NEWS FROM DISNEY XD

BECKS REIGNS SUPREME FOR BRITISH BOYS

New Disney XD Aim High research reveals young boys’ role models

He may well be a 35-year old dad of three and in the twilight years of his footballing career, but when it comes to inspiring Britain’s young males, David Beckham is still premiership class. Seven years post his UK exit, new research from Disney XD’s Aim High confirms that one in five (18%) British boys still look up to the footballing legend as their number one, second only to their Dads (50%).

The nationwide study of over 1200 boys and their parents1, was conducted to mark the 2011 launch of Disney XD’s Aim High, www.disneyxd.co.uk/aimghigh which offers boys a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship with their heroes. The 2011 all-star line up includes international R&B sensation Jay Sean, a premiership footballer, Leicester Tigers and England rugby hero Toby Flood and cricketing hotshot Stuart Broad.

As the country and government gear up to support the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a message echoed by HM The Queen who highlighted the importance of sport as a medium to help build communities in her Christmas Day speech, findings reveal that sports stars reign supreme in the inspiration stakes. A massive 28% of young boys cited Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and Roger Federer amongst their top sporting heroes.

The findings are in stark contrast to those of parents who favoured musicians, actors and even royalty amongst their icons with Madonna and Princess Diana securing pole position with 14% each.

Cricketing ace and Disney XD Aim High mentor, Stuart Broad said: “It’s been a great start to the year for British sport, so it’s fantastic to see it’s such a strong and positive influence amongst today’s generation of boys. It’s important to have strong role models in life – given the right tools and guidance, there’s no limit to what young people can achieve.”

Proving sporting prowess isn’t the only profession wowing our youngsters, knowledge and entrepreneurism pull significant rank. Jeremy Clarkson clinched second place behind Beckham, followed closely by business moguls Lord Alan Sugar, Bills Gates and Simon Cowell. And, while they may admire celebrities, an overwhelming 50% of boys said there was no one quite like their Dad, demonstrating that core family values do still exist and are as important as ever before.

Louise Ellis, Sport Psychologist and Performance Consultant commented “It’s fantastic to see that Beckham is still inspiring a completely new and younger audience. It’s testament to Beckham’s sheer hard work and determination both on and off the pitch – as a sportsman, a businessman, a father and a global ambassador, he’s a winning inspiration for the new generation.

“The sports stars that their parents grew up with differ drastically from the global athletes and individual sporting brands that we know today. A healthy mind, body and spirit ethos has enveloped the UK and the modern belief is that physical improvement and centring the mind from an early age will enlighten individuals and develop all round well-being, ambition and future success.”

Further statistics revealed that almost six in ten boys today (59%) believe hard work is the key to success as opposed to just 19% who think talent alone will get you to the top. Encouragingly, only two per cent said good looks were enough to climb the ladder although seven per cent also cited luck as a factor.

Make sure you are part of this year’s Disney XD Aim High by visiting www.disneyxd.co.uk/aimhigh and find your dream mentorship.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

The Disney XD Aim High team at Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or email aimhigh@frankpr.it



Notes to Editors:

Research
1 The research was conducted amongst 601 male children aged 8-14 years old, as well as 601 parents of the same household between 30th November – 9th December 2010

Top Ten inspirations

Top Ten People 8-14-year-old boys look up to

1. David Beckham
2. Princess Diana
3. Kevin Keegan
4. Harrison Ford
5. John Travolta
6. Michael Jackson
7. Margaret Thatcher
8. George Michael
9. Tom Cruise
10. John McEnroe

Top Ten People their parents looked up to at the same age

1. Madonna
2. Jeremy Clarkson
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
4. Alan Sugar
5. Daniel Radcliffe
6. Bill Gates
7. Simon Cowell
8. Barack Obama
9. Justin Bieber
10. Roger Federer


Disney XD Aim High
Disney XD launched the Aim High initiative last year to help inspire a generation of kids to get the most out of life, try new things and learn from some of the UK’s most talented and dedicated professionals. 2011 will see fans given more opportunities to take part in a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience with one of Disney XD’s fantastic Aim High mentors including; England cricket hero Stuart Broad, international R&B star Jay Sean, a premiership footballer, promising Leicester Tigers and England fly half Toby Flood plus a whole host of other mini-mentorships led by some of the UK’s top professionals.

2011 Aim High mentors:

Stuart Broad

English cricketer Stuart Broad is one of England’s young rising stars representing his country in Test and One Day International cricket. A vital member of the victorious 2009 England Ashes squad Broad was the leading wicket taker with 18 wickets and subsequently won Man of the Match in the fifth Test at the Oval. Broad also plays for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

Jay Sean

A multitalented singer, songwriter and producer, Jay Sean is an international popstar and multi-platinum UK artist having sold over 6m copies of his smash-hit ‘Down’. Growing up in London, Jay rose to stardom in 2004 and has since gone on to release two hit albums, scoring two top ten singles including a US No.1 hit and nominated twice for Britain's prestigious MOBO Awards.

Toby Flood

Toby Flood is a top English rugby union player who currently plays at fly half for Leicester Tigers whom he joined from Newcastle Falcons in 2008. With 35 caps for England and the Rugby World Cup approaching Toby is one of the country’s most promising players.

About Disney XD

Launched in the UK in August 2009, Disney XD is the country’s first boy-focused, girl-inclusive channel for kids aged 6-14 years. Disney XD includes a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure, music and humour. Next X is a brand new local production for Disney XD. Disney XD branded content spans television, online and VOD platforms. The programming line-up includes series, movies and short-form content.

About The Walt Disney Company in Europe Middle East and Africa:

The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and its interactive media group.

TWDC has had a presence in Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for more than 70 years, with operations in twenty three countries with more than 5,500 employees. As a major film distributor in the region, TWDC has seen recent success with films such as Disney/Pixar’s ‘Up’ and the blockbuster 3D hit ‘Alice In Wonderland’. As one of Europe’s foremost suppliers of TV content, TWDC distributes Disney-branded and non-branded television programming and channels including ESPN channels and hit series such as ‘Lost’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’ which ranks in the top 10 US series on air in France, Germany, Italy and the UK with young adults. Disney Channel first launched in the region in 1995 and its growth has continued through 2009 when Disney Channel launched in an additional fifteen territories across EMEA, making it available in over 58 million homes. Together with Disney XD, the new boy-focused girl-inclusive channel which launched in thirteen territories across EMEA in 2009, there are 53 branded Disney channels in EMEA in 20 languages covering 109 countries and more than 70 million homes. Disneyland Paris has grown since its opening in 1992and its two parks are now Europe’s number one tourist destination.

NEWS FROM CASIO G-SHOCK

Spread the Joy…

Joy McLaren, Britain’s Next Top Model Contestant- the new face of Baby-G

Baby-G are proud to announce that Joy McLaren, best known for her participation in 2010’s Britain’s Next Top Model, has joined the team and is the new UK brand ambassador for 2011!

BNTM saw the contestants style it out on a rooftop in Malaysia, modelling Baby-Gs and competing for the chance to win the ultimate prize of becoming the new face of the brand. The girls were joined by Baby-G representative Sarah Salter, who sat on the judging panel with Elle Macpherson, Julian MacDonald, Grace Woodward and Charley Speed. It was clear from the off that Joy’s edgy look shone through, she went on to win the contract and become Baby-G’s latest face.

Joy was known and loved for her pretty tough style and no nonsense talking. Originally from Leeds, Joy aims to add some Northern spirit to the already tough brand. Joy owes her recent modelling success to her determination and toughness; “if you really apply yourself, go to castings and make sure you’re always on time, you’ll be fine,” and thanks to Baby-G’s latest range, this shouldn’t be a problem!

Joy is thrilled to be the new brand ambassador for Baby-G as she has been an avid fan since childhood. She comments, “Everyone had them at school, but I had to wait until I was in high school.” Joy’s first Baby-G was bright pink- she now has three, and plans to build on her collection. “I love the watches because they’re not office-y they are really fun, colourful and come in a nice variety of styles.”

With a bright and fresh outlook ahead of her, Joy is sure to inspire style and edge in girls the world over. The toughest contestant and toughest watch out there-what a combination!

ENDS

For further information please contact the
G-Shock Press Office at Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999 email: gshock@frankpr.it

Follow us on Twitter @GSHOCK_UK

www.g-shock.eu

NEWS FROM G-SHOCK

The Battle Lines are Drawn!

G-Shock is Proud to announce that the Secret Wars Euroleague Grand Final has finally arrived…

On Saturday 15th January 2011 from 8pm, the eagerly anticipated Secret Wars Euroleague Grand Final will storm into East London’s Village Underground. Age old rivals Birmingham and Amsterdam, will take each other on in a 90 minute battle of epic proportions, on the biggest Secret Wars wall ever created.

The grand final will be the culmination of over 60 Europe-wide battles held throughout 2010 and will see the winning team crowned Euroleague Champions! They will then be granted the chance to create their very own limited edition G-Shock watch design and will also qualify to fly to New York in the spring to compete against team USA, in the biggest battle in Secret Wars history.

Taking place in the darkest corners of each city, the Secret Wars art battles were originally set up and promoted through word of mouth alone, with those in the know spreading the word to artists and art fans. With 16 amazing European locations, including London, Berlin, Amsterdam and Barcelona, the Secret Wars Euro League blazed a trail of black marker pens and staggeringly creative, humorous designs, from country to country during 2010.

The rules of battle are simple: there are 90 minutes on the G-Shock clock, during which an artist is placed either side of an invisible line. Only black paint can be used on white walls, with no sketches or pencils allowed! The battles are judged by two guest judges and a crowd vote, which is measured using a decibel reader. It is a clean and fair fight, to find the best of Europe’s burgeoning artistic talent.

Tim Gould, Marketing Director for Casio UK, commented, ‘G-Shock have been thrilled to sponsor the Secret Wars Euro League in 2010 and we are eagerly anticipating the results of the grand final. As a brand, we have a passion for true innovation and creativity, which lends us an affinity with Secret Wars. We whole-heartedly support the way it champions the raw, burgeoning talent that can be found in the underground art scene, and we can’t wait to see the watch design that the winning team creates for us!’


ENDS
For further information please contact the
G-Shock Press Office at Frank PR
Tel: 020 7693 6999 email: gshock@frankpr.it

Follow us on Twitter @GSHOCK_UK

www.g-shock.eu

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

PREMIER INN CHANGES NAME TO 'PREMIER INN-INGS' IN TRIBUTE TO ASHES WINNING ENGLAND SIDE

To celebrate England’s victory against Australia during The Ashes, the UK’s biggest hotel chain, Premier Inn, is changing the name of one of its 580 hotels to ‘Premier Inn-ings’ to honour the teams’ triumph.

Premier Inn London Victoria, which is close to the Lords Cricket Ground, is recognising the 24 year long-awaited win of the England cricket team over in Australia by re-naming the site ‘Premier Inn-ings’ until the team make their way over to India for the World Cup in February.*

Karin Holmes the General Manager of London Victoria Premier Inn-ings says ‘We are delighted to pay tribute to England’s fantastic performance in The Ashes, and what better way than adopting a cricket themed name for the hotel! We thought it would be a fun way to give our guests a chance to celebrate this win with us!'


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For further information, please contact Frank PR on
0207 693 6999 or email premierinn@frankpr.it
Notes to editors:
*Premier Inn London Victoria will return to it’s original name on 12th February 2011

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest budget hotel brand with over 580 budget hotels and more than 42,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. Premier Inn bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, TV with Freeview channels, and WiFi internet access. All Premier Inns feature a bar and restaurant; situated inside the hotel or adjacent, offering a wide range of food choices.

In 2008 Premier Inn launched in Dubai and is now open in Bangalore, India. On a domestic front, Premier Inn aims to be the largest provider of budget hotels within the M25 area by 2012.

Premier Inn supports WaterAid, the international charity whose mission is to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Premier Inn, as part of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, aims to raise £1 million for WaterAid over the next two years. Details can be found at www.wateraid.org/whitbread

NEWS FROM HOVIS

Snack Attack
Research reveals British women will consume over one thousand
unhealthy snacks in 2011

The average British woman will devour 1,092 unhealthy snacks this year, from crisps, sweets and biscuits to cakes and chocolate, according to research released today by Hovis Wholemeal. The study[ii], involving 2,000 British women, reveals that an average of over 129 packets of crisps, more than 127 chocolate bars, over 77 cakes and more than 133 biscuits will be consumed by every female in 2011 alone.

As the nation grapples with New Year’s resolutions and healthy eating regimes, the research also reveals that over half of all women (54%) can’t resist snacking on unhealthy treats at least twice or three times per day, with a staggering four million women in the UK[iii] (one in seven) potentially eating five or more sugary and salty snacks each and every day.

The research, commissioned by Hovis Wholemeal to mark the launch of the Hovis Stop Snacking Facebook app at www.facebook.com/hovisbakery, also showed that over half (55%) of women wish they could give up their unhealthy snacking vice, 48% admit that mid-morning hunger pangs are the culprit for them reaching for the biscuit tin, and the sofa (49%) and the office (33%) are the most popular places to indulge.

Developed in conjunction with Hovis ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton, the Hovis Stop Snacking app will help encourage women to ditch their daily snacking vices. Victoria said, “As an athlete I understand how important it is to stay motivated in January and most importantly start the day the right way, which is why the Hovis Stop Snacking app is great. The app will encourage women to try a Hovis Wholemeal breakfast and then set a snack-related challenge in return for daily prizes, rewards for completion and a range of recipes and motivational advice from me.

She continues, “The basic facts are simple, Hovis Wholemeal is rich in fibre which can help you feel fuller for longer and could help stop snacking. I have it for breakfast and it works for me! ”

A trial[iv] conducted on behalf of Hovis showed that 64% of women who swapped their regular breakfast for Hovis Wholemeal felt fuller for longer and 86% agreed that eating Hovis Wholemeal for breakfast helped them snack less on naughty treats in-between breakfast and lunch. To help resist the lure of the biscuit tin this January, sign up to the Hovis Stop Snacking app at www.facebook.com/hovisbakery.
- Ends –

For more information, recipes and images contact: Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or e-mail hovis@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:
This January Hovis Wholemeal Challenge is encouraging women to try Hovis Wholemeal for breakfast and provides a range of quick & tasty recipes that provide a great start to the day and are around 300-350 calories. Just two slices of Hovis Wholemeal provides your daily intake of wholegrain and its rich in fibre which may help you feel fuller for longer and could help you stop snacking.
Hovis Wholemeal is available from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Somerfield, Waitrose, Co-op, Budgens and other independent food outlets across the UK.
Victoria Pendleton is a British Olympic and world champion track cyclist and face of the Hovis Wholemeal Campaign.
[1] UK research conducted with 2,000 female adults, between 14th and 15th December 2010 on behalf of Hovis
[1] Office of National Statistics 2008 data based on 31,000,000 women in the UK
[1] Commissioned by Hovis with 50 bloggers

NEWS FROM OCADO

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT: THE FUTURE’S FRIDGES
Ocado explores the future of the domestic fridge

Forward-thinking online supermarket Ocado (www.ocado.com) is working with the University of Central Lancashire’s future development ‘Product Design’ team on the fridge of the future.

The team forecasts that fridges could evolve into something truly cerebral, offering predictive, fully automated shopping (courtesy of a link to the Ocado website,) robotic ‘stock’ rotation, self-cleaning routines and waste food management – all of which could change the way we eat forever.

Ocado has partnered with the Product Design courses at the University of Central Lancashire mindful of the changing lifestyles of supermarket shoppers. With Brits putting in an additional 36 million hours of free overtime a year, it leaves very little time to complete mandatory chores such as the weekly food shop or fridge clean-out.

Scanning for your supper
Future fridges will be able to scan their multi-shelf contents and then calculate a meal appropriate to those items found. Recipes, organised via categories, will allow for choice between country, cuisine and season.

The future fridge will be ‘plumbed in’ to the Ocado website, and its smartphone apps, and will be able to automatically order food based on contents already used.

First come first served
The smart fridge will incorporate stock rotation with ‘nano articulated technology’ surfaces. Whilst feeling smooth to the human touch, millions of independently controlled micro tiles will manoeuvre products which need to be eaten to the front of the fridge.

The fridge will also monitor gases released by degrading foods and ‘push’ these items to the front of its shelves.

Weight watcher
Using ultrasound-scanning technology (built into the door) to ‘swipe and capture’ the food on a plate before and after meal-time, the future fridge can make an accurate assessment of what type and volume of food is wasted. The fridge will link to the household bin, with its own management system from which to feed back types and weight of food wasted.

The future fridge can cross reference and act upon this data, reducing the ingredients used in future meal suggestions and helping minimise food waste.

Jon Rudoe, Head of Retail & Customer at Ocado, comments:
“It’s exciting and very insightful for us to see how technology in fridges will advance in the future. At Ocado we have always been committed to evolving our service, and evolving it to work with amazing technological developments around us.

“We were the first supermarket to launch a transactional shopping app for the iPhone; customers can also now shop with us on Android handsets and via iPad. According to the last figures we have released, over 6% of Ocado sales are generated through mobile platforms, showing that customers are open to using technology if it helps making their shopping experience and lives easier.

“We are constantly looking at future technological trends to ensure shopping at Ocado is as convenient, accessible and stress-free as possible.”

Simon Sommerville, Course Leader for Product Design at UCLan suggests that the fridge’s revolutionary advance won’t stop here – predicting UV filters that will self-clean interiors, and sophisticated hands-free loading mechanisms to quickly unpack the weekly shop and distribute it to the right shelves and compartments. This kind of futuristic, streamlined living could be among us and in our kitchens in as little as 50 years.

-END-


For further information, please contact:
Frank PR on 0207 693 6951

About Ocado

Ocado (www.ocado.com) was established in 2000, started trading in 2002 and is now one of Britain’s leading online supermarkets. Ocado operates a centralised distribution model which means that it does not rely upon a network of stores from which to service customers. Ocado delivers over 20,000 product lines including Waitrose and John Lewis-branded goods and a growing Ocado own-label range; most recently it has launched non-food lines such as toys, magazines, kitchenware and fresh flowers. In June 2010, it scooped Online Retailer of the Year at The Grocer Gold Awards 2010 and Customer Technology of the Year at the BT Retail Week Technology Awards 2010. In October it was named World E-tailer of the Year at the prestigious World Retail Awards.