When creating a brand strategy or campaign messaging, marketers would be wise to seek audience opinions on competitors so business offerings can be positioned appropriately in the marketplace, suggests Cint, a global provider of market research software.

Many popular social media sites are text, image and video based, meaning those who are blind can find it difficult to fully engage with the content and interact with other users. However, since its launch almost three years ago, social sound network Audioboo has attracted a worldwide following in the visually impaired community. This is not only due to voice being a natural communication tool for such communities, but also because the desktop platform and apps have been built with full accessibility to record, listen to and share audio in mind.

After the stress of travelling, the last thing a driver wants is to arrive at the airport car park to find they have a flat battery or for the return to work to be seriously inconvenienced by a car that won’t start. Scenarios such as these can not only cause disruption, but also cost car owners a lot of money, whether that is through breakdown call outs or replacement batteries.

The majority of all businesses now require computer systems, but regardless of whether they are only required to accumulate employee information, sales records or customer data, businesses should regularly monitor backup performances as faults in data capture could result in permanent loss of information. To prevent this from happening, regular maintenance checks should be made on existing equipment and businesses might also consider investing in quality backup devices, either on or offsite, to protect and even encrypt records to the highest level of security.

Gamers and frustrated travellers alike can now access a new mobile game from a luggage shipping provider, which takes a swipe at greedy low-cost airlines and their confusing luggage policies, high excess baggage fees and hand luggage. Available in iTunes and Android app stores, as well as on Facebook, Mickey O'Greedy's Luggage Swindle is a tongue-in-cheek game developed bySendMyBag. It provides a fun way for travellers to air their frustrations at these airlines' antics.

With the trend of eastern brands launching in the West set to continue, Cint, a provider of access to hundreds of online panels, advises those looking to expand into developed markets to carefully gather and analyze enough appropriate market insight to ensure their launches are successful.

 CTEK, a global maintenance and care brand, is highlighting to vehicle owners who are wary of undertaking a battery check without the assistance of a professional that advancements in technology means battery testing is more straightforward and safe than ever before.

Landlords of commercial buildings are urged to gear up for the latest provisions set out by the Energy Act, as, according to the Remark Group, the Energy Performance Certificate regulations will require landlords to improve their property ratings before they are let.

DIY market research has boomed in popularity as marketers have realized the benefits of gaining insight quickly and cost effectively. To ensure campaigns resonate with their audiences, they should also verify the quality of respondent communities they are surveying, says Cint, a global provider of market intelligence solutions. 

With investment being significant in most cases for marketing campaigns, it is crucial to make certain activity is worthwhile and provides a good return. The availability of DIY research makes it easier and more accessible to do this economically. However, if the survey panel isn't properly validated or maintained, the research, and therefore the campaigns it informs, is likely to be a bad investment.


Cint’s CEO, Bo Mattsson, explains: “The plethora of ways to gather market insight in the modern world, via channels such as social networks and quick online surveys, means that many marketers are taking the opportunity to capitalize on ease of access to opinions. However, those investing in campaigns based on the intelligence gathered should be confident of the integrity of the insight source. 

"Marketers should consider a variety of factors such as how the panel participants being used are sourced. For instance, do they encompass both the internet savvy and those that aren't? Is duplication of respondents across several sources negated and can communities be verified as having an authentic interest in the brand’s sector? 

“The answers to these questions will provide vital information as to whether the panel is credible and fit for purpose. Basing any campaign on precarious insight is money wasted and, in both a competitive arena and cost-conscious era, it can be detrimental to any business or brand."

As spring arrives and motorcyclists prepare to get their vehicles back on the road by checking components for safety, CTEK, a global battery protection brand, is reminding bike owners to carefully examine their batteries and undertake multiple-step maintenance charges.

Batteries must be correctly stored when not in use over the winter months; if they are not, it is likely they will become severely discharged, sulphated and stratified. If neglected in this way, the life of the battery will be reduced and the chance of an unexpected breakdown will be increased. Additionally, by not undertaking a proper battery charging routine, for example thinking a ‘trickle’ charger will ensure the battery is in peak condition, further harm could be done by under or overcharging. 

Owners of buildings used for commercial purposes must be savvy on the safety requirements for such buildings, if they are to stay within the law and keep tenants and users safe, according to leading intelligent business solutions provider Remark. Safety checks and corresponding certificates are vital, it says, as contact with faulty wiring and components or appliances, causes of some of the highest percentages of both non-fatal and fatal incidents in the UK*.

Shouting and screaming, quietly contemplating or strategically calculating - just a few of the bingo playing personas unveiled by Bingo Appy, to celebrate a new era for Britain's favourite hobby.

Social sound platform Audioboo has announced that a host of university radio stations have joined the platform, including teams from Warwick, Sheffield, Bristol, Sunderland, Portsmouth and Exeter. Audioboo unveiled a site redesign at the start of this year, followed by a new Android app in February - developments which have already resulted in an influx of new users, notably in the student and higher education sector. 

Rob Proctor, CEO of Audioboo the audio news platform commented: 
“We are over the moon that so many of the next generation of broadcasting talent have chosen to work with Audioboo. We’ve always been aware of the huge potential that the platform offers radio stations – bringing sound into their social media presence and offering an alternative to old-fashioned phone-ins. These latest additions have been using their channels in an exemplary way, and we’re looking forward to following them in their future careers!”

The results of a recent survey undertaken by CTEK, a global manufacturer of battery charging and accessory products, revealed that one third of women (34 per cent) said they would not attempt to charge their car battery. Therefore, the battery care brand is advising female vehicle owners to be more confident with undertaking a maintenance routine and reminding them how simple and safe the activity is when using a smart battery charger.

Research by Sainsbury’s supermarket in the UK found that the typical Brit spent an average of 64 days wandering around the local supermarket in their lifetime*. Global technology company, Synqera advises retailers to make the most of the opportunity offered by this to provide engaging in-store experiences to encourage shoppers to buy more.

Retailers are increasingly looking at ways to maximise in-store marketing opportunities to cross-sell, up-sell and provide a more enjoyable customer experience to increase engagement. A recent Global Powers of Retailing study from Deloitte** has predicted a major shift in retailing that will result from a ‘collision of the virtual and physical world’, envisaging that there will be an increase in brands integrating their online and offline marketing campaigns with in-store activity. In the current economic climate, brands that are keeping shoppers interested and engaged with compelling in-store experiences that will result in purchases, are likely to reap immediate rewards to the bottom line.

Games will take an exciting twist this week as 888ladies give bingo players the opportunity to win one of three mystery prizes worth up to £100. The prizes will be available from Monday 18^th March right up until midnight on Thursday 21^st March.

With enterprising music artists continuing to take advantage of social networks and digital music services to promote their work, A&R executives can benefit from surveying the users of such platforms in order to help identify up-and-coming trends and musicians to sign, suggests Cint, a global provider of tools to obtain market intelligence. 

Brand loyalty has taken a backseat in recent times, as promotions have played a bigger part in shopping decisions. However, Synqera, a leading retail technology company, says the ever-changing face of retail and the latest innovations in the industry mean brand loyalty needn’t be a thing of the past.

Research by CTEK, a global battery protection and care brand, has found that a high proportion of motorcyclists are uninformed of the risks associated with using the incorrect type of battery charger to maintain their vehicle’s battery, which can lead to complications such as battery sulphation.

There will be happy bunnies aplenty this March as 888ladies is running a series of Easter-themed games including its ''VERY Good Friday'' promotion in which one lucky player could take home £2,000. The £5k jackpot game, takes place on Friday 29^thMarch at 8pm and cards are just 25p in the eggs-citing game.

In partnership with Star Micronics, pioneering technology start-up Synqera will this week showcase its ground-breaking retail solution in the UK for the first time at the Retail Technology Business Expo (RBTE) in Earls Court, London. 

Synqera has joined forces with the global company for the leading trade event (12-13 March 2013). Together they will unveil an in-store hardware device called the Synqera Loyalty Printer, which uses Synqera’s software and Star Micronics’ hardware to deliver bespoke, printed, personalised shopping lists, recipes, coupons and special offers to customers at the entrance to a retail store.

In addition, at RBTE Synqera will also be showcasing its POS hardware, Simplate, which harnesses the Synqera software and is designed to capture consumer attention during their idle time at the checkout. It also supports a variety of contactless payment methods. 

This first-of-its-kind engagement solution by Synqera uses Big Data analysis and draws on customer data, such as purchase history, alongside business intelligence, for instance current promotions, to trigger relevant content to consumers in real time via a scenario generation engine. 

Both the Synqera Loyalty Printer and Simplate can integrate with existing retail membership programmes by reading customer loyalty cards, and both feature colourful touch screens, barcode scanners, and NFC/swipe functionality.

As brands continue to look for new ways to maintain a dialogue with consumers though social networks, Audioboo is reminding companies not to overlook the benefits of the spoken word, and to integrate the use of dedicated sound platforms into campaigns.

This February marked the fifth anniversary of one of the UK's premier bingo sites, 888ladies, and to celebrate players can win up to £5 million in its Golden Ticket jackpot promotion.

There's nothing quite like a mother's love - unconditional all year around, so Mothering Sunday is the one time of the year we can stop and make time for our mothers to thank them for their devotion. In celebration of this, ChuckleMonster, an online retailer of cards for all occasions, is lending a helping hand with some Mother's Day offers and a Twitter competition.

According to a study eight out of 10 people* support the UK using renewable energy to generate power. What’s frustrating is that while green energy is high on the public’s agenda the number of consumers and businesses making the switch is still low, says Doug Stewart, CEO of Green Energy UK.

In order to hold attention during presentations, an increasing number of business people are utilising interactive whiteboards as a medium for getting their message across in a captivating and inspiring manner in meetings, finds the Remark Group, an innovator in intelligent business technology.

To meet consumer demand and reach its ambitious global growth plans Audioboo, the leading social sound platform, has unveiled its stunning new platform which is set to make sending, finding and sharing ‘boos’ even easier for millions of users.

Dubbed as ‘Twitter for audio’, Audioboo allows users to create sound clips, also known as boos, via the web or mobile. A title and an accompanying photograph can be attached to the boo before it is posted for anyone to listen to, plus all boos can be shared easily on other social media platforms. 

A firm favourite with celebrities including Stephen Fry, Imogen Heap and Brian Blessed the platform, which has an ever growing user-base of over 1.5 million, is taking the recording, listening and sharing of audio to the next level. Already labelled as the number one ‘go-to’ sound community, Audioboo is hoping to build on its success as the preferred platform for consumers, brands, global media and celebrities. The streamlined design, which is more user-intuitive and friendly includes the following fresh features:

• Timeline and ‘BooWalls’ provide a more visual rundown of recent activity, favourites and popular boos;
• Featured boos and channels plus trending content – allows users to easily listen to audio and share the most popular and attention-grabbing boos, as well as discover new channels;
• Improved channels and categories to make searching for your favourite content easier than ever;
• BooBoards – allows users to create unlimited bespoke playlists and curate their favourite content; 
• One-click sign up – integration with Twitter for simple sign-up, sign-in and social sharing. 

Not only is Audioboo recruiting more well-renowned and credible content partners, including media giants such as BBC and CNBC, but its team members are also attending high-profile global events to capture and share exclusive content. Most recently Audioboo attended The British Comedy Awards and The Sundance Film Festival; the boos from which were shared and used by media and bloggers around the world. 

Furthermore, in collaboration with The British Music Experience, presented by The Co-operative, Audioboo is at the heart of The People’s Songs Gallery, which opened on 29 January. Visitors are invited to record audio of their own memories of the songs that helped shaped Britain on the Audioboo terminals, as well as explore the show’s archive, listen to episodes and hear comments from other music fans. The gallery, part of the museum experience at The O2, is in partnership with the landmark BBC Radio 2 series The People’s Songs, written and presented by Stuart Maconie. 

Rob Proctor, Audioboo’s CEO, commented: “Since its launch in 2009, Audioboo has grown year-on-year, and the introduction of our new improved look, features and functionality marks a coming of age moment for the platform. We have also just announced our expansion into the US with the appointment of a managing director, so 2013 is already signalling a year of global expansion. 

“Audioboo is an active community, but it’s much more than just a social network. In particular this is thanks to the huge range of content partners that utilise the platform on a daily basis and the exclusive content we provide ourselves from events, such as the Sundance Film Festival. From sports teams to charities, BBC radio and television shows to educational establishments, the range of boos is impressive to say the least and I’m particularly looking forward The People’s Songs event capturing the music memories of UK. Plus, broadcast journalists are using the platform to impart up-to-the-minute audio news reports and online media sites are embedding clips to augment stories. Our vision is to be as synonymous with audio as YouTube is for video and we’re well on our way.”

In addition, Audioboo is currently finalising new versions of its iOS, Android and Windows apps and working on even more new features, which will be revealed throughout 2013. 

 In order to avoid costly breakdowns, CTEK, a global battery maintenanceand care brand, is highlighting to boat owners the importance and simplicity of ensuring vessels’ batteries are correctly installed and maintained.

Retailers need to embrace the opportunities that technology offers to thrive and reap rewards in 2013, according to innovative technology company Synqera, who have released their year ahead predictions.

Despite the winter blues sweeping the nation, any new player joining Wink, one of the UK's friendliest bingo sites, can enjoy a little sunshine with great bonus deals and incentives as well as impressive daily jackpots.

Office reception areas provide an opportunity for businesses to promote their products and services to visitors, and installing modern audio visual equipment can enhance their experience, suggests the Remark Group, an innovator in intelligent business technology. Digital signage and accompanying audio can not only boost the atmosphere, but it can also create a space where guests will feel welcome and engaged. 

Increasingly, organisations are embracing sophisticated AV installation as a tool for involving and entertaining guests visiting their offices, as well as using it as an opportunity to promote their offering. Many companies use the technology to broadcast television news channels in order to ensure visitors, and staff coming and going from the building, are well informed. In addition, AV equipment is utilised to communicate company news in a creative way, for example promoting the latest deals, products or services. Also, case studies that clients and potential partners or customers may not be aware of can be made use of.

Remark’s IT and AV Manager, David Lyons, comments: “Technology has come on leaps and bounds in the past few decades and sophisticated AV equipment maximises messaging opportunities, especially in reception areas. Forward-thinking companies are really embracing it as an opportunity to advertise their services externally and to reinforce the messages to employees. 

“There are a host of different options available for organisations looking to enhance their reception area, whatever their budget. Bespoke solutions can be delivered depending on the company sector, size and objectives of the installation. By using the latest technology, installed by experts with the correct network cabling, organisations will be positioning themselves as being ahead of the curve and portray a lasting impression of professionalism to the outside world. By communicating with stakeholders creatively, efficiently and cost-effectively, the use of AV equipment in the reception area can lead to a positive impact on the bottom line.”

Print and online publishers under financial pressure would be wise to look towards market research in order to generate additional income, advises Cint, a global panel management and market insight software provider.

The ever increasing popularity of private car registrations has meant that demand for merchandise themed around them has grown accordingly. Car registrations enthusiasts are eager consumers of the registrations themselves as well as related newsletters, magazines, books and other collectibles and gifts. In the hope of going some way towards satisfying this huge appetite for number plates items, Regtransfers, the largest independent private plates specialist in the UK, now offers a range of books and models aimed at the private plates fan.

CTC, the national cycling charity is launching a UK-based elite women’s cycling team that will take on a number of big races in the 2013 racing calendar.

Retaining consumer interest and loyalty is extremely challenging, as many shoppers make their decisions based purely on price. However, using cross-channel technology to engage customers can reap great rewards, and retailers slow to embrace these tools will miss out, advises Synqera.

Many different people adopt energy saving practices - from those who are eco-aware to those who simply want to reduce their utility bills. But as the months get colder and winter sets in being green tends to become less of a priority to staying warm, so sustainable energy provider green energy uk urges homes and businesses to do their best to stay true to energy saving this winter.

According to major breakdown recovery services, battery failure is one of the most common reasons for mechanics to be called out each year. Therefore, CTEK, a global battery maintenance and care brand, is highlighting the most common reasons for a vehicles battery to fail and reminding drivers how simple it can be to avoid these issues.

As industry experts debate the importance of ad impressions and clicks in creating conversions, Cint, a global provider of market insight software, advises brands to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to online display advertising by using consumer research to improve their return on investment.

Face-to-face contact in business, for example with clients, colleagues and business partners, is key to maintaining good relationships and effective working practices, but when overseas travel is required costs to have meetings in person can quickly spiral. Therefore, intelligent business technology provider, the Remark Group is reminding companies that using cutting-edge audio and visual conferencing equipment and software could result in significant travel, and accommodation, savings.

As the year draws to a close and Big Ben strikes twelve, many will be thinking about what positive changes they want to make for 2013. Instead of the usual ‘go to the gym more’, or ‘cut out the booze’, business electricity provider green energy uk urges people to green-up their New Year’s resolutions to become even more environmentally friendly.

The Remark Group, intelligent business technology innovator, has been named home sponsor of Middlesbrough Football Club’s Marvin Emnes for the 2012-2013 season. 

After installing the club’s business telephone systems in 2011 and providing on going aftercare since, the brand decided to sponsor the Dutch player. This is the second year running in which Remark has supported a striker at the north-east club. 

Named Middlesbrough’s top scorer last season, Marvin Emnes will continue to play up front this year with Remark’s backing in the Championship. Emnes joined the club in July 2008 from Sparta Rotterdam for £3.2 million and has continually received praise with accolades such as man of the match and player of the weekend as well as top scorer.

James McCallum, Managing Director of Remark, said: “Over the past two years we have enjoyed a great relationship with Middlesbrough Football Club and the sponsorship of Marvin Emnes is our way of showing our support, not only for Middlesbrough’s talented team, but also for the world class football being played. We wish the club every success for the remainder of the 2012/2013 season.” 

Emnes comments on the sponsorship: “It’s nice to know there are companies out there who want to give the players their backing. I’d like to thank everyone at the Remark Group for their support and wish them every success. I’m looking forward to meeting them at the sponsors’ lunch later in the season.”

The retail market may have experienced a downturn in recent years due to the challenging economic climate; however, according to leading technology firm Synqera, brand loyalty is the key to growth in the retail sector. Therefore, retailers should be doing everything they can to support brands in their efforts to secure loyal followers.

Cint, a global provider of market research tools, has increased its access to the opinions of thousands of healthcare professionals in the US through a new partnership with DMD (Delta Marketing Dynamics) and an extension to its existing collaboration with ImpactRx (a Symphony Health Solutions Company).

Every year, severe winter weather stops people from travelling, but when this happens en route it can be a frightening experience for the driver and passengers who may not know how long they will be stranded. CTEK, a leading brand of smart battery charging and testing products, is therefore urging car owners to prepare an emergency kit comprising the essentials and to leave it in the vehicle through the winter months.

Keeping Warm

Whether snow or an untimely breakdown has stopped travel, it’s crucial for people to keep warm whilst waiting for assistance. A blanket and a waterproof coat should be the minimum amount of clothing to be kept in a boot. Or, before old winter clothes are sent to the bin or charity shop, key items should be packed in a bag for the car. Furthermore, a blanket can be used under a tyre to gain traction when stuck in a snow drift.

Keeping Visible 

A high-visibility vest or coat is ideal to keep in a vehicle all year round. However, a driver who doesn’t own clothing with such reflective strips is best to make sure at least one item in the emergency kit is nice and bright. This is to make signalling for help easier. Red or orange are the clearest colours for signalling, and if the bright item is a hat or scarf it serves two purposes. Keeping a torch in the car is also a must, but the batteries should be regularly checked or else a wind-up model should be purchased.

Keeping in Contact

The worst luck can happen at the most inopportune of times and having a dead mobile phone battery whilst stranded would be one of those moments. If the vehicle’s battery has failed, a phone charger that works via the car’s cigarette lighter will not be of use. Keep a battery powered phone charger with a set of new batteries at hand, just in case.

Keeping Going

A winter blizzard can turn a 30 minute journey into hours of waiting, so keeping a bottle of water and some food in a car is always a good idea. High-calorie fitness bars, packets of dried fruit and nuts, sweets and crisps are good choices because they won’t perish. 

Jan-Ulf Soderberg, CTEK’s head of brand and marketing, said: “Just as you take steps to look after your car for the winter, for example, checking the radiator’s anti-freeze content and using a smart battery charger to top the charge to the optimum level, you should look after yourself when making a journey in cold, snowy weather. We’re reminding drivers to pack an emergency kit in their cars because breakdowns happen at the most unexpected time and snow can stop a vehicle in its tracks very quickly. Just a few minutes of preparation could keep you warm and safe this winter.”

The payment point in a retail environment is an under-utilised opportunity to up-sell and cross-sell, according to leading technology company Synqera. It says that both retailers and brands could benefit from considering ways to capitalise upon this crucial step in the consumer journey, as apart from driving sales, it is an excellent moment to increase customer loyalty.

Ahead of the 1^st March 2013 display date for the new '13' car registrations, it is possible to place advance orders for these number plates now. The official release date is 4th December, and the number plates may not actually be displayed on on-the-road vehicles until March, but many people are placing their advance orders early in a bid to avoid disappointment.

Utilising hand luggage allowances instead of hold baggage when booking air travel can seem like a cost-effective option, but having to discard items that cannot be taken on board due to restrictions on liquids can soon negate savings, warns baggage shipping provider Send My Bag. Despite the established rules on liquids in cabin bags, travellers are still either confused about what can be taken on board, or simply forget – an expensive error in some cases.

With less than 20 per cent of travellers now booking hold luggage, the scene of travellers discarding sometimes expensive products prior to entering the departure lounge is a common sight. 

Adam Ewart, Send My Bag founder, says: “We’ve all been at airport security and watched in sympathy as people are forced to throw away liquids including drinks, or perhaps toiletry items such as deodorant. It can be frustrating having to discard perfectly good items, but in some cases, where items being left behind include expensive creams or perfumes, this can really turn what started off as a cost-cutting exercise into a real expense.

“In such cases, it could be cheaper to check in bags, or find alternative options for taking luggage away with you! Careful planning, by assessing what items need to be taken and whether they warrant the cost of hold luggage if they don’t meet regulations is the answer to all of these problems."

Send My Bag offers a luggage shipping service which is cost effective for holidaymakers and allows them to avoid excess baggage shipping fees as well as the baggage carousel at the destination airport. In many cases, the baggage can be shipped directly to the accommodation, making the process even easier and hassle-free.

Adam launched Send My Bag initially to cater for travelling students shipping uni baggage, offering them a reliable and cost-effective service. It has since evolved and become popular with travellers looking to avoid costly excess baggage fees often associated with low cost airlines.

Across the majority of sectors over recent years, brands have witnessed customer loyalty decline. In response, Cint, a global provider of consumer research tools, suggests one simple way of encouraging customers to be more faithful is to offer them more opportunities to change the shape of new and existing products.  

With thousands of classic car enthusiasts heading to Birmingham this week for the Classic Motor Show, CTEK, a global battery maintenance and care brand is highlighting the importance of implementing an effective battery maintenance regime for the classic and vintage cars, especially during the winter.

A recent report on the world's greenest businesses has highlighted finance as a shining example of a sector demonstrating great green credentials. However, businesses large and small can do their bit without significant cost or effort, says green energy uk, a sustainable energy provider.

A new multimedia payment terminal has been launched today to heighten consumer engagement at the checkout and create greater brand and retailer loyalty. SIMPLATE, a new media communication device is being brought to the market by Synqera, an innovative technology firm, to reach out to the 60% of consumers who are willing to pay more for a product in a store they are loyal to.

As the year draws to a close, many brand managers and marketers are looking ahead and beginning to plan for 2013. Cint, a global provider of market research tools urges them to gain pertinent insight into their customers before finalizing these plans in order to develop a strategy that delivers maximum effect.

Losing luggage can be a traumatic experience, but travellers face losing more than just possessions, says Send My Bag, the provider of a simple and affordable way to ship luggage. Being without clothing, essential personal items and accessories is inconvenient and stressful enough, but losing electronically-stored photographs and entire music collections can be a major set-back at the beginning or end of a holiday.

Lost baggage is sadly not unusual – according to SendmyBag, at least one in every 45 bags goes astray. Adam Ewart, Send My Bag founder, says: “Losing a piece of luggage is a worry for every traveller and much more common that anyone thinks. People are often insured which will cover the replacement of these items, but it doesn’t make it any less of a hassle. In the case of lost photos stored on a camera or other device, nothing will bring them back. It’s actually the main thing we find people are most worried about losing – photos are treasured and irreplaceable.”

Adam founded Send My Bag in response to the growing number of passengers requiring reliable and cost-effective baggage shipping. Initially aimed at students who travel with extra luggage and receive packages from home, the service has grown among people who became disgruntled with increasingly complicated rules around cabin and hold baggage adopted by low-cost airlines, and the extortionate excess baggage shipping fees that can so often be imposed.

Adam continues: “Travelling can be stressful enough without worrying about the different rules that different airlines have around baggage allowances – add on top of that the worry of losing a bag, it’s no wonder people are opting for a dedicated baggage shipping service. This service is now popular with families as well as people who are embarking on a sports trip and need to take extra equipment.”

In recent years, the growing need to look for alternative power sources has brought the subject of green energy to the top of the news agenda. However, according to green energy uk, a sustainable energy provider, it isn’t a new concept – green ways of generating energy are older than people might think.

As the original international man of mystery returns to theatres around the world, Regtransfers is encouraging Brits to get in touch with their inner secret agent through a handsome discount on number plates inspired by Bond.

A hot topic at the recent Automechanika trade fair was the significant battery support needed to program the increasingly complex activities coordinated by engine control units (ECUs) in vehicles, says CTEK, a global leader in smart battery charger development.

An ECU, also known as a powertrain control module (PCM), is responsible for controlling mechanisms within an engine that encourage optimal performance. It does this through a microprocessor that monitors information from several sensors within the engine and makes necessary adjustments. As automobiles have become fitted with modern features like cruise control, automatic transmission, traction control, and so on, ECUs have had to evolve in response. They are now responsible for controlling vital functions such as fuel injection, airflow, temperature, idle speed, and various valve settings. 

ECUs rely upon a vehicle's battery during normal operation to perform properly, but they also call for higher levels of support during programming phases. In order to be programmed effectively, an ECU must be hooked into a computer while the engine is running to calibrate a wide range of functions to specific settings. This operation can vary in complexity according to the vehicle, but usually include defining ignition timing, RPM limits, water temperatures, acceleration enrichment, compensation for fluctuations in fuel pressure, and more. Without adequate battery supply during the programming process, errors could result and the ECU could be damaged; the diagnostic process could be disrupted resulting in incomplete system analytics and subsequent problems. 

Jan-Ulf Soderberg, head of brand and marketing at CTEK, says: “While we were already aware of the relationship between battery performance and the growing sophistication of ECUs in vehicles, we were surprised at how popular the subject turned out to be at Automechanika. Our booth at the show was buzzing with fascinating conversations about how the increasing complexity of these devices and the multiplying demands placed upon them require advanced battery support.

"The upshot of these conversations is that complicated processes require robust technological solutions. Intelligent battery support for today's powerful machines is more important than ever. We are confident that the right smart charger can help to prevent costly damage to ECUs, as well as avoiding the potential for battery failure during the programming process, which could lead to a variety of troublesome issues." 

With a raft of budget airlines battling to give travellers the best airfares, booking the cheapest flight possible can often feel like a victory for the consumer, but with the wide variance in baggage fees, finding the best deal goes beyond the cost of a flight says baggage shipping firm, SendmyBag.

Most people understand the value of being self-sufficient and in an attempt to contribute to producing sustainable energy; they recycle, compost and install solar panels. green energy uk recognises that the UK is full of pockets of green energy producers who continually contribute to the UK's already well-established sustainable efforts via wind and solar farms.

Companies looking to gain market insight from as large a number of individuals as possible would stand out from competitors by integrating and insight solution to their existing survey software, advises Cint, the provider of market research tools. As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive on global scale, brands that get ahead will be the ones that have a thorough understanding of their target market, and the most effective way of doing this is by obtaining market insight from as wide a pool as possible. 

As no single travel or comparison site is able to provide the best deal every time, travellers should evaluate what’s on offer to ensure they have a spectacular holiday, without the scary travel costs. The world’s first meta metasearch engine that searches up to 16 flight comparison sites on the users’ behalf, CheapFlightsFinder.com, has found three ghostly locations perfect for a Halloween break.

CTEK, a global vehicle battery care brand, is reminding consumers that so called maintenance free batteries do still require charging in order to keep them in optimum condition.

Travellers are used to adhering to strict hand baggage rules when flying, but many are confused about the rules regarding the size and weight allowance, finds Send My Bag, the provider of a simple and affordable way to ship luggage. As many people try to save money when travelling, particularly with low cost airlines, choosing to only take cabin baggage is becoming the norm, but the rules vary significantly depending on the carrier chosen, meaning they can often be caught out with fines.

 It seems only five minutes ago we were donning shorts and flip flops whilst enjoying the short summer, but as the days get colder and we turn on our heating for the chillier months, there is no need to forget your green credentials says sustainable energy provider, green energy uk.

At the international trade fair, Automechanika, leading manufacturer of battery chargers and extras, CTEK, launched three new exciting accessories.

This month, the UK government research roster comes into force. The government should use this opportunity to encourage technological advances in consumer research, says Bo Mattsson, CEO of Cint, the global provider of tools for obtaining market insight.

Often the term 'green energy' conjures up thoughts of wind farms and solar panels, but these two options are merely scratching the surface of the range of sustainable sources available to us. When thinking about green energy generators we should start to open our minds to the wealth of options, says sustainable energy supplier green energy uk.

Findings from the Holt review have positively highlighted areas for development within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) Believes leading learning management provider Perspective. The areas to develop include apprentice training and courses, with the government reviewing the Apprentice Grant for Employers (AGE) scheme and training standards as a sign of support.

Jason Holt, appointed by the government to head an employer-led review of apprenticeships, stated that SMEs are finding poor strategy, insufficient authority and a lack of awareness as obstacles to take on apprentices. Holt’s report suggested that more needs to be done to inform SMEs of the AGE scheme and, in addition to this, the performance of training providers should be measured with consequences for those not reaching the requirements. 

In response to Holt’s discoveries, the government has announced up to 40,000 grants are to be provided in a bid to widen the AGE scheme. Where previously the grants were exclusively available to businesses recruiting 16- to 24-year-olds, with a maximum employment total of 240 employees, new government proposals will allow companies with up to a maximum number of 1,000 workers to apply for up to £1,500 in grant investment. Furthermore, the reformed grants are expected to be paid in one initial amount as opposed to the current split payment method, which is hoped to encourage employers take on multiple apprentices.

In light of the study, the government has addressed the issues of communicating information about the AGE scheme. Additionally, it has stated that training provider standards are to be monitored going forward. 

Paul Davis, managing director of Perspective, an established provider of education tracking software, said: “The government’s support for small and medium enterprises and of the AGE scheme is important for continual progression in the development of apprenticeships. SMEs need more clarification and structure when taking on new apprentices and with the improvement of communicating the reformed scheme, more SMEs should take advantage of it, with more apprentices enrolling as a result.”

Perspective is a leading provider of individual learning plans, with its student management system, Sunesis, being implemented by numerous local authorities and businesses around the UK and subsequently being responsible for monitoring millions of learners. For more information, please visit www.perspective-uk.com or call 0121 506 9540.

Brands that are considering changing their straplines should first carry out market research to increase the likelihood of customers staying loyal to the company, according to market research tools provider, Cint.

As the tempestuous British summertime weather sends Brits on summer sun-seeking missions - falling over themselves to capitalise on last minute holiday deals - CheapFlightsFinder.com, the world's first website to compare up to 16 metasearch engines for cheap flights, warns consumers that using one flight comparison website may mean they are not accessing the best deal.

People looking to buy or sell personalised number plates can now benefit from the advice of others who have been in the same position, as Regtransfers, the largest independent provider of personalised number plates in the UK, has used extensive customer feedback to shape the functionality of its re-launched auction site.

As record highs are set around the world during an erratic summer in the northern hemisphere, people should keep a watchful eye on the condition of their vehicles’ batteries, advises CTEK, a battery charging specialist.

CheapFlightsFinder.com, the world’s first website to compare up to 16 metasearch engines for cheap flights, has found that the cost of an identical economy return flight from London to New York can differ by as much as £165 per ticket.

 In some cases the very mention of being green conjures images of ditching our home comforts and turning to tree-hugging and wearing hessian sandals. However, making environmentally friendly decisions doesn't need to mean a life change, says sustainable energy supplier green energy uk.

While market research is deemed an important tool in the measurement of consumer perception of brands, products and service offerings, it is under-used as a resource to aid in all business decision-making, suggests Cint, a global provider of market research software and panel management solutions. 

Market research can go above and beyond obtaining the opinions of current and potential customers. It is a valuable channel that can be used advantageously on a much larger scale than is often currently the case in order to provide business intelligence, which assists management to make informed decisions. For example, a brand could better understand whether opening a new distribution center or offices in a new location would be beneficial or if the conditions are right to move into a new geographical market, perhaps in another continent. 

The arrival of DIY tools has made gaining market insight even more accessible to businesses that need to reach very specific target audiences and also more cost efficient. Furthermore, the boom in internet and mobile device use has revolutionized the way in which research is carried out, meaning brands can obtain answers fast, whether that’s to inform a move into the Chinese market, a marketing strategy, or a product’s color. 

Bo Mattsson, CEO of Cint, comments: “Market research in relation to customer perception and customer satisfaction is a widely-used tactic and can provide companies with real insight. However, it isn’t being fully exploited by businesses; many are unaware of the scope and potential that gaining opinions can bring outside a consumer research remit, for example, in relation to competitor analysis and other key business factors. 

“Market research can provide businesses with the intelligence to enable them to make the right decisions about key issues such as the direction of the business, the introduction of new products or services and other success-defining aspects. The ill-perceived hassle-factor and price tag can be a barrier to companies using these methods, but new technologies are actually user-friendly, reliable and cost-effective.” 

The batteries of agricultural vehicles that are stored for long periods of the year, but also must work at maximum capacity during a particular time, such as harvest-time, must be cared for throughout the year to ensure they are ready for action whenever required, reminds CTEK, a leading battery charging brand.

As the environment is an increasingly prominent issue to both individuals and businesses, choosing sustainable energy for the good of the planet offers a double-whammy in terms of benefit to businesses, says green energy uk. As well as the environmental aspects, choosing to go green can really boost credentials when it comes to a company’s CSR policy. In the current business climate, this is a key consideration.

As the class of 2012 receives their diplomas, they are being confronted with bleak news regarding their job prospects, such as figures recently released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) that indicated 20,000 graduates of the class of 2011 are still unemployed. Perspective, a leading developer of apprentice monitoring software, believes that this tough economic climate can be successfully addressed by raising awareness and enrolment in apprenticeship programmes.

CTEK is celebrating being awarded the Auto Express ‘Best Battery Charger’. The leading smart battery charger provider is especially pleased to have received this title as it marks the fourth year in a row that CTEK has picked up the top award.

Intense competition has always been a component of the media industry. With the prevalence of technology enabling anyone to self-publish, content producers must now offer exactly what people want in order to attain and keep loyal readers, says Cint, global market research software provider.

When thinking of making great savings this summer, many thoughts will turn to sourcing savvy deals on last minute holidays to sunnier climes, but consumers shouldn't forget those all-important energy savings steps to cut their carbon footprint while holidaying away from home, advises sustainable energy supplier green energy uk.

High Fliers Research is a prominent organisation that conducts graduate recruitment research at the UK’s top universities. The company’s survey also revealed that this application number is an 11 per cent increase of the average applications received per post in 2011. Additionally, the study delved further into the state of the graduate market this year and discovered that many well-known organisations have already completed their recruiting efforts for 2012 after having filled their available positions. The report was based on responses from 100 employers in the UK, deemed to be the leading recruiters in the graduate market. These employers also stated that graduate applications have risen by 25 per cent since 2009.

To avoid a breakdown catastrophe, those who are planning to either drive to their holiday destination or to the airport to go on vacation this summer should ensure they have undertaken the correct battery checks and maintenance, advises CTEK, a leading brand of smart battery chargers.

According to global smart battery charger brand CTEK, vehicles that are used predominantly for infrequent and short journeys, such as the 'school-run', are the most vulnerable to not starting on Monday morning, necessitating a regular weekend battery charging routine.

With the economy continuing to struggle and the risk of another potential recession remaining apparent, online retailers must ensure a robust business offering to achieve market success in the e-commerce sector. Having a full understanding of the wants and opinions of their target market is a vital step in doing so, according to market research tools provider, Cint. 

To combat the cost of increasing overhead, some retailers are instead taking to the virtual marketplace and swapping brick and mortar businesses for e-commerce stores. The popularity of internet shopping has increased dramatically over the last five years with online retail giants prospering while shopping mall stores continue to struggle. However, a vital factor that online retailers must always bear in mind is the importance of knowing and understanding the needs, attitudes and habits of online shoppers and how they differ with mall shoppers. This is why any company that sells its products online should always carry out consumer research prior to the launch of a site, whether they believe they already have an understanding of the retail market or not.

Attracting a customer to a store in a shopping mall can be dependent on an interesting window display, however, guiding customers to a website is less direct. Companies looking to embark on e-commerce sales must have a clear understanding of online shopping trends and know what it takes to (1) gain visitors to the website and (2) convert those visitors to sales.

Bo Mattsson, CEO of Cint, comments: “Retail companies must always gather market intelligence before establishing an e-commerce business in order to better understand the opinions of their target audience and ensure they will see a valuable return on investment. Knowing the shopping habits of a target audience – spending routines, the times of the day in which they visit the site, the length of time they spend shopping online, their delivery requirements – are all factors that must be reviewed before taking that e-commerce step, and this level of insight can only be achieved by carrying out market research.

“Only once thorough insight has been gathered will online retail companies be able to align their business plan with a coherent e-marketing strategy via social media channels, digital advertising, PR or by carrying out a voucher or discount code promotion to attract online users to their site. Knowing the opinions of customers will mean they are better placed to understand the wants and needs of their prospective customers – which in this treacherous marketplace is a definite must.”

For further information on the market research tools available please visit www.cint.com. 

London Calling, the superlative season of programming highlighting everything wonderful about the city as it prepares to host the 2012 Olympic Games, began with live coverage of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, which achieved record-breaking results for BBC channels across the globe. 

As the United Kingdom joyfully commemorated the 60 years Queen Elizabeth II has been on the throne, millions of people across the globe tuned in to enjoy the spectacular festivities as they were broadcast live by BBC Worldwide Channels. Close to 5 million¹ viewers around the World watched The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations during 3-5 June, setting regional records for several channels during the broadcasts. 

The broadcast was wildly popular in Singapore, positioning BBC Knowledge as the top factual channel and the most watched non-kids international channel among all Pay TV channels during 1-5 June². The live programming delivered BBC Knowledge’s best performance for Sunday-Tuesday, in terms of percentage of overall television share, since it was launched in 2007. 

In South Africa, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Thames Pageant was watched by more people than any other programme on BBC Entertainment since January of 2011. In Australia, the Diamond Jubilee coverage was also a success, with two of the events clinching top ratings for STV programmes in their respective time slots and categories. 

Likewise, people in Poland viewed the broadcast in large numbers, with two of the events earning the highest reach for individual programmes on BBC Entertainment thus far this year. Additionally, BBC Entertainment became the third most popular international channel in the cable satellite universe for its time slot³ during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: Concert. Norwegians also pushed BBC Entertainment to record numbers during the concert with the channel earning the highest ever share in Norway?. 

To find out about the diverse BBC programmes being shown during the London Calling season, such as Olympic-themed programming like the hilarious comedy series Twenty Twelve, which will get viewers even more excited to watch the Olympics on TV later in the summer, please visit www.londoncallingbbc.com or your local BBC website.

This autumn, the legend of Merlin and Arthur of Camelot will be immortalised as an online game. Delivered in authentic style, Merlin The Game is the new release from Bossa Studios, creators of BAFTA-winning game Monstermind.

green energy uk, a leading provider of eco-friendly electricity, has highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns to educate people about cleaner, greener energy – coinciding with Global Wind Day. Taking place on 15^th June, Global Wind Day is an annual event worldwide that raises the profile of wind power and the possibilities it has to change the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's youth contract scheme has come under criticism for being 'bureaucratic and inefficient'. Leading education tracking software provider Perspective believes more needs to be done to reverse the ill-performing youth contract to help reverse the growing trend of youth unemployment.

CTEK, a leading producer of battery maintenance and charging devices, is looking to highlight its dedicated smart battery charger for disability vehicles. The connector plug is designed to work with CTEK’s 24V 4A smart battery charger to help mobility vehicle owners properly condition and maintain their batteries to ensure maximum range and life span are achieved.

The dashing duo is at it again and the World will be able to enjoy the exploits of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. BBC Worldwide Channels is bringing the team of sleuths to television screens across the globe as part of the London Calling season of special programming.

The recent announcement from the Government that the duration of apprenticeships will be lengthened has been praised by Perspective, a leading UK provider of education tracking software. The backing from Perspective has come following the pledge of support from Mark Farrar, chief executive of CITB-ConstructionSkills.

BBC Worldwide Channels today unveiled www.londoncallingbbc.com - an engaging digital destination to support London Calling, a unique season of programmes airing on BBC channels around the World that celebrates the music, fashion, art, culture and history of Britain’s capital city.

As people put their snowmobiles into storage for the warmer months, they should consider the effects that a long period of dormancy will have on the batteries in their machines, says CTEK, a leading international supplier of smart chargers for batteries of all types.

Reports of signs of recovery in sectors including manufacturing have been widely covered in recent weeks, with news of growth in some business areas. However, according to business leader Richard Close, the sector hasn’t actually been doing too badly over the last year or so.  Richard, the CEO of Briggs Equipment, believes the industry has talked down successes, almost talking itself into doom and gloom – and welcomes the newfound positivity which is being reported in the press.

Reports of investment into the manufacturing supply chain have been welcomed by business leader Richard Close, who believes it is the backbone of British economy. Richard, the CEO of Briggs Equipment, feels that the focus in the UK on building up its financial services sector in the last few decades has been short-sighted, and the recognition of the need to invest in the supply chain is a huge step forward.

Perspective, a leading UK provider of education tracking software, believes current youth unemployment schemes are over complicated and are in fact having an adverse effect, leading to an increase in youth unemployment figures.

Perspective’s comments come in light of the recent release of figures from the LGA. LGA’s research found that the £15 billion system was ‘awash with different strategies and age ranges’ and as such is proving overly complicated. The LGA also cited the growth in ‘core-neets’ – young people who weren’t in education, employment or training for more than 12 months as an indication that current training schemes were failing. 

David Simmonds, chairman of the LGA’s children and young people board, said: "The growing number of core-neets is particularly frustrating for councils, which have a responsibility to look after the welfare of all young people in their area but are restricted in their ability to do so by nationally driven approaches that are failing to get to grips with local issues.”

LGA’s findings suggested that 13 to 24-year-olds, on average, received support from at least eight different national organisations that funded 33 employment schemes across 13 age boundaries. It is this over servicing of available roles and options for young people has led to confusion among young people and the eventual growth in youth unemployment.

Paul Davis, managing director of individual learning plan provider Perspective, commented: “Clearly more needs to be done to lower the ever-increasing level of youth unemployment in the UK. Although £15 billion may have been set aside for schemes to lower unemployment levels, the providers of these schemes need to simplify their availability to encourage as many young people as possible to find work and reverse this growing trend.”

Perspective is a leading provider of learning management software to the UK education market. For more information, please visit www.perspective-uk.com or call 0121 506 9540. 

It is particularly important for specialist businesses that have a niche target audience to carry out market research in order to gain true insight into the opinions of their specific market. Carrying out studies using DIY market research tools allows businesses with niche audiences to reach exactly who they want to quickly and with ease, according to Cint, global providers of insight solutions.

For commercial vehicle operators, breakdowns aren’t just an inconvenience because of the repair costs, they also have a knock on effect that can to lead to missed delivery slots and even greater expenses. However, many breakdowns could be avoided with simple battery management, according to CTEK, a leading global brand in vehicle battery protection and maintenance.

New partnerships increase Cint’s Asia-Pacific panel count to over 1 million accessible in the insight exchange platform, OpinionHUB.