NEWS FROM FBI RADIO

Australia Asks … Richard Answers
Richard Branson comes on board to save FBi Radio

Sir Richard Branson today rang FBi 94.5FM in response to their hugely successful ASK RICHARD CAMPAIGN and pledged to help the Sydney community radio station from becoming another recession casualty. The ASK RICHARD campaign has challenged listeners to come up with the most creative and attention grabbing Branson-esque stunts in a bid to get the Virgin boss to come on board and save the station.

Sir Richard Branson commented: “Congratulations to FBi radio for running and truly inventive and original campaign. I’ve been amazed by the effort that your supporters have gone to and have had a great laugh at some of the very creative entries. Clearly FBi inspires great passion from its listeners and it’s worth saving. I’ll do my bit providing some prizes, but really it’s up to FBi’s listeners to show that they want the station to survive. So I say sign up and save FBi!.

Sir Richard revealed that he found out about the Ask Richard campaign when a young woman swam two and a half miles from a neighboring island in the Caribbean to tell him about FBi’s efforts. She ended up staying for dinner after walking in when Richard and his family were dining.

To help FBi with the supporter drive, Branson offered the station two tickets to LA and two tickets to the UK flying Virgin Atlantic, along with tickets to the upcoming V Festival in London, to use as a prize to encourage their listeners to become supporters and get behind the campaign to save the station.

The supporter drive is asking for music fans to log onto www.fbiradio.com and pledge to donate $84 a year to go towards ongoing operational costs of the community station. Sir Richard pledged on air to sign up himself to become an FBi supporter himself.

As part of today’s contact, Branson also offered FBi access to his senior management team from Virgin Management to help consult on future fundraising and sponsorship opportunities, to help the station raise their $1 million target.

FBi’s Station Director, Meagan Loader commented: “FBi is chuffed that Sir Richard has responded to our Ask Richard campaign and pledged his support. Our listeners have gone to great lengths to grab his attention and it’s a great credit to them and our station community to achieve this outcome. We always thought Ask Richard was a campaign that would appeal to Sir Richard, and we sincerely appreciate his generosity in contributing to our fundraising campaign.”

As another sign of support, over 100 Sydney bands have come together to perform at Save FBi Gigs throughout June. Full details of the Save FBI gigs can be seen at http://www.fbiradio.com

***ENDS***

NEWS FROM BENNETTS

Britain’s Biggest Bike Lover

Bike fanatic revealed after national search

With over 100,000 miles under his belt and a passion for putting on his leathers, Dave Smith, 34 from Willenhall near Wolverhampton has been unveiled as Britain’s biggest bike fan! Discovered by Bennetts, the UK’s number one for bike insurance* following a nationwide search for the country’s biggest bike lover, Dave wowed the insurance provider with his unbelievable devotion to all things two wheels both on and off the road.

Dave, who has been riding for 18 years and has owned over 20 bikes in his life at a cost of just over £70,000 is rarely away from his current and beloved bike (a Honda CBR called Roxanne) and confesses to riding 365 days a year, come rain or shine. He has also travelled extensively throughout Europe on various different bikes and often travels to MotoGP races where he has met a number of the famous riders including James Toseland, Shakey Byrne and Troy Bayliss.

His extraordinary love for his bike and all things on two wheels has caused him a few problems in the past; costing him no less than five relationships as he always puts his bike first, even once keeping it in the living room in his old family home to save it getting wet and cold outside!

Currently living on the sixth floor of a block of flats, he has attempted several times to get the bike up to the comfort of his living room and has even admitted he has considered keeping the bike in bed with him when he sleeps! Unfortunately, he is unable to fit it in the lift to his flat and is forced to keep it out in the road. When he is not riding, Dave is never far away from his beloved CBR and is constantly ensuring it is clean and can often be found making constant maintenance changes to make sure the bike runs as smoothly as possible and purrs like a kitten!

Dave says “People sometimes don’t understand why I love motorbikes so much, but I always say to them ‘one man’s weirdo is another man’s enthusiast!’ I love the thrill of being out on the road and see it as a great way to escape the boring routines of a normal day. All my mates are bikers and they don’t find it weird that I have sometimes kept the bike inside the house, or even in my room! I take great pride in my hobby and invite anyone who hasn’t been on a bike to helmet up and give it a go!”

Paul Galligan, Director of Bennetts said, “We had a number of bikers get in touch but no one really demonstrated their passion quite as much as Dave. We feel we have found the UK’s biggest Bike lover who is literally willing to put his love for motorcycles before anything else!”

For more information on Dave and to check out his page on the website, visit www.bennetts.co.uk

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*Based on brand tracking research in April 2009



For further information, contact details or photography please contact:
Frank PR on 020 7693 6999 or email bennetts@frankpr.it

Notes to editors

Bennetts is a trading name of BISL Limited, Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS. Registered in England No. 3231094.


BISL Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.


THE BACKGROUND TO BENNETTS

· Bennetts was established in Coventry by the Bennetts family in 1930 to provide insurance services to people throughout the West Midlands.

· In the early 1980’s Bennetts decided to devise a number of specialist insurance schemes that would meet the needs of different types of biker. These schemes are constantly reviewed to give bikers the exact cover they need.

· In 2000 Bennetts was the first motorcycle insurance specialist to offer the ability to buy insurance online, through its website, www.bennetts.co.uk.

· In October 2001, the Bennetts brand was acquired by the BGL Group (formerly the Budget Group of Companies), through its purchase of the Dial Direct Group, a major UK car insurance intermediary.

· The BGL Group was established in 1992, and has grown to be the UK’s third largest personal lines insurance intermediary, through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions.

· The BGL Group now arranges and administers insurance for around 2.3 million customers with more than £600million GWP. It has contact centre operations in Peterborough, Coventry, Sunderland, Peterlee and Cape Town, South Africa. It currently employs over 2000 people and its head office is in Peterborough.

· In May 2003, Bennetts unveiled its new brand identity to the industry.

· Bennetts became personal sponsor of former World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson in May 2003.

· In April 2008 independent brand tracking research identified Bennetts as the UK’s number one brand for motorcycle insurance.

· In January 2005, Bennetts signed the biggest sponsorship deal in the history of the brand by becoming title sponsor of the 2005 Bennetts British Superbike Championship. Bennetts continued its sponsorship of the British Superbike Championship in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

· In June 2007, Bennetts became official series sponsor of the World Superbike Championship for the remainder of the 2007 championship and for the whole of the 2008 championship.

· Bennetts has been personal sponsor of Moto GP contender and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland since July 2007.

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

DOUBLE G-FORCE!
Alton Towers Resort teams up with Ultimo to make sure women don’t make a ‘boob’ on the rides

As a result of wearing fewer layers of clothing during the summer months, the Alton Towers Resort receives a number of reports that scantily-clad female riders have been privy to gravity-defying wardrobe malfunctions on the more adrenalin-inducing rollercoasters at the theme park. Given the long awaited heatwave forecast for this summer, the Alton Towers Resort are taking no risks.

In a bid to reduce the number of mishaps on their rides this summer, the Resort has teamed up with Britain’s leading underwear brand, Ultimo, to produce an underwear advisory guide - ensuring that women are fully supported to withstand the extreme G-forces of the coasters. Today, a group of test-riders donned a variety of Ultimo bras and were put through their paces on several attractions, including Rita - Queen of Speed and Spinball Whizzer, to test the durability and lift support of bras- and to make sure they were a snug fit.

Michelle Mone from Ultimo said: “Many women across the UK wear ill-fitting bras, which can not only cause discomfort and long-term health problems, but also accidental exposure at inappropriate times. We’re working with Alton Towers to advise which styles of bras riders should be wearing, proving that thrills don’t necessarily have to mean spills. Ultimo bras are built with the very best engineering and support, and today we have proved that – no matter the style or G-force – if you invest in quality, everything will stay perfectly in place!”

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director for the Alton Towers Resort said: “With a number of ground-breaking, world-first rollercoasters at the Resort, we are pleased that their G-forces are such a thrill for our visitors. Whilst we understand that in warmer climates women will wish to wear less clothing, the tests show that well-fitted brassieres such as those from the Ultimo range, will help to control the risk of further unprecedented exposures in the future.”

For further information and images, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or email altontowers@frankpr.it

-Ends-
Notes to eds:

• For more information on the Alton Towers Resort, visit www.altontowers.com
• The Alton Towers Hotel was voted Best UK Family Hotel by the Mother & Baby Magazine Survey, August 2007.

• Alton Towers Theme Park voted Consumers Favourite UK Theme Park Attraction – British Travel Awards 2007

• The MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 58 attractions, 6 hotels and 2 holiday villages in 13 countries, across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 35 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,500 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE including the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, the London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, Heide Park, and Earth Explorer.

NEWS FROM BRYLCREEM

Brylcreem Launches Sharp New Range

Brylcreem, the UK’s best known male hairstyling brand, is set to unveil a major relaunch with performance and style at the core of every product. The brand has also made its first significant change to their iconic logo for the first time in years.

Supported by a multimillion pound through-the-line marketing campaign, the new formulation Brylcreem range has been restyled with a clean, classic and timelessly sharp look. On shelf in September/October 2009, the 10 products boast stylish and unique new packaging and simple no-nonsense language to help guys cut through the waffle that can appear on styling products.

The new range includes three brand new offerings – including Brylcreem Cream, a unique offering for the market: a multipurpose styling product that has been created to give a strong, invisible and truly re-mouldable hold.

Margaret Jobling, Marketing Director for Sara Lee Household & Body Care UK Ltd comments: “The relaunch of Brylcreem shows our commitment to understanding the changing grooming needs of the male consumer. Brylcreem celebrated its 80th Birthday last year and is constantly adapting to provide British men with confidence, quality and a tailored style. With 80 years of experience in male grooming, Brylcreem continues to perform, moving from strength to strength and taking the style of men seriously.”

New product offerings:

Cream – new multipurpose styling product has been created to give a strong and re-mouldable hold. Unlike other products, it is neither glossy nor matt, but a smooth cream that leaves hair with an invisible hold.

Clay – offers a strong hold with a very matt finish. The product adds heavy texture and is great for roughing up to create a choppy style.

Extreme Gel – delivers Brylcreem’s hardest ever hold so hair won’t budge all day.

The new Brylcreem range also includes

Gels:

Strong Gel – tough and durable, Brylcreem Strong gel is as dependable as it always has been. It has everything you need from a gel and will hold hair for up to 24hrs

Wet Gel – delivers everything that you would expect from a good strong gel and is also specially formulated to give hair a shiny wet look

Gel Cream – is a fluid white cream that will tame and smarten the most unmanageable hair with a light, natural hold

Brylcreem pots:

Wax – a classic strong hold wax that is perfect to add texture and a light shine to short hair

Gel Wax – spreads like a gel and holds like a wax, perfect to add light definition to short hair

Classic Products:

Brylcreem Original – the product that has been styling men since 1928. It leaves a light, glossy hold and looks great on short sharp, masculine styles. Available in 150ml & 250ml variants and an Anti Dandruff formulation


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For further information please call Frank PR on Tel: 020 7693 6999 or email brylcreemteam@frankpr.it



Notes to Editors:


The range is available nationwide in Tesco, Boots and all other good high street and grocery retailers from September/October 2009 and is priced from RRP £3.49


Alternate stockist details available on 01753 508123.

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

‘PREMIER OFFERS’ LAUNCHED -
JUST £29 FOR A SIZZLING SUMMER BREAK

The UK’s largest budget hotel chain Premier Inn today launches ‘Premier Offers’, a special summer campaign offering hotel rooms from just £29 per room per night – and in MORE locations than any other UK hotel chain.

Guests can book fantastic great value family rooms, sleeping up to a family of four, from just £29 per room per night at www.premierinn.com

With 577 hotels nationwide, Premier Inn is in more locations than any other hotel chain in the UK. What’s more, guests can also take advantage of the All You Can Eat Premier Breakfast where children under 16 can eat for free! There are great value Two for One and Kids go Free deals on 800 top family attractions including theme parks, museums and aquariums with every room booked as part of its Great Days Out scheme.

By listening to the needs of its customers, Premier Inn has identified a new category of customers who want to book in advance to secure the best deals during the summer holidays. ‘Premier Offers’ has been created to meet this demand and cement Premier Inn’s value for money credentials.

The ‘Premier Offers’ summer holiday campaign can be booked from now via the premierinn.com website and runs until 6 September. Some 250,000 rooms will be available for customers who book 21 days ahead, with prices starting from just £29 per room per night.

Managing Director of Premier Inn Patrick Dempsey says, ‘Premier Offers’ is ideal for people who want to book ahead to secure a great value summer holiday break, whether it be a few days away with the family or time to visit friends. We want to give people the opportunity to enjoy their summer holidays in the UK’s best value budget hotel chain.’

Why not take the opportunity to enjoy a great value break and visit www.premierinn.com to book.

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For further information please contact:
Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or e-mail premierinn@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:

About Premier Inn…

Premier Inn, is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 577 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK. Premier Inn bedrooms feature an en-suite bathroom, TV, and internet access for business guests. Premier Inn offers customers a ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains.

Premier Inn was the first Britain-wide hotel group to sign up with national tourist board VisitBritain; this means Premier Inn is now part of a new quality assessment scheme, specially created for budget accommodation.

Premier Inn has won the following awards:

• Best Budget Hotel at the Business Traveller Awards 2008
• Leading Economy brand in the JD Power European Economy Hotel Guest Satisfaction Survey 2008
• Most improved brand by the BDRC British Hotel Guest Survey 2008.
• Winner of the HolidayCheck Awards 2008
• Best Business Hotel Chain at the Business Travel World Awards 2008 and 2009
• Hotel and Leisure Award at the Customer satisfaction awards run by the Institute of Customer service.
• For more information or to book a room at Premier Inn please visit www.premierinn.com

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

RECESSION SEES BUSINESS EXPENSE CLAIMS SOAR, HONEST

British workers are claiming more expenses than ever before during the recession, with claims predicted to total an extra £12.5 billion1 this year says a report released this week.

However, ‘Joe Public’ is overwhelmingly honest, with only 2 in 10 sneaking through personal items on their claims – the rise is due to workers ensuring every receipt is submitted, as we keep a closer eye on our pennies.

Premier Inn’s Business Expenses Index1 polled British workers on how their attitude claiming their expenses has changed over the last 12 months. It found one in four Brits is claiming more than ever before - an extra £576pa on average - as they’re increasingly conscious of claiming everything owed.

30% of workers also revealed they have become more concerned about paying out for expenses with personal cash or credit cards as they try to manage their own finances.

Meanwhile, claiming back business expenses is a time consuming job for employees, taking on average 12 hours a year to calculate - or £3.4billion a year in man hours across British businesses.

Premier Inn spokesperson, Luke Goggin says, “The cost of doing business - such as fuel, food and travel – is on the rise so Brits have become more conscious of doing their expense claims thoroughly and on time. British employees and employers need a way to manage expenses more easily. That’s why Premier Inn has created the Business Account Card, a great expense management system to help improve this.”

The Premier Inn Business Account Card makes it easy for business travellers to stay at any of the Premier Inn hotels nationwide. Business guests can use their Business Account Card to pay for accommodation, meals and meeting rooms, allowing company expenses to be handled easily and efficiently. It also allows for flexible management and control of their travel expenses, working like a charge card for customers to book, guarantee and pay for their accommodation, meals and meeting rooms.

Business expert Saira Khan, who is commenting on the Index, says “Anything that makes it easier to keep track is a great idea to ensure British businesses – or employees - aren’t losing money.”

PREMIER INN EXPENSES INDEX: KEY FACTS & FIGURES

Who’s claiming the most?
Regionally, it’s workers in the South West that most conscious of claiming what's theirs – claiming 51% more than last year. And, nationwide, workers in the media, leisure and sport industries have made the biggest increase in claims – 35% more than last year.

And for what?
Travel and accommodation ranked highest in the breakdown of what people are claiming on their business expenses, with a total of almost £1,000 per year (£83 per month) claimed back by employees. 37% of workers said the recession means they are travelling more in order to win business or get work.

Second to this was food and drink, coming in at almost £38 per month, followed by phone bills (£24 per month) and entertaining clients at £21. 2% of Brits even claim for a second home – at up to £250 per month.

In addition to the expected, Premier Inn’s Business Expenses Index also uncovered a selection of weird and wonderful claims Brits had to put through on their business expenses, including: the services of a camel, a number of sick buckets, two golden human statues and even an aeroplane.


- ends -

For further information please contact Frank PR 0207 693 6955
Luke Goggin and Saira Khan are both available for interview


Notes to Editors:
Premier Inn’s Business Expenses Index was research independently conducted by Ciao during April 2009, with a base of 1,000 people
1. Calculated on average additional expense claim of £576pa x number of UK workers (29,000,000, according to ONS 22 April 2009)
2. Average hourly wage (£13 according to ONS 14 November 2008) x 12 (average number of hours a year it takes to calculate business expenses) x number of UK employed (29,000,000, according to ONS 22 April 2009)

About Premier Inn…
Premier Inn, is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 576 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK. Premier Inn bedrooms are 22m² and feature en-suite bathroom, TV, and internet access for business guests. Premier Inn offers customers a ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains.

Premier Inn was the first Britain-wide hotel group to sign up with national tourist board VisitBritain; this means Premier Inn is now part of a new quality assessment scheme, specially created for budget accommodation.

A joint venture with Emirates has seen the Premier Inn brand develop in the Gulf region, with its first budget hotel in Dubai in Spring 2008. Premier Inn also has a joint venture with Emar-MGF to roll out 80 budget hotels in India by 2017. On a domestic front, Premier Inn is set to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London by the time of the 2012 Olympics.

Premier Inn has won the following awards:
• Best Budget Hotel at the Business Traveller Awards 2008
• Leading Economy brand in the JD Power European Economy Hotel Guest Satisfaction Survey 2008
• Most improved brand by the BDRC British Hotel Guest Survey 2008.
• Winner of the HolidayCheck Awards 2008
• Best Business Hotel Chain at the Business Travel World Awards 2008 and 2009
• Hotel and Leisure Award at the Customer satisfaction awards run by the Institute of Customer service.
For more information or to book a room at Premier Inn please visit www.premierinn.com

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

BRITISH SEASIDE TRADITIONS IN DANGER OF DYING OUT
Donkey rides, fish & chips on the pier and even Kiss Me Quick hats in danger of becoming extinct

British seaside traditions are in danger of dying out according to research released today (Sunday 24 May 2009). As a result, a new initiative by Britain’s largest budget hotel chain Premier Inn is encouraging British parents to ensure their kids don’t miss out on the childhood holiday memories they enjoyed, this Bank Holiday and beyond.

The recent trend for families to holiday abroad has seen British kids miss out on holiday activities their parents enjoyed in their childhood, according to the study by Premier Inn.

Recent years have seen British families visit the beaches of Spain (24%), France (11%) and America (12%) over British shores. Therefore, 92% of young children surveyed have never ridden a donkey at the sea side, 66% have never eaten fish and chips on the beach, 59% have never built a sandcastle on a British beach and 61% haven’t collected shells with their parents.

As a result, Premier Inn is launching a campaign to put the ‘Great’ back into Great British holidays with a series of initiatives this Summer. It has worked with family travel expert, Jane Anderson, to compile a guide to the best family attractions at the seaside towns British parents say they loved best as kids. It can be accessed at www.premierinn.com

Families can stay at Premier Inn for as little as £12 per person per night. Rates start from just £50 per room, per night for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 years and under).

For a Great Day Out, Premier Inn offers guests the chance to enjoy Two for One and Kids go Free offers at top visitor attractions when they stay at our hotels. To choose your day out, pick from over 800 Great Days Out including theme parks, stately homes and aquariums. See www.premierinn.com for further information.

Premier Inn’s Head of Great British Breaks, Steve Conway, says “Now’s the perfect time for families to avoid the Eurozone and explore the best Britain has to offer.”
Premier Inn is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 573 budget hotels in the UK.

-ends-

For more information, contact:
Frank PR on 020 7693 6999

*The survey was carried out by USP between 20TH and 21st May and used a nationally representative sample of 1,589 UK adults aged 16+.



About Premier Inn…
Premier Inn, is the UK’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand with 573 budget hotels and more than 40,000 rooms across the UK. Premier Inn bedrooms are 22m² and feature en-suite bathroom, TV, and internet access for business guests. Premier Inn offers customers a ‘Good Night Guarantee’ of a good quality room, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, which is unique amongst Britain’s leading hotel chains.

Premier Inn was the first Britain-wide hotel group to sign up with national tourist board VisitBritain; this means Premier Inn is now part of a new quality assessment scheme, specially created for budget accommodation.

A joint venture with Emirates has seen the Premier Inn brand develop in the Gulf region, with its first budget hotel in Dubai in Spring 2008. Premier Inn also has a joint venture with Emar-MGF to roll out 80 budget hotels in India by 2017. On a domestic front, Premier Inn is set to be the largest provider of budget hotels in London by the time of the 2012 Olympics.

Premier Inn has won the following awards:
• Best Budget Hotel at the Business Traveller Awards 2008
• Leading Economy brand in the JD Power European Economy Hotel Guest Satisfaction Survey 2008
• Most improved brand by the BDRC British Hotel Guest Survey 2008.
• Winner of the HolidayCheck Awards 2008
• Best Business Hotel Chain at the Business Travel World Awards 2008 and 2009
• Hotel and Leisure Award at the Customer satisfaction awards run by the Institute of Customer service.
For more information or to book a room at Premier Inn please visit www.premierinn.com

NEWS FROM SIR ALAN SUGAR

YASMINA SIADATAN - YOU’RE HIRED!

After the job interview from hell with tycoon, Sir Alan Sugar, 27 year-old restaurateur, Yasmina Siadatan, has beaten 14 other candidates to land the coveted six-figure salary job, with the self-made millionaire, who has over 40 years of experience under his belt. Yasmina follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Lee McQueen, and previous winners Simon Ambrose (2207), Michelle Dewberry (2006) Tim Campbell (2005).

In last night’s final task, over X million viewers tuned in to BBC ONE to watch Yasmina battle it out with 27 year-old Licensing Development Manager, Kate Walsh, manage a team of this year’s fired candidates in the toughest task to date - designing an original box of chocolates, creating a brand and advertisement, and presenting them to a room full of industry experts.

Although Yasmina and her team - consisting of Howard, Lorraine, James and Philip got off to a shaky start, she quickly pulled herself and her team together and held a focus group, before deciding to target consumers searching for an “electrifying” chocolate experience. With a strong brand identity in place with “Cocoa Electric,” and a confident pitch Yasmina won over both the experts and Sir Alan, despite the actually chocolates being accused of lacking in quality.

Meanwhile, Kate’s team - consisting of Ben, Debra, Kimberly and Rocky, designed “Choc D’Amour”, a three-tier box of chocolates aimed at couples enjoying a romantic night in. But Kate’s high prices didn’t fit with her positioning in the mass consumer market as a credit-crunch alternative to a night out. However, Sir Alan did compliment her on the innovative idea and outstanding quality of the product.

In the nail-biting final boardroom scene, Sir Alan told the girls that choosing who to hire would be the hardest decision he had ever had to make over the past five series. He told them: “You are two very, very, very good finalists.”

When Sir Alan asked Yasmina what she’d learned over the last twelve weeks, she replied:“The highlights for me were doing things I’ve never done before, and finding that I’d done them well. Yesterday I pulled it off… that was such a massive personal achievement to know that I could do that, and can go and do it again…I know you don’t want to take a risk on me, but letting me slip through your hands would be a much bigger risk.”

Yasmina confidently answered Sir Alan’s tough questions on her already successful restaurant business, by telling him: “All it should say (owning my own business) is that I’m damn good at what I do and that I’ve got a creativity and a spark about me and I’m a risk taker. Right now I’m determined, I’m eager to learn….I’ve grown up as a natural businessperson… I look at everything from a business perspective and I think that’s the main difference between me and Kate.”

Sir Alan decided on his winner and said: “It’s a tough decision. You are the best that I’ve ever had in the final in this boardroom, that I promise you. My instincts are telling me… Yasmina… YOU’RE HIRED!”

One job. 15 candidates. Sir Alan’s search for his Apprentice has come to an end.

NEWS FROM SETANTA

Setanta’s acclaimed ‘Commentweeter’ continues for England match

Setanta also adds touchline touchline reports to Twitter commentary for World Cup Qualifier

Due to the success of Setanta Sport’s pioneering Twitter commentary of the FA Cup Final last weekend, the broadcaster has not only decided to continue the practice for this Saturday’s England fixture against Kazakhstan, but is extending it’s coverage by posting the ‘tweets’ of it’s touchline reporter throughout the game.

Jon Champion, who has been commentating on live football for over 20 years, will be posting on his Twitter feed at the same time he leads the match commentary from Almaty on Setanta Sports 1. He’ll also be using the micro-blogging site to post preview comments and interact with users in the days leading up to the match, where England will attempt to keep up their World Cup qualifier winning streak. In addition, Setanta’s touchline reporter, Dan Roan, will also be tweeting from the match, taking fans closer to the action with pitchside and tunnel gossip.

The Twitter commentary, which can be followed at www.twitter.com/commentweeter, is now a key component of Setanta’s coverage, which seeks to combine traditional TV match coverage with modern social media technology. Dan Roan’s touchline and tunnel twitter feed can be followed at www.twitter.com/Touchntunnel

Jon Champion said: “When we decided to ‘Commentweet’ we were not sure how the experiment would work out. Fans embraced it for the Cup Final with even greater enthusiasm than we imagined and that’s why we are keeping it up for Saturday’s England match. As a commentator, it has always been my desire to enhance the enjoyment and understanding of fans before, during and after a match. I’m really excited to be able to continue the new dialogue we started last weekend.”

Timothy Ryan, Setanta Marketing Director, said: “Getting John to ‘Commentweet’ was a leap into the unknown for us and we are really pleased to see that it paid off. In this day and age, people like to be able to access media on their own terms in their own time and sports broadcasting needs to evolve to make that happen. Using Twitter for match commentary creates a new kind of interactive way for fans to enjoy the game and with Dan Roan’s touchline gossip taking fans closer to the action than ever before, we’ll be giving fans all the important news as it happens.”

Jon Champion’s Twitter commentary is available free to all users of Twitter at www.twitter.com/commentweeter. Dan Roan’s can be followed at www.twitter.com/Touchntunnel

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For further information, please contact:
Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999


Notes to editors:
Setanta Sports, the platform-neutral premium sports channel business, is a leading international pay-TV sports broadcaster operating channels in the UK, Ireland, North America and Australia. Founded in 1992, its premium sports content is available to tens of millions of digital homes worldwide.

Setanta operates more sports channels than any other broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Setanta Sports is the most widely-available premium sports broadcaster in the UK and is available to all digital homes: on satellite, via Freeview, Virgin Media, Tiscali, BT Vision and by broadband, ensuring the widest possible distribution to all sports fans.

Setanta Sports is the only broadcaster of premium sports on digital terrestrial television (Freeview). The Setanta Sports 1 channel, featuring the best of Setanta¹s premium live content, is available on Freeview boxes with viewing card slots and integrated TVs with a common interface (CI slot).

Setanta customers can now receive Setanta-i (www.setanta.com/i), an online video service that allows you to watch Setanta Sports both live and on demand. This new service replaces Setanta by Broadband.

The Setanta Sports Pack is available to satellite and cable customers and is made up of the following channels:

Setanta Sports 1

Setanta Sports 2

Setanta Golf

Racing UK

ESPN America*

Celtic TV

Rangers TV

LFC TV

Arsenal TV

For a full list of Setanta Sports¹ exclusively live sporting content and fixture details, please visit www.setanta.com .

Content includes Barclays Premier League football, FA Cup, England international friendlies, 2010 World Cup qualifiers involving England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, UEFA Europa League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Blue Square Premier, US PGA Golf, Indian Premier League cricket, live Magners League rugby, top-flight boxing, Ultimate Fighting Championship and action from some of Europe¹s best football leagues.

Guinness Premiership rugby will also be available for 2010/11 season, with Setanta showing 43 games exclusively live.

Setanta Sports is available with no annual contract required. For the latest pricing offers on any platform, please visit www.setanta.com or call 08712
007 494

Setanta Sports is also joint owner with Virgin Media of Setanta Sports News, the 24-hour sports news channel, available free-to-air on the Virgin Media platform, and also on satellite, covering all the top sports news stories from the UK and abroad.


*not available to Virgin Media customers

NEWS FROM SETANTA SPORTS

June 4th, 2009

At the end of the day, it’s the worst football cliché ever
It’s a funny old game as Setanta declares Kazakhstan-England commentary a ‘cliché-free zone’

“At the end of the day”, a staple phrase employed by broadcasters during a match commentary, has been named by football fans as the most irritating football cliché ever in a survey for Setanta Sports. Closely followed by “On paper…” and “A game of two halves” in second and third places respectively, “At the end of the day” achieved nearly a fifth (18%) of the votes in the poll. In fourth position, “This game needs a goal” was deemed only slightly more annoying than “There are no easy games in international football”, which completed the top five phrases that drive fans crazy.

As a result of the survey, Setanta has declared that this Saturday’s group six World Cup qualifier broadcast, when England take on Kazakhstan in Almaty, will be a ‘cliché-free zone’. The channel will instruct its match commentary team of Jon Champion and Chris Waddle to refrain from using the clichés that fans hate, with the initiative all in aid of a good cause.

Setanta will make a donation to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, the level of which will be dependent on how often Champion and Waddle slip up. Starting at a donation of £5000, every cliché that is uttered by the commentators will see £100 come off the total, meaning Champion and Waddle will be under pressure to help keep the donation as high as possible.

The most irritating football clichés ever, as voted by football fans* are:

1. “At the end of the day” (18%)
2. “On paper…” (16%)
3. “A game of two halves” (14%)
4. “This game needs a goal” (12%)
5. “There are no easy games in international football” (10%)
6. “For a big lad, he’s good with his feet” (9%)
7. “A funny old game” (8%)
8. “This free-kick is in Beckham-range” (7%)
9. “Setting out their stall” (4%)
10. “End-to-end stuff” (2%)

To help spot any cliché-dropping, Setanta will be running a ‘cliché counter’ on setanta.com, which will also play host to a ‘cliché bingo’ card for fans to download and play-a-long at home with during the game.

Chris Waddle, Setanta’s co-commentator for the match, said: “I’m as ‘sick as a parrot’ about this, particularly as there are ‘no easy games in International football’! Seriously though, it’s a bit of fun to see if Jon and I can get through the match without using any football clichés and the better we do, the more money Setanta will donate to the Bobby Moore Fund. It’s all in a good cause and hopefully the viewers will enjoy the match and see that we are giving it 110%. And I promise that’s it on the clichés from me from now on!”

Timothy Ryan, Setanta GB Marketing Director, said: “We know how annoying it can be when commentators wheel out the same tired, hackneyed clichés and we thought we’d challenge our commentary team to go the whole 90 minutes on Saturday without uttering any. Hopefully it’s not too much of ‘banana skin’ for them and it won’t have them at ‘sixes and sevens’ whilst on the mic. As experienced broadcasters, we’re sure Jon and Chris will be ‘over the moon’ at the challenge we’ve set them and will be able to get through the match without uttering a single cliché - Unlike me...!”

The cliché-free zone, along with cliché counter and ‘play-along’ bingo card is available at www.setanta.com

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*poll conducted on setanta.com between 29th May and 3rd June 2009, surveying 826 football fans

For further information, please contact:
Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999

Notes to editors:

Setanta Sports, the platform-neutral premium sports channel business, is a leading international pay-TV sports broadcaster operating channels in the UK, Ireland, North America and Australia. Founded in 1992, its premium sports content is available to tens of millions of digital homes worldwide.

Setanta operates more sports channels than any other broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Setanta Sports is the most widely-available premium sports broadcaster in the UK and is available to all digital homes: on satellite, via Freeview, Virgin Media, Tiscali, BT Vision and by broadband, ensuring the widest possible distribution to all sports fans.

Setanta Sports is the only broadcaster of premium sports on digital terrestrial television (Freeview). The Setanta Sports 1 channel, featuring the best of Setanta¹s premium live content, is available on Freeview boxes with viewing card slots and integrated TVs with a common interface (CI slot).

Setanta customers can now receive Setanta-i (www.setanta.com/i), an online video service that allows you to watch Setanta Sports both live and on demand. This new service replaces Setanta by Broadband.

The Setanta Sports Pack is available to satellite and cable customers and is made up of the following channels:

Setanta Sports 1

Setanta Sports 2

Setanta Golf

Racing UK

ESPN America*

Celtic TV

Rangers TV

LFC TV

Arsenal TV

For a full list of Setanta Sports¹ exclusively live sporting content and fixture details, please visit www.setanta.com .

Content includes Barclays Premier League football, FA Cup, England international friendlies, 2010 World Cup qualifiers involving England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, UEFA Europa League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Blue Square Premier, US PGA Golf, Indian Premier League cricket, live Magners League rugby, top-flight boxing, Ultimate Fighting Championship and action from some of Europe¹s best football leagues.

Guinness Premiership rugby will also be available for 2010/11 season, with Setanta showing 43 games exclusively live.

Setanta Sports is available with no annual contract required. For the latest pricing offers on any platform, please visit www.setanta.com or call 08712
007 494

Setanta Sports is also joint owner with Virgin Media of Setanta Sports News, the 24-hour sports news channel, available free-to-air on the Virgin Media platform, and also on satellite, covering all the top sports news stories from the UK and abroad.

*not available to Virgin Media customers

NEWS FROM ALEKSANDR ORLOV

ATTENTION BABUSKHAS: Frank PR appointed by Aleksandr Orlov
of comparethemeerkat.com

Frank PR has been appointed by reclusive Russian billionaire meerkat Aleksandr Orlov, to handle his personal PR and consumer PR for his comparethemeerkat.com website, the leading meerkat comparison site.

Orlov has recently come to prominence in the UK after experiencing frustrations with a similarly-named insurance price comparison site, comparethemarket.com.

Orlov’s recent TV advertising compelling consumers to remember his catchy jingle to ensure they visit the correct site – and don’t crash his server – have made him a household name in Britain.

Frank PR director, Alex Grier says, “Since coming to prominence in Britain, Mr Orlov has been inundated with requests to appear in the media, in public and even in other peoples’ advertising. We will be working with him to manage these requests and his public image, given his reclusive nature, and to help in his battle to ensure people understand the difference between comparethemeerkat.com and comparethemarket.com.”

Statement from Aleksandr Orlov, founder, comparethemeerkat.com (as dictated to his assistant, Sergei):

“My little babushkas, I, Aleksandr Orlov, founder of comparethemeerkat.com has appoint Frank Public Relations to help explain peoples the difference between comparethemeerkat.com and comparethemarket.com. Peoples still not understand that for compare meerkats you come to my website comparethemeerkat.com but if you are looking for cheap deal on car insurance you are want comparethemarket.com.”

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