» NOVEMBER 2011
Spark Etail Acquires Spirit Of Nature
NOVEMBER 2011: On Friday 11 November, Spark Etail, a division of leading contact centre and fulfilment specialist, Spark Response, has announced its acquisition of online retailer, Spirit of Nature.
Spark Etail was formed in March 2011 and is a leading full service online retailer, owning and operating Ethicalsuperstore.com and Natural Collection. The company also provides e-commerce technology and marketing services to leading UK online retailers.
Spirit of Nature has been operating in the ethical sector for over a decade and is focused largely upon the baby and children's market stocking a wide range of natural, organic, Fair Trade products such as eco friendly nappies and clothing alongside a range of general household items. It has a portfolio of over 90,000 loyal customers, which when combined with that currently held by Spark Etail, will create a potential customer base of over half a million shoppers.
As of today, Spirit of Nature will operate under Spark Etail's experienced team from its head office in Gateshead and there will be no disruption to its service.
Noel Lambert, Managing Director, Spark Etail says: "Since the inception of Spark Etail earlier this year we have been actively looking for a tactical acquisition to sit alongside our current e-tailers. Spirit of Nature is an ideal fit for us, as it has an established and loyal customer base and well defined eco credentials. We plan to embed the company into our growing ecommerce portfolio and utilise our expertise in the market to enable the company to grow and evolve."
He adds: "The acquisition of Spirit of Nature reaffirms our commitment to the eco and ethical market, translating to a larger share of this growing retail sector and an increased opportunity amongst our trading partners and producers for achieving sustained profits. Historically, this market has been considered a small niche area of retail and often conjured images of alternative shoppers, but increasingly consumers are becoming more savvy and aware of the origins and ethical credentials of the products they purchase leading them to make more informed shopping decisions. As such we predict this market will continue to grow apace and it's vital that we are at the forefront and driving innovations in ethical online retail."
Through its current retailers Spark Etail stocks products from some of the world's largest and most recognisable ethical brands as well as small niche companies including Suma Wholefoods, Komodo, Ecover, Divine Chocolate, Neal's Yard, Cafédirect, Traidcraft, Faith in Nature and Tearfund among others, enabling customers to 'buy what you believe'.
For more information about Spark Etail please visit www.sparketail.com
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For further information please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Dental Clinic Aims To Make Patients More Aware Of Mouth Cancer
NOVEMBER 2011: One of Teesside's leading dental practices is urging people in the North East to become more mouth aware during November's Mouth Cancer Action Month.
Queensway Dental Clinic wants to ensure that people understand that oral health does not simply relate to the condition and care of their teeth but of the gums, tongue and mouth in general. It fully supports Mouth Cancer Action Month and is concerned that a recently published report by the British Dental Health foundation found that over 80 per cent of the UK population would not recognise any early warning signs or symptoms of the disease. *
This year alone, over 6,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease across the UK. Furthermore, incidences of the disease are considerably higher in the North East than in other regions across the country.
Dr. Matt Dorman, Specialist Oral Surgeon, Queensway Dental Clinic says: "Mouth cancer can be a particularly aggressive form of the disease, but if detected early patients can be treated extremely effectively. Unfortunately we have a higher incidence of the disease in the region, which is often exacerbated by smoking, excessive drinking and poor diet. I have diagnosed 2 cases this year, which demonstrates just how important it is to visit your dentist regularly and ensure you are aware of any changes to your mouth in between appointments.
"As a practice we conduct full oral health assessments which include screening for mouth cancer and we are determined to ensure our patients are fully informed of the symptoms and to educate them to be vigilant as they carry out their everyday oral health routine."
Dr. Dorman believes that in addition to visiting the dentist for their routine check-up, it is in patients best interests to take responsibility for their oral health and monitor for any unusual signs and symptoms, which could include:
• Mouth ulcers that do not heal within two weeks
• Swollen lymph glands or any other unusual swellings
• Lesions or grazes in and around the mouth area
• Red and white marks or patches in the mouth particularly under the tongue
Dr. Dorman adds: "We would urge people to visit their dentist if they are experiencing any of the symptoms which cause them concern, as early detection and prevention are the most important tools in battling mouth cancer. At Queensway we are currently providing free oral health consultations for all newly registered patients and would encourage people to get in touch if they have any concerns or questions."
Mouth Cancer Action Month aims to highlight the prevalence of this particular form of cancer, which is currently the seventh most common form of the disease, and save over 30,000 lives during the course of the next decade through early detection.
Queensway Dental Clinic is an award winning practice based in Billingham that provides comprehensive dentistry services for NHS and private patients, as well as an extensive range of cosmetic dental treatments. The practice also treats referred patients from dental practices throughout the North East often for complex procedures including sedation for anxious patients, specialist orthodontics and specialist oral surgery.
For a free private assessment with an oral health consultation call 01642 554667 or visit www.queensway.co.uk.
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For further information, please contact Jennifer Tate or Elizabeth Eddy at Velvet Communications on 01642 584790 or email jennifer@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Light Up The Sky The Alternative Way
NOVEMBER 2011: We all know the popular saying, 'Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder fire and smoke'. But, Ethical Superstore, the UK's leading online retailer of inspired eco-friendly, Fair Trade, organic, and UK-made products, is urging people to also remember the environmental impact of fireworks this year, and instead have a sustainable Bonfire Night.
While the thought of a 'sustainable Bonfire Night' might not initially light up the sky for many people, in reality it can be a fun and economical way to enjoy the evening, while also lessening the environmental impact.
Vic Morgan, Marketing and Innovation Director at Ethical Superstore comments: "Fireworks can have a very negative impact on the environment, causing air and noise pollution. Instead of enjoying Bonfire Night in your back garden or at friends, which is likely to be expensive, small scale and could potentially frighten neighbourhood pets, why not go to an organised display in your local community?
"By going to an organised display you forgo the hassle of organising your own, save money and most importantly it is a lot safer for you and your family. You also reduce the impact on the environment, as all fireworks emit carbon dioxide and other gases and residues into the air when they explode."
Of course, the night is not just about the fireworks and the bonfire. It also offers everyone the opportunity to put on their warmest woollies, bury their favourite sweets deep in their pockets and make sure there are some home comforts waiting for them when they return home.
With over 3,000 products to choose from, Ethical Superstore has handpicked its top items to help make this year's Bonfire Night memorable and sustainable:
1. 'Keep the lights show going at home with this mesmerising fairy jar'
- Solar Powered Fairy Jar, £19.95
2. 'This beautiful autumnal cardigan is perfect when accompanied with some snug boots and skinny jeans'
- Braintree Cable Knit Cardigan, £60.00
3. 'It's not just the women who need to stay warm during the display, and a fashionable beanie is sure to finish off any look'
- Men's Brighton Beach Beanie, £10.95
4. 'Bonfire Night also means tucking in to some sweet treats to keep you well fuelled through the night'
- Burnt Sugar Crumbly Fudge with Sea Salt (150g), £2.35
5. 'For an environmentally friendly alternative to sparklers, these recycled lanterns are sure to burn brighter and longer'
- Recycled Glass Moon Light Lantern, £5.95
6. 'For warmth inside and out, a cup of hot cocoa is just what you want to come home to'
- Divine Drinking Chocolate, £3.15
7. 'Wrap the family up and stay cosy under the stars'
- Recycled Welsh Weave Throw
Clothing, home and garden, beauty, health, appliances and groceries as well as children and baby products are now available for purchase from www.ethicalsuperstore.com.
To view the product ranges please visit www.ethicalsuperstore.com or call 0800 999 2134
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For further information, imagery or to request a product sample please contact Jennifer Tate or Elizabeth Eddy at Velvet Communications on 01642 584790 or email jennifer@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Spark Response Lands John Partridge Contract
NOVEMBER 2011: Spark Response, one of the UK's leading contact centre and fulfillment specialists, has secured a contract with one of the North East's most luxury brands.
Gateshead-based Spark is to provide trade and consumer fulfillment support to John Partridge, the recently re-launched luxury English heritage clothing label.
The company, whose other clients include Toys R Us, Soap and Glory, Ethical Superstore, FitFlop and Cancer Research UK, has been awarded the contract by the Northumberland-based firm after meeting its requirements.
John Partridge has been re-launched under the ownership of former Penny Plain managing director Nick Oliver, working alongside David Reay, a former Barbour, Jockey and Warnaco director, and Gary Newbold, former head of design at Barbour.
The trio bought John Partridge from the Bollin Group and has secured major investment from venture capital company FW Capital and business angel Anne Holliday. Nick, David and Gary have reinvigorated the brand, appointed Spark to provide the distribution support it needs and is aiming to have its products in department stores soon, just as John Partridge did in its heyday.
Peter Slee, Managing Director, Spark Response, said: "This is a really exciting contract for Spark as we're always keen to develop strong partnerships with North East companies. John Partridge is a reputable quality brand which, under the direction of Nick, David and Gary, has the potential to be one of this region's biggest fashion success stories.
"As a business we are always looking for new opportunities to develop so I'm delighted that John Partridge selected Spark to help it realise its plans for expansion on the back of the major re-launch."
The deal to purchase John Partridge, which was established in the 1960s came about after Nick, who left Penny Plain in 2007 and spent a few years away from the apparel sector, decided he was ready to return. He was then introduced to David and Gary through mutual friends.
The men believe they can restore the brand to its former glory and are also targeting overseas expansion.
Nick Oliver said: "John Partridge is a major brand within the apparel sector but after a few soft years, it had lost its edge. There is no doubt with the right direction it can be re-established as one of the country's leading brands and back on the shelves of Selfridges, Liberty and other leading department stores as it used to be.
"With the expertise myself, David and Gary have, we've drawn up some really exciting growth plans which also include pushing the brand into country clothing and sporting goods stores, independent retailers, increasing its presence in the UK and overseas, including the US market, and launching a consumer website. With the appointment of Spark Response, we believe we have the ideal partner to help us take the business to where we think it should be."
For more details about Spark Response please visit www.sparkresponse.com or call 0191 418 6077.
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For further information please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Aesica Appoints New Business Development Manager
NOVEMBER 2011: Leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, Aesica, has announced a key appointment at its Formulated Products (FP) team.
James Rogers takes up the role of Business Development Manager at Queenborough in Kent having worked for Aesica's Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) team for 10 years. The 33-year-old has 11 years experience within the pharmaceutical industry and moved across to Aesica when the company purchased the Abbott manufacturing facility in 2007.
James said: "I am looking forward to building on my API experience in the exciting arena of Formulated Products. The Aesica offering continues to expand and offers many opportunities to deliver reliable and cost effective solutions for our growing portfolio of customers."
Alan Raymond, Sales and Marketing Director, Aesica, said: "James's appointment is strategically important to the business as we continue to enhance our global presence and reputation while expanding into new markets. Our recent acquisition of three UCB sites in Europe demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our Formulated Products service offering."
Aesica supplies contract development and contract manufacturing services for Formulated Products and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients to a host of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotechnology organisations.
Its unique offer lies in its flexible and bespoke approach to service delivery, coupled with its ability to develop products from the initial clinical stage through to final commercial supply. It is this all-encompassing offer and its dedication to exceptional standards of service that truly sets Aesica apart from its counterparts.
For more information about Aesica please visit www.aesica-pharma.com
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For further information please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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Stagecoach Bus Driver In Walk For Charities
NOVEMBER 2011: A Stagecoach North East bus driver is set to walk over 100 miles to raise funds for two motor neurone disease charities.
Steve Todd from the local bus operator's Stockton depot is taking part in the walk in aid of children's charity Zoe's Place, a charity offering specialist respite and terminal palliative care for babies and infants up to five years old. It also provides essential support for their families.
The 45-year-old former soldier from Middlesbrough is also raising vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), which offers support to sufferers of the illness.
Steve, who started working for Stagecoach North East in 2002, has chosen to walk the 109 miles from Middlesbrough to Filey near Scarborough with his friend Mark Richardson in aid of the charities after losing his mother to motor neurone disease in 2000.
The men set off on Sunday (6 November) and hope to finish eight days later. Steve said: "These charities are really close to my heart after losing my mam to motor neurone disease 11 years ago. My sister and I both do a lot of fundraising for the charities because of the excellent service they provide to people with the illness.
"I'm really looking forward to setting off but I am expecting it to be especially hard for me as up until the last few days I didn't think I was going to be able to do the walk. I've got osteoarthritis in my left big toe, which left me on the sick for eight weeks really struggling to walk. But I'm back at work now and I will do it."
Prior to the walk, Steve and his friends are holding a charity night at the Whale Hill Club in Eston on bonfire night, which will feature local musicians and a raffle. All funds raised will be added to the money collected from the walk and given to the charities.
Steve added: "The support people have given me so far has been great and I'm hopeful from the walk and charity night we can raise a few thousand pounds which will be split equally between Zoe's Place and MNDA."
John Conroy, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: "Zoe's Place and MNDA provide such crucial and dedicated support to children and adults with motor neurone disease across the region, so we're delighted to support Steve in his efforts to raise money for the charities that make such a difference to the local communities they serve. I wish him the very best of luck as I know he's been struggling with his left foot, but he's so determined to complete the walk I have every faith that he will achieve his goal."
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For further information or to arrange a photograph, please contact Leanne English on 01642 584790 or email leanne@velvetcommunications.co.uk
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