Wow doesn't time fly! It only feels like yesterday that the Rochdale Lacrose Club was celebrating it's win in the Junior Flags Final for the first time since 1999.
On the same weekend our U12's won their own Championship Game and the buzz around the club was amazing. We had a great time celebrating have a look at the website for pictures Club Website
.............and guess what it's now nearly time for Bath! What a tournament.................
The Rochdale contingent are heading down for two nights and looking forward to introducing our new Professional great parties along with some fabulous lacrosse!
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Thursday 20 August 2009
Calling All Sports Clubs - Additional Funding!
Are you looking to raise sustainable revenue for your sports club?
Fed-up of stinging the same members, players and parents for their hard-earned money time and time again?
Imagine knowing that each month your bank account will be credited with a growing amount of money to cover vital costs to your sports club
Whether it's Lacrosse, Football, Hockey, Cricket or any multitude of sports there may be a solution to continuous raffles, football cards or novelty calendars. Imagine launching an idea offering a real benefit to the majority of your players, their friends and their family AND earn a regular income for your Club?
The Utility Warehouse Discount Club , operated by Telecom Plus Plc offers community groups a unique proposition...........with my help, support and marketing materials your fans can access award-winning and low-cost energy, telecoms, broadband and mobile services.
NEWSFLASH: August 2009 - Best Buy Award given by Which? Magazine for Broadband, BroadCall and Dial-Up Internet Services.
Examples of current participants in the scheme can be seen here , the include Plymouth Argyle AFC, several supporters clubs including Rochdale FC Supporters Club and several Junior Development Programmes.
So how does it work?
Fed-up of stinging the same members, players and parents for their hard-earned money time and time again?
Imagine knowing that each month your bank account will be credited with a growing amount of money to cover vital costs to your sports club
Whether it's Lacrosse, Football, Hockey, Cricket or any multitude of sports there may be a solution to continuous raffles, football cards or novelty calendars. Imagine launching an idea offering a real benefit to the majority of your players, their friends and their family AND earn a regular income for your Club?
The Utility Warehouse Discount Club , operated by Telecom Plus Plc offers community groups a unique proposition...........with my help, support and marketing materials your fans can access award-winning and low-cost energy, telecoms, broadband and mobile services.
NEWSFLASH: August 2009 - Best Buy Award given by Which? Magazine for Broadband, BroadCall and Dial-Up Internet Services.
Examples of current participants in the scheme can be seen here , the include Plymouth Argyle AFC, several supporters clubs including Rochdale FC Supporters Club and several Junior Development Programmes.
So how does it work?
The Company will set up a website in your name and offer a FREEPHONE number for your supporters to call and register with us for our services
The Company will pay you £5.00 for each new customer plus up to 5% of each customers monthly bill for as long as they remain a customer!
Before we get excited I want you to imagine your monthly cost for electricity, gas, telephony and broadband = say £150/month @5% = around £7.50/month.
What if, over time you gathered just 100 supporters who spend just £100 month.
This would give your sports club a much valued £5.00/month income PER CUSTOMER! Yes for each customer spending just £100 on using the kettle, toaster, shower a text message or telephone your club gets £5.00 per month per customer EVERY MONTH...............
So let's see how realistic this really is . What if just 10 members per month sign-up every month for 6 months.
Month 1 = £50 intro, whilst we wait for service to go 'live'
Month 2 = £50 +£50 residual income, as the first 10 go live
Month 3 £50 + £100
Month 4 = £50 +£150
Month 5 = £50 + £200
Month 6 = £50 + £250
Month 7 =£300/month on a continuous basis!
Could your club benefit from this? Can you imagine what this passive income can do to your club's finances? New equipment, coaching fees, or even better reduce your reliance on hand-outs from your members?
Click Here for a quick overview of what it's all about
But what's the catch?
There is none!
The only limit to the success is how well the programme is supported by your committee and members. I will personally mentor you to get the customers and help you grow your client base.
For more information call me on 07968 970704 and we can seriously discuss the prospect of your organisation covering vital costs whilst benefiting your supporters to lower household bills.
Now is that a win-win situation or WHAT...............?
What if, over time you gathered just 100 supporters who spend just £100 month.
This would give your sports club a much valued £5.00/month income PER CUSTOMER! Yes for each customer spending just £100 on using the kettle, toaster, shower a text message or telephone your club gets £5.00 per month per customer EVERY MONTH...............
So let's see how realistic this really is . What if just 10 members per month sign-up every month for 6 months.
Month 1 = £50 intro, whilst we wait for service to go 'live'
Month 2 = £50 +£50 residual income, as the first 10 go live
Month 3 £50 + £100
Month 4 = £50 +£150
Month 5 = £50 + £200
Month 6 = £50 + £250
Month 7 =£300/month on a continuous basis!
Could your club benefit from this? Can you imagine what this passive income can do to your club's finances? New equipment, coaching fees, or even better reduce your reliance on hand-outs from your members?
Click Here for a quick overview of what it's all about
But what's the catch?
There is none!
The only limit to the success is how well the programme is supported by your committee and members. I will personally mentor you to get the customers and help you grow your client base.
For more information call me on 07968 970704 and we can seriously discuss the prospect of your organisation covering vital costs whilst benefiting your supporters to lower household bills.
Now is that a win-win situation or WHAT...............?
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Lacrosse Season Is Upon Us
Well the lacrosse season is nearly upon us! Just 6 weeks until the season-opener. For my club Rochdale, we will be back in the Northern Premiership, the toughest league in the UK if not in Europe.
Before then of course is the Bath 8's Tournament which is always a great weekend of short-sided, slightly hungover lacrosse. Rochdale traditionally have entered a team every year of the event since it's inauguration over 25 years ago!
With training in full swing for the senior section of the club - 5 of the 1st team were witnessed 'Spinning' last night at our local Fitness First gym in Rochdale, we'll be training again on Saturday afternoon after helping coach the new players at our new Rochdale Lacrosse Academy
Dates, events, fixtures, photos and much more can be found on the Rochdale Lacrosse Website PLUS new information on our new Professional from the USA - Mark Leonard!
Before then of course is the Bath 8's Tournament which is always a great weekend of short-sided, slightly hungover lacrosse. Rochdale traditionally have entered a team every year of the event since it's inauguration over 25 years ago!
With training in full swing for the senior section of the club - 5 of the 1st team were witnessed 'Spinning' last night at our local Fitness First gym in Rochdale, we'll be training again on Saturday afternoon after helping coach the new players at our new Rochdale Lacrosse Academy
Dates, events, fixtures, photos and much more can be found on the Rochdale Lacrosse Website PLUS new information on our new Professional from the USA - Mark Leonard!
Tuesday 4 August 2009
What Do You Think
Hello, thanks for coming back over to have a look at the ongoing developments.
We've added Facebook applications for the Leasing Business and plenty of links and graphics to support the Utility Warehouse side of things.
Have a flick through the blog, the main interests are:
Vehicle Leasing
Saving Money At Home
Running A Small Business
The Sport of Lacrosse.
Fitting in all of the above!
We've added Facebook applications for the Leasing Business and plenty of links and graphics to support the Utility Warehouse side of things.
Have a flick through the blog, the main interests are:
Vehicle Leasing
Saving Money At Home
Running A Small Business
The Sport of Lacrosse.
Fitting in all of the above!
Monday 13 July 2009
The Attraction of Personal Leasing
LEASING companies cannot have failed to see a shift in the market place in personal leasing arrangements. A few years ago a definite increase in Employee Car Ownership Schemes was responsible.
This time it seems the car for the school-run, the car for doing the shopping, and the car for occasional business use are also being funded away from traditional outright purchase, bank loans or hire purchase agreements.
We’ve seen a distinct change in the market place. It’s no longer ex-company car drivers looking for a different way of going about their busy, high mileage jobs. Today’s customers are more regular consumers. They are moving from old cars to new. And tending towards lower mileage, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
I think some of this new-found popularity is due to ‘pub-talk’ – not new products that push the popularity of various funding methods.
The attraction of a PCP or PCH
Friends or colleagues can easily explain the flexibility to buy the car at a price written in to the contract. Or, simply arrange for the car be picked up and taken away at the end of the contract. It seems to take people’s interest. This is a simple way of explaining the benefits of a Personal Contract Purchase (or PCP).
In the same vein, someone else may mention that they have found a deal which is the same price as that given to a large fleet. All they have to do is just add the VAT and include Road Fund Licence, delivery and a predicted mileage to get their monthly lease rental.
All that’s required is to insure the car and pay for fuel. After two or three years the car is returned and they will simply start again. That friend has just sold the concept of Personal Contract Hire (PCH) to everybody they know. This word of mouth is having a big impact in the market-place
The move away from car ownership
The public catch on to ideas through many outlets. And one common theme rang true during the onset of the economic downturn. Selling a used car was tough. It wasn’t worth what had been budgeted for; and often significantly less than any outstanding finance left on the vehicle. A lot of individuals got hit by the market last year and are continuing to do so.
To many, leasing on a personal basis was an alien concept. The general mood has always been to ‘own’ the car. Nowadays customers are more flexible. They are open to ideas and products which may protect them in the future and offer great value for money – whether they choose to own the vehicle or not.
So are you missing out? Is it time for you to consider leasing?
If so, do this: forget about interest rates, trade-ins and balloon payments. Instead, work out a monthly budget and see where that gets you. Let your business car leasing contact know what you can afford and see what you can get for your money – you might be surprised.
Further information
Anthony K Associates were established in 1995 and are franchisees of Network Vehicles (part of LeasePlan), acting as a car leasing broker for several FN 50 blue-chip funding companies to businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Click here to visit the website www.anthonyk.co.uk
For more on personal leases, read our Advice Centre article What is a personal lease?
You might also find useful our Special Report entitled Try leasing to ease your credit lines
This time it seems the car for the school-run, the car for doing the shopping, and the car for occasional business use are also being funded away from traditional outright purchase, bank loans or hire purchase agreements.
We’ve seen a distinct change in the market place. It’s no longer ex-company car drivers looking for a different way of going about their busy, high mileage jobs. Today’s customers are more regular consumers. They are moving from old cars to new. And tending towards lower mileage, fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
I think some of this new-found popularity is due to ‘pub-talk’ – not new products that push the popularity of various funding methods.
The attraction of a PCP or PCH
Friends or colleagues can easily explain the flexibility to buy the car at a price written in to the contract. Or, simply arrange for the car be picked up and taken away at the end of the contract. It seems to take people’s interest. This is a simple way of explaining the benefits of a Personal Contract Purchase (or PCP).
In the same vein, someone else may mention that they have found a deal which is the same price as that given to a large fleet. All they have to do is just add the VAT and include Road Fund Licence, delivery and a predicted mileage to get their monthly lease rental.
All that’s required is to insure the car and pay for fuel. After two or three years the car is returned and they will simply start again. That friend has just sold the concept of Personal Contract Hire (PCH) to everybody they know. This word of mouth is having a big impact in the market-place
The move away from car ownership
The public catch on to ideas through many outlets. And one common theme rang true during the onset of the economic downturn. Selling a used car was tough. It wasn’t worth what had been budgeted for; and often significantly less than any outstanding finance left on the vehicle. A lot of individuals got hit by the market last year and are continuing to do so.
To many, leasing on a personal basis was an alien concept. The general mood has always been to ‘own’ the car. Nowadays customers are more flexible. They are open to ideas and products which may protect them in the future and offer great value for money – whether they choose to own the vehicle or not.
So are you missing out? Is it time for you to consider leasing?
If so, do this: forget about interest rates, trade-ins and balloon payments. Instead, work out a monthly budget and see where that gets you. Let your business car leasing contact know what you can afford and see what you can get for your money – you might be surprised.
Further information
Anthony K Associates were established in 1995 and are franchisees of Network Vehicles (part of LeasePlan), acting as a car leasing broker for several FN 50 blue-chip funding companies to businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Click here to visit the website www.anthonyk.co.uk
For more on personal leases, read our Advice Centre article What is a personal lease?
You might also find useful our Special Report entitled Try leasing to ease your credit lines
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Lacrosse Gossip
Learn eveything from what's happening at the Women's World Lacrosse Championships in Prague. or what the most popular stick is nowadays at Laxforums
There's a news from around the globe from junior to profressional and NCAA Lacrosse so make sure you login and register to keep an eye on global lacrosse.
There's a news from around the globe from junior to profressional and NCAA Lacrosse so make sure you login and register to keep an eye on global lacrosse.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
How to Find A Good Utilities Company
Taken from Manchester Evening News 20/04/2009
Martyn Hocking (Editor, Which? Money)
April 20, 2009
ENERGY bills may finally be coming down but, as the economy shrinks, we are all looking for better service at reasonable prices. And energy suppliers need to take note.Our brand new Which? customer satisfaction survey of energy suppliers reveals an average score of just 43 per cent, making this the lowest performing of all industries covered by our satisfaction surveys in the past 12 months. Only two energy suppliers do well in the survey, and the big suppliers such as Npower and British Gas appear to be failing our members across the board, particularly when it comes to value for money.
PRICES STILL HIGH
The current annual gas and electricity bill for the average household on a direct debit 'dual fuel' (gas and electricity from the same supplier) tariff now stands at £1,195 – more than double what it was in early 2004.And, although prices are now decreasing, since we carried out our last energy supplier satisfaction survey (visit www.which.co.uk/utilitycompanies2008), the average cost of gas has risen by almost 29 per cent and electricity by 14 per cent.However, the good news is that poor customer service and high bills can be beaten.
If you're not happy with your current supplier (and, according to our survey, unless you are with Utility Warehouse or Ebico, that's likely to be the case), it easy to switch suppliers. The same applies if you are looking for a cheaper tariff.And there are a range of cost-effective – or even free – ways to shelter your household from the impact of high energy charges. Becoming more energy efficient and cutting the amount you use in the first place isn't hard.
OUR SURVEY
As with our last survey, it's the smaller suppliers that rule in terms of customer satisfaction. Scores for the big six suppliers (everyone in our table except Utility Warehouse and Ebico) that dominate the market remain low, with none improving on last year's scores. Ups and downs Indeed, three suppliers – Scottish & Southern (SSE), ScottishPower and Eon – did worse. And despite saying that it had recruited extra staff and invested £200m in its customer service systems since our last survey, Npower remains rooted to the bottom, with British Gas – the country's biggest supplier – not too far behind.Yet the performance of Utility Warehouse, which actually improved on its top score last time round, suggests that where energy customer satisfaction is concerned, price isn't the only issue.
Newcomer Ebico, previously known as the Equitable Billing Company, also did well. Ebico is a not-for-profit energy supplier and has only one tariff, so – unlike other suppliers – there is no price difference if you pay quarterly, by monthly direct debit or with a prepayment meter.In its recent investigation into the energy market, the industry regulator Ofgem found that customers with prepayment meters paid around £120 a year more than a direct debit customer using the same amount of energy.Ebico says that its core aim is to 'put people before profits and provide affordable energy for every home'.Our survey proves that high-quality customer service and strong value for money can be just as important as low prices – something the 'big six' can learn from the 'top two'.
BEST SUPPLIER
For the second year running, Utility Warehouse is our top-rated supplier. It scored top marks in all areas where we were able to rate it. Alongside gas and electricity, Utility Warehouse also offers home and mobile phone and ISP services and sends customers a monthly statement covering all the services they take from it.Utility Warehouse's gas and electricity prices aren't the cheapest around – for direct debit dual fuel, Utility Warehouse is around £100 a year more expensive than the cheapest big six supplier in each region. However, its customers don't seem to mind and gave it full marks for value for money.
WORST SUPPLIER
“The worst company I have come across,” was the opinion of one Which? member. Another told felt that: “Npower is useless at sorting out problems.” And yet another member summed up the service that they received from our lowest-rated provider as 'obtuse and inefficient'. This is the second year in a row that Npower has taken the wooden spoon. Although its scores have improved slightly in some aspects of its service, and in spite of its additional investment since last year, it still does poorly in all areas and its overall score has dropped by two per cent since last year.Perhaps most damaging of all, is the fact that, in these tough economic times, Npower got the lowest rating for value for money – an aspect that is more important than ever now.
ONE-STOP SHOP UTILITY WAREHOUSE IS THE BUSINESS
GETTING everything from the same supplier certainly makes things simpler, and the monthly bills are a good way to keep tabs on energy use,” says Mike Smith, a Utility Warehouse gas, electricity, landline and broadband customer. “
But that's not the main reason I've stuck with Utility Warehouse. What I like is its customer service – if you email or call, it is amazingly good.“ They are intelligent, knowledgeable people, who answer questions very well and put you at ease – certainly not the usual call centre experience.”
Mike said that he hasn't had to call Utility Warehouse with any gas or electricity problems in the five years he's been a customer, but explained that he did have some problems with his landline and felt that the company 'bent over backwards' to help him.
On price, Mike said: “It doesn't claim to be the cheapest, and I'm not sure I've saved that much money, but it's good to know that if I need to contact the company about anything then I'll be dealing with good people who know how to treat their customers.”
Could you see yourself associated with the kind of company that gets reviews like this from the independent consumer magazine Which? click here to see how just a few hours a week of recommending these top class services can earn you a good living and more!
TTFN - what a great day!
Martyn Hocking (Editor, Which? Money)
April 20, 2009
ENERGY bills may finally be coming down but, as the economy shrinks, we are all looking for better service at reasonable prices. And energy suppliers need to take note.Our brand new Which? customer satisfaction survey of energy suppliers reveals an average score of just 43 per cent, making this the lowest performing of all industries covered by our satisfaction surveys in the past 12 months. Only two energy suppliers do well in the survey, and the big suppliers such as Npower and British Gas appear to be failing our members across the board, particularly when it comes to value for money.
PRICES STILL HIGH
The current annual gas and electricity bill for the average household on a direct debit 'dual fuel' (gas and electricity from the same supplier) tariff now stands at £1,195 – more than double what it was in early 2004.And, although prices are now decreasing, since we carried out our last energy supplier satisfaction survey (visit www.which.co.uk/utilitycompanies2008), the average cost of gas has risen by almost 29 per cent and electricity by 14 per cent.However, the good news is that poor customer service and high bills can be beaten.
If you're not happy with your current supplier (and, according to our survey, unless you are with Utility Warehouse or Ebico, that's likely to be the case), it easy to switch suppliers. The same applies if you are looking for a cheaper tariff.And there are a range of cost-effective – or even free – ways to shelter your household from the impact of high energy charges. Becoming more energy efficient and cutting the amount you use in the first place isn't hard.
OUR SURVEY
As with our last survey, it's the smaller suppliers that rule in terms of customer satisfaction. Scores for the big six suppliers (everyone in our table except Utility Warehouse and Ebico) that dominate the market remain low, with none improving on last year's scores. Ups and downs Indeed, three suppliers – Scottish & Southern (SSE), ScottishPower and Eon – did worse. And despite saying that it had recruited extra staff and invested £200m in its customer service systems since our last survey, Npower remains rooted to the bottom, with British Gas – the country's biggest supplier – not too far behind.Yet the performance of Utility Warehouse, which actually improved on its top score last time round, suggests that where energy customer satisfaction is concerned, price isn't the only issue.
Newcomer Ebico, previously known as the Equitable Billing Company, also did well. Ebico is a not-for-profit energy supplier and has only one tariff, so – unlike other suppliers – there is no price difference if you pay quarterly, by monthly direct debit or with a prepayment meter.In its recent investigation into the energy market, the industry regulator Ofgem found that customers with prepayment meters paid around £120 a year more than a direct debit customer using the same amount of energy.Ebico says that its core aim is to 'put people before profits and provide affordable energy for every home'.Our survey proves that high-quality customer service and strong value for money can be just as important as low prices – something the 'big six' can learn from the 'top two'.
BEST SUPPLIER
For the second year running, Utility Warehouse is our top-rated supplier. It scored top marks in all areas where we were able to rate it. Alongside gas and electricity, Utility Warehouse also offers home and mobile phone and ISP services and sends customers a monthly statement covering all the services they take from it.Utility Warehouse's gas and electricity prices aren't the cheapest around – for direct debit dual fuel, Utility Warehouse is around £100 a year more expensive than the cheapest big six supplier in each region. However, its customers don't seem to mind and gave it full marks for value for money.
WORST SUPPLIER
“The worst company I have come across,” was the opinion of one Which? member. Another told felt that: “Npower is useless at sorting out problems.” And yet another member summed up the service that they received from our lowest-rated provider as 'obtuse and inefficient'. This is the second year in a row that Npower has taken the wooden spoon. Although its scores have improved slightly in some aspects of its service, and in spite of its additional investment since last year, it still does poorly in all areas and its overall score has dropped by two per cent since last year.Perhaps most damaging of all, is the fact that, in these tough economic times, Npower got the lowest rating for value for money – an aspect that is more important than ever now.
ONE-STOP SHOP UTILITY WAREHOUSE IS THE BUSINESS
GETTING everything from the same supplier certainly makes things simpler, and the monthly bills are a good way to keep tabs on energy use,” says Mike Smith, a Utility Warehouse gas, electricity, landline and broadband customer. “
But that's not the main reason I've stuck with Utility Warehouse. What I like is its customer service – if you email or call, it is amazingly good.“ They are intelligent, knowledgeable people, who answer questions very well and put you at ease – certainly not the usual call centre experience.”
Mike said that he hasn't had to call Utility Warehouse with any gas or electricity problems in the five years he's been a customer, but explained that he did have some problems with his landline and felt that the company 'bent over backwards' to help him.
On price, Mike said: “It doesn't claim to be the cheapest, and I'm not sure I've saved that much money, but it's good to know that if I need to contact the company about anything then I'll be dealing with good people who know how to treat their customers.”
Could you see yourself associated with the kind of company that gets reviews like this from the independent consumer magazine Which? click here to see how just a few hours a week of recommending these top class services can earn you a good living and more!
TTFN - what a great day!
How To Find A Good Leasing Company
Wow - where do you start in such a confused market place! Well, this article recommends taking a recommend! How easy is that! It's how we built Anthony K Vehicle Leasing and we are proud that most of our business comes from referrals from happy customers and contacts.
This article from a fellow leasing broker discusses how best to select a supplier.
This article from a fellow leasing broker discusses how best to select a supplier.
Friday 12 June 2009
Business Networking - Bury
Did you know a lead from a business referral is 80% more likely to turn in to business than one from a cold call?
Earlier in the week I was privliged to take a second visit to the Breakfast Networking club in Bury at The Boltholt Hotel.
Present were a wide selection of business owners from the local area each cementing their relationships over good coffee and a cooked breakfast before their competitors had even reached for the snooze button.
Anthony K are avid fans of the networking scene, for more information you should check out the Business For Breakfast website - here or drop me an email at robert@anthonyk.co.uk
Earlier in the week I was privliged to take a second visit to the Breakfast Networking club in Bury at The Boltholt Hotel.
Present were a wide selection of business owners from the local area each cementing their relationships over good coffee and a cooked breakfast before their competitors had even reached for the snooze button.
Anthony K are avid fans of the networking scene, for more information you should check out the Business For Breakfast website - here or drop me an email at robert@anthonyk.co.uk
Thursday 11 June 2009
Killer Twitter Tips!
Came across this Twitter advice today........ it really does pay to have more people seeing you Tweet away!
Let me know what you think....................
And don't forget the French & Saunders video I mentioned below !
Let me know what you think....................
And don't forget the French & Saunders video I mentioned below !
French & Saunders have just released their 5th promotional video for Utility Warehouse.
This time the F&S are discussing the 'Cashback Card
Click Here for the video - it really is worth a watch.......... let me know what you think!
On other news Ronaldo has gone - which is probably good news for Rochdale AFC, they have Manchester United AND Everton to entertain in the pre-season! Story here
This time the F&S are discussing the 'Cashback Card
Click Here for the video - it really is worth a watch.......... let me know what you think!
On other news Ronaldo has gone - which is probably good news for Rochdale AFC, they have Manchester United AND Everton to entertain in the pre-season! Story here
Friday 5 June 2009
Doncaster Races This Weekend
Well it's all play and no work this weekend as we head to Doncaster Races for a day out at the Derby.
With access all areas though I good eye for a pedigree may help me out - number 4 would be a sure winner hey!
No I'm not a great understander at this betting thing! So the blackberry will be on for hints and tips for you to send over to me!
I'll update on Monday with news and tips from the top about the following:
- Etiquette
- Dress-Sense
- Betting - most likely 'how to win a million'
- The price of a pint
And how many Audi TT enquiries will Anthony K Associates create over the weekend.
Thursday 4 June 2009
Company of The Year 2009
By any measure, a FTSE 250 business that is doubling revenues annually is remarkable; to be doing so in the utility sector, by definition mature, is all the more astonishing.
Clearly, Telecom Plus winner of the Company of the Year award, has found an original and effective business model.
The company, where Charles Wigoder, the chief executive, and his family and friends acquired control in 1998, six months after its foundation, is unique in the UK market in offering mobile and fixed telephony, broadband and gas and electricity services to its customers on a single bill.
It does not advertise. Rather, new households are recruited to its Utility Warehouse Discount Club by a network of more than 4,000 distributors who are existing users. These word-of-mouth customer ambassadors receive a tiny percentage of the bills paid by every new customer they recruit, in perpetuity, so retain a strong interest in ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction.
Their task is facilitated by a string of plaudits from consumer watchdog magazine Which? which says Telecom Plus is the best household provider of broadband, fixed telephony and energy in the UK.
It buys bulk telecoms capacity at wholesale prices in an oversupplied market and gets its energy from producer Npower, under a deal that transfers the risk of price fluctuations to the provider. In addition, the company supplies businesses, mainly small companies, brought in by its distributors.
It benefits from a tougher economic climate in several ways, says Mr Wigoder. “Many casual jobs no longer exist, overtime opportunities are no longer there, work hours are reduced, so we are seeing record numbers of new distributors” looking to top up their income. Meantime, consumers are keener to grasp opportunities to shave household bills, and improve visibility over their outgoings.
In the year to March 2008, Telecom Plus, which is debt-free, achieved revenues of £186m ($ and net profits of £11.9m. By September last year, it had 227,384 household customers, up 19,000 since end-March, and trends have since accelerated.
The latest spur comes from its CashBack MasterCard, a chargeable payment card which helps households economise. Using the card for purchases at retail chains such as J Sainsbury and Boots gives household a 5 per cent discount offset against their Telecom Plus bills.
Mr Wigoder says the biggest challenge is managing the pace of growth and underpinning it with flawless IT systems. But he has experience. He previously founded the Peoples Phone Company, a virtual operator, which he built from 100,000 customers to 400,000 within 18 months before selling it to Vodafone in 1996.
Since Mr Wigoder and associates control a majority of the equity, “we are looking to create long-term shareholder value rather than near-term management bonuses,” he says. “There is a clear alignment between management and shareholder interests.”
Kindly taken from www.ft.com
Clearly, Telecom Plus winner of the Company of the Year award, has found an original and effective business model.
The company, where Charles Wigoder, the chief executive, and his family and friends acquired control in 1998, six months after its foundation, is unique in the UK market in offering mobile and fixed telephony, broadband and gas and electricity services to its customers on a single bill.
It does not advertise. Rather, new households are recruited to its Utility Warehouse Discount Club by a network of more than 4,000 distributors who are existing users. These word-of-mouth customer ambassadors receive a tiny percentage of the bills paid by every new customer they recruit, in perpetuity, so retain a strong interest in ensuring ongoing customer satisfaction.
Their task is facilitated by a string of plaudits from consumer watchdog magazine Which? which says Telecom Plus is the best household provider of broadband, fixed telephony and energy in the UK.
It buys bulk telecoms capacity at wholesale prices in an oversupplied market and gets its energy from producer Npower, under a deal that transfers the risk of price fluctuations to the provider. In addition, the company supplies businesses, mainly small companies, brought in by its distributors.
It benefits from a tougher economic climate in several ways, says Mr Wigoder. “Many casual jobs no longer exist, overtime opportunities are no longer there, work hours are reduced, so we are seeing record numbers of new distributors” looking to top up their income. Meantime, consumers are keener to grasp opportunities to shave household bills, and improve visibility over their outgoings.
In the year to March 2008, Telecom Plus, which is debt-free, achieved revenues of £186m ($ and net profits of £11.9m. By September last year, it had 227,384 household customers, up 19,000 since end-March, and trends have since accelerated.
The latest spur comes from its CashBack MasterCard, a chargeable payment card which helps households economise. Using the card for purchases at retail chains such as J Sainsbury and Boots gives household a 5 per cent discount offset against their Telecom Plus bills.
Mr Wigoder says the biggest challenge is managing the pace of growth and underpinning it with flawless IT systems. But he has experience. He previously founded the Peoples Phone Company, a virtual operator, which he built from 100,000 customers to 400,000 within 18 months before selling it to Vodafone in 1996.
Since Mr Wigoder and associates control a majority of the equity, “we are looking to create long-term shareholder value rather than near-term management bonuses,” he says. “There is a clear alignment between management and shareholder interests.”
Kindly taken from www.ft.com
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Welcome to the blog!
Hello as I've mentioned below I act as an Independent Distributor for the Utility Warehouse Discount Club. An award-winning, London based Plc who guarantee savings on your household bills (that's gas, electricity, home phone, broadband and mobile).
My customers select the best packages available to them and benefit from:
*Free calls to UK landlines and 10 International Destinations
*24mb broadband and line rental for just £19.99 with NO CONTRACT
*Pricing guaranteed to save money on your electricity and gas
*UK's best Pay As You Go mobile deal
*Money off your bills when you shop at Sainsbury's, Homebase, Comet, New Look, JJB Sports, Boots and more
Take a look at my central website here which will give you all the information you need. Alternatively call me on 07968970704 or email robert@anthonyk.co.uk for more information or to arrange an appointment to see how much YOU can save !
Friday 29 May 2009
England Lacrosse
2 of Rochdale LC England hopefuls Neil Marshall and Glen Humphries will be playing against Loyola next week as part of their 2010 World Games preperation.
Details of the games are on the English Lacrosse Association site
As usual www.laxforums.co.uk will be keeping regular updates of the Greyhounds tour.
Very best of luck to the lads - let's hope there is plenty of support from the lacrosse community.
Details of the games are on the English Lacrosse Association site
As usual www.laxforums.co.uk will be keeping regular updates of the Greyhounds tour.
Very best of luck to the lads - let's hope there is plenty of support from the lacrosse community.
Thursday 28 May 2009
This video shows a brilliant piece of marketing by McDonalds and creates a bit of fun out of the huge screens and the interactions with the people passing by!
I bet I could save them some money given half a chance !
Fabulous!
I bet I could save them some money given half a chance !
Fabulous!
Wednesday 27 May 2009
Manchester Road Closures - If United Win
Greater Manchester chamber has announced potntial road closures tomorrow should Manchester United win tonights Champions League Final in Rome.
The Manchester Evening News has plenty of debate and analysis from Rome.
Good luck the lads!
The Manchester Evening News has plenty of debate and analysis from Rome.
Good luck the lads!
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Why not follow us in Twitter! http://twitter.com/MancWheels for car leasing, contract hire and other North West business news.
Also at http://twitter.com/quidsinrochdale for tips on saving money - and (if you ask nicely) about making some as well!
Hope all is well - promise to keep more up to date!
Also at http://twitter.com/quidsinrochdale for tips on saving money - and (if you ask nicely) about making some as well!
Hope all is well - promise to keep more up to date!
Friday 27 March 2009
Weekly Rant!
Well this week lots more happenings - Alliance Leicester A.K.A Abbey National A.K.A Santander have withdrawn their funding of several smaller Contract Hire companies.
What does this mean to us, you and your customers? It means lots of leasing firms not in the Fleet News Top 10 are having to restrict the amount of business they write. Meaning there is market share that needs filling, often to customers who have moved away from dealing direct with the main players.
The benefits of using a trusted leasing broker are really coming to fruition. Hundreds of deals, plenty of funders and the tightening of credit are all adding up to desperate sellers, misinformation and untold delays in paperwork and delivery. Fear not - we see it daily, and our customers know what is happening every step of the way.
Payment and credit wrangles between dealers and funders could mean that the 'cheapest' deal may not be achievable - clients need the options and updates to make informed decisions.
So what next......? Well it seems doing a good job is back to being as important as price, the slight detail of service had slipped from the minds of many for 9 months or so and the horror stories have come out. What's great now is that customers are asking questions - such as "where is the finance to be placed" and "which dealer are you using", consciousness is back in the market and we look forward to taking on the bedroom brokers and doorstep financiers. Same deals, proper company part of the BVRLA
The used car market has recovered for 4 straight months, meaning that residual value calculations could help stabilise or even reduce rentals. On top of that the 'should we buy used' conversations have dried up! Look at the MPG's, the Co2's and the Whole Life Costs and new cars still stack up!
Coming up.........
Vehicle Tracking - your customers can save £'000's on fuel, productivity and duty of care. It's a big deal and not just for courier companies. Our partnership with the UK's leading tracking provider, Navman is in it's fruition - watch this space!
Special Deals to follow and plenty to be done - of course only with our best suppliers and upfront, honest service ;)
All The Very Best for a Great Weekend,
keep an eye on www.anthonyk.co.uk for more great deals and news
What does this mean to us, you and your customers? It means lots of leasing firms not in the Fleet News Top 10 are having to restrict the amount of business they write. Meaning there is market share that needs filling, often to customers who have moved away from dealing direct with the main players.
The benefits of using a trusted leasing broker are really coming to fruition. Hundreds of deals, plenty of funders and the tightening of credit are all adding up to desperate sellers, misinformation and untold delays in paperwork and delivery. Fear not - we see it daily, and our customers know what is happening every step of the way.
Payment and credit wrangles between dealers and funders could mean that the 'cheapest' deal may not be achievable - clients need the options and updates to make informed decisions.
So what next......? Well it seems doing a good job is back to being as important as price, the slight detail of service had slipped from the minds of many for 9 months or so and the horror stories have come out. What's great now is that customers are asking questions - such as "where is the finance to be placed" and "which dealer are you using", consciousness is back in the market and we look forward to taking on the bedroom brokers and doorstep financiers. Same deals, proper company part of the BVRLA
The used car market has recovered for 4 straight months, meaning that residual value calculations could help stabilise or even reduce rentals. On top of that the 'should we buy used' conversations have dried up! Look at the MPG's, the Co2's and the Whole Life Costs and new cars still stack up!
Coming up.........
Vehicle Tracking - your customers can save £'000's on fuel, productivity and duty of care. It's a big deal and not just for courier companies. Our partnership with the UK's leading tracking provider, Navman is in it's fruition - watch this space!
Special Deals to follow and plenty to be done - of course only with our best suppliers and upfront, honest service ;)
All The Very Best for a Great Weekend,
keep an eye on www.anthonyk.co.uk for more great deals and news
Thursday 12 March 2009
Fleet Consultant
I was delighted to meet John Lawrence from Prestige Fleet Consultants.
They help to keep businesses safe and legally compliant. Prestige will also identify and achieve cost savings and assist to improve vital service levels. Amongst other services that Prestige offer are Managing Occupational Road Risk (Duty of Care), Driver Training, Employee Benefits and Affinity Schemes, Interim Fleet Management and Operator Licensing Assistance.
It might just be worth giving John a call on 07950 614268 for a chat
They help to keep businesses safe and legally compliant. Prestige will also identify and achieve cost savings and assist to improve vital service levels. Amongst other services that Prestige offer are Managing Occupational Road Risk (Duty of Care), Driver Training, Employee Benefits and Affinity Schemes, Interim Fleet Management and Operator Licensing Assistance.
It might just be worth giving John a call on 07950 614268 for a chat
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Below is an article I wrote for a group of accountants and advisors about the likely impact of the continuing diffuculties facing motor manufacturers, dealers and finance houses..............
Having conversations about cars with your customers, friends and colleagues about cars and vans?
.... "wait until later in the year for a deal".... it's the worst thing they could do........why?
Here's a very basic recap in economics - (it's been a long time since I did my degree in the subject so please bear with me!)
Firstly the finance companies are tightened their belts, they are no longer a limitless cash supply for buying new cars and vans. Lex have already pulled their PCP product to divert cash to business leases. Therefore the deals seen advertised can not always be done, it pays to speak to the experts.
Secondly the production lines have slowed meaning all those excess stocks being given away are dwindling away. In response to this the manufacturers are amazingly increasing their prices on new cars by as much as 5%, so far in 2009 this includes Ford, Vauxhall, VW and Audi.
On the flipside it's not all doom and gloom; residual values seem to be recovering allowing some rentals to decrease in relation to resale forecasts. The discounts available to funders and fleets are also increasing - making a mockery of the list price in some cases but to the benefit of the customers in terms of rentals.
So despite the world turmoil prices of buying and funding vehicles may even out towards over the summer back to 2008 levels - meaning DON'T WAIT - DO THE DEAL!
With more dealers expected to close this year, it seems that dealing with a professional, courteous and independent vehicle broker will appeal to more small businesses and individuals alike.
Whether they are buying or leasing customers will need to speak to experts at sourcing and funding their vehicles.
Monday 5 January 2009
Personal Leasing Takes Off
This article from the financial pages of the Mail On Sunday provide a simple yet factually correct argument for leasing your next vehicle.
With so many fabulous deals about and rates changing daily it pays to speak to an Independent Expert - lots of 'specials' still being advertised are 2008 rates so for up to the minute information pick up the phone on 0161 655 3200 to make sure you get the best new car for yourself, friends or family!!
With so many fabulous deals about and rates changing daily it pays to speak to an Independent Expert - lots of 'specials' still being advertised are 2008 rates so for up to the minute information pick up the phone on 0161 655 3200 to make sure you get the best new car for yourself, friends or family!!
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