NEWS FROM OCADO

Window Shopping...

Ocado brings its pioneering on-the-go shopping experience to Birmingham

July 16, 2012 FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL stints in London and Bristol, Ocado, the UK’s biggest online grocer has brought its revolutionary virtual shopping wall to Birmingham’s Bullring.

Live for one month from today, Monday July 16, Ocado’s easy-to-use window display will allow local residents to order their weekly shop without setting foot in a supermarket, as its  great value, great quality delivery service does all the hard work. Using its popular Ocado on the Go app, customers can purchase any of the items on display in the virtual window simply by scanning them with their smartphone.

From baked beans to bananas, washing up liquid to wine, Ocado’s virtual shopping wall will be a one-stop-shop for not just household essentials but life’s little extravagances too. With a nod to local culinary classics and Brummie food institutions too; balti, HP Sauce and even pork faggots can be ‘scanned and shopped’. Finally, for anyone who has yet to experience the literary phenomenon that is 50 Shades of Grey, they now have no excuse, as the best-seller can be added to your basket too via the pioneering shopping experience.

The Ocado virtual store can be found at Unit SU708 opposite the Apple® store, and will be accessible during the Bullring’s opening hours. Taking advantage of the service couldn’t be simpler, with any customers who have access to an iOS, Android or Windows 7-enabled smartphone able to point and shop:

1. If you don’t have it already, download the Ocado on the Go app from your app store
2. Open the app and go straight to the barcode scanner
3. Hold the camera screen over the barcode of a product until it recognises it
4. When the product appears on your screen, press ‘add’ to put it in your basket
5. Keep on shopping and then check out!

Ocado first hit the high street last August at the One New Change shopping centre in central London, followed by a similar installation at Bristol’s Cabot Circus in November 2011. It was the first time that Ocado, a strictly online business, had migrated from the internet to bricks and mortar. However, being a leader in online grocery retail – introducing the world’s first supermarket shopping mobile application on iPhone in 2009 and Blackberry and Windows Phone 7 handsets in 2011 - the company stuck to its digital technology roots with a distinctive spin on the future of high street shopping. 

As of June 2012, mobile devices were used in a staggering 24% of Ocado checkouts; an ever-increasing number of customers now regularly shop via the award-winning Ocado on the Go app.

Jason Gissing, Ocado Co-Founder, said: “We could not be more excited about bringing our virtual window shopping experience to the Bullring. Birmingham has long been Britain’s Second City, and with so many of our dedicated customers living in the area it makes perfect sense to take our virtual store to their doorstep. The Bullring shopping centre is such an iconic location, and we can’t wait to see how much easier this will make the lives of both our existing fans and new customers alike, as they use our innovative service to take away the hassle of the weekly shop – no crowds, no long checkout queues, no heavy bags; this is the future of retail in the UK, and it’s here right now.” 

To check out Ocado’s virtual shopping wall for yourself, head down to the Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham, from July 16, just don’t forget your smartphone!

-Ends-

For further information contact:

Estelle Boon, Frank PR                                   Tel: 020 7693 6959         Email: estelleboon@frankpr.it 

Rochelle Collison, Frank PR                          Tel: 020 7693 7496            Email: rochellecollison@frankpr.it

Candida Lathbridge, Frank PR                     Tel: 020 7693 7498            Email: candidalathbridge@frankpr.it 

Notes to Editors:

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 – orders are fulfilled at a unique, high-automated Customer Fulfilment Centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, before being loaded onto delivery vans making local routes, or transported by HGV to vans stationed at a network of regional UK distribution spokes. Ocado delivers over 21,000 product lines including Waitrose goods and a growing Ocado own-label range. Last October it was named World E-tailer of the Year at the prestigious World Retail Awards and, earlier this year, won Consumer Initiative of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards for its popular mobile commerce platform.

NEWS FROM BROADGATE

Surfs up at Broadgate!

Broadgate presents ‘Surf in the City’

Monday 9 July – Friday 13 July 2012

Broadgate Circle, Broadgate, London

Broadgate is tempting Londoners away from their desks and onto the waves this summer with its very own Flowrider surf machine.

Surf in the City arrives at Broadgate for one week from 9 July absolutely free.  The internet isn’t the only thing that workers will be surfing this July!

Broadgate is challenging workers to raise the stakes on their ordinary week, and to pit their athletic ability against the power of the ocean waves, on a FlowRider Mobile that pumps over a trampoline-like surface at over 30 miles per hour.  Teams are invited to compete for a £500 cash prize, based on surfing ability and the number of tricks they can do.

With hour-long slots available from 11am-7pm Monday to Thursday and 10am to 6pm on Friday, teams are urged to reserve their place online now at http://www.broadgate.co.uk/. Each slot is for two groups of four and each session will include a safety video and a demonstration by the instructor.  Wetsuits, changing rooms and locker facilities will be provided.

Mark Evans, Estate Director at Broadgate says “We wanted the opportunity to revolutionise the typical working day and offer something fun, free and adventurous this summer. Flowrider was the perfect fit.  After all, how many people can say they’ve surfed in the Square Mile?!”

Broadgate hosting Flowrider surf machine

WHEN: Wednesday 9 July – Friday 13 July 2012

WHERE: Broadgate Circle, London, EC2M 2QS

INFO: broadgate@frankpr.it   

PARTICIPATION: Free

Broadgate

Situated in the heart of the City of London's Square Mile, Broadgate is much more than a geographical area.  It’s a dynamic, thriving business community, home to some of the world’s biggest corporations and top professional practices where over 30,000 people work each day. There are five distinct areas that make up Broadgate; Broadgate Circle, Exchange Square, Broadgate Plaza, Finsbury Avenue Square and Bishopsgate.  The squares, terraces, colonnades and piazzas provide a perfect setting for people to meet, eat, talk, shop, enjoy the entertainment on offer or merely watch the world go by.

http://www.broadgate.co.uk/

Wave Loch

A California-based company with over 150 global installations founded by human generated surf pioneer Thomas J Lochtefeld.  Wave Loch are the world leaders in surf technology.  The FlowBoarding is a skill based activity that is a hybrid of skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding.  The FlowRider is specially designed to provide a safe, fun, thrilling experience for the user and pumps water over a trampoline-like surface at over 30 MPH.

http://www.FlowRiderMobile.com

NEWS FROM BURN STUDIOS

WINNERS OF BURN STUDIOS RESIDENCY ANNOUNCED

Three winning DJs to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey in Ibiza this season    

IBIZA, Spain - Monday, 16^th July – The three winners of the burn studios Residency programme have been announced in a dramatic final at the legendary Sonic Vista studios in Ibiza. Each scoring a residency spot in some of Ibiza’s best clubs, the aspiring DJs have been granted a hallowed place on the global stage of electronic music. 

Having contended with eight other skilled DJs to grasp the exclusive opportunity, the latest additions to the Ibiza nightlife are:

-          Urban Jeram a 27 year old DJ from Slovenia, will be taking control of the turntables at the world’s biggest club, Privilege, to play in front of thousands of revelers

-          Adam Zasada, an 18 year old turntablist from Poland, will descend on the decks at the legendary Café Mambo to finesse his skills at one of Ibiza’s most popular nightspots

-          Manu Vulcano, a 27 year old DJ from Spain, will take his talents to Sankeys, one of the White Island’s newest and hottest nightclubs

Earlier in the week eleven gifted finalists participated in a gruelling but rewarding bootcamp, held at the island’s legendary Sonic Vista studios where they were mentored by some of the biggest names in clubbing history including Jamie Jones, 2ManyDJs, Sasha, Luciano, Carl Craig, Richie Hawtin and chart-topping titan David Guetta. 

 “It was an absolute pleasure working with the guys this past week,” said Arthur Velasquez, agent and manager of Cassius and chief mentor to the Residency contestants. “They could not have been more excited by the opportunity and were eager to learn as much as they could. I’d like to congratulate all of the finalists for getting this far and Urban Jeram, Adam Zasada and Manu Vulcano on winning. I’ve got no doubt they’ll use this platform to launch their careers into the stratosphere.”

Erik Hofstaedter – Burn marketing manager, Europe added: “The burn studios Residency programme set out to discover and elevate the most exciting young global DJ talent and while all our eleven finalists undoubtedly have bright futures ahead, I’d like to join Arthur in congratulating our three winners. Their passion, musical knowledge and dedication all shone through this past week, and I can’t wait to see what they do next; we’re looking forward to continuing our support for them through burn studios.”

Committed to championing emerging electronic music talent, burn studios has united the industry’s finest and partnered with a series of esteemed authorities, including music retailer Beatport, electronic music’s largest magazine Mixmag and global music education leader SAE institute.

To follow how Urban Jeram, Adam Zasada and Manu Vulcano get on this season and for more information on burn studios Residency, please visit www.burn-studios.com  

-ENDS-

About Burn

Burn is a category leader in the global energy drink explosion. Burn provides drinkers the energy needed to leave their original vision on the world. Dismantling category norms, consumers embody a live-out-loud mentality, without fear of boundaries created by society. Burn is a brand of The Coca-Cola Company. Burn is available in over 80 countries worldwide.

NEWS FROM BURN STUDIOS

DAVID GUETTA APPEARS AS SURPRISE MENTOR TO UPCOMING DJS AT THE BURN STUDIOS RESIDENCY BOOTCAMP

Superstar DJ and Producer David Guetta passes on valuable advice to the next generation

IBIZA, Spain - Thursday, 12^th July - World renowned DJ and producer David Guetta shared his expertise when he surprised eleven upcoming DJs yesterday in an intimate workshop as part of the burn studios Residency bootcamp.

Launched earlier this year, burn studios Residency is a global initiative that has seen thousands of DJs enter for the chance to win the prize of a lifetime for any passionate DJ: one of three residencies at legendary Ibizan nightspots Privilege, Café Mambo and Sankeys. This week, eleven finalists have been sweating it out at a bootcamp where they’ve been tutored by the likes of Jamie Jones, 2Many DJs, Luciano, Richie Hawtin, Sasha and David Guetta.

David Guetta surprised the eleven finalists as they were practicing their craft at Café Mambo’s brand new, state of the art studio supported by Burn. In a detailed and inspiring session, he revealed some of the secrets behind his success, and gave the hopefuls an exclusive insight into how he composes some of his signature tracks.

In the evening, one of the contestants had a taste of what could await them after being invited to play to a captive audience at a special party thrown at Cafe Mambo by Burn and hosted by Cathy Guetta. Earlier in the day, each of the budding hopefuls was asked by the team behind Residency to pick their ultimate Mambo sunset track. David announced the winning track Dirty Doering – “Ete Pluvieux” (Sascha Cawa ft Yukazu Remix), selected by Minor Lag aka Mario Nagl from Austria, and the aspiring turntablist took control of the decks just before the sun went down. 

 “Meeting the guys today and seeing their passion and excitement to learn was incredible. For me, working with fresh and new talent is inspiring and with Ibiza in my blood, I hope that they will grab this opportunity and go on to great things. It’s a pleasure to have been involved in the burn studios Residency programme, along with the other mentors and I look forward to finding out which three contestants win” said David Guetta.

Erik Hofstaedter – Burn marketing manager, Europe added: “The burn studios Residency programme is all about giving a new generation of talented DJs the opportunity to learn, develop and take their passions to the next stage. David Guetta is one of the most esteemed artists on the planet and to have him involved as a mentor alongside our other remarkable ambassadors, further underlines our dedication to nurturing bright DJ talent from around the world.”

burn studios Residency comes to a close today, where three victors will be selected by a panel of expert judges and go from being relative unknowns to an integral part of the White Island’s nightlife. While three will remain in Ibiza to embark on their residencies, the others will return home with a wealth of new experience and the knowledge that they’re now that bit closer to achieving their dreams.

For full information on burn studios Residency, please visit www.burn-studios.com  

For more information on David Guetta, please visit:

www.davidguetta.com

-ENDS-

About Burn

Burn is a category leader in the global energy drink explosion. The red formula is a symbol of active fire, that provides David Guetta and other drinkers the energy needed to leave their original vision on the world. Dismantling category norms, consumers embody a live-out-loud mentality, without fear of boundaries created by society. Burn is a brand of The Coca-Cola Company. Burn is available in over 80 countries worldwide.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Led by Coca-Cola, the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio features 15 billion dollar brands including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, support active, healthy living, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

NEWS FROM VOLVIC

VOLVIC JUICED GUARANTEES SUMMER IN LONDON

 

 

Listings Release 

Who: NEW Volvic Juiced 

What: Summer in a box in the heart of Covent Garden 

When: 26th and 27th May 2012 

Where: 38 Kings Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JT 

The perfect summer’s day is served this May with the Volvic Juiced ‘summer in a box’ Bar 

Looking for the ultimate refreshing and tasty experience this summer? Well, look no further – your perfect summer’s day is coming to London this May. 

The Volvic Juiced Bar will bring the outdoors indoors, offering a full sensory experience that truly brings summer to the heart of Covent Garden. Created to provide a haven of tasty refreshment, delicious Volvic Juiced will flow freely, as you relax in deckchairs, feeling the warmth of the sun* on your face and the feeling of grass between your toes. Breathe deep the smell of summer whilst listening to the gentle hum of your favourite summer sounds. 

The bar has been designed by Volvic to celebrate the launch of its new Juiced drink, a thirst quenching beverage that offers the perfect balance of Volvic Natural Mineral Water and juice, for consumers who like their taste buds well and truly tickled! And it’s available in two tasty fruit flavours; Orchard Apple and Cloudy Lemon. 

Thirsty members of the public are invited to the Volvic Juiced Bar where they are guaranteed two days of unbridled refreshment as 38 King Street in London’s Covent Garden is transformed into an urban haven. 

Further still, there is the opportunity for you to pose for some juicy snaps in the bespoke Volvic Juiced photo booth and tag yourself, your friends and family in your pics on the Volvic Juiced Facebook page. Plus, there will be free WiFi available, giving you the chance to browse the web, catch up on emails, read your favourite blogs or even do some online shopping... all from the comfort of your deckchair. So, after a truly miserable and wet April, the Volvic Juiced Bar will guarantee you that much desired summertime experience, whatever the weather. 

The Volvic Juiced bar is open to the public on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May from 10am to 7pm at 38 Kings Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JT. For further information please visit www.facebook.com/volvicUK

-Ends- 

For further information, please contact Alexia Scherer at Frank PR – 020 7693 6999 / alexiascherer@frankpr.it

*Not real sun!

NEWS FROM PREMIER INN

PREMIER HIT FOR LEICESTER SQUARE

New hotel brings £12 million investment into the Capital City

Leicester Square is famous as the home of film and theatre and today sees a new addition to the Square, with the opening of the UK’s best value hotel chain [i]at number 1 Leicester Place.

Premier Inn’s brand new 83 bedroom hotel was officially opened today by Whitbread Chairman Anthony Habgood, Whitbread Managing Director Patrick Dempsey, and Minister of Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose MP.  The new hotel, which sees a £12 million investment into the London economy, is one of 20 hotels that will have opened by the end of 2013 across the city as part of a major expansion drive for the hotel chain.

Premier Inn Leicester Square has not only provided significant investment into the local economy but has also created 32 job opportunities for London residents ranging from reception to managerial roles, 50% of those employed have come from long term unemployed 18-24 year olds. 

Premier Inn is the UKs biggest hotel chain and is currently the largest provider of budget hotels within the M25 area with aims to increase its number of rooms by 50% and double its size in London by 2016.

Patrick Dempsey, Managing Director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, comments: “We are delighted to be opening a new Premier Inn in the heart of London, a short walk from many of the capitals most well known tourist attractions. Our exciting growth in London means that we can offer even more people a great night’s sleep in the best locations when visiting the capital and we look forward to opening more hotels in London over the coming year.”

John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, comments: “Tourism is vital to the UK’s economy and growth and it will play a big role in our future success.  It is great to have been here today to officially open the new hotel in this brilliant location and to hear Premier Inn’s plans for further expansion. 

“The eyes of the world will be on London this summer and I can only commend Premier Inn’s contribution to making England the place to stay for both international and domestic travellers.”

The new hotel is also a leader in innovation with ‘floating’ bedrooms equipped with double soundproofing to ensure guests get a good night’s sleep despite being within walking distance of many popular theatres, shops and London tourist attractions.

Premier Inn offers all guests a no quibble ’Good Night Guarantee’ – which means if customers are not 100% satisfied with their stay they will get their money back.

Rooms are now available to book at www.premierinn.com 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 30 minutes free WiFi Internet access. The hotel also offers the All You Can Eat ‘Premier Breakfast’ – the perfect way to start your day.

-Ends-

For further information about Premier Inn, please e-mail Frank PR on premierinn@frankpr.it or call 020 7693 6999

Notes to editors:

Award-winning Premier Inn is the UK’s best value hotel brand with over 620 budget hotels and more than 47,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland.  Premier Inn bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, TV with Freeview, and 30 minutes Free WiFi internet access. All Premier Inns feature a bar and restaurant; situated inside the hotel or adjacent, offering a wide range of food choices.  

Premier Inn is open in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and India. On a domestic front, Premier Inn aims to grow to 65,000 rooms in the next 5 years.

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

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*Best Value Hotels in the UK: Research conducted by YouGov found Premier Inn top in BrandIndex Value measure when reviewing all data between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2011. All data was collected using an online survey and respondents were members of the YouGov panel. The 21,383 strong research sample for this study was sampled and weighted to a UK nationally representative 18+ adult profile. Fieldwork was conducted daily between 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011. The Value metric measures perception of the brand’s price –point value offering: Which of the following brands do you think represents GOOD/POOR VALUE FOR MONEY? By that, we don’t mean “cheap” or “expensive”, but that the brands offer a customer a lot in return for the price paid.

NEWS FROM ONKEN

Get Set For a Low Fat Summer

Onken’s Natural Big Pot yogurt range is set for summer with the launch of the new Onken Low Fat Natural Set. Still packed full of the mild, thick, creamy flavour of the UK’s favourite Natural Set yogurt but now with only 1.5% fat, it’s a generous Big Pot of yogurt that’s completely guilt free.  Perfectly timed to get you in the mood for Summer, the new Low Fat Natural Set yogurt is a perfect accompaniment for fruit, granola or even added to your favourite curry recipes.

Whether you enjoy it on its own, pile it high with fresh fruit or dollop it on dinners, the one thing you can agree on is there will be no need for calorie counting. The mild thick and creamy flavour is a tasty addition to any meal and with its 450g Big Pot size there is plenty to go around for everyone to enjoy.

Available in Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Waitrose and all good Independent retailers from May, the new Onken Low Fat Natural set yogurt is a wonderful low fat alternative to an already delicious yogurt.

- ENDS -

For further information or images please contact Molly Sleigh or Lewis Davey

on 0207 693 6999 or e-mail:

mollysleigh@frankpr.it or lewisdavey@frankpr.it

Notes to editors: –

The Onken Low Fat Natural Set is available in Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Waitrose and all good Independent Retailers

RRP £1.15

For stockist details and to see Onken’s new, inspiring range of recipes visit www.onken.co.uk