NEWS FROM BENNETTS

MAKE A DATE WITH THE BENNETTS BABES

The Bennetts Babes look set to brighten up Britain later this month with the launch of their third annual calendar. In association with Two Wheels Only (TWO), the babes are back by popular demand, adorning a selection of 2009’s hottest new bikes. With a set of stunning shots to make every month memorable, the calendar will be available exclusively in the March issue of TWO, on sale from 23rd January.

From the BMW S1000 RR, to the Triumph Bonneville and Ducati Streetfighter, the calendar features some of the most anticipated bike launches of 2009, alongside the bevy of Bennetts Babes.

Bennetts Babe and Miss February Steph Englis said, “I’ve loved being a Bennetts Babe and starring in the 2009 calendar was an amazing experience. I think every month is going to be February in my house this year!”

Director at Bennetts, Paul Galligan said, “The Babes have injected some fun into the biking community over the past five years and as a result have become hugely popular amongst bikers. We were really pleased to work with TWO on this year’s calendar and look forward to hearing what bikers think about it. ”

To get your hands on a copy of the calendar, simply pick up the next issue of TWO, on sale 23rd January. Exclusive behind-the-scenes images and a Bennetts Babes screensaver will be available from Bennetts.co.uk soon.


* Based on brand tracking research in April 2008

-Ends-

For further information 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 was personal sponsor of Moto GP contender and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland from July 2007 to December 2008.

NEWS FROM HOVIS

A healthy new you? It’s all about ‘Baby’ steps!

Hovis team up with Emma Bunton to get the nation feeling healthier

30 Million Brits* are determined to be healthier in 2009 but by the end of January only 3 out of 10 of us will still be keeping up our resolutions! The problem seems to be the changes we make are just too big and hard to stick to….

That’s why today (14th Jan) sees Emma Bunton launching the Hovis Wholemeal Challenge in a typical British caff; in a bid to target some of the nation’s unhealthiest eaters with a simple change to make in 2009.

All you need to do is swap two slices of white bread a day for two slices of Hovis Wholemeal. Brits will get their money back if they take the challenge and don’t feel healthier in two weeks*1.

With 6 out of 10 of us usually eating white bread instead of brown*2, it’s a simple change that most of the country will benefit from, and hopefully be able to keep up for the whole of 2009.

Emma Bunton, who is fronting the campaign after recently switching from white bread to Hovis Wholemeal said, “Switching to wholemeal bread is a small change that has made a real difference to me and my family so I’d recommend you give it a go.”

Builder, Phillip Evans, who Emma persuaded to join up for the Hovis Wholemeal Challenge today says, “I’ll admit I’ve never even tried wholemeal bread before but I’m going to give this challenge a go and hopefully I’ll feel better.”

Nutritionist Fiona Hunter says, “Brits always make radical attempts to overhaul their diets after Christmas, only to fail by February. It’s much better to take small steps that you can keep up long-term.”

For more information, visit www.hoviswholemealchallenge.com

- Ends-

For more information or images please call 0207 693 6999 or email hovis@frankpr.it

Notes to editors:
* According to results from survey released by gocompare.com on Dec 28th. Sample size 2000 http://www.themoneypages.com/article/Sorting-out-finances-tops-list-of-resolutions-for-2009-228804.html
*1 Hovis are offering the money-back guarantee from 5th January to 28th February 2009. Terms and Conditions apply.
*2 According to IRI value sales to 15th December 2008

NEWS FROM GYMBOX

WEIGHT FOR IT – A WORLD FIRST IN GYMS

GYMBOX launches recruitment drive for human weights machines

With unemployment figures on the up and doom and gloom an everyday part of the job market, a gym chain popular with celebrities is bucking the trend in a most unusual way by employing five new members of staff as human weights. The 30% increase in the workforce is down to the launch of a new piece of weight training apparatus, the only one of its kind in the world, that uses real life people instead of dumbbells, being launched in GYMBOX’s new gym in Bank, EC1.

The human weights, which enable users to flex and curl by ‘pumping’ human beings, which will be available from 19th January in GYMBOX Bank, are being introduced to motivate gym-goers by allowing them to visualise what they are lifting. Experts in sports psychology agree that visualisation is a significant factor in improving performance and human weights are as visual as it can get.

The human weights are the latest in a long line of unusual initiatives from GYMBOX, who’s users include the likes of Orlando Bloom and Christian Slater. The gym were famous for introducing Boob Aerobics to the UK (the workout that can help increase bust size), Chav fighting (self defence for the modern world) and the WAG workout, a course on how to look every inch the trophy footballers wife (instructed by a real-life WAG).

Unlike regular dumbbells, the human weights will come with an optional ‘motivation feature’ where each human weight will shout words of encouragement to ensure muscles are worked to the max, at the gym goer’s request. Otherwise they will just keep quiet and keep still as they are lifted.

Members of GYMBOX simply need to select their preferred human weight and then they will position themselves on a machine that has been specially constructed for the purpose. They can then begin their work out. The apparatus has been built to provide a human weight work-out for the entire body but specifically muscle groups in the arms, (bicep, tricep and forearm), shoulders (deltoids) and back (trapezius, latissimus dorsi and spinal erectors).

The humans will be available in the following weights, with a 25-stone (155Kg) ‘Super human’ option available for those willing to take up the challenge:

The Dainty Diva: Arti Shah, 32, Middlesex – 30Kg (66.1Lb, 4.7 stone)

The Micro Male: Mike Edwards, 64, Middlesex – 55Kg (121.2Lb, 8.6 stone)

The Main Man: Ben Bidmead, 23, London – 65Kg (143.3Lb, 10.2 stone)

The Fine Female: Tracey Caswell, 42, Teddington – 75Kg (165.3Lb, 11.8 stone)

The Well ‘Ard Woman: Jo Rollin, 49, Reading – 85Kg (187.3Lb, 13.3 stone)

The ‘Super Human’: Matt Barnard, 37, London – 155Kg (341.7Lb, 24.4 stone)

GYMBOX instructors will be on hand to compare the performance of members on the human weights machine measured against more conventional weight lifting equipment.

Richard Hilton, the owner of Gymbox which also has branches in Covent Garden and Holborn, said: “Creating a mental image or intention of what you want to happen or feel is proven to improve physical and psychological performance. The human weight lifting apparatus we have installed here at GYMBOX is the ultimate embodiment of visualisation theory. We’re going to closely monitor the performance of our members and are optimistic that they will see better results from their work outs with our new human weight machine than they have seen with normal equipment.”

- ends -

To try the human weight lifting machine at first-hand, for further information or images, please contact Frank PR on 0207 693 6999

Notes to editors:

GYMBOX, Bank: 71 Lombard Street, London. EC3V 9AY.

GYMBOX™ is an entirely new concept in fitness set to transform the standardised gym culture we have become accustomed to by taking a revolutionary approach to working out. GYMBOX™ has challenged every facet of the industry from the pod arrangement of the latest technogym™ equipment to the commissioned artwork on the walls, fusing entertainment with fitness with an ‘anything goes’ attitude.

GYMBOX has introduced many unique classes to its members over the last few years, including the following:

- Chav Fighting – protection from the ‘youf’ of today using a mixture of self defence techniques and other martial arts.

- Stiletto Workout – A raunchy dance routine where heels are optional but oh so beneficial for toning legs.

- Boob Aerobics – a three-step fitness regime that guarantees it will increase the size of female members’ busts.

- WAG Workout - taught by an ex long term girlfriend of a Premiership footballer, this body conditioning class helps tone in all the right places helping members to attract the footballer of their dreams.

- The Rave – An explosion of energetic dance and rave moves to uplifting music with laser light show and glow sticks.

NEWS FROM DRENCH

Four million Brits still recovering from the festive season
5% say brains don’t function at all during January

As the second week in January begins, research by drench spring water reveals that over four million Brits are still yet to mentally recover from the festive party season and get their brains back into ‘work mode’.

While the physical effects of overindulgence over the festive season may have only lasted a few hours, it can take its toll on mental performance for weeks to come. Over 8 million of us (28.8%) feel that our brains are still functioning at less than 50% capacity and nearly 5% say their brains don’t function at their best until February.

Over half (53.2%) of all people questioned revealed that they struggle with concentration, alertness, memory and conversation throughout January, with concentration levels being affected the most (19.5%).

The research also discovered that nearly three-quarters (71%) of people are not fully recovered from a weekend night out by the time they get to work on a regular Monday morning, with 15% of people taking until Wednesday or beyond to get their brains back in gear.

Dr Jack Lewis, a neuroscientist and the drench mental hydration expert commented: “Every single biological process in your body is dependent on a delicate balance between many different chemicals, which must each be at just the right concentration. Overindulgence during the festive season can disrupt this balance and have a serious affect on mental performance at work. One of the solutions is a plentiful supply of water, as it reduces chemical stress on the brain ensuring it can work to the best of its potential.”

- ends -

About drench®

drench® is a 100% clear, crisp spring water that is bottled straight from a spring in Yorkshire after being filtered through Sandstone for 50 years. It is available in 500ml, 750ml, 1.5L and 2L bottles and can be found on the shelves of most major supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Somerfield and Waitrose, and in independent retailers’ chillers across the country.

NEWS FROM FILMCLUB

Today on a train from Swindon to Cardiff, children from FILMCLUB - the UK’s most exciting after school activity - met with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Culture Minister Barbara Follett to discuss their ideas relating to recent movies screened at their school.

FILMCLUB is driven by a simple idea – that showing a diverse range of films in schools and cinemas will have a beneficial impact on generations of children as they grow up.

Championed by the Prime Minister since its pilot days in 2007, this government backed initiative, is proving that film is an exciting vehicle for informal learning - stimulating the imagination and the intellect.

Today, the Prime Minister commented: “The great thing about FILMCLUB is that you can access all of the great films from years ago. When I visited a Film Club the children were watching Hotel Rwanda, which is a very powerful film that tells the terrible story of genocide.”

January 2009 sees close to 1000 schools running weekly after school clubs, where young people are watching, discussing and being inspired by an extraordinary range of films. Within three years FILMCLUB will be rolled out to 7,000 schools.

The children from Wootton Bassett School in Swindon have watched a host of classic and popular movies since their Film Club began this academic year. Recent screenings include It’s a Wonderful Life, Full Monty, Bullet Boy and Trading Places movies which explore relevant themes of the economy, social justice and gun/knife crime. The Prime Minister, who is on a regional tour seeing for himself how the government is providing help to families and businesses heard ideas from the children inspired by their film viewing experience.

When asked what his favourite film is, the Prime Minister responded: "My favourite film is Cry Freedom. It was made by a great person and a great British film maker, Richard Attenborough. It's set in South Africa and is really the background to the story of Nelson Mandela."

Through the bespoke website (www.filmclub.org) and partnerships with other agencies, Film Club provides pathways for children to express themselves and explore their creativity through film and related art forms. These aims dovetail with a range of government priorities fulfilling the objectives of the government’s Every Child Matters policy in being both educational and enjoyable.

Background Information

The children meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Culture Minister Barbara Follett are Chloe Kindred, Emma Marney, Rochelle Montousany, Kevin Emsley, Josh Harding and Sasha Alexander Wheeler. The teacher is Fiona Aicken and the address is Wootton Bassett School, Lime Kiln, Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7HG.

Notes to Editors

• FILMCLUB was founded by film director Beeban Kidron and educationalist Lindsay Mackie as a non-profit initiative designed to give children weekly access to one of the most vibrant and powerful art forms of the last century.

FILMCLUB offers a wide range of educational benefits to schools including:

• Developing critical appreciation of film including narrative structure, allusion, characterisation, thematic motifs and cultural significance.

• Stimulating a vocational interest in film and the film industry through Film Club membership and interaction with the filmmakers that we offer - from
electricians to costume designers, directors to cinema managers.

• Inspiring creativity by increasing appreciation of film and providing progression routes with our partners to enable students to make their own films.

• Providing an entrée into a range of cultural appreciation that will have knock on effects to other learning and cultural activities including those in the curriculum.

• Developing debating and writing skills through discussion and reviews

• Improving literacy

• Broadening understanding of different cultures, languages, philosophies and societies has been identified by many teachers and a major factor in their interest in Film Club, especially in rural and multicultural settings. It also connects to the Respect agenda

• Deepening students understanding of the world in an accessible format

• Encouraging independence of mind

• Increasing receptiveness to learning

• Improved behaviour and engagement

• A vehicle for informal learning that stimulates both the imagination and the intellect

• A real opportunity for enjoyment and fun identified in the aspirations of Extended Schools


• FILMCLUB is funded in England by the Department for Children, Schools and
Families and the UK Film Council; in Northern Ireland by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland Screen and Cinemagic; in Wales by the Film Agency for Wales and Skillset Screen Academy and in Scotland by Scottish Screen.


LOVEFiLM

LOVEFiLM is Europe’s biggest online film community. Sharing the FILM CLUB philosophy that film can broaden our minds in extraordinary and unexpected ways, LOVEFiLM is providing teachers and schoolchildren with access to a huge number of free DVDs – from Hollywood blockbusters to art house classics.

NEW FROM THE VITALITY SHOW

THE VITALITY SHOW 2009
Earls Court 2

26th – 29th March 2009


The ultimate girls’ day celebrates its 10th Birthday!


Want to find the key to looking and feeling great this year? Then make a date with your girlfriends and head down to The Vitality Show 2009. Europe’s largest health, beauty and wellbeing show is celebrating its 10th Birthday this year - which means even more premium names, fabulous experiences and experts. The ultimate girls’ day out, The Vitality Show is the best place to find all your favourite brands, such as Benefit Cosmetics and nails inc. to up-and-coming cult collections like Jo Wood Organics – all showcasing their latest products and innovations.

And for those after a more hands-on approach, this year’s show offers even more experiential opportunities than ever before. The Healing Herb Garden and the Health and Nutrition Stage are the perfect stop offs for girls in need of a nutritional boost, while the Zest Fitness Park provides an excuse to put on those trainers and get stuck into a workout session or dance class.

If seeking relaxation rather than perspiration, the luxurious surroundings of the Vitality Day Spa with its massages, reflexology and facials will be calling. And after a few treatments, visitors will be able to take advantage of the nails inc. bar and hair makeovers and styling tips from the hair salon. Other must-visit experiences include: The Oasis, a calming zone where guests can try out alternative therapies at a fraction of the cost; The Top Sante Anti-Ageing Clinic full of talks from experts on how to look 10 years younger; the Organic Pavilion in association with LoveLula.com, a zone dedicated to certified organic, natural products and the fashionista’s favourite Style Theatre.

To celebrate the fact that The Vitality Show has been looking after ladies for 10 years, the organisers will also be unveiling the Good, Bad and the Ugly – an exhibition exploring a decade of health and beauty innovations and revelations for visitors to look at, touch and have a giggle about.

As always, the show wouldn’t be complete without a range of well known and world class experts offering talks and insider tips to women on issues from hair and beauty to fitness and nutrition and well-being, leaving them not only pampered but full of industry secrets to spill to their girlfriends after the show.

This looks set to be the biggest and best year yet for the show – so in order not to miss out on all the pampering, top-class advice and fabulous experiences on offer, mark The Vitality Show 2009 in bold on your calendar and invite all your favourites girls along - from your best friends to your sister and your mum.

Tickets for The Vitality Show 2009 cost £14.50 in advance or £17.50 on the door. For all the latest news and information on the show, visit www.thevitalityshow.co.uk or call 0871 230 5569 to book your tickets.

- ENDS -


Notes to Editors*

Where: Earls Court 2
Earls Court
Warwick Road
London
SW5 9TA

When: 26th March – 29th March 2009

Opening Times: Thursday 26th March, 1pm - 9pm
Friday 27th March, 10am - 6pm
Saturday 28th March, 10am - 6pm
Sunday 29th March, 10am - 6pm

*Correct at time of press

NEWS FROM WALKERS

Sensational Crisps from Walkers:

New Year, New Look, New Flavours,

Black is definitely the new white for 2009, with the New Year bringing an eye-catching new look to Walkers Sensations, as well as some great new flavours, all made from real ingredients.

The chic new pack design in striking, lustrous black adds a touch of sophistication to pre-dinner party nibbles and will cement your perfect hostess status - as well as making it easier to spot them in the supermarket rush!

Whatever the occasion, new and improved Walkers Sensations are the perfect sharing snack, and with two new additional crisp flavours: Southern Style Barbecue and Buffalo Mozzarella & Herbs adding to the existing line up, there is a sensational flavour to suit every taste.

All of the Walkers Sensations range are made from real ingredients, and now contain no artificial sweeteners, no MSG, no preservatives and no artificial colours resulting in the all-round perfect snack, whether you’re partying with friends or family or just enjoying a cosy evening in.
-ENDS-


- Notes to Editors -

• The new packs will be on shelves from the beginning of February 2009; RRP - 53p for 40g and £1.49 for 160g

• Full range of Sensations potato crisps: Thai Sweet Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar & Caramelized Onion, Oriental Red Curry, Buffalo Mozzarella & Herbs, Southern Style Barbecue, Roasted Chicken & Thyme and Vintage Cheddar & Onion Chutney

• Full range of Sensations Snack products: Lime & Coriander Chutney flavour Poppadoms, Peking Spare Rib Oriental Cracker snacks

• Launched in 2002 as the "Posh" crisp from Walkers, Walkers Sensations soon became a huge hit with consumers in Britain. Known for their great taste, Walkers Sensations are seasoned in a unique way, meaning you get a fantastic flavour experience every time