NEWS FROM BENNETTS

Miss United Kingdom Becomes Biking Babe

Bennetts unveils the 2009 Bennetts Babes

After months of scouring the country, the UK’s number one for bike insurance* can now reveal the all new Bennetts Babes 2009. Following a launch earlier in the year with blonde bombshell Nicola McLean, this year’s squad boasts Miss United Kingdom and a Miss Scotland finalist alongside a bevy of biking beauties.

Now in its sixth year, the competition has set pulses racing with over 500 girls vying for just seven exclusive places in one of the country’s most desired modelling squads. The competition saw 27 year-old WAG Nicola return to her biking routes as she slipped into her leathers to kick-off the search, helping to generate a record number of entries from girls (and a handful of male applicants!) across the UK.

After scaling down the entrants, 40 babes were selected to attend a ‘one-off’ castings day in Birmingham, from which the final seven were chosen. Shortly after the dazzling squad were whisked off to an exclusive studio to meet each other for the first time and take part in their first glamorous photoshoot.

This year’s Bennetts Babes are also debuting an all-new uniform which is sure to get fans revved up. The all-in-one red hot pant catsuit is the Babes’ sexiest ever outfit, showing off all the girl’s best assets. Acting as the face of Bennetts, the babes will now live life in the fast lane for the remainder of the year as they go onto take part in a string of modelling assignments, marketing campaigns and promotional activity over the coming year.

For more details on the Bennetts Babes log on to bennetts.co.uk which will feature new and exciting material throughout May.

2009 Bennetts Babes;

Hayley Mac (Miss United Kingdom)

Heather Weir (Miss Scotland Finalist)

Natalie Waterson

Keira Jones

Michelle Chalmers

Gemma Massey

Leah Brighouse


* Based on brand tracking research in April 2009

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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.

HISTORY OF THE BENNETTS BABES

Now in its sixth year, the Bennetts Babes are an established feature within the Bennetts brand and have previously been a well-known fixture at Superbike events and amongst the biking and wider male audience. The nationwide search to find the girls is well recognised and is becoming bigger and better every year.

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 2009 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 is personal sponsor of Moto GP contender and former World Superbike Champion James Toseland.

NEWS FROM DORITOS

DODGEBALL JUST GOT SEXY AS JENNIFER ELLISON LAUNCHES
DORITOS DODGEBALL CHALLENGE

THE FIRST EVER LIVE ONLINE GAMING EXPERIENCE
Log on, Aim and Fire!

May 1st: Today stunning Jennifer Ellison launches the Doritos Dodgeball Challenge, a unique live gaming experience where the UK public is invited to fire dodgeballs at real people and celebrities from one of six giant canons at the click of their mouse.

For one month only, by logging on to www.Doritos.co.uk you can play the game completely live, take control of a canon from the comfort of your own home, aim and unleash the fury on the dodgeball teams putting themselves in the firing line. With each click of the mouse, a dodgeball will be blasted at the competitors. Every hit, near miss and eye-watering moment will be streamed live, direct to the nation’s computers.

The month long programme will see 31 dodgeball teams battling it out to be crowned UK champions. The winners will then take on reigning world champions San Diego Cross Fire in Las Vegas and scoop a £10,000 jackpot.

Jennifer Ellison explains: ‘This, I’m sure, will be great to watch but agony to play in. I’m pretty glad I’m not on the receiving end of any of those dodgeballs, I can only wish every one the best of luck!!’

Each online player will have around a minute to fire a magazine of around 10 dodgeballs
at the team competing at that time. The objective of the online player is to score as many hits as they can; the objective of the dodgeball teams is to dodge as many balls as they can from the merciless cannon deluge. The dodgeball team over the course of the month that dodges the most balls will be declared the winner and will go to Vegas to take on the US champions.

Pete Charles, Marketing Manager, Doritos, explains: ‘This is a fantastic challenge, with 60 dodgeballs being fired every minute, there really will be mayhem on the court as the teams do their best to avoid the barrage of balls! No doubt they’ll be a few sore muscles and definitely some bruised egos by the end.’

From 5th- 8th log on every day for “Slam a Celeb” hour at 4pm. Fire and watch as celebs try to avoid, round after round of your speeding dodgeballs

For more information and to take part visit www.Doritos.co.uk

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For further information, images and samples please contact:
Frank PR @ Doritos@frankpr.it or 020 7693 6999

Notes to editors:

• Visitors to doritos.co.uk during May will be able to register to play the game completely live, allowing them to aim and fire dodgeballs at the players stood in the Dodgeball Challenge arena (who they will see on their computer) from one of the six dodgeball cannons

• The Doritos Flamin Cheeseball is the new flavour from Doritos and is available in 40g (RRP 38p) and 225g (RRP £1.77p) from all major supermarkets and selected independent retailers

• Typical nutritional values per 40g serving (as per back of pack): Cals: 200 Total Fat:11g Sat Fat 1g Sodium: 0.2g Equivalent as salt: 0.6g


About PepsiCo
PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP) is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with 2007 annual revenues of more than $39 billion. The company employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide, and its products are sold in approximately 200 countries. Its principal businesses include: Frito-Lay snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices and Quaker foods. The PepsiCo portfolio includes 18 brands that generate $1 billion or more each in annual retail sales. PepsiCo’s commitment to sustainable growth, defined as Performance with Purpose, is focused on generating healthy financial returns while giving back to communities the company serves. This includes meeting consumer needs for a spectrum of convenient foods and beverages, reducing the company’s impact on the environment through water, energy and packaging initiatives, and supporting its employees through a diverse and inclusive culture that recruits and retains world-class talent. As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America), PepsiCo is a recognized leader in sustainability.
For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

NEWS FROM HONEY MONSTER FOODS

Honey Monster goes Bananas for new cereal

Honey Monster Foods is set to launch its first ever Limited Edition cereal with the introduction of Banana Puffs. Based on the brand’s ever popular Sugar Puffs, the new banana flavoured cereal will be on shelf this Summer. It fits perfectly with Honey Monster’s continued mission to put the fun and excitement back into breakfast time.

The new Limited Edition offering contains no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and is fortified with vitamins and iron and tastes great!

The brand will be supported by PR and a £1m sampling campaign. Honey Monster is also sponsoring the WWE® WrestleMania Revenge Tour of the UK to boost brand exposure and drive awareness of the new product launch.

Jane James, Head of Marketing at Honey Monster Foods said: “Many children still skip breakfast so Honey Monster is striving to make it a more enjoyable time for families by getting kids excited about the most important meal of the day, whilst striking a balance between what kids are happy to eat and what parents are happy to feed them.”

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Notes to Editors

For further information, images and to arrange interviews contact:

Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or honeymonster@frankpr.it

For more information on Honey Monster Foods visit www.hmfoods.co.uk

Honey Monster Foods, formed in September 2006, is the latest division of the Big Bear Group Ltd., which itself was established in 2003; Big Bear also own Fox's Confectionery which manufacture a number of well known brands namely the Fox's Glacier family, Paynes Poppets, Just Brazils and XXX Mints.

NEWS FROM HONEY MONSTER FOODS

Honey Monster Introduces NEW Cereal – Monster Rocks

Honey Monster Foods is set to add a wholesome new breakfast cereal option to its product portfolio, with the introduction of Monster Rocks. Wholegrain Oats, maize flakes and crisp rice are fused together with honey to form delicious wholesome clusters that kids love.

Launching in June, Monster Rocks contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and tastes great. It also has less sugar than most pre-sweetened cereals on the market making it a healthier option for parents.

The brand will be supported by PR and a £1m sampling campaign. Honey Monster is also sponsoring the WWE® WrestleMania Revenge Tour of the UK to boost brand exposure and drive awareness of the new product launch.

Jane James, Head of Marketing at Honey Monster Foods said: “Health is a significant motivator for parents at breakfast time, but so is value for money and knowing that the product they buy is going to be eaten. Monster Rocks strikes a balance between what kids are happy to eat and what parents are happy to feed them.”

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For further information, images and to arrange interviews contact:
Frank PR on 0207 693 6999 or honeymonster@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors

Honey Monster Foods, formed in September 2006, is the latest division of the Big Bear Group Ltd., which itself was established in 2003; Big Bear also own Fox's Confectionery which manufacture a number of well known brands namely the Fox's Glacier family, Paynes Poppets, Just Brazils and XXX Mints.

NEWS FROM QUALITY STREET

Who ate all the Purple Ones?!”

Quality Street unveils “My Personal Favourites’ gifting service


To help avoid family feuds over your favourite Quality Street, the iconic brand has today announced the launch of a brand new personalised Gift Box to guarantee your favourite Quality Street every time.

My Personal Favourites is a stylish gift box consisting of 40 of the lucky recipient’s favourite Quality Street, such as the popular purple one or delicious green one. The gift box is available exclusively online for a limited period only from May 11th, in good time to treat dads to all their favourites on Father's Day.

My Personal Favourites and has been designed to help you deliver a thoughtful and personal gift to mark a special occasion or just to celebrate a quality moment with friends and family.

My Personal Favourites can be ordered in five simple steps online with all 12 iconic Quality Streets available to choose from. The box comes with a personalised gift tag and greeting card to suit the occasion, beautifully packaged and delivered straight to the recipient’s door.

A Quality Street spokesperson says; “Over the years we have had unprecedented requests from consumers who love their favourite sweet so much, whether it is the purple one or the toffee penny, and want an entire box of them. We have created My Personal Favourites to ensure a personal touch to your gift.”

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

Noted to editor

Available to buy at www.qualitystreet-favourites.co.uk from May 11th 2009 until June 26th 2009
Price £10 plus post and packaging (£3.50)- Total price £13.50
Weight 400g (Contents 40 Quality Street sweets in one flavour)
Despatch guaranteed within 3 days
Some postcodes in outlying areas and islands take longer and cost more than £3.50 for delivery

NEWS FROM ALTON TOWERS

ALTON TOWERS AQUARIUM IS A REAL ‘SEXCESS’!

Alton Towers Resort forced to bring in aquatic ‘sexpert’ as fish go bonking mad at new SEA LIFE aquarium

Spring is the season of new beginnings and this year, that is definitely holding true at the new Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE aquarium at the Alton Towers Resort. The aquarium’s marine life, which includes rays, sharks and seahorses, have gone into mating overdrive and surprised the aquarist team with a bumper crop of babies - so much so, that the Resort has drafted in a reproductive expert, who will be on hand this Bank Holiday weekend to answer any difficult questions, regarding the SEA LIFE shenanigans.

Since the opening in March, two baby Bamboo sharks and around 60 baby seahorses have hatched, plus staff have started noticing a number of the animals cavorting during opening hours, including the aquarium’s ugly Horseshoe Crabs.

To assist with the barrage of associated embarrassing questions, and as part of the attraction’s wider educational role, this weekend, the Resort will provide the services of a resident aquatic ‘sexpert’ should parents wish to divert the questions elsewhere!

Morwenna Angove, Sales and Marketing Director for the Alton Towers Resort said: "Our wonderful new SEA LIFE aquarium is a family attraction and as well as providing a fantastic insight into over 300 species of marine life, we are committed to ensuring education plays an important role within the attraction. Many of our visitors have been noticing that some of our species have been particularly active lately, so we have decided to ensure an expert is on hand to explain what is going on".

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o Hotel stays start from just £100 per room based on 4 sharing on a B&B basis when booked online
o Theme Park tickets available from £29 adults, £22 kids, £81 for family of 4 and £98 for a family of 5 when booked in advance online. Online bookers also benefit from Early Ride Time – granting you early access to a fantastic selection of attractions before the gates open to guests purchasing ‘on-the-day’ tickets.
o For the best resort deals or for more information, visit www.altontowers.com or call 0871 222 9901

NEWS FROM LOYD GROSSMAN

Brits Reveal Their Dinner Party Turn-offs

For those who have ever turned up to a dinner party and been unsure of how to behave, research out today reveals the nation’s top ten dinner party faux pas.

It may be a sign of the times that a third of us (32 per cent) regard speaking on a mobile or checking a Blackberry as their biggest dinner party bug bear. The research from Loyd Grossman Sauces also revealed that snooping around your host’s house, instigating an argument and bringing an uninvited guest are all big no no’s.

Loyd Grossman, food critic and taste expert, wants to encourage more entertaining at home and to ensure us that cooking for friends and family is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Top Ten Dinner Party Faux Pas
1. Talk on your mobile or check emails
2. Snoop about hosts house
3. Start an argument
4. Bring an uninvited guest
5. Upset the host
6. Get too drunk
7. Not bringing a bottle of wine
8. Turn up late
9. Not finishing your dinner
10. Not offering to help with the cleaning up

With more and more of us making meal times at home a bigger occasion thanks to convenient and delicious pre-prepared products, the need to enjoy good conversation at dinner has never been more important.

With our busy working lives and long working hours, it is refreshing to know that when it comes to eating with friends and family, Brits leave talk of work at the office, with just over one in five of us (21 per cent) preferring to talk about our families at dinner parties.

Celebrity gossip (16 per cent) and both our own and other people’s relationships (20 per cent) are also high up on the list of topics for conversation, leaving more controversial subjects like religion, politics and money for less social occasions.

Re-evaluating the nation’s dinner party habits comes at a time when more and more of us are opting to stay in and entertain, with three in five people (60 per cent) happily swapping their nights out in favour of cooking dinner for family and friends. With nearly half of us (45 per cent) admitting to eating out less than this time last year.

Loyd Grossman comments; “Despite the potential pitfalls that we are often apprehensive about before dinner parties, it is a lot easier to host a night in for family and friends than you think. It’s important to keep the food simple however never compromising on quality, such as easy to prepare curry, or Bolognese as people are more impressed by good home-cooking than over-complicated dishes.”

He continues: “With one in four (24 per cent) of us claiming that we are likely to be home without anything to do during the week, what better time to re-introduce the big night in an occasion to enjoy good food with friends and family”

Top Ten Dinner party conversation
1. Family
2. Quality of the food
3. Celebrity gossip
4. Relationships
5. Friend’s love lives
6. Politics
7. Your kids
8. Work
9. Money
10. Religion

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For further information visit www.loydgrossmansauces.co.uk or please contact Frank PR
Tel: 0207 7693 6999


Notes to Editors
• The survey was carried out online by Tickbox.net/Opinion Matters between 20th -22nd April and used a nationally representative sample of 1,731 UK adults aged 16+.

Product: Loyd Grossman sauces are available to buy in Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, ASDA, Tesco and any good food stores.