apt blog

Get on your bike!

Flying the flag for the environmental sector in Gloucestershire and supporting our friends at Compass Holidays, the whole team at apt got involved with an Open Day to promote new electric bikes on offer from Compass.

We invited Vision 21 along for the two Cheltenham businesses to join forces to raise awareness of the environmental and health benefits of swapping four wheels for two and notified the regional press for coverage in the lead up the event, which brought in a steady stream of people throughout the day.

Compass, a holiday tour operator of walking and cycling holidays, was introducing a new range of Freego electric bikes and encouraging visitors to take them for a spin. Our marketing team was on hand to Tweet photos and updates throughout the day and the PR team looked after photographers and journalists who attended.

It was great to see all the new signage up that we created for the front of the site and the station platform especially for the event. We’re happy to hear the company sold a number of bikes on the day and is continuing to get interest about the bikes days after the event.

The Open Day also had the thumbs up from Vision 21, a charity organisation working with local companies to promote a sustainable future for Gloucestershire and both companies now plan to work together to promote a greener Cheltenham.

www.compass-holidays.com

www.vision21.org.uk

November PR Blog

Another busy, busy month for apt PR!

Although it has been previously posted, it’s still worth another mention that the Montpellier Bar Racing Evening was a big success in November, raising £670 for the Cedars Amethyst Trust.

On the same day as the Racing Evening, we also attended The Inn at Fossebridge to take part in their annual Christmas fair. This event raised almost £500 for local charity Hop Skip Jump, which provides day care for children who require special support.
The event was the first of its type to be held at the Inn which proved to be very popular! It was good to see local businesses getting involved such as Funky Diva Designs, The Stripy Company and Biba Designs as well as demonstrations from Head Chef Matt Wardman, Makeup artist Emily Tarrant and Florist Caroline McShane.

Staying on the theme of all things Christmassy, Cedars Health and Beauty Centre held their Christmas Shopping event in their salon in GL1 Leisure Centre on 29^th November. The evening was another success which raised £550 for the Cedars Amethyst Trust, the charity founded by the owners of the salon. apt’s very own Jake Stavrinides was at the event offering reflexology treatments to the guests.

We are also pleased to announce that we are now the PR Company for The Wyastone, a gorgeous family run hotel in Montpellier. We have our first event coming up with them next weekend, a Winter Time art exhibition by local artists, Karen Dove, Jon Edwards and Fran Browne. The event will be taking place Saturday 17^th (6-9pm) and Sunday 18^th (1-4pm) December. apt will be there and to make sure the event is an absolute success and, of course, to enjoy the complimentary glass of wine being offered to guests!

apt clients delighted to support success of GCCC

apt marketing & pr is pleased to hear the news that Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has made a profit for the first time in two years.

apt’s client, luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent has signed a three year sponsorship deal for the A&K Coaching Zone, investing in Gloucestershire’s younger talent. 

Justin Wateridge, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent said: “As a company committed to supporting the local community, we are delighted to be contributing to the success of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and to be encouraging young people to get involved with the sport.”

The Montpellier Wine Bar made a welcome return to the Cheltenham Cricket Festival with a stunning marquee serving cricket lunches and teas and offering its finest beverages.

apt marketing and pr also arranged sponsorship deals with Mercedes-Benz for the Gloucester T20 Cricket Festival and the University of Gloucestershire to be the sleeve sponsor for GCCC for the next three years.

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/Gloucestershire-County-Cricket-Club-hits-winning/story-13809219-detail/story.html

Event was a Firm Favourite for Racing Fans

With The Open at Cheltenham Racecourse just around the corner (or over the fence!), the apt team have been rubbing shoulders with an array of famous faces from the sporting world at The Montpellier Wine Bar Racing Evening earlier this week.

Alan Lee, the Racing Correspondent from The Times newspaper hosted the evening, interviewing Grand National winning Jockey, Jason Maguire who spoke about his big win on Ballabriggs and the unfortunate, recent incident of breaking his neck!

As the event got into full swing, guests enjoyed a gorgeous duck dish in the main restaurant area followed by a cheeseboard with an assortment of Cheltenham’s finest cheeses.

Kim Bailey also had a Q+A session with Alan Lee, as he did with several other racing legends, each discussing their wins, future plans and their tips for upcoming events.

Not forgetting that the event was raising money for the Cedars Amethyst Trust, the apt ladies were on a mission to sell as many raffle tickets as possible! Raffle prizes included a professional golfing lesson, three pairs of tickets to Cheltenham FC, several beauty treatments and gift hampers from La-De-Da among others.

An auction raised £250 for a painting which was kindly donated by Shezan Restaurant, and following the sales of the raffle tickets, £420 was raised, meaning the total amount raised for the evening was £670.Not bad for an evening’s work!

RFH Fitness Launches 2010 Stag Weekend Programme

RFH Fitness part of the Rio Frio health and fitness group has devised a unique programme for 2010 for the stag and his friends, to de—stress, lose some weight and get fit and healthy in time for the big day.  This is an ideal opportunity to get away with your mates and relax for a few days in the stunning region of Andalucía, Spain.  Whether that is to recover from a boozy weekend in Malaga, or simply to shift a few beer pounds with a personalised and fun fitness holiday in the sun.

Read more here...

Get Easter Sunday Lunch Cracked!

 

 

Take a break from the kitchen this year and eat out on the 4^th of April amongst the comfort and charm of an idyllic Somerset inn

Families who live in the Bristol and Bath region should head to the beautiful hamlet of Stanton Wick and find out that there’s much more than chocolate to enjoy this Easter Sunday!

The celebrated chef at The Carpenters Arms will be serving a truly special menu all day with the first two sittings at 12pm & 2.30pm then continuing right up until 9pm as always.

Highlights of their three course feast at this relaxing rural retreat include roast leg of Somerset lamb, ragout of roasted aubergine and roast leg of Cornish pork. The perfect end to the meal includes amongst other sweet delights, vanilla panna cotta, Eton mess or a sumptuous apple and summer berry crumble. To enjoy the Easter Day feast it costs just £25 per adult and £12.50 for smaller family members under 12 years old. Children under 12 years can either choose from the main menu at a reduced cost or from our Children's Menu should they prefer.

Tables can be booked by calling 01761 490202

Notes to editors:  

Overlooking the Chew Valley, the hamlet of Stanton Wick provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for the delightful Carpenter's Arms. Converted from a row of charming miners' cottages, the traditional Inn has become a popular retreat over the years for those appreciating imaginative and seasonal good food, fine wines, local ales and delightful contemporary en-suite accommodation.

 

Food is served all day Sunday 12pm until 9pm.

B&B tariff from £72.50 - £105.00

Two nights accommodation for two sharing inclusive of dinner, bed, breakfast and morning paper £275

The Carpenters Arms

Stanton Wick,
Nr. Pensford, Somerset, BS39 4BX,
01761 490202

STANDING UNITED FOR CITY BUSINESS GROWTH

 

Membership programme launch evening to celebrate corporate commitment to Gloucester

The Gloucester Business Champions Programme will launch at Chapter House, Gloucester Cathedral on January 19th, 2010. The launch event will run from 5.00 until 6.30pm.  Guest speakers include John Forkin, Director of Marketing Derby, who led their own successful programme. He’ll be giving prospective members an insight into what being a Business Champion ‘ambassador’ for Gloucester will entail, what benefits it holds and what a united, connected network of businesspeople can do achieve to as legacy custodians of a city, its business potential and economy.

Graham Walker, Director of Marketing Gloucester Ltd, states “The ultimate strategic aims of our Business Champions initiative include providing a powerful, respected voice to actively influence public policy and investment in Gloucester. As well as improving the perception of the city, members will also have a vital role in facilitating skills retention, infrastructure issues and other priority concerns for businesses located in Gloucester. “

 Reservations and more information is available from claire@marketinggloucester.co.uk or call 01452 207020 www.businessgloucester.com

Notes to Editors: Gloucester Business Champions are a new network of businesses, striving to improve confidence in the business of Gloucester. Business champions will be ambassadors of the city who will help shape the ambitious vision for the future legacy of Gloucester.

The Business Champion programme gives local businesses the opportunity to protect and promote the future economy of the city. Members will be able to have a direct impact on business issues within the city and actively participate to make Gloucester a better place to live, work and visit. Membership benefits include the chance to take collective  action on strategic issues affecting business in the city and beyond. Members actively take a role in ensuring the infrastructure of Gloucester is positioned properly for growth thus supporting inward investment for Gloucester.

Get fit with the girls!

RFH FITNESS LAUNCHES “GIRLS WEEKEND AWAY” PROGRAMME

RFH Fitness part of the Rio Frio health and fitness group has devised a unique programme for2010 for groups of friends to de—stress, lose some weight and get fit and healthy in the New Year.  This is an ideal opportunity to get away with your girlfriends or with other couples and relax for a few days in the stunning region of Andalucía, Spain.  Stress is thrown out in favour of a personalised and fun fitness holiday in the sun.

The Girls Away programme designed by RFH Fitness, is based on years of experience and training in the most effective methods of helping clients of all ages, shapes and sizes to de-stress, get motivated and meet their own realistic fitness and weight-management goals whilst also having time to relax.

All guests are accommodated in en-suite rooms in a 4-star hotel with a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a new luxury spa.

A typical morning will include a yoga or Pilates class; a hike visiting the unspoilt areas of hidden Spain, or a bike ride on quiet tracks and trails.  Other activities that can be arranged, include horse riding, quad biking and rock climbing.

The afternoon sessions will usually be a mix of resistance training (incorporating free weights, body weight and stability balls) and cardiovascular training, the proven, most effective combination in any effective fat-burning programme.  Boxing, spinning and circuit training are also part of the programme, as are “tennis circuits” with an LTA qualified coach.  Personal training sessions are included in the workouts.

Massages and a full range of beauty treatments are available in the new luxury spa complete with Turkish baths and saunas.

The RFH Fitness programmes are designed to de-stress guests and get them ready both mentally and physically for the year ahead .

The girls weekend away programme is available for a 3 or 4 night stay and cost from £555 based on two people sharing at the 4-star hotel Finca Eslava.

 

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.”

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.