Tuesday 26 April 2011

NEWS FROM HOVIS




BRITS DON’T BUY BRITISH, YET!

Research reveals 91% of Brits think it’s important to buy British despite less than one in ten (6%) always going out of their way to do so


The Royal Wedding and the Olympics might be inspiring a wave of national pride but the vast majority of Brits are less patriotic when it comes to their food purchases, according to research released today by Hovis. The study1, involving 2,000 British adults, reveals that nine out of ten people (91%) think it’s important to buy British produce, but only 6% always go out of their way to do so. In fact, many Brits still remain in the dark about the origins of their food with only one in ten (11%) knowing exactly where the food on their table comes from.

British means quality
The research, commissioned by Hovis to promote the use of 100% British Wheat across its range², also revealed that there is real positivity for buying British produce with 77% of Brits claiming they would be more likely to buy something if they knew it was a British food product, and 28% admitting British produce tastes better than food that’s imported.

Confusion over origin
Amidst increasing debate over food miles and where our food comes from, 63% of those surveyed stated they genuinely care about their food’s origin. However, knowledge around origin is somewhat confused as although a third of us (33%) associate bread with being British, as little as five per cent of us actually think to buy British bread, with meat tops the list of British-bought produce (41%), followed by less than 20% specifically who look out for British fruit and vegetables.

National Divide
Londoners are the least interested in the origin of the food they eat, whilst the Welsh the most patriotic about British-sourced food as almost three quarters (71%) state they genuinely care about origin. Residents in the South East are three times more likely to try and source British food than those in the North East, whilst almost half (47%) of those in the West Midlands always try to source British food.

Age also appears to be a deciding factor as those aged 55 and over are the most conscious about the origin of their food, in contrast to two thirds (67%) of under 18s who admit to never checking food labels.

Supported by TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty, the 100% British Wheat campaign celebrates the hard work and endeavour of British wheat farmers and encourages the nation to ‘Eat British Wheat’, as 90% of the nation lack knowledge of where the wheat in the bread they purchase comes from.

Jimmy said: “It’s great to be part of a campaign that champions British food and most of all supports our farmers. Historically, to get the best quality wheat it needed to be sourced from overseas and that didn’t seem right to Hovis. They have spent six years working with 450 farmers to grow the best quality wheat right here in Britain and now are the only major national bread brand that uses 100% British Wheat across its range². It’s clear that people don’t realise the source of their food, or may even consider for something like bread that it could be made with flour milled from imported wheat. As a farmer myself, I know how important it is to invest in British farming – not only for the British economy but also our fantastic British countryside. It’s clear that consumers want to buy British, and Hovis are giving consumers an everyday easy way to do so.”

To find out more about the Hovis 100% British Wheat campaign, log onto www.facebook.com/hovisbakery
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NEWS FROM GYMBOX



IT’S A ROYAL WORKOUT!
- GYMBOX employs heirs to the throne to lead their latest exercise class -

As the nation gears itself up for the royal wedding, gym chain GYMBOX is allowing the common man, and woman, the chance to get in royal shape, by taking part in a work-out led by genuine Royalty. Heirs to the throne, Ellen and Amy Lascelles, 56th and 57th in line respectively, have been leading the ‘Royal Workout’ exercise class, which is currently running at GYMBOX gyms throughout April.

The exercise class, designed by GYMBOX’s top trainers with consultation from the ‘Royals,’ will ensure fat burning and toning via a mixture of cardio and weight-lifting over the 45 minute session. The first half of the class will involve a dance workout featuring some of Queen and Prince’s greatest hits followed by a toning session where gym goers will be able to banish bingo wings by practising the royal wave. The last element will involve weight-lifting 10kg dumbbells to replicate the weight of an average royal corgi. Gym goers keen to attend the class can book their slot at www.gymbox.co.uk.

Ellen and Amy are also joined by Peter Lidell-Grainger, who although at 335th in line to throne, is unlikely to ever feel the weight of the crown upon his head, has lent his regal expertise to the workout.

Amy Lascelles, granddaughter of George Lascelles the 7th Earl of Harewood, commented; “I am honoured to be working with GYMBOX on their ‘Royal Workout’. We’ve created the classes to give a great workout royal style so hopefully everyone in the class will have a good time. The workout includes some very polished push-ups and chivalrous crunches. It’s everything a person could need to create a physique that’s the envy of every aristocrat.”

Richard Hilton, MD of GYMBOX added; “We wanted to offer our members the chance to get in touch with their royal self and what a better way to do it then get in some blue-blooded instructors? The class is not only jolly good fun, but has been designed with some of our top trainers, ensuring a really thorough work-out for everyone who comes along.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IMAGERY PLEASE CONTACT FRANK PR

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS


To have and to gold

The Alton Towers Resort unveil their unique wedding gift to Prince William and Catherine Middleton – a 24-carat gilded carriage of THI3TEEN, the world’s first free fall drop coaster

Everyone knows that marriage has its ups and downs but when Kate and Will tie the knot on April 29th the adage will take on quite a different meaning as they receive the unique wedding gift. The carriage, the only one of its kind in the world, is available for the royal couple’s exclusive use when they visit the Resort in Staffordshire.

Coined the ‘Royaller-Coaster’ by staff, the carriage has over 20 square meters of 24-carat gold plating and will be housed away from public view. Despite the royal couple asking for no gifts on their wedding day, the Resort hopes to encourage future royal attendance with the gift. Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward have previously visited the Resort, hosting ‘It’s a Royal Knockout’ at the Theme Park in 1987.

Britain’s Greatest Escape will be showing the royal wedding live on a giant screen on the front lawn of the popular theme park, serving traditional British favourites Pimm’s, as well as strawberries & cream to toast the eagerly anticipated event. A two day ticket for a family of four to Britain’s Greatest Escape is £104.00 plus VAT, visit www.altontowers.com for further information.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN



CELEBRATE THE ROYAL WEDDING WITH ROYAL BED-DING

It’s every girls dream to wake up next to a Prince and the opportunity of
Premier Inn’s ‘Royal Bed-ding’ gives you the chance to do just that.

Designed to celebrate the Royal Wedding, the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain is giving guests in certain London Premier Inn sites* the chance to wake up as Prince William and Kate Middleton by printing images of the Royal couple’s bodies onto a limited selection of duvets at Premier Inn hotels in the capital city.

The duvets will feature printed images from the neck down of Prince William and Kate Middleton and all guests need to do is to get into bed, line their head with the printed bodies and then they can be the future King and Queen for the night.

Steve Conway, Premier Inn spokesman says, “We like to treat our guests like Royalty at every opportunity. Now some of our guests can enjoy a great night’s sleep and wake up as a future King or Queen.”


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For further information, please contact Sara Lincoln or Hannah Calder-Bundy on
0207 693 6999 or email premierinn@frankpr.it

*The Royal Bed-ding is a limited offer and will only be available on the evening of 28th April 2011 at selected Premier Inn Central London sites on a first come, first served basis. The bedding request must be submitted prior to 22 April 2011 at enquiry@premierinn.com



Terms and conditions for Premier Inn Royal Bed-ding
1. This limited offer is available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis by Premier Inn guests wanting Royal Bed-ding on the evening of 28th April 2011.
2. The Premier Inn Royal bed-ding request must be submitted by the 22nd April 2011 and requests can only be made online via enquiry@premierinn.com
3. When making a request, the following information must be given:
a. Name
b. Contact telephone number as well as e-mail address
c. Preferred selected site for booking
4. Email notification with a reference number will be sent to you if your request is successful in securing the bedding within 48 hours of making your request
5. Royal bed-ding is available at the following 5 selected Premier Inn hotels only and is subject to availability, with two royal bed-dings available at each of 5 selected hotels: London Southwark, Bankside, 34 Park Street, London, SE1 9EF, United Kingdom; London King’s Cross St. Pancras, 26-30 York Way, Kings Cross, London, N1 9AA, United Kingdom; London Victoria, 82-83 Eccleston Square, Off 55 Gillingham Street, London Victoria, SW1V 1PS, United Kingdom, London County Hall, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 7PB, United Kingdom and London Heathrow Airport (Bath Road), 15 Bath Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 2AB
6. Premier Inn cannot accept responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft, destruction, alteration of or unauthorized access to submitted enquiries or enquiries lost, damaged or delayed as a result of server functions, technical issues, virus, bugs or other causes outside Premier Inn’s control
7. Premier Inn reserves the right to disqualify any submitted request if it has reasonable grounds to believe such entry may have breached any of these terms and conditions
8. Premier Inn has the right to amend or withdraw this package without notice
9. The bedding is not available to employees of Whitbread Group plc, Premier Inn, Whitbread Restaurants, or Costa brands, or anyone professionally connected with the promotion

Notes to editors:
Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest budget hotel brand with over 600 budget hotels and more than 43,000 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 also open in 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

Monday 4 April 2011

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN


Lenny Stars in Local Opening (At Premier Inn Stratford-upon-Avon)

Lenny Henry was in Stratford-upon-Avon this weekend to mark the official opening of Premier Inn’s newest hotel in the city.

The hotel opening sees an investment of £8.5 million into the city’s economy and over 25 jobs created for the local community.

Lenny joined the new hotel’s General Manager, Matt Warrick, in cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the hotel and then released 100 purple balloons to celebrate the grand opening.

Located on Payton Street, the new hotel is just a short walk from the High Street and Shakespeare’s birthplace, and features 87 bedrooms priced from only £29 per night.

Matt Warrick, General Manager of Stratford-upon-Avon Premier Inn says, ‘Having Lenny here to celebrate the opening of the hotel was a real honour and we can’t wait to start welcoming guests to enjoy either a meal or a comfortable night’s stay with us.’

Lenny Henry said, “I am delighted to be opening the latest edition to the Premier Inn collection at Stratford-upon-Avon. I have been travelling around the UK on my current comedy tour and staying at Premier Inn along the way. I look forward to adding Stratford-upon-Avon to the list.”

Each bedroom caters for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 and under) and includes an en-suite bathroom; a king size bed; remote control TV with freeview; tea/coffee making facilities, and a spacious desk area with WiFi Internet access. The site will also offer the All You Can Eat ‘Premier Breakfast’ – which from just £7.99 is the perfect way to start your day!

Premier Inn offers all guests the unique ’Good Night Guarantee’ – which means if you are not 100% satisfied with your stay you will get a full refund.

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For further information please contact Frank PR on
on 0207 693 6999 or email premierinn@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors:

About Premier Inn … Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest hotel brand with over 600 budget hotels and more than 42,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland. Premier Inn bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, TV with Freeview, 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 in London (within the M25) by 2012.

Premier Inn is currently offering rooms for just £29 (restrictions apply). Visit www.premierinn.com for full terms and conditions.

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.

Friday 1 April 2011

NEWS FROM OCADO


ONLINE GROCER ACCOMPLISHES FRUITY AMBITION WITH LAUNCH OF O-CADO

Ocado, the online supermarket, is giving Britons a new taste experience with the launch of what it hopes will become ‘the world’s sexiest fruit’ - the ‘O-cado.’
The curvaceous fruit is a cross between a Navel orange and Hass avocado, combining the orange’s rugged skin, with a luscious, fleshy yellow and lime green interior. The sensuous pear-shaped fruit also combines the avocado’s signature rich ‘buttery’ taste with an unusual citric undertone guaranteed to tickle the taste buds of fruit adventurists. Rich in Vitamins C and E, the ‘O-cado’ has been proven to boost and sustain energy levels when eaten.

The ‘O-cado’ has been in development at a sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Centre in California for the past five years, American cross-pollination experts having developed over 100 prototypes before the finished sample was sent for food safety certification.

The bespoke fruit is a welcome addition to the Ocado Range, an extensive selection of great value, own-brand goods first launched in September 2010. The ‘O-cado’ will fulfil the online supermarket’s long-held ambition to create a unique product that it can proudly put its name to.

Ocado co-founder Jason Gissing says:

“People often ask me ‘what does Ocado mean’ and ‘where does it come from’? At last we can point to something and tell them that our business is named after what is quite possibly ‘the world’s sexiest fruit’. The O-cado has been at the forefront of our minds for the past decade - part orange, part avocado, and totally delicious!”
The ‘O-cado’ will be available exclusively to Ocado customers from April 1st, priced at £3.49 for a pack of two.

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For further information contact: Frank PR Tel: 020 7693 7496



Notes to Editors:
About Ocado:
Ocado (http://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 21,000 product lines including Waitrose goods and a growing Ocado own-label range. 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 2010 it was named World E-tailer of the Year at the prestigious World Retail Awards.