Wednesday 22 June 2011

NEWS FROM AMSCREEN



THE SUGAR AND MORGAN ‘FEUD’ CONTINUES
Lord Sugar has the last laugh by poking fun at Piers in spoof local advertising video

Lord Sugar is taking his ongoing Twitter quarrel with Piers Morgan to the next level by making digs at him in a cheeky video created for Linklocal, a service that allows local business to advertise across his Amscreen network of 3,000 digital screens across the country.

To mark the launch of the new Linklocal website, Amscreen have worked with Boleg Bros, renowned for their Apprentice Lego virals, to create a tongue-in-cheek instructional video which features none other than Lord Sugar’s Twitter rival Piers Morgan. In the video, Lord Sugar’s character explains that the service can be used by any ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and mischievously refers to Morgan. The pair have been embroiled in an ongoing spat on the social networking site for the last few months, including waging several high-stakes bets in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Amscreen is the UK’s largest digital screen media network owner and is today re-launching Linklocal, a website that provides a local advertising service enabling small businesses to pinpoint exactly where screens are located and place messages on them by simply adding text to a selected template. Situated in high footfall environments such as petrol stations, neighbourhood convenience stores, waiting areas of surgeries, the screens enable local advertisers to showcase their messages to drive more local customers to their business.

Simon Sugar, CEO at Amscreen said, “We wanted to re-launch Linklocal with a bang, and what better way than to create a fun video to spread the word and get people talking about it? The Boleg Bros’ work is hugely popular and so it seemed like the perfect fit. We hope people enjoy the video and visit Linklocal.co.uk to find out more”.

To watch the video, go to www.linklocal.co.uk

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6973

Notes to editors
About Linklocal:

Linklocal is the next generation of local advertising and small business marketing. It allows local businesses to target potential customers by placing local advertising on one of 3,000 digital signage screens up and down the country. Using a live mapping service via their website, Linklocal provides a tailored search that enables small businesses to pinpoint exactly where screens are located and to place messages on them by simply adding their text to a selected template. Situated in high footfall environments such as petrol stations, neighbourhood convenience stores, waiting areas of surgeries, the screens enable advertisers to showcase their messages as and when they like and at a time that is convenient to them.
For more information on Linklocal, visit www.linklocal.co.uk

About Amscreen:

Amscreen, run by CEO Simon Sugar, is the UK’s largest Digital Out of Home media company, offering a robust, end-to-end digital signage solution via its unique wireless plug and play technology. Their networks broadcast from more than 3,000 sites across the UK and are an effective communication tool for clients such as BP, Shell and WHSmith and a range of blue-chip advertisers such as BSkyB, Amex, Visa, B&Q, Camelot, Redbull and Lucozade.

As well as operating in petrol, convenience, leisure and travel locations, Amscreen provides screens to the healthcare industry. Its Healthcare network uses revolutionary software to provide customers with the ability to create and broadcast their own messages that can be viewed in prime dwelling areas such as waiting rooms, corridors and coffee shops.

In addition, the live Amscreen mapping system allows advertisers to locate screens across the UK. Visit http://www.amscreen.co.uk/digital-advertising/mapping_tool.html to view the live mapping link for further information.

For more information on Amscreen, visit www.amscreen.co.uk

NEWS FROM THE ECB


THE ONLY WAY IS CRICKET

Sam Faiers pads up for launch of the Lazy Bar Walkers (LBW)

TOWIE star Sam Faiers is set to bowl over Twenty20 cricket fans after being announced as captain of the LBW – Lazy Bar Walkers.

The new LBW initiative by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is being launched with a photoshoot that sees Sam give a whole new meaning to the term ‘Leg Before Wicket’ as the sporty siren exchanges her handbag for a cricket bat.

Sam’s latest starring role sees her captain The LBW team during the Friends Life t20 competition. Along with Sam, the Lazy Bar Walkers will be helping cricket fans enjoy the games even more this summer by being match-goers’ personal helper.
Following feedback from fans, the ECB set up the LBW service so that groups of match-goers wouldn’t miss any of the excitement of Friends Life t20 cricket which is a much faster and adrenaline filled variety of the sport.

On the LBW, Sam said; “Obviously I’m a supporter of the Essex Eagles and having been to a few t20 matches I understand the frustration of being stuck at the bar whilst all the action is happening at the crease.

“The LBW will take this pain away. We’re here so that cricket fans can enjoy the Friends Life t20 tournament even more than ever before and I like to think we can also provide a bit of friendly banter!”

The Friends Life t20 series is the first cricket competition where the LBW has been implemented in the UK and was selected due to the tournament’s lively nature which proves a great day out for groups of friends to watch matches together.

A spokesperson for the ECB also commented: “The Friends Life t20 is an all out action competition. The speed of the game is so fast that if you blink, you will miss it.

“We asked fans how to make it better and the feedback was to reduce the game of tasks such as going to the bar and queuing for food. Hence the Lazy Bar Walkers were formed and we’re extremely pleased to have Sam as our team captain.”

Hitting t20 for six, the team of Lazy Bar Walkers are available for hire for free from the LBW’s bespoke website www.lazybarwalkers.co.uk. To reserve a LBW, cricket fans can choose their own LBW, girl or boy, who will accompany them to the match.

For more information about the Lazy Bar Walkers Service, the ECB or Friends Life t20 please contact:

Frank PR or email ecb@frankpr.it

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Notes to editor:
• A t20 game involves two teams, each has a single innings batting for a maximum of 20 overs.
• A t20 game is completed in about three and half hours, with each innings lasting around 75 minutes.
• It was introduced to create a lively form of the game which would be attractive to spectators at the ground and viewers on television.
• The Friends Life t20 season runs from 1st June through to Finals Day in 2011 at Edgbaston on August 27.

NEWS FROM THE HARD ROCK CAFE



WIN HARD ROCK CALLING VIP TICKETS DURING 'FIND, FOLLOW, & WIN FOR THE 40th'
Hard Rock Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary In The City Where It All Started

Celebrating 40 years, Hard Rock wants to give back to London, the city where it all started, by giving away Hard Rock Calling 2011 VIP tickets and other fantastic prizes.

From June 20-23, the Hard Rock team will be stationed at different locations around central London, handing out Hard Rock Calling 2011 VIP tickets, money-can’t-buy backstage tours, Absolute Radio digital radios, Vodafone phones, Hard Rock merchandise, and many more sought-after items. Hard Rock will be dropping location clues and checking in on Twitter and Foursquare. Find the crew and win before they move onto the next iconic spot.

To further add to the celebrations, the first person at each location who says “I follow Hard Rock,” will win Friday, Saturday, or Sunday Hard Rock Calling 2011 VIP tickets.

WHAT – You can win Hard Rock Calling 2011 VIP tickets, Absolute Radio goodies, Vodafone gear, and loads more. Plus, three Hard Rock Calling 2011 ticket winners
will also win a special money-can’t-buy backstage tour of the festival!

INTRO – Hard Rock is taking to the streets of London to play a game of hide and seek with the public, giving away Hard Rock Calling 2011 tickets and much more through Twitter and Foursquare.

WHEN – 20th-23rd June 2011

WHERE – All around London

To get more information, including terms & conditions, about 'Find, Follow, & Win For The 40th' go to www.hardrock.com/findus

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For further information please contact:

Frank PR– 0207 693 6999 email hardrock@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 171 venues in 51 countries, including 134 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Panama Megapolis, scheduled to open in 2011; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Hard Rock Calling

Hard Rock Calling is set in the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park in the heart of bustling London and has fully established itself as one of the UK’s must see outdoor music events. The stage at Hard Rock Calling attracts some of the biggest musicians and bands in the world, with previous headliners including The Who, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith,
Peter Gabriel, Pearl Jam and The Police. With a stellar line-up of artists already announced and lots more still to add, tickets to this year’s event are already flying.
Tickets are on sale at www.hardrockcalling.co.uk.

Tuesday 21 June 2011

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS


Amy Childs swaps the Salon for searching for ‘Coaster-Cuties’

Alton Towers Resort recruit TOWIE’S bold beautician to find the faces of ultimate rollercoaster TH13TEEN

Fresh from the beaches of Marbella, TOWIE star, Amy Childs has joined forces with the Alton Towers Resort to launch the search for a group of ‘Coaster Cuties’ - 20 fine and fearless female thrill-seekers to become the official faces of ultimate rollercoaster, TH13TEEN. Swapping a shift at the salon for a day of thrills at the Staffordshire Resort, the red-haired beauty is leading the way in the search for the nation’s ‘Coaster Cuties’ on behalf of Britain’s Greatest Escape.

With 20 places up for grabs, the search is on to find the nation’s cutest adrenaline junkies who will then be whittled down to a not so unlucky 13, starring in the Resort’s first official TH13TEEN calendar which will feature the final line-up being put through their paces on the world’s first freefall drop coaster. Open until August, entrants simply need to log onto www.altontowers.com and enter their details, upload a photo and a brief explanation on what makes them the ultimate thrill seeker!

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Coaster Cuties’ search, 21 year-old Amy said; “I absolutely love rollercoasters so the Alton Towers Resort for me is up there with Essex! I’m really looking forward to unveiling the new faces of TH13TEEN who like me have a real thirst for thrills and love to live life in the fast lane. Unveiled later this summer, remember to keep your eyes peeled for the final ‘Coaster Cuties’!”

Not for the faint hearted, the ultimate rollercoaster, THI3TEEN is the world’s first freefall drop coaster which takes riders on a gruelling journey through The Dark Forest whilst being put through a series of twists and turns before plummeting into the unknown. If you think you’ve got what it take to be a ‘Coaster Cutie’ and become the official faces of the Resort’s latest ride, simply log onto www.altontowers.com by Friday 5th August 2011.

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Notes to editors:

Terms and conditions
• Entrants must be available to attend a photoshoot at the Alton Towers Resort in September
• Entrants agree for their name and entry photos / videos to be used for media purposes and posted online at the official Alton Towers Resort Facebook page and other social media
• Shortlisted participants will be notified of their inclusion in the photoshoot
• By participating in the photoshoot, entrants agree for images to be used in the media
• Entrants agree to media and press interviews when entering the competition
• All details and timings of the competition are subject to change
• Entries submitted on behalf of third parties will not be accepted
• Entries including pictures of an offensive nature will not be accepted
• Images taken remain the property of the Alton Towers Resort
• Entrants agree to all embargos and must only share information in the public domain with the permission of the Alton Towers Resort
• No cash or alternative prize will be offered if you are unable to accept the position of a coaster cutie
• The Alton Towers Resort’s decision is final
• All entrants must be over the age of 18

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates over 74 attractions, six hotels/two holiday villages in 17 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 43.6 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 15,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Heide Park, Earth Explorer, Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Tower Observatory and Skywalk, Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter Underwater World, Oceanworld Manly and Hamilton Island Koala Gallery. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

Thursday 2 June 2011

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

BRITS ADVISED TO SLOW DOWN AND START DAY SUNNY SIDE UP

The morning routine for most of us consists of jumping out of bed at the ring of the alarm and getting ready for work, meaning having a decent breakfast is a thing of the past. New research revealed today [2nd June 2011] says that less than a third of Brits make time to sit at a table to tuck into the most important meal of the day.

The research, carried out by the UK’s biggest budget hotel chain, Premier Inn, revealed that millions of workers’ mornings are completely scrambled with them being more likely to tuck into their breakfast whilst throwing their clothes on in the morning, on their journey to work or even sat at their desk.

Premier Inn asked 2,000 Brits about their breakfast eating habits and the research highlighted that the majority of Brits only sit down for breakfast with their partner, kids, or flatmates twice a week, with one in five blaming a lack of time and almost 60% saying they wish they had more time to enjoy their breakfast.

And when it comes to what Brits enjoy for breakfast, 35% flag the traditional full English as their preferred dish, with 28% choosing bacon as their favourite part, closely followed by eggs (20%). 58% of the nation said that they even feel happier after they’ve treated themselves to a cooked breakfast.

Spokesperson for Premier Inn, said: “The research shows that as a nation we need to make more time to treat ourselves to a decent breakfast. Kids can now eat free* at all Premier Inn’s across the country, so it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a great value cooked breakfast together.”

Psychiatrist Dr Sandra Scott says: “We know breakfast is good for us; it is the most important meal of the day which gives us an essential energy boost and, above all, it improves our mood. According to this research from Premier Inn, almost 60% of Brits feel happier after they have had a cooked breakfast, and many see it as a treat. Taking the time to eat a full English breakfast gets families talking and they can enjoy the food whilst also setting themselves up to start the day ahead.”

The all you can eat Premier Inn breakfast includes delicious premium pork and vegetarian sausages, eggs (poached, fried, scrambled or boiled), back bacon, baked beans, mushrooms and omelettes. There is also a continental option including cereals, porridge, fresh fruit, yoghurt, granola, croissants and muffins as well as tea, coffee and a selection of fruit juices.

*Two kids eat free when one adult purchases the all you can eat Premier breakfast for £7.99. The Premier Inn breakfast is available at Beefeater Grill, Brewers Fayre, Taybarns and Table Table restaurants.

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For further information please contact the team on 020 7693 6999
or email premierinn@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:
The research was carried out by One Poll amongst 2000 UK adults in June 2011

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s biggest 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, 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.

NEWS FROM FOOD NETWORK UK


THE DON OF THE DONERS

World’s most exclusive and expensive kebab is developed by Food Network UK

2 June 2011: The humble doner has undergone an extreme makeover with the ultimate kebab unveiled today complete with saffron infused flat bread, milk-fed lamb from the Pyrenees and edible gold leaf garnish.

The aptly named ‘King of Kebabs’, which has a retail value of £750 and served on a cloche by a private waiter, was developed by Food Network UK to mark the launch of The Great Food Truck Race – a show that celebrates the growing street food truck trend.

The UK street food favourite was designed by Food Network chef Andy Bates with only the very best possible ingredients in mind. The ‘King of Kebabs’ contains the following:

- Saffron infused flatbread
- Champagne infused mint and cucumber yoghurt
- Micro cress and lettuce salad
- Chilli sauce made from the world’s expensive chilli
- Milk-fed lamb from the Pyrenees
- Edible gold leaf garnish
- Ceour de Beouf tomatoes and oregano concass
- Barrel Aged Yews Feta cheese

Nick Thorogood, Managing Director of Food Network EMEA says: “Street food is really stepping up a notch with many street food trucks now providing the high quality, gourmet food and fine cuisine expected from top restaurants. The Great Food Truck Race celebrates this new movement, so we thought it only fair to mark its launch by showing that even the nation’s favourite doner kebab could be made gourmet.”

Andy Bates, the chef behind the ‘King of Kebabs’ says: “It took a fair bit of time to source the best possible ingredients to ensure that this kebab was the most exclusive one out there but I loved every minute.”
Whilst the UK public aren’t able to try the exclusive ‘King of Kebab’s’ themselves, chef Andy Bates has developed a gourmet kebab which will be available for free from The Great Food Truck Race truck located at Finsbury Avenue Square, Broadgate Estate, London, from 12pm-2pm on Friday 3rd June.

The Great Food Truck Race premieres on Food Network UK on Monday 6th June at 9pm. The show follows the most successful and outrageous mobile food trucks as they cook their way across America, with teams competing for a $50,000 grand prize.

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For further information please contact the Food Network UK team at Frank PR on foodnetwork@frankpr.it or call 0207 693 6977

Notes to editors:

The Great Food Truck Race, Series 1 *UK Premiere*

Weekdays at 4pm and 9pm from Monday 6th June

The hottest show in food competition has rolled into the UK.

Hosted by chef and long time Food Network presenter Tyler Florence, The Great Food Truck Race follows the most successful and outrageous mobile food trucks as they cook their way across America.

Racing from city to city, seven teams compete to win over fans with everything from creative burgers to fine French cuisine. Teams that sell the most food move on to the next episode featuring a new city and new challenges. In the end, one food truck remains...and the team behind the wheel and the stove wins the $50,000 grand prize.

About Food Network UK

Food Network UK is not your typical ‘how to’ cooking channel. It is one of the fastest growing lifestyle and entertainment brands on Sky 262/263 (Freesat 405/406), packed with award-winning cooking and competition shows. Together with www.foodnetwork.co.uk, the channel is bringing a fresh perspective to the UK food scene and seeking out the next generation of UK chefs.
Foodnetwork.co.uk is the 24/7 companion to the TV channel. Find daily TV listings, episode guides, chef biographies, recipes featured on air, blog posts and more. Recipes are organised by season, ingredient, chef, course, and cuisine make meal planning easy.

Food Network UK’s “In the Kitchen” mobile application for the iPhone is the latest way to enjoy food on-the-go, with hundreds of recipes just a tap away. Wondering what to cook for dinner tonight? Let “In the Kitchen” plan the meal for you.
Food Network UK is owned by Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), one of the leading developers of lifestyle content for the television and internet worldwide. Its sister brand Food Network is one of the most popular networks on US television and www.foodnetwork.com is the leading food website in the US.

Find us on: www.foodnetwork.co.uk and sign up for our weekly food newsletter or join us @foodnetwork_uk on Twitter and facebook.com/FoodNetworkUK