Tag Archives: Business

Business, Consumer, Consumer Services, Financial Services, Services

Another £400m Into RBS’ PPI Compensation Fund, Says Missoldppiclaims.info

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The Royal Bank of Scotland has earmarked an additional £400m to cover the cost of compensation and refunds relating to mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI), says leading PPI Claims Company Missoldppiclaims.info.

The nationalised bank has released figures for the last quarter showing a pre-tax loss of£1.26bn, a proportion of which is due to the allocation of a further £400m to its PPIcompensation fund. In a move echoed around the banking industry in recent months, RBS now has increased its total PPI allocation to now stand at £1.7bn. However, it is unlikely to be the end of the compensation claims for the beleaguered bank.

Its recent computer problems resulted in significant numbers of RBS, Natwest and Ulster Bank customers being locked out of their accounts for days, a mistake which has cost£175million so far with a further £50m of compensation put aside.

RBS is also part of an investigation by regulators in the UK, US and Asia – including the fraud division of the US justice department – over the part it played in the manipulation of the LIBOR inter-bank lending rate. With settlement negotiations imminent, the fines that could potentially be applied RBS believe could have a “material” impact on the company.

Despite the problems, RBS showed operating profits for the third quarter increased from£650m to £1bn, while bad debt fell by £159m and staff costs were 5% lower due to a 7% reduction in staff.

Stephen Hester, chief executive of RBS, said: “The extraordinary challenges which RBS faced following the financial crisis are being worked through successfully. The five year restructuring plan is now in its later stages with important work still to do, including an emphasis on dealing with reputational issues now that the bank’s safety and soundness has advanced so well.”

A spokesperson for leading PPI Claims Management Company, Missoldppiclaims.info said: “It’s good to see RBS recognising its responsibilities towards customers that were mis-sold PPI policies, in particular the responsibility to put customers first and treat them fairly. This can be seen in its decision to increase lending to its business customers even though there was a downturn in loan applications, but it would be good to see a similar helpful response to borrowing for its non-business customers with personal loans and residential mortgages.

The reputational issues Mr Hester refers to are likely to be industry criticisms that RBS customers play second fiddle to the short-term interests of shareholders and staff. As a result, RBS has relaxed its lending position towards its small and medium (SMEs)businesses, which has led to a an increase of new lending by 3% since the second quarter despite a 25% drop in SME loan applications due to the Olympics and doubts over the stability of the UK economy.

Analyst Richard Hunter, head of equities at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “There is no doubting the immensity of the task RBS has faced in executing its turnaround plan, nor indeed the progress made so far.”

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Information, Consumer Services, Financial Services, Internet, Services

Pensioners Suffering As The Money Runs Out, Says Debt Solutions Company Trust Deed Scotland

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A new report reveals that pensioners across the UK are being left penniless as their money disappears every week in a whirlwind of bills, says Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland.

An income of £207.15 per week is typical for most pensioned couples, but a report by Standard Life shows it goes straight back out the door as £207.24 is spent on food, fuel, housing and transport.

The report highlights rising inflation as the reason why the average pensioner has difficulties making ends and are being hit hard – many are having issues even affording a new pair of shoes, a holiday or a present for a grandchild.

While the Consumer Price Index remained the same in September at 4.5%, the Retail Price Index was hovering at 5.2% and threatening to rise again. Pensioner have a fixed income that doesn’t change from month to month, and that combined with inflation and large energy rises from utilities companies means turn some have turned towards credit cards to make ends meet.

A spokesperson for Scottish Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland, said:
“According to Age UK, British pensioners are the fourth poorest in Europe, with the worst off set to lose up to 22% of their household income because of cuts to local authority services and changes to the tax and benefits system. This report highlights the dire position our parents and grandparents are in. At a time when they should be relaxing after a lifetime of working, they are pinching pennies and worrying about what the future will hold for them.”

The day before Standard Life published its report, the Institute of Fiscal Studies issued a warning about how ‘real’ inflation was hitting pensioners much harder than younger age groups.

“The Insolvency Service reported the fastest rising group of people claiming insolvency is pensioners,” said the spokesperson. “They are six times more likely to go bankrupt or take out a debt solution such as a Scottish Trust Deed or Debt Arrangement Schemethan they were just a decade ago. The number of people entering retirement with unpaid debts has increased, and when combined with increased life expectancy, the recession and limited options to increase income when you retire, it adds up to a lot of older people in real trouble”.

According to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service the average unsecured debt of newly retired pensioners is £21,370 and few have any savings at all. Once all the bills have been covered, there’s just £85 left at the end of the month.

“There are numerous reasons why pensioners are entering retirement in debt,” said the spokesperson. “Previous good house values led to many people remortgaging for home improvements or to loan to children or grand children for house deposits. There’s also the issue of divorce, where one partner will often buy the other out of their share of the property by extending their mortgage. And then some people are marrying and having families much later in life or having second families in their fifties.”

“For many life as a retiree in today’s world is just as expensive as it was when they were working, but now they have less income to live on.”

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Services, Financial Services, Services

Tracesmart, The People Search Experts, Celebrate Tenth Birthday

The popular online people search providers are celebrating 10 years in tracing. Tracesmart has over this period been instrumental in reuniting thousands of families and friends, and is now one of the UK’s leading online people tracing facilities.

The company was established in Cardiff in 1999 by a group of professional tracers and genealogists; specialists in the art of people tracing. To mark the anniversary, Tracesmart are offering ten free credits to their newsletter subscribers, providing the opportunity to help them kick start their search for missing friends and relatives.

The Tracesmart website offers visitors the ability to search through over 200 million electoral roll entries dating from 2003 through to today. The people location tool utilises monthly rolling register updates, ensuring customers conducting an online search are able to access the most accurate data available. This month the register provided 70,000 amendments, invaluable to users performing a people or address search. The recent update will assist those who may have tried the system before, but didn’t find the information they were looking for.

Over the years, Tracesmart has amassed a considerable amount of data. In addition to the electoral roll, Tracesmart holds the General Register Office data for every birth, death and marriage registered in the UK between 1984 and 2005; again an invaluable tracing resource. Sarah Lawrence, Tracesmart’s Customer Services Manager commented. “It’s extremely satisfying that we are able to help reunite so many friends and families, especially when the customer considered the search impossible. Some of the reunion stories are quite poignant; many of which have subsequently featured on TV and in the press.”

The company has grown significantly over the past five years, and the online people search website has seen visitor numbers vastly increase as more and more people attempt to find relatives and friends. Mike Trezise, the company’s Managing Director and driving force, commented, “The past ten years has been a fantastic journey, technology has changed our work beyond recognition. It really has moved for ward and the future is looking even better as we aim to make tracing even easier.”

About Tracesmart
Sarah Lawrence boasts over 17 years experience in the field of customer services and satisfaction. In her role at UK Certificates, she ensures the smooth day to day running of certificate fulfilment and customer enquiries.

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Beauty, Beauty Products & Services, Business, Children Products & Services, Consumer, Consumer Services, Multimedia, Services

Salon Produces Video On A Better Haircutting Experience For Children Suffering From Autism


snipits

Snip-its (www.snipits.com), the fastest growing franchise of children’s hair salons in the U.S., is very proud to announce a partnership with the non-profit organization Autism Speaks. This partnership has produced the publication of a nine-page “Haircutting Training Guide” booklet as well as a “Tips For Successful Haircuts” video, which gives both parents as well as Snip-its stylists tips on how to give autistic children a wonderful haircutting experience. A digital version of the “Haircutting Training Guide” booklet and a copy of the video are currently featured on the “Family Services-Community Connections” page of the Autismspeaks.org Web site.

“We are very proud that we can work in conjunction with a great non-profit charity like Autism Speaks,” says Christine Mudd, director of franchise development for Snip-its. “We hope that our booklet and video can help families give children with autism a better experience in the salon.”

The “Haircutting Training Guide” is an easy to read, nine page booklet which was created by Snip-its in conjunction with Autism Speaks and Melmark New England. The booklet outlines tips for both stylists and parents on how to best make haircuts a easy and stress free experience for children suffering from autism and gives stylists tips on how to speak and interact with these children while giving a haircut. The booklet also features a large section of tips for parents on how to alert management and stylists to your child’s individual needs pre-haircut and how to make their child comfortable throughout their haircutting experience.

The “Hair Cutting Tips for Children with Autism” video puts the tips outlined in the “Haircutting Training Guide” booklet into an easy to follow video format. At Snip-its we take pride in giving children the best haircut, and the best experience possible. While a haircut involving a child with autism might be a bit more challenging, by following a few simple steps, we can assure both the child and the parent that they will experience a quick and enjoyable haircutting experience.

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime and effects 1 in 150 individuals. This makes autism more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Autism knows no racial, ethnic or social lines and affects four times as many boys as it does girls. It impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others and is associated with rigid routines and repetitive behavior. Symptoms can range from very mild to severe and while steps can be taken to make a autistic child more comfortable in society, no known cure is available at this time.

About Snip-its
The Snip-its Corporation, based in Natick, Massachusetts, is a growing kids franchise designed to untangle the hair care challenges of children and their parents. It provides the best customer service and a guaranteed great time for both kids and parents. The salon franchise has served more than one million children annually in 65 locations. In 2007, Snip-its was named the 30th fastest growing franchise in the U.S. by Franchise Times Magazine. For more information or to learn more about kids franchise opportunities, visit www.snipits.com or call 877-SNIP-ITS.

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Alerts, Consumer Information, Consumer Services, Financial Services

Consumer Protection Institute (CPI) Announces DebtResponseâ„¢

Consumer Protection Institute (CPI) announces DebtResponseâ„¢ – its new web-based solution that protects consumers in debt collection. DebtResponseâ„¢ fills the widening communication gap between debt-stressed consumers and third-party debt collectors by enabling rapid, reliable and optimized responses to debt collector communications at low-cost.

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DebtResponse™ removes the embarrassment, confusion, paralysis and confrontations associated with responding to debt collectors–whether demanding they stop contact or challenging collector claims.

“DebtResponse is a timely answer to a growing need, and is aligned with President Obama’s plans to address the United States’ credit card industry and improve the financial health of our citizens. Educational webcasts; an informative blog; and expansion to Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain and Brazil are in the planning stages.” stated Steven Sussman, President of CPI.

Founded in 2008, Consumer Protection Institute is the leader in web-based response solutions for debt-stressed consumers.

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Business, Consumer, Consumer Services, Internet, Multimedia, Services

Video-copy.com – The New Web Site Of Atlanta’s Video Copy Services (VCS)

Video Copy Services (VCS), an Atlanta-based CD duplication and DVD duplication company is pleased to announce the launch of their new website, video-copy.com. VCS President George Helms says of the new site, “All of us here at VCS are delighted to have a website that gives our new and existing clients a way to plan, budget and execute their upcoming projects in a timely and easy to understand manner. The new quoting and upload tools have already proven to be very popular. We look forward to adding new information and tools that will inform and assist our clients as we add new services and technologies.”

Video Copy Services

The new VCS website features the VCS Instant Online Quote Tool, a simple and fast way for users to generate self-service quotes for short-run CD duplication and DVD / Blu-ray duplication jobs. Other new features on VCS include a browser-based uploading page that allows users to submit digital assets electronically and a page that allows VCS clients to make secure online payments via credit card. And as always, video-copy.com offers in-depth information about all of their CD duplication, DVD duplication, video encoding and video format conversion services.

About VCS
Founded in 1984, VCS is a duplication company offering full HD capabilities and a broad range of audio and video services. Since 1997, their focus has been on providing broadcast videotape duplication, CD duplication and DVD duplication services to the commercial, broadcast, business, religious, government and corporate sectors. VCS routinely produces quantities from one to one million copies, and they can work with a broader range of video formats than any video duplication company in the Southeast. An industry leader in video encoding and video transcoding services, VCS can support virtually any standard or high definition video format.

VCS is proud to have served as Turner Broadcasting’s in-house provider of DVD duplication, DVD replication and video transfer services since 2001. They are also a proud recipient of an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Via EPR Network
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Beauty, Beauty Products & Services, Business, Consumer, Consumer Services, Healthcare, Lifestyle Products

Lighterlife Has Announced That It Has Been Nominated For The British Franchise Association (BFA) Franchisor Of The Year Awards, In The Brand Builder Category

The nomination recognises the huge marketing effort that has been a key focus for LighterLife over the last 12 months. LighterLife has launched a wide range of marketing initiatives. These include helping franchisees build brand awareness by providing them with an extensive range of tools and materials as well as significant financial support and comprehensive training. Combined with this activity, LighterLife has also implemented a range of successful TV, press and online campaigns.

Sara Jamison, CEO at LighterLife commented: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Brand Builder Award. We see this as recognition of the huge marketing and PR effort that has been a main focus for LighterLife in the last 12 months. As a result of significant investment in brand building initiatives we have already seen a dramatic increase in direct referrals for our franchisees. Winning this award would highlight the strength of our brand to both existing and potential franchisees, and would be testament to the hard work of everyone within our organisation.”

Sharon Barber became a qualified LighterLife Counsellor in 2008 and practices in South Sheilds. Sharon commented on her decision to become a LighterLife franchisee: “Whilst I was working for NatWest I joined LighterLife to lose weight. After successfully completing the programme I decided to take on a LighterLife franchise. Being a LighterLife franchisee is a great way to be self employed but still benefit from training, advice and the marketing advantage of a nationally recognised brand.”

LighterLife is a weight-loss and weight-management programme for people who are one stone or more overweight and with a body mass index of 25 or above.

 

About LighterLife
LighterLife offers programmes specific to the obese and the overweight, showing them how to lose weight with the use of weight loss aids including nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars combined with specialised counselling using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis (TA) techniques. Clients benefit not only from safe, fast weight loss but they also learn the behavioural changes needed to sustain it.

Founded in 1996, the LighterLife Programme was developed by three of its directors – Jackie Cox, Bar Hewlett and Rebecca Hunter. Over 100,000 people have successfully lost weight with LighterLife since 1996.

Via EPR Network
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Increasing Interest In Macrolane Procedures Reveals Surgicare

Surgicare, one of the leading cosmetic surgery providers in the UK, has revealed a growing interest by Brits in its Marcolane procedures.

March 2009 saw the highest number of enquiries and consultations about Marcolane since Surgicare began offering the service in April the previous year.

Macrolane is a non-surgical procedure that can help with breast reshaping or breast enlargement. The procedure consists of an injection and generally takes less than two hours to complete, with no need for an overnight stay. The results of Macrolane are instantaneous and can last for up to 18 months.

The number of enquiries in March rose by 111% on the previous month’s figure and 78% on the previous record – held jointly by January this year and September 2008. Consultations were also at an all time high – 60% up on February’s figures – and in keeping with the year’s average of a consultation for slightly more than every six enquiries.

Online searches for the procedure have also seen a huge boost since they were introduced in early 2007, peaking around March this year.

Mark Bury, chief executive officer of SurgiCare, said: “This recent rise in interest of cosmetic treatments, particularly the non-surgical procedures such as Marcolane, shows that despite the harsh economic times the public are still keen to look their best.

“Using Marcolane gives a quick boost to a woman’s appearance and is ideal to help boost someone’s confidence. It can be particularly useful for someone after childbirth, or after significant weight loss, who is looking to restore lost volume from their breasts or for someone who just wants to enhance their natural shape.”

Macrolane uses a smooth, non-animal based hyaluronic gel to help enhance breasts and leaves no visible scarring. Men can also benefit from Macrolane’s body shaping treatments by enhancing and refining body shape giving natural looking contours to the chest, as well as other areas including the buttocks and calves.

About SurgiCare
SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare was established more than 16 years ago by a leading professor of surgery, now its medical director, who also chairs its in-house Medical Advisory Committee.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic treatments, SurgiCare has the experience, latest therapies and the caring, professional staff to enhance a patients self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service with all surgeons registered on the General Medical Council Specialist Register, to ensure every patient receives the best possible standard in care and results.

SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfill their dreams of looking and feeling their best. SurgiCare also specialise in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month support programme and lifetime aftercare.

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Information, Consumer Services, Home & Garden, Services

npower Hometeam Has Released A New Study Of Homeowner’s Opinions, Which Shows That The British Public Dread Visits From Tradesmen, Regardless Of The Benefits That Their Work Can Bring

 

npower hometeam, which installs, services and repairs boilers and gas central heating systems, found that 28% of the British public, and 35% of females, dread having workers in their homes, in spite of their extensive expertise. These responses were justified by experiences including workmen smashing a new marble fireplace and being caught rifling through a client’s underwear drawer.

In true British fashion, it seems the nation’s ideal tradesman would have impeccable manners, with 65% wanting workers to be polite and friendly, one fifth requesting that they would take their shoes off at the door, and one in 14 hoping that servicemen will bring their own tea and coffee.

West Midlanders were the tightest with their tea, with eight per cent wanting tradesmen to bring their own, while true to form, Yorkshire residents were the most willing to bestow a brew to their boilerman, with just one in a hundred expecting engineers to bring their own.

Despite requiring the skills of specialist workers, 43% of women say they feel nervous about letting a stranger into their home while 60% of the public hate waiting in all day for a tradesman to arrive. Indeed, 86% of Brits (and a staggering 91% of all over-55s) would simply like their tradesmen to turn up when they say they will.

Dispelling the myth that men care less about appearances, males appear more house proud than their female counterparts. They are more worried about tradesmen looking scruffy, leaving their house in a mess, and having a white van parked outside their homes.

Chris Thewlis, head of operations at npower hometeam, commented: “These pet peeves are very common – but it may be that the British public are simply using the wrong companies. British men will be pleased to know that hometeam installers and engineers literally roll out the red carpet when servicing, repairing or installing a boiler, to prevent any mess or unsightly footprints, and our vans are red and liveried, rather than white, so they don’t worry about a scruffy van outside. Similarly, West Midlanders will be relieved to learn that our tradesmen take their own flask of tea to each appointment.

“The British public have better things to do than to wait around for us, which is why our staff always phone ahead to advise of their time of arrival. Every installer also has their first name embroidered on the back of their shirt so they feel more familiar.

“With all this in place, our next action is to investigate the secrets of Welsh tradesmen as, in our study, seven per cent of homeowners in Wales said they look forward to tradesmen’s visits.”

All figures are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,953. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20 and 23 March 2009. The survey was carried out online.

About hometeam:
The Home Energy Service from npower, hometeam installs boilers and gas central heating systems for domestic customers. It also offers a 30 point gas boiler service and boiler repair, plus a range of other products and services.

hometeam differs from its competition because of the little details it employs to make every visit as unobtrusive as possible. In addition to the red carpet, flask of tea and names embroidered on their uniform, appointments for boiler service, repair and installation are available at evenings and weekends and can be made online.

Via EPR Network
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Beauty, Beauty Products & Services, Business, Healthcare

The Harley Medical Group Launches Three New Treatments For Mothers Day

The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, is offering three new beauty treatments at mini prices for mother’s day, so that mums can look a million dollars.

The Harley Medical Group has decided to help mums feel extra special this mother’s day with a credit-crunch busting facial taster treatment session. The Group is launching three new mini-treatments across its 26 clinics so that mothers can feel a million dollars – for less than£30.

Included in the new treatments are Microdermabrasion, a gentle treatment that uses fine crystals to exfoliate the skin, providing improved tone and texture and healthy, glowing skin. Alternatively, mums can be spoilt with a vitamin C based Peel to clear clogged pores and tighten skin, giving it a smoother, plumper and more even appearance. There is also the latest in Photopneumatic therapy available, PPX/Isolaz, a pain-free laser treatment that will improve the pigmentation of skin and reduce the appearance of fine veins.

Lisa Littlehales, Clinic Manager at The Harley Medical Group, commented: “A non-surgical treatment procedure is a great, non-invasive treatment that will make mums look and feel fantastic this mother’s day”.

The group’s Chairman, Mel Braham, advised that all patients ensure that their non-surgical treatment is carried out by a qualified professional. All patients at The Harley Medical Group, which has been established for over 25 years, undergo an initial consultation with a fully qualified Cosmetic Surgery Nurse Counsellor. 

The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for over 25 years and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. The Group has treated over 435,000 patients to date.

The Harley Medical Group works tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry for the benefits all cosmetic surgery and non surgical patients. We are currently at the forefront of the campaign to ensure that the Government continues to regulate the use of certain laser types used in cosmetic surgery and non surgical treatments so that patients are protected from rogue practitioners.

In 2004, The Harley Medical Group’s Chairman Mel Braham, at the request of the Department of Health became a member of the department’s Steering Committee, set up to oversee the introduction of new regulations covering the entire Cosmetic Surgery sector. All of The Harley Medical Group’s clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission. 

Via EPR Network
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Business, Retail Trade, Shopping

Displaysense Has Decided That Local Businesses Should Try To Make The Most Of Pancake Day By Encouraging People Out Of Their Homes, Have Fun In These Difficult Times And Part With Their Hard Earned Money

Pancake Day marks the religious period of lent where committed Christians fast to commemorate Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. For others it is a yearly event marked by eating pancakes with different variations of filling in one sitting.

Displaysense, who provide shop fittings and shop shelving to the UK, Ireland and Europe are attempting to help stimulate the economy this pancake day by contacting existing customers in the catering and food industry with a leaflet containing business development campaigns to help encourage footfalls.

The leaflet, which has a few budget friendly recipes, includes great business ideas that will help generate sales on Pancake Day. The other role the campaigns can play is aid in promoting local town spirit which can lead to increased brand awareness and repeat purchasing at a time when consumer spending is down.

Displaysense are also doing their bit to help their customers by offering discounts on many of its catering and promotional products, such as business card holders and cake stands, ensuring businesses are advertising their events and presenting their produce in the best light.

Amongst the business generating ideas put forward by Displaysense are setting up local activities that are fun for the whole family, such as colouring competitions for children, pancake races between local businesses and even running an eating competition for the public.

Steve Whittle the marketing manager at Displaysense commented, “Businesses really should try and encourage extra sales from any holiday day and pancake day is the perfect example of a money generating opportunity that is going to waste. Tapping into the local community and making the day an occasion for everyone to take part in is guaranteed to encourage consumer spend. Even the smallest gesture on the day can help to boost sales, which should be of interest to all businesses during this current economic depression”.

The response so far from Displaysense customers has been very positive with comments such as ‘Flipping brilliant’ and ‘Eggcellent’. But when faced with these difficult trading times, it’s not much of a toss-up for many businesses to see the benefits of supporting this year’s Pancake Day.

About Displaysense
Displaysense was established in September of 1978 as a manufacturer of quality point of sale displays. Displaysense has a wealth of experience in design and manufacturing and has been able to develop an ever growing standard range of over 1500 displays. The range is now hugely diverse including acrylic containers, display cabinets, mannequins, modular shelving units, exhibition displays and business card holders.

Displaysense works with a large range of clients including, retailers (multiple and independent), blue chip corporate clients, cafés, bars, restaurants and night clubs, shop and office fitters, marketing and promotions companies, designers and architects, product distributors, exhibition contractors and exhibitors, printers, councils and NHS trusts, charities, schools and universities.

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer Services, Internet, Services, Shopping, Travel

Leading car hire price comparison site Carrentals.co.uk unveils affiliate service for UK business, combining leading brands, high conversion rates and 5% commission

UK businesses looking to create additional revenue streams can take advantage of a new affiliate offering from car hire price comparison site Carrentals.co.uk, which is offering 5% commission and a market leading conversion rate of 4%.

The company, which was voted Best Car Hire Website in the 2008 Travolution awards, has launched the new service to provide businesses of all sizes with a high quality, profitable affiliate solution featuring prices from leading rental providers such as Holiday Autos, Thrifty and AutoEurope.

Gareth Robinson, managing director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “We have up to 50 rental companies compared on one site, low prices, and the technology to accurately manage the affiliate service. Our sales convert at around 4%, which is three times higher than any of our competitors, and with a 5% commission rate partners have the potential to achieve a healthy revenue stream.”

With the new affiliate solution businesses simply feature a Carrentals.co.uk banner on their website, which visitors click on to make their booking. All reservations are made through the Carrentals site, with clear tracking and reporting of booking figures and commission levels.

Gareth adds: “This affiliate solution is designed to be easy for businesses to work with and make money from. Our site is one of the most respected and widely recognised in the car hire market. What we are now doing is opening this up to all UK companies who want to build their affiliate revenue streams. With well known brands such as Sixt and EasyCar featured, plus the ability to compare hundreds of prices, this is designed to be the best car hire affiliate programme available.”

The affiliate programme will run on the Webgains network and will be managed by award winning affiliate management agency, Arctic Sunrise.

Keith Budden of Arctic Sunrise says: “We are very excited about the launch of the new affiliate programme for Carrentals.co.uk and have worked with them to create a solution that is second to none. The new service provides all of the tools required by ‘super’ affiliates, while also offering the opportunity for new affiliates to earn revenue by promoting the Carrentals.co.uk comparison service. With the expertise both companies bring, we are committed to making this the leading programme for car hire affiliates”

To find out more about the Carrentals.co.uk affiliate solution visitwww.carrentals.co.uk/about/become-an-affiliate

About Carrentals.co.uk

Carrentals.co.uk was launched in February 2003 and grew to become one of the UK’s leading online car hire companies by 2006.

In 2007 the company re-launched its site to create the first major online price comparator in the travel industry. Using the latest technology the Carrentals.co.uk site now searches up to 50 different car hire websites, providing an impartial comparison of the best prices available in over 9,000 locations.

Websites searched include Budget, Thrifty, Sixt, Holiday Autos, Opodo, EBookers, Carrentals.co.uk and EasyCar, with the Carrentals.co.uk site quickly comparing prices and allowing customers to refine their search by car type.

The Carrentals.co.uk site also features over 6,000 links to useful tourist information sites, plus over 2,700 pages of travel information in a mini-guide format.

In 2008 Carrentals.co.uk was voted Best Car Hire Website in the Travolution Awards. To book or for further information visit www.carrentals.co.uk

About Arctic Sunrise

Award winning agency Arctic Sunrise provides affiliate management services for over 60 clients across a broad range of market sectors. Their ‘hands on’ approach, combined with unrivalled knowledge of the UK affiliate marketing arena, enables them to provide cost effective outsourced affiliate management.

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Information, Consumer Services, Internet, Retail Trade, Shopping

Monstermatch.co.uk can give the consumer a fair price and quality service the high street retailer cannot attain

Jonathan Keith, director of Monstermatch Ltd said…”The consumer often pays too much to keep their retailer in business with the overheads. Monstermatch.co.uk can give the consumer a fair price and quality service the high street retailer cannot attain.”

As the economic downturn takes its toll on the high-street, it may seem optimistic to start a new retail business. Yet this is precisely what Monstermatch.co.uk has done, confident that a market exists for high quality products sold at recession beating prices. Monstermatch.co.uk is an online retailer that sells iPods, laptops, and other hi-tech goods. It sells products at lower prices than consumers can get on the high-street and guarantees free delivery.

Far from suffering from the downturn, online retail has actually prospered. According to the IMRG Capgemini e-retail sales index, online spending increased by 16% last November compared to the previous year. This is likely to heighten competition for bargain prices during the coming year. Monstermatch, however, claims that it is not simply a bargain retailer, it wants to cement a relationship with its customers. For five pounds, a customer can buy a share in the company and enjoy special discounts. Monstermatch is hoping that this will encourage people to feel they have a stake in the retail experience and has offered to give customers a better deal if they can find cheaper prices elsewhere.

Jonathan Keith, director of Monstermatch Ltd said…”The consumer often pays too much to keep their retailer in business with the overheads. Monstermatch.co.uk can give the consumer a fair price and quality service the high street retailer cannot attain.”

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Information, Consumer Services, Financial Services

Prudential Lifetime Mortgage research finds that more than one in four Britons will head to parents or in-laws homes during the festive season

Prudential Lifetime Mortgage reports the traditional family Christmas is set for a comeback this year, with more than one on four (28 per cent) of British adults intending to spend Christmas day at parents, in-laws or relatives homes.

The findings, from new research conducted for Prudential Lifetime Mortgage, reveals that just one per cent of British adults intend going to a hotel or restaurant for Christmas day and just two per cent are going on holiday.

According to the Prudential, the family home is set to feature heavily in plans for the entire festive period with more than one in three British adults (37 per cent) intending to spend time over the festive period at their parents or in-laws homes. Of these people more than half (51 per cent) said they are going to parents/in-laws homes as they see it as a hub for the family to get together. 32 per cent said they like getting their Christmas meal cooked for them. 28 per cent said spending time at their parents/in laws homes makes Christmas feel more like a holiday and 22 per cent said going to their parents/in-laws home reminds them of their childhood.

For over a quarter of the nation the family home will be the Christmas venue of choice as people look to tighten their belts this Christmas. The findings reveal that 40 per cent of British adults say they will spend less on Christmas this year.

Keith Haggart, Director of Lifetime Mortgages, Prudential stated: “While it is inevitable that many people will be looking to cut back this Christmas, that doesn’t mean that Britain will be spending the festive period mired in gloom. Millions of people will be spending more time together as a family and for many that means going to their parents or in-laws to enjoy Christmas in the family home.

Keith Haggart continued, “The findings underline the emotional importance of the family home to the entire extended family and at a time when many households will be looking at ways to boost their income, downsizing is not only a challenging proposition in a flat housing market, but could also potentially remove the enjoyment experienced by the rest of the family when visiting the family home. An option is for people to explore whether an equity release plan could help them gain an income from their property while still being able to continue living in it.”

ICM interviewed a random sample of 1050 British adults aged 18+ from its online panel between 7th -9th November 2008. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all British adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.icmresearch.co.uk

About Prudential:
Established in 1848, Prudential plc is an international financial services company with a product range which extends from personal banking, insurance, pensions and retail investments, to institutional fund management and property investments. In the UK Prudential is a leading life and pensions provider with around seven million customers.

Via EPR Network
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Business, Consumer, Consumer Services, Gifts & Occasions, Marriage Ceremonies, Services

Mary C. Pugh, Top JP in CT offers same sex marriage upgrade to her civil union couples

Mary C. Pugh, the busiest JP in the state of Connecticut announces her policy of upgrading her past civil union clients to a marriage if they come to Norwalk, CT for the ceremony. Mary was recently seen performing one of the first same sex marriages in CT on ABC, CBS, NBC and the top CT channels, CT 8 and CT12.

The state of CT recently made same sex marriages legal. Same sex couples can now get married in CT. There is NO residency requirement, NO witnesses and a couple from out of state simply needs to come to CT, go to the town clerk’s office where they want to get married, present a photo id and proof of age (driver’s license is accepted), pay $30 and get a marriage license. They need to tell the town clerk who will be the officiant for the ceremony.

CT residents can get their license in the town of the ceremony or the town where either of them are residents. Couples who previously were united via a civil union can upgrade the status of their relationship to a marriage. The current civil union does not have to be dissolved. A same sex marriage can take place in one day; there is no waiting period.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs and dates the license and returns it to the town clerk where the ceremony was held. To obtain legal proof of marriage, the couple should obtain a certified copy of the license from the town clerk – each certified copy is $10.

For new same sex couples Mary offers totally customized vows, music and bubbles, a photo DVD emblazoned with their photo and a mini slideshow of their wedding photos. She wears a robe (select: black, white, purple, or red) and a stole or if the couple prefers, a black suit. Full service includes explaining the process and helping to obtain the license.

Mary C. Pugh is proud to offer a free upgrade to any of her couples who previously had her officiate at their civil union.

Just contact Mary at 203 838 1038 or email her at mary@ct-jp.com. For more information, go to www.ct-jp.com.

About Mary C. Pugh:

Mary, who has her MBA from Columbia University, has completed two terms as a Justice of the Peace and will be accepting a third term which begins in January.

Her 24/7 availability and ability to speak English, Spanish and some French have made her very popular – she performs more ceremonies than any other JP in the state.

Many out of state couples come to Mary as she guides them through the process. She is happy to pick up couples from the train station, take them to town hall for their ceremony and return them to the train station.

For high profile and couples who wish to maintain their privacy, total discretion is assured.


Via EPR Network
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Business, Coating, Consumer, Consumer Services, Products, Refinishing, Services

Eastern Refinishing – Bathtub Reglazing Specialists Introduce Hot Tub, Spa and Swimming Pool Restoration

Eastern Refinishing Inc., the largest bathtub and tile refinishing company in North America, has operated for nearly 35 years, with the current ownership being 17 years. The business has representatives servicing most of the USA, with office locations in Boston, Buffalo, Conneticut, Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Florida, Atlanta, South Carolina, Nashville, Detroit, Virginia Beach, Richmond Virginia, Mariland, New Jersey, Chicago, Milwaukee, Rhode Island, Rochester & Wilmington Delaware.

Eastern Refinishing has again expanded its product line, this time to include hot tub, spa and swimming pool restoration. Different swimming pools are painted with different coating systems, and these various systems can be incompatible with each other. Attempts by other companies to sell an all-inclusive pool paint have typically met with poor results. Hawk Laboratories, an industry leader in refinishing products, which Eastern Refinishing uses exclusively, has used its extensive knowledge database to develop an array of premium pool, hot tub and spa refinishing products to suit any application.

CRP-12â„¢ is a premium quality, chlorinated rubber based coating system designed to be applied to new concrete and gunnite, and surfaces previously coated with a chlorinated rubber-based product. Hawk CRP-12â„¢ is a truly high performance product, giving the maximum durability and long lifespan required of commercial, hotel and apartment building swimming pools.

FIBERBOND 5000â„¢ is the toughest, longest lasting epoxy coating in the industry. Hawk FIBERBOND 5000â„¢ is a two-component, satin finish, extremely high build coating system that will give unmatched performance on the most difficult surfaces, including water slides, and wave pools, where durability is a necessity. Ideally suited for fiberglass surfaces that need to stand up to abrasion and need constant U.V. light protection in demanding situations such as water slides.

SPA-COTEâ„¢ is a premium, low-build, high gloss epoxy coating system for use below the water line. It performs well on spas, hot tubs, and therapy pools, as well as surfaces that have been previously painted with an epoxy coating. This tough durable finish is designed for constant immersion and is available in a wide range of colors.

LP-14â„¢ Water-Based Latex Pool Paint is the economical choice for light duty usage, and applications that prohibit thorough drying of surfaces before painting. This is an easy to apply, medium duty coating system designed to last several years. It gives the benefit of a very short return-to-service time, excellent for application during the swimming season, when downtime is a critical factor. It’s also great for concrete decks, walkways and outdoor fixtures.

If you own a hotel, motel or apartment building, Eastern Refinishing can refinish your pool(s), tubs, sinks, countertops, ceramic tile, concrete surfaces and just about anything else! ER also does residential work covering most of the continental U.S.

Owner of Eastern Refinishing, Charles Gayler, has worked with the industry’s leading manufacturer, Hawk Research Labs – Wood Dale, Illinois to develop a complete proprietary line of professional refinishing products. Utilizing a proprietary Acrylic urethane Coating System, Eastern Refinishing has taken longevity to new levels by being able to offer 5 year warranties on all refinished tubs. In fact, you can expect extended refinishing lifespan of between 10-12 years with proper care.

Via EPR Network
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