniques.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

· The campaign will be particularly targeting those students who already have a BMI of 25+

· The Government introduced The National Obesity Strategy in Jan 2008

· Students can, on average put on as much as 15lb in weight due to the high calorie intake from drinking alcohol and eating fast foods

For further media inquiries please contact Wolfstar 0113 394 7960

Natalie Smith 07872 644790

natalies@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Chris Norton 07932 864891

chrisn@wolfstarconsultancy.com

Technorati Tags: pr, nhs, social media, social marketing