News from npower

NPOWER INVESTS £20 MILLION TO MAKE UK SCHOOLS GREENER

Andy Duff, CEO of RWE npower, was today joined by singer and young mother, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and pupils from Thornhill primary school, Islington; London, to launch the ‘npower Greener Schools Programme’ – a £20 million five year initiative designed to make UK schools more sustainable.

The npower Greener Schools programme aims to reach 2,500 schools by providing a combination of ‘green makeovers’ including free energy audits, helping to implement tailor made energy efficiency measures to reduce their carbon footprint and educating children on how to be greener. The programme will roll-out Climate Cop Academies to train children in simple ways to save energy in a bid to empower them to share their knowledge with their families.

npower’s Greener Schools Programme follows the Government’s National Framework for Sustainable Schools by focusing on:

Children: 7 – 11 year old school children will take part in the Climate Cops Academy designed to educate them about energy saving in a fun and dynamic way. A dedicated website www.climatecops.com will inspire pupils to do their bit for the environment through interactive games and downloadable activities
Curriculum: creative education resources for teachers based around the ‘Climate Cop’ theme have been developed to stimulate learning and deliver curriculum based knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency in Science, Geography, Citizenship and Environmental Studies and Education for Sustainable Development
Campus: schools will be offered free energy audits by trained professionals; advice on how to lower their carbon emissions, financial grants and where possible, practical help and funding towards energy efficiency and microgeneration measures including wind, solar or ground-source equipment
Community: the programme has been developed to raise awareness around the importance of energy saving in the wider community

Andy Duff, CEO of RWE npower comments: “The npower Greener Schools programme underlines our commitment to protecting the future of UK schools and the environment. Our aim is to make children feel empowered to make a difference and guarantee a brighter future.”

Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “As a mother concerned about the environment and education I’m really excited to be involved in the npower Greener Schools programme. The programme is unique in that it has been designed to motivate children to make their own choices in how they want to save the planet. Every day we can all do a few small things that together will make a big difference.”

Interested schools are encouraged to visit www.climatecops.com.

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News From Cancer Research UK

A Wise Move from Eley Kishimoto and Cancer Research UK

Global design duo and Cancer Research UK team up to create a bag for life
Cancer Research UK and design duo, Eley Kishimoto, have teamed up to produce an organic cotton re-useable shopper. Encouraging consumers to shop with a conscience and reduce the amount of plastic used in-store, this season’s ‘must have’ eco friendly bag will be available throughout Cancer Research UK’s 600 nationwide stores from March 1st 2008 at only £2.99.

The bag features an owl motif, and is in the spirit of Eley Kishimoto’s Autumn Winter 2008 collection, which will hit the catwalk during February’s London Fashion Week. To be one of the first 200 to snap up the Cancer Research UK bag, early birds can register online * www.cancerresearchuk.org/shopping from January 20th 2008 and reserve one of the pre-release bags. Lucky fashionistas will be able to celebrate LFW with this unique design.

Already a lucky mascot for Eley Kishimoto, the owl is widely recognised as a symbol of wisdom, guardianship and renewal of life. The sentiment and design were ideal to help raise awareness for Cancer Research UK, whilst helping to protect the environment. The water based printing inks and organic cotton material were obvious choices, and reflect the importance of responsible production. All profits raised from the collaboration will go towards research into beating cancer. Mark and Wakako of Eley Kishimoto said, “We’ve had friends with cancer and therefore we were very keen to design something where profits would help eliminate, control or improve quality of life for sufferers. We are delighted to be involved with Cancer Research UK for this exciting project.” Cancer Research UK’s retail director, Simon Ledsham, says of the collaboration, “We’re very excited about the collaboration with Eley Kishimoto as it will help us reduce our use of plastic bags in stores while also helping to fund vital research to fight cancer.”

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Notes to Editors:
Bag for Life will be available from March 1st 2008 across all 600 Cancer Research UK stores.
Cancer Research UK Bag for Life RRP £ 2.99 in-store.
To register for the bag online, payment for the bag will be £2.99 plus £2 postage.
Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.

News from The Royal Armouries

NEW CAMPAIGN URGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO SAY NO TO KNIVES

It was reported last week that a knife crime is committed every 24 minutes[1]. Even more shocking is the estimation that 1 in 3[2] young people will carry a knife for protection at some stage. To help combat the problem, The Royal Armouries has today launched a new peer-to-peer campaign, NTK: No To Knives, which aims to persuade young people that carrying a knife could be the biggest mistake of their lives.

With the support of the Government, the Police, and leading weapons awareness organisations, NTK has four main objectives:

- To persuade young people that carrying a knife will not protect them and that there are smarter ways to stay safe
- To attract 1,000,000 pledges from young people not to carry knives via NTK.org.uk
- To provide practical courses in weapons awareness at a local level in London, Yorkshire and Hampshire
- To provide a platform for constructive debate on the knife crime issue and to promote knowledge sharing and best practice amongst community groups and other stakeholders

Perhaps surprisingly this exciting new initiative comes from Britain’s oldest museum – The Royal Armouries. However, with its unparalleled knowledge of weapons and armour, the museum is in a unique position to use its experience and expertise to help educate the public about knife crime, to change attitudes, and to stimulate constructive debate.

Peter Armstrong, Museum Director, Royal Armouries, said, ‘Sadly a lot of young people don’t realise that carrying a knife could be a recipe for disaster - so we decided to create an interactive peer-to-peer website to give young people a voice. Of course we don’t imagine that a website alone is going to solve the knife issue, but we hope that by raising awareness of the campaign, informing young people about the dangers of knives and delivering weapons awareness courses, we can have an impact. If NTK can persuade even one person not to carry a knife, it will have been worthwhile’.

The campaign has already generated a huge amount of interest from the many people involved with tackling knife crime across the UK and beyond. It provides a forum to bring together the many agencies working in this field.

One very keen supporter of NTK is Ann Oakes-Odger, whose son Westley was killed with a knife whilst withdrawing money from a cash machine. She commented, "Having tragically lost a son through knife crime I can not stress enough the importance of this campaign to help raise awareness of the very real consequences of carrying 'bladed weapons'. In an ideal world no parent should have to go through what I did".

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News from Premier Inn

Premier Inn reveals workers missing breakfast costs UK business over £8 million a day

The business of missing breakfast is costing the UK economy £8,870,518 each day, research by Premier Inn reveals.

By skipping breakfast people are lowering their productivity in the workplace, taking longer to reach their full work potential. 14% of the population don’t eat breakfast and 803,489 of these workers don’t perform to their full potential for the first two hours of the day.

This is costing UK businesses £2,306,334,826 a year in wages on unproductive workers. If these workers did eat breakfast and perform from their full potential in the morning, it could boost the UK's economy by £20,408,620 per day.

Premier Inn’s research also highlights how not eating breakfast could be holding people back from reaching the top of their professions, with people admitting they are more easily distracted (25%), short tempered (15%) and more stressed (15%) if they have not eaten breakfast.

To combat this, Premier Inn has worked with top nutritionist Juliette Kellow to identify key breakfast nutrients that can maximise performance at work by counteracting adverse conditions that impact productivity:
• Reduce stress by choosing foods that contain magnesium to help relax tense muscles including banana, seeds and yogurt. Plus opt for eggs which contain the amino acid tryptophan to boost levels of the happy-chemical serotonin in the brain
• Improve alertness with foods that contain iron such as bacon, baked beans and bran flakes in order to keep haemoglobin levels high to ensure sufficient oxygen is carried around the body to the brain. Keeping hydrated is also key to aiding concentration
• Keep energy levels steady with low glycaemic foods such as porridge and baked beans

Successful business figures realise breakfast is a secret of success. Breakfast is the most important meal for Simon Woodroffe, Dragon’s Den star and founder of Yo! Sushi. Before every board meeting he gets into positive gear by eating protein-rich poached eggs on toast, which helps the brain to produce the mood-enhancing chemical, serotonin. Fellow Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones opts for a cappuccino, oatmeal flap jack and banana to provide sustained energy and concentration so he is able to calmly deal with anything thrown his way.

Juliette Kellow said “Premier Inn’s research shows that 14% of workers don’t eat breakfast. Having breakfast, and choosing the right food, helps you start the day with plenty of energy, so that you perform better and so are more productive and likely to succeed in your chosen career.”

News from Nick Jr

Nick Jr. introduces the first ever toddlaerobic workout

The first ever ‘toddlaerobic’ exercise routine is unveiled by pre-school TV channel Nick Jr. when it starts broadcasting a daily exercise slot for under-5’s from Monday 5 November, every day at 7.55am.

The routine, developed with children’s fitness authority FitKid, is an easy-to-follow sequence of movements and has been devised to improve children’s fitness and development.

As the Government warns that a quarter of children will be obese by 2050, getting children active at an early age has never been so important.

The daily slot is performed for pre-schoolers by pre-schoolers, and the first routine is themed on the weather. Including moves entitled ‘Reach for a Rainbow’ and 'Jump to the Sun’, Nick Jr. Mini Movers gets children interested, involved and having fun getting active.

“Mini Movers is part of our Nicktrition initiative to educate kids and families about balanced lifestyles”, says Howard Litton, Managing Director of Nick Jr. “Nick Jr. Mini Movers is a fantastic way to encourage little ones to have fun, getting active every day.”

Nicky Kay, Managing Director of FitKid who helped develop the Mini Movers routine, says, “It’s becoming increasingly worrying about the amount of children who do not take regular physical activity, and the impact it is having on their lives and our society.”

Mum-of-two and ex-Coronation Street, Bad Girls and Fame Academy star Debra Stephenson is fronting the campaign.
“My son is always dancing in front of the TV when music comes on”, she states. “As I know the Nick Jr. Mini Movers routine has been developed by experts in children’s exercise, copying it is helping him to practice beneficial moves.”

Nick Jr. is also on the look out for their very own stars for the next Nick Jr. Mini Movers routine to be aired on the channel next year.

For more information on Nick Jr. Mini Movers log onto www.nickjr.co.uk/minimovers

News From Buffalo David Bitton

From St. Tropez to Sultry 70s
Spring Summer 08 Womenswear

Buffalo David Bitton goes flirty and feminine for Spring Summer 08 with a strong selection of transitional day to night pieces, sitting alongside a nautical inspired holiday range and 70s inspired denims. Bright colours and prints flow through the collection on dresses, tops and denims, perfect to team with washed-out jeans and micro shorts. Whilst knitted dresses return for another season in light wool mixes and soft pastel shades.

Temperamental spring weather is best kept at bay with something stylish, and Buffalo David Bitton’s Wyandanch double breasted satin mac will make the ultimate style statement. In an elegant silver satin, its delicate sheen finish contrasts with the’ bold floral print lining. This is set to be the mac of the season!

Other key jackets include the cropped purple Resse biker jacket, with bracelet length sleeves and shoulder detailing – just the thing for teaming with the red Julie skinny jeans for a colourful summer look.

For some 70s vintage style, the Marcella halter neck in retro floral print with fitted waist and the Lillit empire line top with psychedelic print and patchwork side panels exude effortless retro appeal.

St Tropez sophistication has never been so easy with the red and navy striped Mamay Breton plunge neck t-shirt or the Ridgebury halter neck in cream and navy. Teamed with the sassy Puffer light denim hot pants or the chic white denim Cameron hot pant, Buffalo David Bitton revives the look of the Riviera.

This season Buffalo David Bitton’s denim collection goes sexy with Franci indigo high waisted jeans or sultry washed-out 70s flares like Penny. For the hot summer days the Dali washed-out micro shorts with integral plait belt are set to sizzle!

Buffalo David Bitton is an edgy lifestyle brand including men’s and women’s full collections with an expertise in producing denims with innovative washes and fits. Each collection is based on the brand’s interest to create casual wear with individual style, quality design and intricate detailing. Available in over 50 cities from Montreal to London, Buffalo David Bitton goes from strength to strength. With over 136 store locations in the US, including luxury department store Bloomingdale’s, Buffalo David Bitton is quickly gaining momentum in the UK through a range of high end independent retailers nationwide.
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News From Buffalo David Bitton

An 80s Edge with 21st Century style
Spring Summer 08 Menswear Collection

Buffalo David Bitton Spring Summer 08 menswear takes inspiration from two key 80s trends, nu rave and preppy, while injecting a contemporary edge and individual styling. Small collars, granddad cardigans, striped shirting, large dogtooth prints and linen waistcoats create the ultimate preppy look with slim cuts. To compliment the smarter line, Buffalo David Bitton have created the nu rave inspired story with colourful geometric prints on shirts, polo’s and hoodies with functional and striking wet look zip throughs. Touches of quality materials, including leather and fleece, appear on jacket detailing while jersey materials are used on outerwear as a lighter option to heavier looking jackets.

Pushing the boundaries of typical ‘street wear’, Buffalo David Bitton combine tailoring influences with comfortable casual sillhouettes, offering flattering fits with finishing touches of design flair. The colour palette dares to go bright this season with graphic printed t shirts, hoodies and knits sitting alongside more subdued creams, khakis and browns.

Key pieces for this season include:

· Jycan- This catwalk inspired wet look zip up jacket in an army green is perfect for layering over short sleeve top for the cooler evenings outdoors.
· Fiyor- For the man who likes a bit of attention, this zip through hoodie’s prominent organic print has a matching t-shirt for a striking look.
· Silom- A lightweight striped short sleeved nautical inspired shirt with a chic collar for added design flair.
· Wahin- To add a bit of a twist to the basic granddad cardigan, Buffalo David Bitton has printed an eye catching design in white over the top of this chocolate brown wardrobe essential.
· Willies- lightweight white hoodie with geometric checkerboard print for a classic 80’s look.
· Evan- Continuing the success of the brand’s deep indigo Japanese denim, these jeans are perfect for a smarter look this season.

Buffalo David Bitton is an edgy lifestyle brand including men’s and women’s full collections with an expertise in producing denims with innovative washes and fits. Each collection is based on the brand’s interest to create casualwear with individual style, quality design and intricate detailing. Available in over 50 cities from Montreal to London, Buffalo David Bitton goes from strength to strength. With over 136 store locations in the US, including luxury department store Bloomingdale’s, Buffalo David Bitton is quickly gaining momentum in the UK through a range of high end independent retailers nationwide.

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News From Picnics On The Piste

Picnics on the Piste…
Dine with style on the slopes this season

This winter add a little je ne sais quoi to your ski trip by dining on the slopes in style. Whether it’s a group lunch served on a table of snow in a custom built igloo or a romantic champagne dinner for two delivered by butlers on skis, Picnics on the Piste can create a perfect and unique culinary experience for everyone.

The premier alpine activities company delivers a range of mountainside services allowing customers to indulge in locally sourced food and drink without the need to queue for predictable restaurant meals.

Tailored to meet your specific requirements, Picnics on the Piste offers four tiers of menu: Green; an easily affordable lunch at €14.99; Blue; priced at €26.50 and Red; priced at €37.50

For a more extravagant and luxury way to dine, skiers can opt for the Black menu at €69.00, where skiing butlers will bring a decadent champagne picnic to location of your choice on the slopes.

Jean-Claude Baumgartner, Chief Operations Officer, Picnics on the Piste, said: “Our service is aimed at taking the hassle out of dining on the slopes and bringing quality food direct to skiers while they’re out and about on the mountainside. It’s also a novel and fun way to make a day’s skiing more memorable. And the children love it”

Picnics on the Piste can also combine its unique picnic services with alpine activities including skidoo rides to beautifully secluded picnic locations, Heliskiing to unspoiled mountain tops for an exclusive dining experience or Snowplane and Micro Light flights over the spectacular views of the Alps.

No matter how big your group is or how extravagant your request may be, Picnics on the Piste can tailor the perfect experience to make your next winter holiday unforgettable.


Notes to Editors:
· This season Picnics on the Piste launch the latest in technology with the unique Satski (GPS) system. It is an all new interactive piste map with satellite navigation and tracking system. This device can plot routes from A to B avoiding necessary pistes which is ideal for beginners. The Satski system has an in built colour touch screen and games on it for the children.
· Picnics on the Piste is offered in selected resorts in France, Austria and Switzerland

News From Oliver Sweeney

Oliver Sweeney Cracks It
Spring Summer 08 introduces vibrant colours and cracked distressed leathers

Oliver Sweeney, British luxury footwear and accessories specialist, injects a vibrant colour palette on updated classic styles while introducing new leather finishes for Spring Summer 08. The collection boasts the newest toe shape built on the patented Anatomical Last* called Race, which has an elegantly tapered toe contrasted with a signature angular sole unit and curved heel block. This particular toe shape is the base for new styles in bright shades including Coaster and Race. Using colours like green, pink, blue and white, Oliver Sweeney creates a playful collection with new layering effects, angular zip features, cracked leathers and pony skin uppers. Designs this season stay true to Oliver Sweeney’s look of sophistication whilst using materials in innovative ways to create a range with traditional elements but contemporary styling.

The key style for men this season is the shoe boot; Race features the striking distressed cracked leather applied to below the ankle boots with angular zips and a contrasting warm brown sole. Available in white, green, black or tan, the Race boot is perfect for summer dressing. Coaster is a sleek lace up shoe designed with a metallic underlay colour which comes through more visibly around the toe and heel area. Available in bright ocean blue, brown and black, the wearer can polish the shoe further, making the metallic finish more prominent in preferred areas. Oliver Sweeney uses its design heritage to produce a modern leather loafer called Doubles. This updated style has a central seam running the length of the shoe with signature embossed triangles lining each side- a perfect take on an old classic.

Oliver Sweeney’s timeless styles are made unique through the use of modern materials, colours, and tweaked uppers, lined with a deep blue leather to cradle the foot. The cracked white and coloured leathers are also seen on an Oliver Sweeney favourite- Soso is a perfect loafer for the self assured and discerning dresser. The Ravioli pointed loafer is given summer zeal with chocolate brown and jet black pony skin uppers.

This season the bold colourways, innovations in leather and new versions of old classic Oliver Sweeney styles illustrates brand heritage while using influences from current inspirations.



Notes to Editors:

- Oliver Sweeney footwear is made from the highest quality Italian leathers and is created around a patented Anatomical Last* bringing bespoke shoes to a much wider market. The Oliver Sweeney Anatomical Last has been sculpted to give support to the arch of the foot and features a gentle twist, which simulates the natural shape of the foot creating the most comfortable and ergonomically correct shoes on the market. Inspired by Oliver’s vision, the shoes, as ever, incorporate the signature ‘O’ and ‘S’ in their design and the original Oliver Sweeney heel block.

Oliver Sweeney is well renowned for its unique English design married to Italian craftsmanship.