http://www.responsesource.com Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:56:46 +0100 admin@responsesource.com (Responsesource) support@dwpub.com Copyright2010 responsesource.com http://www.responsesource.com/images/rss/rss.gif http://www.responsesource.com Zend Framework Zend_Feed en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/jdoClrgTz80/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=58291 mypetbook.co.uk. The Website has been created for all pet and animal lovers, and the newest feature of Pet of the Week will be chosen from one of the site’s members. Anyone can sign up for free on mypetbook and blog with other member pet owners, as well as get great discounts and offers on pet insurance and other pet products.

Mypetbook are offering the chance for publications to syndicate Pet of the Week with feature photos and a short paragraph about the pet in exchange for a reference to the website. Mypetbook will highlight the cutest animals with interesting stories. It is estimated that 1 in 2 households in the UK own a pet.

Another new feature launched this week is Club Call - a valuable resource for all clubs and associations who can use the website to form a group and network between members. They can then post notices, news, events and keep in touch - and have their own URL. There is even an online vet on hand for all medical queries for all animals whose owners use the site.

Mypetbook has 5 new pet-related competitions this month: Win a year’s subscription to Your Dog and to Your Cat, a Elm eco phone from Sony Ericsson to keep up with all the blogging, and two Autobiographies from celebrities John Barrowman and Cheryl Cole, both of whom have chapters devoted to life with their dogs.

Lastly, the new cutest pet videos on the site are a heart-melting must!

Contact Rachel on editor@mypetbook.co.uk or 07944 799884 or Chris Killingbeck on chris@billingtonjackson.co.uk or 07867 503444

* Source pet foods manufacturers association
- Rachel Benneworth 28-07-2010]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:47:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=58291 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/V2_qwxca0qo/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=58013
Few people living or visiting north of the border will need reminding of Scotland’s summer midge problem: it ruins holidays, keeps folk indoors even when the weather is good, and has a negative bearing on the Scottish economy. No end of products have been launched in the past to combat the problem, such as sprays, lotions, nets that cover your head, and candles which give off an awful smell. Some of these things have limited success, with others apparently not working at all.

But now one company, Procter Pest-Stop, thinks it has a solution – or actually ‘solutions’. Andy Simmons, director of Procter Pest-Stop, takes up the story: “We approached the whole midge problem from two different angles as it seemed to us that one solution could never fit all situations – for example for people out and about fishing, shooting and camping etc., to others wanting to relax in their own garden or enjoy a game of golf without being attacked by swarms of midges.

“For those out and about in the countryside, the answer had to be a highly effective repeller and that’s just what we’ve got in the ThermaCELL product. In fact so effective is this small and portable device, that it’s even used by the American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

ThermaCELL uses revolutionary, patented technology to dispense a small amount of repellent into the air over a long period of time. ThermaCELL is powered by a butane cartridge which provides the cordless, portable heat necessary to operate the device (batteries are not needed). It directs the heat to a metal grill. A mat saturated with Allethrin, a copy of a naturally occurring insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers, is placed on top of the metal grill. The heat generated by the butane cartridge vaporizes the repellent allowing it to rise into the air, creating a 4.5m x 4.5m mosquito and midge-free-zone in minutes. The repellent is very unpleasant to mosquitoes and midges but, when used as directed, will not harm humans or pets.

The other solution is to attract and the then trap midges and again Andy Simmons takes up the story: “For situations where the area is larger that midges need to be cleared from, the solution is to attract then trap them. This sort of technology is not new, but the units we have available are far more effective than previous ones on the market. Our largest unit – the Predator Dynamic – is probably the most powerful mosquito and midge trap currently available in the UK and has an effective area of 5000 square metres. It has been developed to attract female mosquitoes and midges from a large area – it’s only the females which bite – and will ensure their colonies in this area will be significantly reduced and, in many cases, be extinguished altogether. The Predator Dynamic is ideal for large gardens, seating area outside hotels and even on the edge of golf greens”.

Procter Pest-Stop also has two devices for the smaller garden and both are ideal for patios. One is an attractive ‘lantern’ version of the ThermaCELL repeller product, and the other a trap called the Amplecta AMT100 which has an effective area of 1500 square metres.
To find out your nearest stockist for the ThermaCELL products call 029 2088 0844, and for the Predator Dynamic and Amplecta AMT100 these are available from Highland Industrial Supplies in Inverness (call them on 01463 239160) and Macdonald’s Hardware in Dingwall (call them on 01349 862180).

Ends

For further details and images of products, contact Roger Hughes on 05602 623866 or email roger@hughesconsultancy.co.uk

Editors’ notes:

Procter Pest-Stop is the leading supplier of high quality pest control products in the UK.


- Roger Hughes 15-07-2010]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:25:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=58013 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/NL3eOCylIaQ/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57922
Eclipse Scientific Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of food and drink testing services, has recently completed a phased investment in the expansion of its laboratory network, with the extension of its laboratory in Trowbridge.

The new extension has tripled the usable laboratory space at Trowbridge, which was previously running at maximum capacity. Many of the key process areas have been enlarged as a result including media preparation & storage and sample analysis. There is also increased chilled storage capacity and a larger pathogen laboratory has been built along with a new sample receipt area and reception for visiting customers and suppliers.

Eclipse Scientific is committed to servicing customers to the highest possible standards. As a result, over the last 18 months, the company has invested more than £500,000 in the laboratory expansion (new laboratories and equipment), as well as over £250,000 in a new LIMS system (Laboratory Information Management System), to enable it to increase efficiency and improve turnaround times at all locations.

Nigel Richards, Sales Director, Eclipse Scientific Group said: “Every year, Eclipse Scientific conducts over 5 million tests. Our customers rely on us to do these quickly, professionally and to exacting standards and we pride ourselves on meeting these requirements. The recent completion of our investment in the laboratory network and the extension in Trowbridge will allow us to continue to develop the business with this in mind and means we will also be creating additional jobs.
We have already seen some excellent results from our expansion programme. For example, the improvements in our facilities and turnaround times on chemistry have led to us winning a number of major new contracts. Our focus on continuous improvement will be maintained in the months ahead as we strive to find further ways to improve our customer experience and consolidate our position in the UK as a genuine ‘one-stop shop’ for analytical testing.”

--Ends--

About Eclipse Scientific Group

The Eclipse Scientific Group (www.eclipsescientific.co.uk) is the UK’s market leader in analytical food and drink, chemistry and microbiology testing. All of the Group's sites are accredited to internationally recognised standards, ISO:17025.

Food analysis is complemented by consultancy services in areas such as HACCP, ISO:9000, food technology, legal and labelling advice - provided either by our own staff or through associate consultants with whom we have worked for many years.

For further information please contact:

Juliet Machan
Perfectly Picked Ltd
Tel: 01491 636262
Email: juliet.machan@perfectlypicked.com
- Juliet Machan 13-07-2010]]> Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:55:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57922 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/M4p4zfkyhwg/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57894 Sphere of Shadows' sculpture, featuring 120 individual schoolchildren's silhouettes cut from recycled plastic, will be unveiled on Tuesday 13 July 2010 at Stourfield Junior School in Bournemouth. The piece, created by artist and graphic designer Nick Sayers, was commissioned by the school in collaboration with Wave Arts Education Agency and Bournemouth Council.

The project was initiated by pupils who wanted an artwork to enhance their Outdoor Classroom. A group of Year 6 children researched and visited public artworks before presenting initial ideas to their classmates. They then wrote a brief and interviewed prospective artists. The school is part of Bournemouth & Poole Cultural Hub, to whom a funding bid for the project was successfully made.

The Brighton-based artist they selected made visits to the school through May to July and shot photos of the final-year children, who were asked to hold their hands and feet in geometrically calculated positions. These photos were then processed to create machine cutting files, the hands and feet of which form the connecting points of the sculpture. The result is a beautiful lattice pattern of children holding hands in a giant 1.5 metre diameter ball.

The sculpture works both as a static artwork on display, and can be taken down to roll around as a plaything. A hidden trapdoor even allows people to get inside.

Nick Sayers said, "I make spherical sculptures, shelters and lighting from recycled materials, so my attention was immediately caught by this project's call for entries. It asked for a sculpture to be sustainably built from 120 components, which is a magic number for making spheres.

"The aim was to create a lasting legacy for the children about to move on to secondary school, and I wanted to do this in a more interesting way than the formal school photo or a tea-towel with children's drawings on it."

Sayers, who uses mass-produced waste products to create artworks (car tyres, plastic bottles, estate agent boards etc) sourced recycled plastic board for the project from a local agricultural supplier. The material the silhouettes were cut from is normally used to line animal pens and horse boxes. "It's marketed as chew-resistant, so I reckon it should withstand handling by primary school children!", says Nick.

Headteacher Emma Rawson commented, "We are extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work alongside such an original artist. The children have been involved in every stage of this project, from interviewing and appointing Nick to helping construct the sculpture. The installation is very much their valediction."

The sculpture will be on show through summer months for years to come. It is also visible from the train between Pokesdown and Christchurch stations. Please contact the school to arrange a viewing.

- ENDS -


Information for editors:

Contacts:

Nick Sayers (artist)
Email: mail@nicksayers.com
Mobile: 07812 036415

Stourfield Junior School
Emma Rawson, Head Teacher
Leanne Dixon, Year 6 Leader
Ros Wort, Year 3 Leader and Arts Co-ordinator
Email: stourfieldjunior@bournemouth.gov.uk
Tel: 01202 424554

Wave Arts Education Agency
Rob Smith / Louisa Clark
Email: info@waveartseducation.org.uk
Tel: 01202 451505


Photo/press opportunity:

Sculpture unveiling
Tuesday 13 July 2010, 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Stourfield Junior School, Cranleigh Road, Bournemouth, BH6 5JS
Please contact school to confirm attendance: 01202 424554


High resolution photo:

'Sphere Of Shadows with its shadow' photo (c) Nick Sayers 2010
7.1MB JPEG available to download:
http://nicksayers.com/_files/stourfield/SphereOfShadows-With...


Links:

Nick Sayers (artist)
http://www.nicksayers.com/

Photos of Nick Sayers' Spheres project:
http://flickr.com/nicksayers/sets/72157609022531531

Stourfield Junior School
http://www.stourfieldjunior.bournemouth.sch.uk/

Wave Arts Education Agency (commissioning body)
http://www.waveartseducation.org.uk/

Bournemouth Borough Council
http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/

Centriforce (for Stokbord recycled plastic board)
http://www.centriforce.com/

BPE Signs (machine cutting)
http://www.bpesigns.co.uk/ - Nick Sayers 12-07-2010]]> Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:10:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57894 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/IgupMhB8Mz0/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57654
AUTHOR AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS, MEDIA APPEARANCES, ARTICLES & COLUMNS
FREE EXTRACTS AVAILABLE
ADVANCED GALLEYS AVAILABLE NOW


WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAREER?
HOW TO GET A JOB YOU’LL LOVE – NEW 2011/12 EDITION OF THE UK’S BEST-SELLING CAREERS TITLE PROVIDES THE ANSWERS

July 2010 - “What happened to my career?”, “Should I be looking for a new job?”, "I want to love the job I've got, but how?" or “I want to do something different, but I don’t know what it is” are thoughts many of us have, especially on Monday morning when we're either stuck, struggling or bored with our job. What are the best ways to find a job that feels worth getting up in the morning for? In How to Get a Job You’ll Love (6th Edition, September 2010, McGraw-Hill, £14.99), John Lees, the UK’s leading career transition expert, will provide the answers to all these questions and provides insights and advice matched to today’s rapidly changing jobs market – whatever your age, or the stage of your career.

“While the UK jobs market over the past two years has been the toughest since the '80s, we can all arm ourselves with the best tools and strategies to help us find a new job, switch career, or love the job we’ve already got by adjusting the aspects we find least rewarding. It’s all about working smarter when making career and job search decisions, and actively seeking out work that matches who you are," says John "Playing the job search by lottery rules is a common mistake people make. Shifting to proactive strategies, for example meeting people rather than relying on the internet, will make a massive difference to your career plans."

So whether you’re feeling ‘stuck’ and looking for new challenges, wondering ‘what do I want to do?’; if you’re planning the next stage of your career; facing redundancy, have been made redundant or asking ‘what next?' after leaving full-time education, seeking work after bringing up a family; unemployed and looking for better ways of identifying opportunities; feeling discouraged because you believe you have little to offer the labour market, or are thinking of making a complete career change, How to Get a Job You’ll Love offers key support and advice to help you make the best career decisions. It will show you how to avoid the all too common mistakes people make when launching themselves into the job market. This is a career coaching programme in a single volume which will turn your approach to finding a job on its head - schedule time to work through the book with its exercises and checklists, and you will start to see very different results in your career planning.

Packed full of new material as well as updates on popular features, the latest edition of this best-selling guide includes What Happened to My Career? and reviews how we make career decisions in a market dominated by redundancies and downsizing, and the ways we continue to get in the way of our success, plus a brand new exercise – The Path Not Taken, which looks at the career paths you might have taken in the past to provide clues about future choices.

Also new is What Kind of Work Would Suit You Best?, What About a Complete Change of Career? – key chapters which help answer the question ‘how do I find my ideal career?’, including clear directions on the first steps you should take if you want to do something very different, supplemented by a brand new exercise on personal values.

Checklists appear at the end of the book looking at self-employment, interview and tips for older workers, and the section People Who Have Transformed Their Careers contains new case studies on the experiences of actual career changers.

John’s Guide to using the book:
1. Begin by asking the question What Happened to My Career? in Chapter 1 – take a sideways look at what has happened to the way we think about work in post-recessionary times. Then, take a fresh look in Chapter 2 at your career problems – what’s preventing you from getting a job you’ll love? Chapter 3 is written specially for those who will shortly be graduating or leaving full-time education: Where Next After Finishing Your Studies?

2. Before we move into the central section on working out your ideal career, Chapter 4 invites you to begin using creative strategies to revive your career by Thinking Around Corners. Then Chapters 5–8 offer you a step-by-step guide towards a deeper understanding of your career drivers, your chosen areas of knowledge, your preferred and hidden skills, and the key aspects of personality that will shape your career.

3. Next, some highly practical aids to achieving your goals – Chapter 11 offers a comprehensive range of Creative Job Search Strategies, and Chapter 12 is a brand new chapter which asks the question Can I find a job using social media? Chapter 13, Interviews and How to Survive Them, does exactly what it says on the tin.

4. You’ll find some unique tools to help you along your way, including Chapter 10, What About a Complete Change of Career? the House of Knowledge (Chapter 6) – an innovative exercise to capture the things you have chosen to know about, the Field Generator – a ground-breaking tool to generate potential fields of work (in Chapter 9), plus supporting exercises including skill clips (Chapter 7) and a revised version of the popular Time Balance exercise (Chapter 14).

5. Career development is about much more than job search, so in Chapter 14 you will find help to love the job you’ve got – tips for renegotiating your present or future job from within, and making the best of your future career. Chapter 15 explores how you might look at a portfolio career now or in the future, and also explores the possibility of a career break.

6. Chapter 16 is the first step in putting things into practice, advising you how to find a careers consultant. Chapter 16, Beginning it Here is a five-point plan to begin to transform your career. The book finishes with practical checklists covering everything from CV design to online job applications.
-ends-

About The Author: John Lees is an international thought-leader on careers, working lives and career transition. He is author of Career Reboot: 24 Tips for Tough Times, Take Control of Your Career, Job Interviews: Top Answers to tough Questions and Why YOU? CV Messages to Win Jobs. John has coached clients from a huge range of organisations including Aviva, British Aerospace, United Utilities and The British Council, and he has coached thousands of career changers, particularly those who have had no idea what they want to do next in their careers. John’s expertise and comment has appeared in The Sunday Times, The Times, The Independent, Guardian, Daily Mail Career Mail, Daily Express Careers, The Sun, Management Today, Coaching at Work, Personnel Today, Psychologies, People Management, Cosmopolitan, RED, Company, Marie Claire and Woman & Home. He was co-presenter on BBC’s Live & Learn ‘Back to Work’ programme, has appeared on ITN, many radio programmes and was a featured careers expert in Channel 4 Dispatches Programme.www.johnleescareers.com. Follow John on Twitter - @JohnLeesCareers


All publicity enquiries to:
Sue Blake on 0208 979 5220, sue@sueblakemedia.co.uk
How to Get a Job You’ll Love 2011/12 Edition, McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 9780077129934 £14.99, September 2010


- Sue Blake Media 01-07-2010]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:46:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57654 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/xxAQQQHlSFs/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57360 www.petshomesandgardens.co.uk) offering a business model that is very different from the more usual choices of self-employment or franchising.

Pets are a big market in the UK, which means big opportunities for business too. Peter and Julie have been in the market for almost a decade running a pet sitting business that fits around changing family life. This is a business that suits other families too, of any type – from students, to new graduates, single parents, families and retired couples. The flexibility is astonishing.

There are lots of different business models: self-employed, limited companies, limited liability partnerships, franchising, licensing – and more. Running a franchise is often quoted a less risky way to run a business and some of the major features of franchising as a business model include:

- The business will be well-known immediately, as it’s likely to be part of a major brand.
- No time is wasted making mistakes, as all the business processes have been documented.
- Following a defined and proven business model means less risk of failure.
- Fees paid to the franchisor usually include both an up-front payment and ongoing monthly fees (often linked to turnover and targets).
- Support and training is available.

The Pets Homes and Gardens Company (www.petshomesandgardens.co.uk) has a different way. Julie has been running a pet and home sitting business for over eight years and together with husband Peter, has taken that knowledge and produced a unique type of franchise opportunity that combines the benefits of franchising with the freedom of being a business owner.

The Pets Homes and Gardens Company (www.petshomesandgardens.co.uk) offers new licensees:

- Full training on running a successful pet, home and garden care business.
- Access to and support from a team of specialists for the first year of operation. This team includes Julie and Peter (of course!) as well as marketing, design, printing, websites and accountancy.
- An initial fee, but no ongoing monthly charges.
- No targets to meet.
- The freedom to design and use their own brand and methods.

The company is growing and Peter and Julie are excited to see that their experience is now helping others to be successful business owners too. They now have three licensees on board are based in Surbiton, Surrey; Tunstead in Norfolk and Rochford in Essex.

If you’d like to know more about this unique franchise opportunity, then do call on 01403 268282 or email: info@petshomesandgardens.co.uk. Further details can also be found at the website, www.petshomesandgardens.co.uk
- Julie Maxted 21-06-2010]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:26:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57360 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/dWcPQM2A5SY/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57191 http://www.seethedifference.org launches today to make that happen.

New not-for-profit video site See The Difference contains a diverse range of video projects from UK charities working at home and abroad. Visitors to the site can choose a charity project that means something to them, know exactly where their money is going and for the first time, then See The Difference they make through feedback that each charity has pledged to provide on every project.

Founder of See The Difference Dominic Vallely said: “We know that people today want to understand exactly where their money goes and see how it will be used. Whether it’s helping orphans in Malawi or bats in Barnsley you will be able to See The Difference you make every time.”

“We are bringing choice, real stories and the chance to know where your money goes. There’s a huge mix of projects, people can discover smaller charities like MapAction, who made a difference in Haiti as well as projects from the likes of Oxfam, Macmillan and The Children’s Society.”

“We want to bring charity to a new generation. In an era of global travel, video messaging and Facebook, seeing the difference you can make is a natural next step.”

This initiative has inspired the support of 25 corporate partners including Accenture, EMC, McCann Erickson, Microsoft and Reed Smith. See The Difference has partnered with Virgin Money Giving to provide the platform to manage the financial transactions, which means their donations will go quickly and securely to their chosen charitable cause.

Virgin Money Giving’s Marketing Director, James Potter comments: “See The Difference offers charities the opportunity to engage with new and existing givers in a unique way whilst simultaneously delivering choice and transparency. Virgin Money Giving is looking forward to this exciting new journey in the world of charitable giving in partnership with See The Difference.”

If you’re having a World Cup Party, why not build a footy pitch for street kids in Mombassa or make a difference through football to disadvantaged young people in the UK or bring clean water to South African townships.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

* Research notes:

Over 2000 UK consumers were polled in this research commissioned by See The Difference and conducted by Vision Critical. Data was collected in December 2009.
The top five things that would make people give more to Charity were:

1. Knowing exactly where my money has gone (51%)
2. Actually seeing the difference my money has made (40%)
3. Feeling like I’m helping real people and not just a brand / organisation (37%)
4. Knowing that the charity won’t use the money to cover admin costs (30%)
5. Being told who benefited (29%)

Contact:

Josephine Corbett / Rosie Dodd
0207 269 7250 / 0207 269 7112
seethedifference@fd.com

About See The Difference
http://www.seethedifference.org

See The Difference is a not-for-profit video site where you can literally see the difference you make to specific charity projects.

With See The Difference, people can now choose a charity project that means something to them, know exactly where their money goes and then See The Difference they make through feedback that each charity has pledged to provide on every project.

Launched in June 2010 with support from over 150 UK charities large and small See The Difference was created in response to the demand from UK donors to know exactly where their money goes and to See The Difference it makes. Research of over 2,000 UK consumers in December 2009 found that 51% of people would give more to charity if they knew exactly where their money goes.

See The Difference aims to help charities engage more deeply with the 23 million strong “facebook generation”. It has pioneered low cost video film-making and uses social media and a cutting edge “cloud” based platform to engage audiences and share their favourite video stories.

See The Difference is supported by 25 corporate partners including Accenture, Audio Network, EMC, Microsoft, McCann Erickson, Reed Smith, TwoFour and Virgin Money Giving and is a registered charity in England and Wales (1127980).

Quotes:

Marketing Manager at The Children’s Society Liliane Dwek said: “See The Difference gives the donor a unique opportunity to see firsthand what we are doing and we are delighted to be able to use video to tell our story and engage and new generation of support.”

Amanda Bringans, Director of Fundraising, Macmillan Cancer Support said: “Out of all the projects I hear about, this was one that really excited me as it allows Macmillan to make a direct connection with donors and to enhance our brand using contemporary technology; we are proud to have helped develop this amazing project.”

Institute of Fundraising’s CEO, Lindsay Boswell, said: “Charities put a huge amount of energy and effort into trying to reach a younger audience. See the Difference brings charities work alive to the laptop and You Tube generation, and I think they will open up giving in a new and innovative way.”

ACEVO’s CEO, Stephen Bubb said: “It is clear that the third sector needs to embrace technology, and look at more efficient ways of delivering their message. See The Difference is championing charities in telling their stories through innovative and enterprising methods. This will be a significant addition to the economic and social force of the third sector.” - Rachel Hawkes 15-06-2010]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 06:00:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57191 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/usmuk-n-Gzg/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56895
One of the largest industry events focusing on the farming, fishing and agriculture industry is set to make hotel rooms more difficult to obtain in Cairo in the month of July this year.

AGRENA Middle East 2010 will take place in Cairo between July 1 and July 3 with attendees arriving in the city from all over the world. The exhibitors and guests at the event include many of the leading manufacturers, farmers, consultants and government bodies involved in agriculture in the Middle East.

Attendance at the event this year is expected to be high, prompting leading online hotel room booking website DirectRooms.com to warn against lack of availability of cheap Cairo hotels in July.

Egypt remains a popular tourist destination for many European tourists in the month of July and the event taking place means that hotel rooms in the capital could be at a premium.

Lek Boonlert, head of marketing at DirectRooms.com, says, “There will be executives and professionals from the agriculture world arriving in their hundreds in Cairo to attend the event, which can lead to a reduced availability of rooms and accommodation. So our advice to people is to think ahead and book early to be sure of getting the room you want.”

AGRENA Middle East 2010 takes place in the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CICC).

About DirectRooms

DirectRooms is an independent discount hotel reservations company based in Asia. Established and online since 2000 with over 45,000 hotels worldwide.

For further information please contact Lek Boonlert:

Email: lek@directrooms.com
Tel: + 66 (0)76 241 145
Website: DirectRooms.com
- directrooms 04-06-2010]]> Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:20:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56895 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/POuQoKYMymo/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56849
In addition UK delegates will be entered into a draw to win a luxury weekend for two in Marrakech – the only requirement being to complete an event Feedback Questionnaire.

More and more UK companies are sourcing outside the Eurozone. Morocco has a solid and growing reputation and the smart money is on a growing market for these products in the UK.

The Morocco British Trade Day is hosted by the Moroccan Embassy in conjunction with Maroc Export (the government body that promotes Moroccan exports) and the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce. It will be officially opened by HH Princess Lalla Joumala Alaoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom.

Spaces are limited and places are being allocated on a first come first served basis. Email simon@boroughpr.co.uk or phone 0207 378 3431 to reserve your place.


EVENT DETAILS

Morocco British Trade Day, Monday June 21, Intercontinental Hotel, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY.


Welcome, registration and coffee: 8.30am-9.00am
Opening Session: 9.00am-10.00am
Coffee break: 10.00am-10.30am
Thematic workshops: 10.30am-12.00pm
Buffet lunch: 12.00pm-2.00pm
One-to-one business meetings/networking: 2.00pm-5.00pm
Event closes: 5.00pm




To register and for further information:
W. www.moroccobritishtradeday.com
E: simon@boroughpr.co.uk
T: 0207 378 3431


- ends –

Note to editors:

There are limited press places available at the event. If you would like to attend, please contact:-

Simon Brookes, Borough PR,
E: simon@boroughpr.co.uk
T: 0207 378 3430


MAROC EXPORT
Maroc Export is the government-funded body that promotes Moroccan business around the world. It is a public institution affiliated to the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Trade and was established in 1976. Maroc Export works for export growth of Moroccan products and services and provides support to companies at the international level. For further information: www.marocexport.ma/

- Simon Brookes 03-06-2010]]> Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:00:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56849 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/zoU2BNhrfzI/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56784
The 12 awards recognise dedicated job boards, recruitment agencies, employers, and publications which advertise vacancies online, over the past 12 months. The NORA’s also seeks to recognise the best employment advice websites, best newcomer, and the best innovation in online recruitment. This last award will surely be hotly contended, with the emergence of recruitment channels via social media, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and many others. Mobile applications and websites will also be taken into account.

Nominations are open to anyone to contribute, and will be open until 10th September, via www.NORAuk.com. In 2009, there were over 24,000 nominations for 654 separate websites. The judging panel this year includes Luke McKend, Head of Classifieds at Google, Matt Alder, former Head of Digital for Penna Barkers, Helen Reynolds, HB RIDA and former Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and Dan McGuire MD of Broadbean Technology.

Stephen O’Donnell, Chairman of the Judging Panel says “Given the innovative responses to dramatic changes in the employment landscape in the UK, it will be fascinating to see which sites are serving candidates best. In the past year we can really see that the online recruitment industry is embracing many new media channels to deliver a promise of smarter, effective and efficient candidate experience. Never before has this industry been quite so focussed on the needs of each individual candidate.“

Stephen O’Donnell, Director www.AlljobsUK.com (Chairman of Judging Panel)

Notes for editors:

The National Online Recruitment Awards were founded in 2001, by www.AlljobsUK.com. In the nine years of the NORAs so far, there have been 587 Finalists, and 86 awards have been presented to 56 separate websites.

The NORAs is organised and hosted by www.AlljobsUK.com , a comprehensive online portal for candidates, and www.1Job.co.uk, the UK’s leading job search engine.

Stephen@alljobsUK.com , 0141 5725301, 07801552149, Linkedin.com/in/stephenodonnelluk
- Julian L Felstead 01-06-2010]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:24:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56784 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/h_DOsDxtYq8/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56754 farm machinery, material-handling, forestry and groudscare equipment and transportation vehicles, has updated its portfolio by introducing Brand pages. The move has been specifically designed to make it easier for all Mascus users around the world to search quickly by brand name.

With the global recession now in retreat and the marketplace once again busy with buyers and sellers of machinery all over the world, Mascus has introduced the ability to search by specific brands and to enable customers to locate their desired product much more quickly. The new brand page index - http://www.mascus.co.uk/Brands will give users the opportunity to go straight to a specific make such as John Deere, Massey Ferguson or JCB, rather than having to search through each category individually.

“The new brand pages will help us to deliver a much more comprehensive and easy to use system, meaning that our customers can find what they want quickly and efficiently,” explains SEO manager Patrycja Tomczak. “It also maximises our exposure on the worldwide search engines, boosting us up the page rankings and making it even easier for our customers, placing ads on Mascus to be found,” Patrycja adds.

Quick, easy and simple to use

Mascus brand pages have been specifically chosen to represent the high end of the market, providing customers with a direct route to some of the most popular names in all six Mascus sectors.

“Our customers and users don’t want to spend all day battling their way through pages,” explains Robert Tate, Country Manager for Mascus UK and Ireland . “They want a service that delivers a quick route to the equipment that they find interesting, relevant to their business and, if they have a particular favourite brand they like to use, makes it easy to locate specific brands. We believe this additional feature gives our customers a far better, faster and easier to use service without detracting from other opportunities within the portal to find real bargains or place their machinery in a pro-active selling environment,” he adds.

The brand boxes will also make an appearance on the landing page of each category page so that brands, that are most popular on Mascus will also appear fist. Mascus sees it as an opportunity for sellers to reach a wider audience. “By categorising by make, those sellers who have specific branded machinery will know that they are advertising their machinery to buyers who are looking for that particular brand,” Mr. Tate explains. “As a result, the branded portal function should help both buyers and sellers find what they are looking for at the click of a button, speeding up the exchange and really helping the industry to move forward,” he concludes.

Ends

Contacts:

Robert Tate, Mascus UK & Ireland Region Manager, +44 (0) 7970 23 00 55, robert.tate@mascus.com
Fredrik Larsson, Mascus Managing Director, +358 50 314 2511, fredrik.larsson@mascus.com
Rickard Petersson, Sales Director, + 46 70 660 2780, rickard.petersson@mascus.com
Tomasz Odrobinski, Internationalization Director, + 358 40 750 4922, tomasz.odrobinski@mascus.com

About Mascus:

Mascus - Is an electronic marketplace for used farm machinery, forestry, and groundscare equipment and transportation vehicles. Products listed on Brand pages will include used john deere tractors for sale, used Schmitz trailers for sale, used Volvo trucks for sale, JCB mini diggers for sale as well as used Schmitz box trailers for sale. Mascus makes trading in used machinery and equipment quicker and more efficient by collecting in one place information about the supply and the demand. All dealers, producers, and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and equipment for sale via the marketplace.

Mascus is a trading company of Alma Media Corporation.

Notes for Editors:
Press materials and pictures:
English www.mascus.com/press

General Press Inquiry: media@mascus.com

For more information:

Polina Brachkov, Mascus Communication Manager,+ 358 50 381 49 45, polina.brachkov@mascus.com


- Lisa 01-06-2010]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:12:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56754 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/9vv3R-3Sj-k/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56707
Helena has also written a heart-wrenching poem about her dear departed dog Charlie on the ‘Pets Remembered’ section on www.mypetbook.co.uk. If you love pets, we challenge you not a shed a tear!

Rachel Benneworth, editor of mypetbook, says ‘horoscopes are very popular and of course a lot of people interested in their horoscope will have pets - so why not my Astro pet? I feel this will be a very popular part of the site. Of course I shed a few tears reading the poem about Charlie!  We welcome poems about individuals’ pets - past and present’.

Contact Rachel on editor@mypetbook.co.uk or 07944 799884, or Chris Killingbeck on chris@billingtonjackson.co.uk or 07867 503444 - Rachel Benneworth 27-05-2010]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 13:00:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56707 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/zhfzTPpEWkw/rel_display.php http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56612
Many farming vehicles can be left unused for months at a time between seasons and without the correct battery maintenance, the natural onset of stratification will begin to kill the battery. As a result, effect battery protection is of the utmost importance to ensure that vehicles start first time, every time maximising machine efficiency and avoiding the cost and inconvenience of fitting a replacement battery.

Mikael Moberg, Sales Director Europe at CTEK, commented: There is a very short time frame when it comes to harvesting and shifting crops, so agricultural vehicles need to be available for use as soon as they are needed. Any delay can disrupt the entire supply chain and in the worst case scenario, profitability.”

The CTEK Multi XS 7000, a smart battery charger that will revive, charge, condition and maintain all types of 12V lead-acid batteries and is perfect for agricultural use.

Once fully charged, the patented CTEK float / pulse maintenance charge mode enables batteries to be connected to the charger for months at a time ‘exercising’ the battery to extend its life whilst simultaneously maintaining it, making it ideal for use on vehicles that are used infrequently or left standing for long periods of time – the charger is also approved for outdoor use and can withstand temperatures as low as -20˚C.

As with all CTEK battery chargers, the Multi XS 7000 is spark proof and reverse polarity protected to not only ensure complete safety, but also to protect the sensitive electrical equipment within the vehicle.

For more information about the Multi XS 7000 or any other CTEK chargers, please visit www.ctek.com

-ENDS-
- Peter Goold 24-05-2010]]> Mon, 24 May 2010 16:45:00 +0100 http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56612 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/LFdSY7hkoH4/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56539
Low Sizergh Barn, an organic working farm with a shop, tea room, craft gallery and farm trail on the edge of the Lake District National Park has become the second farm in the North West to be awarded a gold by The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS). This demanding accreditation scheme for tourism and tourism related businesses recognises high levels of environmental and social good practice.

Businesses opting to join the GTBS are assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas, including energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Those businesses that meet the required standards receive a bronze, silver, or gold award and then continue to work hard to retain or improve their rating. Out of 159 organisations signed up to the scheme in the North West only 32 currently meet the criteria for the gold level.

Commenting on the win, Alison Park, of Low Sizergh Barn, said:

“Governments, businesses and individuals now accept that running a business with the environmental impact in mind not only makes moral sense but also makes good business sense.

“However we couldn’t imagine running the farm any other way. We are fortunate that the way we work has been recognised with this award and that our business approach brings many benefits. It makes what we sell more attractive, strengthens our bonds with customers and visitors, makes this a good place to work and develops goodwill within our supplier community.

“Applying for membership of the scheme is a rigorous process. We're thrilled therefore to have been awarded gold, the top level. There's still a lot more to do, there always will be, and we will need to work hard to maintain this award.”

GTBS Auditor Jo Buffey remarked in her report that: “The whole purpose of the business is to produce, showcase and sell locally grown food, craft and health products and to educate people about the link between consumption and production. So it’s unsurprising that they scored so highly on the purchasing criteria. Even behind the scenes the business is run on environmentally sound and thoughtful lines. The business is fully deserving of the award.”

The business was commended for the range and provenance of the products sold and wholesaled through the farm, farm shop and craft galleries. Top marks were scored for supplier screening, home produced food and drink, local meat and dairy, local organic food, local food network or club, fairtrade food and drink, and, natural shampoos and hygiene products. Low Sizergh Barn’s support of small independent traders and producers was also highlighted. The report said: “The business is highly regarded in the area as a purveyor of all locally grown food and beverage products.”
Ends

For further information please contact Alison Park on 015395 60426 or visit: http://www.lowsizerghbarn.co.uk/.

Notes to Editors:

The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. It is the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT). Running since 1997, it has 2,000 members across UK & Ireland making it the largest scheme of its kind in the world. The current network of members is comprised of a wide range of business types, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, corporate offices and others. For more information visit: www.green-business.co.uk

Some of the improvements made which have helped Low Sizergh Barn meet the gold standard criteria include: As part of the 2008 refurbishment of much of the 17th century barn that houses the farm shop, craft and gift galleries and tearoom energy efficient fixtures and fittings were chosen such as push taps, dual flush toilets, and light sensors in the public toilets, new external fitted doors and low energy lighting. Beyond the public eye, energy efficiencies measures were included in the offices and warehouses, converted from farm buildings, as well as in the cold rooms and with the display refrigeration. These measures have reduced electricity consumption. The heating system installed in the barn to improve visitor and staff comfort in the winter is powered by a 90kW wood chip boiler fuelled by local wood. The waste treatment system was changed to a more sustainable system with the addition of a reed bed. The bed provides a third level of filtration for additional water purification. It’s also a mini wetland and as such adds to the bio diversity of the farm.

- Mrs E G Dewhurst 20-05-2010]]> Thu, 20 May 2010 18:20:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56539 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ReleaseWireFarmingAndAnimals/~3/3nH8d_nbrS0/rel_display.php http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56490 used farm machinery, construction machinery, material-handling equipment and forestry, announces its new deal with Spanish media giant Vocento. The deal sees the two companies forming a partnership in one of the top five countries in Europe for construction, agriculture, groundscare and material handling.

“We’re glad to be working with such a major media enterprise right in the heart of Europe,” says Mascus Managing Director Fredrik Larsson. “This is not the first time that we have partnered with a big media corporation, and for us it’s the ideal coming together of cutting edge online technology and a huge audience potential,” he adds.

Vocento is one of the leading multimedia groups in Spain, with interests in all areas of information and entertainment including newspapers, magazines, movie distribution and one of its key areas, the Internet. The group employs over 1500 people and has a turnover of 750Million Euros. They are also one of the country’s leading online hosts for classified sales, something that Mascus sees as key to the deal. Mascus Spain will be organised together with Vocento’s car portal ‘Autocasion’, allowing thousands of Spanish customers to access Mascus’s (www.mascus.es) portal online.

The ideal marketplace

For many years, Spain has had a booming construction market, thanks to EU finance projects. The country has concentrated not just on building houses, but in improving its infrastructure. After the effects of the global recession, and consequently Spain has plenty of surplus machinery in excellent condition for sale.

The opening of local Mascus Spanish office together with ‘Autocasion’ will enable Spanish dealers of used equipment and transportation vehicles which include products such as used trucks, to reach other European and North African countries and markets. The success of Mascus ’ concept in other locations has convinced, the marketplace that the Spanish option will be welcomed by Eastern European countries in particular, who are carrying out similar construction projects to their Spanish counterparts and will regard the Spanish market as an ideal opportunity to purchase quality equipment.

More opportunities for all European dealers

But it’s not just Eastern Europe and Africa that Mascus predicts will be keen to do business with Spain. Tomasz Odrobinski, Mascus Internationalization Director also foresees that Spain’s nearest neighbours will be queuing up to do business in the country as well. “Although this portal gives us the opportunity to expand the Spanish speaking market and include North Africa and Eastern Europe, it’s highly likely that businesses in France, Portugal and Italy will also be eager to open up trading links via the Spanish Mascus portal,” he explains. “Thanks to a relatively stable Euro, business is starting to move again and we are certain that the partnership with Autocasion is going to give us an advantage in this key part of Europe,” he adds.

Mascus also believes that a major language like Spanish is the ideal precursor to their plans to produce more Spanish portals for South America, encouraging trade between the two continents.

ENDS

Contacts:

Fredrik Larsson, Mascus Managing Director, +358 50 314 2511, fredrik.larsson@mascus.com
Rickard Petersson, Sales Director, + 46 70 660 2780, rickard.petersson@mascus.com
Tomasz Odrobinski, Internationalization Director, + 358 40 750 4922, tomasz.odrobinski@mascus.com

About Mascus:

Mascus (www.mascus.co.uk) - Is an electronic marketplace for used farm machinery, forestry, and groundscare equipment and transportation vehicles. Product ranges include used tractors, used trucks, diggers, box trailers, mini diggers, excavators and used trailers for sale. Mascus makes trading in used machinery and equipment quicker and more efficient by collecting in one place information about the supply and the demand. All dealers, producers, and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and equipment for sale via the marketplace.

Mascus is a trading company of Alma Media Corporation.

www.autocasion.com – Vacento’s online car portal

www.vocento.com – One of Spain’s leading multimedia organisations

Notes for Editors:

Press materials and pictures:
English www.mascus.com/press

General Press Inquiry: media@mascus.com

For more information:

Polina Brachkov, Mascus Communication Manager,+ 358 50 381 49 45, polina.brachkov@mascus.com

- Lisa 20-05-2010]]> Thu, 20 May 2010 16:14:00 +0100 http://www.sourcewire.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=56490