apt blog

Strictly Spiegeltent – Business community cast their votes

Arrival of the Spiegeltent ballroom turns heads in Gloucester

Christmas in Gloucester this year sees a rather different kind of experience in King’s Square. The majestic and stunning Spiegeltent is an ornate, early twentieth century travelling venue adorned with wood panelling, mirrors, stained glass and leather-lined seating booths. This unusual travelling ballroom is the centrepiece of King’s Square’s Winter Wonderland’.

Nigel Tillott, partner of Davies and Partners Solicitors in Barnwood was enthralled by the launch evening, “The concept of promoting the city with attractions like the Spiegeltent is innovative and imaginative and will benefit Gloucester immensely. We are proud to have our headquarters in such a forward thinking city.”

Verline Leo, Business Development and Operations Manager at Gloucestershire Airport took her 6-year-old daughter and husband. “We walked through the doors and got the nicest feeling. They have thought of brilliant events for everyone.”

In the daytime, the glittering venue will be open free of charge as a licensed Belgian café, house Santa’s Magical Post Office, offer music and activities. Evenings will be set aside for hosting sumptuous dinner and cabaret evenings with live bands. Great performances imminent include goth band The Damned, a sensational swing night with Big Swing Night, The Wurzels and Abba Gold. The Spiegeltent launched on Thursday and looks set to notch up another proud success towards the surge in Gloucester’s regeneration pulling visitors of all ages and tastes to our proud city.

Tim Harris from Abbey Business Equipment, Cheltenham states, “Raising the profile of Gloucester through such a different and impressive venue has to be commended. Initiatives like this draw people back to our city helping us deservedly win business and tourism.”

Gloucestershire hairdresser in controversial ad campaign

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/gloucestershireheadlines/Anger-Gloucestershire-salon-s-advert/article-1537672-detail/article.html

We saw this today from Blushes hairdressing salon, particularly controversial for anyone who has been affected by a road traffic accident. 'Some risks I take, but not with my hair' Hmmm...They have been asked to take the adverts down.

Gloucester celebrates Gold and Silver awards at tourism 'Oscars'

 
Gloucester is celebrating today after a double success with a Gold and Silver award at this year’s South West Tourism ‘Oscars’.

The city council’s tourism staff have won Gold in the Tourist Information Service of the year category – for their outstanding customer service.

Our tourism information staff provide an excellent service and this award follows on from vigorous checking which includes visits and calls from ‘secret shoppers.’

In the same competition, marketing gloucester ltd won Silver award in the Tourism Event of the Year section – for this year’s Tall Ships Festival.

Council Leader, Paul James, is also Vice Chairman of marketing gloucester ltd.

He said: “We are incredibly proud to celebrate this fantastic achievement for the Gloucester tourism industry. The Tall Ships Festival was one of the biggest and best events ever staged in the city.

“Thousands of people enjoyed it and it gave Gloucester a most terrific economic boost. All the parties involved in these accolades must be congratulated. They are playing their part in helping to put the city on the map.”

The marketing gloucester team are currently working hard to deliver Christmas in Gloucester and in the new year will begin work on Gloucester Tall Ships 2010, a week long festival taking place from 21 – 28 May.  If you would like to be involved in next years festival please contact marketing gloucester on 01452 207020.

SOHO has the X-tra factor for Children in Need

The tuneful team at SOHO Coffee Co in the Regent Arcade raised £650 for Children in Need by exercising their vocal chords on Friday 20^th giving half hourly animated performances of ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ singing along merrily with the famous Wishing Fish Clock. The SOHO teams across the country raised just more than a fantastic £1250 in total!

 

Penny Manuel, Managing Director of SOHO Coffee Co said “The team in Cheltenham worked incredibly hard throughout the day, serving customers and singing their hearts out. Thank you to everyone who donated money for the efforts of our very own X Factor stars.”

 

Labour 'Jedward' campaign

http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/theWork/news/967547/Labour-jedward-Saatchi---Saatchi-London/

We just saw this advert and admit we did have a chuckle. Not from a political point of view, but for the controversy that is 'Jedward' which then of course led to a discussion of who we would want to win X Factor, not the forthcoming election. Perhaps not the desired reaction to the advert but it certainly got us talking!

PermaTimber plus ISO9001 equals double the guarantee with Walford Timber

A new brand of timber called PermaTimber has been launched and it comes with a guarantee of 15 years.

Walford Timber of Herefordshire is a 60 year old family run business which has recently been accredited with ISO9001 status of international quality assurance.

There has been a treatment facility on the site for half a century but now the company has invested in a kiln which is set to put them at the forefront of timber preservation.

The kiln will dry out the timber to leave it with a moisture content of 28%, allowing the preservative to be absorbed much deeper into the product. Since the regulations regarding the use of arsenic and lead came into force, timber sold by Walford has come with a five year guarantee.

Managing Director and grandson of the founder, George Smith said: “The new brand allows us to support those with a need for a longer lasting product yet we will continue to offer our quality range of non-kiln dried timber.

“We have examined our position in the trade and feel that with the investment of the new kiln and ISO9001 status our customers can rest assured we offer the best products and services on the market.”

The PermaTimber range will consist of pine, larch and Douglas fir for their natural durability and suitability to the treatment.

The range of products launched under this new umbrella will also be available on request treated to the stringent Highways Sector Scheme 4 requirements which have a 30 year guarantee.

Fireworks go off with a bang at Gloucester docks

The apt team braved the chilly wind and frosty toes to watch the superb fireworks at Gloucester docks on Saturday 7th November.

The glittering lights reflected on the surface of the water and the display was spectacular. Well done to Gloucester Round Table for putting on such a good show (despite the lashings of rain!)

Here are some of our pictures of the night.

Cedars Christmas charity fundraiser is a cracker!

  On the evening of Tuesday 3rd November, Cedars Health and Beauty opened its doors for a Christmas fundraising night for a breast cancer charity.

Guests received special tickets entitling them to two free taster treatments and there were exclusive offers for further treatments booked on the night.

The whole Cedars team worked exceptionally hard to make this event so successful and they are busy counting up the mountain of donations raised. Also present at the event were the finalists from the Face of Gloucestershire 2009 competition, who added an extra bit of glamour!

Please see our photos.