Friday, 17 June 2011

THE BRITISH GAS BIG DIP HEADS TO LONDON AND MANCHESTER

Double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington OBE will officially open a major new urban swim event that is on its way to London and Manchester and offers summer swimming like never before.

The British Gas Big Dip, supported by Speedo the world's leading swim brand is designed to get more people enjoying the benefits of spending time in the pool - a key aim for the partnership between British Swimming and British Gas. This event is set to be the UK's ultimate urban swim festival and features a 25m outdoor pool and a beach.

The UK's ultimate urban swim festival, which is the brainchild of Olympic medallist Steve Parry, builds on the success of the British Gas 'Pools 4 Schools' project held on the south bank of the River Thames in London during 2009, which taught over 2,000 people to swim in just four weeks.

Launching the latest initiative to get more people to enjoy swimming, Steve Parry said:"The British Gas Big Dip offers swimming for all the family and so much more - in fact all the fun of the beach is being taken into two iconic British cities. There's a real focus on teaching people to swim and also sessions which will give people more confidence in the water.

"People who come to the attraction will be able to see England's Volleyball team, exercise and try new activities including giant slides and zorbing pools. There will also be a beach area for non-swimmers with volleyball sessions, yoga, pilates and kids competitions."

Andrew Hogan brand director from British Gas said, "The British Gas Big Dip is a fun and active day out for all the family. Everyone is welcome and British Gas customers will also receive a voucher to take part in one of the extra activities for free."

David Robinson, Speedo brand president said:"We're delighted to be backing this event and we are sure people will take advantage of the fantastic activities that are available for all the family to enjoy. There's so much to do that even the weather won't spoil the fun."


The British Gas Big Dip London takes place in Clapham Common from June 18th to July 17th and the British Gas Big Dip Manchester will be held in Harman Boulevard, Spinningfields from July 30th to August 29th.


Tickets cost just £3 per adult, which includes free admittance for up to two children aged 12 and under. To book your place for this summer's biggest urban swimming festival visitwww.bigdip.co.uk or follow @The_Big_Dip on Twitter for the latest updates.

For more information contact Richard Clein on 0151 244 5466 or 07803 729133 or Pippa Davies on 0151 244 5466 or emailrclein@bellpottingernorth.co.uk/pdavies@bellpottingernorth.co.uk


NOTES TO EDITORS

British Gas
The nation's biggest energy supplier, British Gas is the principal partner of British Swimming and is supporting the sport at all levels, from the grass roots to our elite athletes. The sponsorship has already helped thousands of children in the UK learn to swim. It encourages people to get back in the pool and helps Britain run smarter, energy efficient community pools. Visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming

Speedo
For more information on Speedo's swimming range & team visit: www.speedo.co.uk

For further press information contact Speedo team Brandnation - 0207 9407170 & Rae Young - 0207 9407176 e: rae@brandnation.co.uk

About Speedo®

The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. Supporting swimming from grass roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps, in the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world's first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.co.uk

Spinningfields
Spinningfields combines world-class architecture and inviting contemporary public space, with a vitality that comes from its exciting mix of offices, retail, restaurants, bars and living space. With a total investment of £1.5bn, Spinningfields comprises 427,450 sq m (4,600,000 sq ft) mixed-use development between the River Irwell and Deansgate – one of Manchester’s main thoroughfares.

The Avenue at Spinningfields is Manchester's newest shopping destination for international luxury brands. Anchored by Emporio Armani and Flannels, it is the ideal place for consumers to purchase their next collection piece. Retailers and brands available on The Avenue include DKNY, Oliver Sweeney, Mulberry, Prada, Gucci, Lanvin, Matthew Williamson, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, LK Bennett, Flannels, Brooks Brothers, All Saints and Phillip Stoner.

The Avenue is a dynamic new area featuring signature restaurants, a host of international brands, spa and gym services, art and live entertainment in one location.

Relaxation and entertainment are at the forefront of The Avenue’s ethos. The impressive array of eateries and restaurants, positions Spinningfields as the luxury leisure destination in the North West.

The Avenue car park facility is in prime location of all stores and restaurants with 50 secure spaces exclusively for Avenue shoppers. There is new introductory offer of £4 for 5 hours and £8 for 10 hours.

For more information regarding Spinningfields visit www.SPINNINGFIELDSonline.com

Follow Spinningfields on Twitter www.twitter.com/spinningfields

Follow The Avenue on Twitter www.twitter.com/avenuethe

Join Spinningfields Facebook page www.facebook.com/Spinningfields

Join The Avenue Facebook page www.facebook.com/AvenueThe

Friday, 10 June 2011

Having a ball and reaching sparkling highs this week...

Well, it's been a week full of champagne, debauchery and celebrations for the team!

It started with the Take That concert at which, we screamed like teenagers and screeched to "All I do each night is pray... oh yeahhhhh..."





Then moved onto a more refined gathering for The Classique tennis tournament on Wednesday at Mottram Hall, where tennis heavy weights from around the globe arrived to play at the three day event. We rubbed shoulders with famous faces such as Australian legend, Mark Philippoussis; former Wimbledon Champion, Richard Krajicek; and English mixed doubles champion, Jeremy Bates, to name but a few. Guests were treated to a Veuve Clicquot Champagne reception, a gourmet three course lunch and high tea.






Straight from The Classique in Cheshire, the team moved onto our own Champagne Soiree at Epernay Champagne Bar in Manchester. The champagne and elegant surroundings were simply fabulous as were all of our guests, and this is where the debauchery comes in... It started well with plenty of relaxed networking and bubbly whilst listening to the melodic sounds of Gemma. However, it soon turned into a fierce competition at the Operation table whilst Marianne 'and others' redesigned the logo displays for optimum branding opportunities! An injury to the ankle was sustained for Anna-Louise and the night ended in high spirits, and a little fuzzy, with hangovers sure to follow the next day...











The next day took us to Total Swimming in Bury, where 'hop-a-long' Anna-Louise and Shazan seemed surprisingly refreshed and on Thursday evening, the girls headed back into Cheshire, this time to Panacea in Aderley Edge to support Nicola McConnell, sponsored by Castlefield Clinic & Spa, in her bid to be crowned the next Miss Manchester. With an abundance of glamour, glitz and flesh on show, the competition saw 35 contestants soon whittle down to 10 finalists and Nishant and the team are thrilled that Nicola was indeed crowned Miss Manchester 2011! Nicola, a straight A student, aspires to be a surgeon and soon starts studying medicine at the University of Manchester. She wowed not only us and the crowd, but a judging panel including footballer Robbie Savage and new Coronation Street star Michelle Collins.




As if there hasn't been enough going on this week, our media-savvy clients, Dr. Bessam and Dr. Nilofer Farjo have been appearing all over our television screens and on the radio as they have been asked to provide their expert comments on Wayne Rooney's hair transplant, and Olympic medallist and founder of Total Swimming, Steve Parry, has been in the media spotlight non-stop (as usual!) as we get ready to launch The Big Dip next weekend!

Needless to say, the Rejuvenate and WorkLife team have a quiet weekend planned!..

Big thanks not only to all our lovely clients, but also to Manchester based, Forever Unique, who helped keep Anna-Louise and Marianne at the top of the style list!