Bruton, Somerset, 3^rd September 2015 – Wyke Farms, one of the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and milk processors, has been selected as National Champion for the United Kingdom in the 2015 / 2016 European Business Awards in the category for Environmental & Corporate Sustainability.

The European Business Awards is now in its 9^th year and its primary purpose is to support the development of a stronger and more successful business community throughout Europe. This year it attracted over 32,000 businesses in 33 countries to the competition and in the public vote generated over 170,000 votes from across Europe.

Wyke Farms won the award for its integrated green approach encompassing renewable energy, water recovery, green farming and transport. This forms part of the companies ‘100% Green’ sustainability plan, through which, they have dramatically reduced their carbon footprint and become the first national cheddar brand to be 100% self-sufficient using their own energy generated from solar and biogas.

As a National Champion, Wyke Farms will go on to complete in the next phase of the competition resulting in successful organizations being shortlisted as one of 10 Ruban d’Honneur recipients in the Award for Environmental & Corporate Sustainability. Wyke Farms will submit a video for assessment by the judging panel and take part in a public vote.

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain selling over 13,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

– ends –

For further information or images please contact:

Please contact:

Paloma Lacy

07955 944 111

Paloma@connectedpr.com

Images available here:

http://connectedpr.com/wyke-farms/wyke-farms-media-library/

Bruton, Somerset, 17^th August 2015 – Wyke Farms, one of the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and milk processors, have won a Green Apple Environment Award, in the ‘Environmental Best Practice’ category of this year’s awards programme.

Wyke Farms competed with more than 500 other nominations in the Green Apple Awards for Environmental Best Practice and won the award for their integrated green approach encompassing renewable energy, water recovery, green farming and transport. This forms part of the companies ‘100% Green’ sustainability plan, through which, they have dramatically reduced their carbon footprint and become the first national cheddar brand to be 100% self-sufficient using their own energy generated from solar and biogas.

Wyke Farms will be presented with their trophy and certificate at a glittering presentation ceremony in the Houses of Parliament on Monday, November 16^th 2015. As a result of this success Wyke Farms have also been invited to have their winning paper published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice, so that others around the world can follow their example.

The Green Apple awards are organised by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-activist, non-profit environment group dedicated to recognising, rewarding and promoting environmental best practice around the world.  They are supported by the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Chartered Institution for Wastes Management and other independent bodies.

Wyke Farms will go on to represent England in the Green World Awards and the European Business Awards for the Environment.

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain selling over 13,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset, UK – July 7^th 2015 – Wyke Farms, one of the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and milk processor, today commissioned the second phase of its Bio Gas project which sees it send up to 7 million cu meters of its upgraded biogas back to the UK grid adding to the annual supply of certified green gas.  The plant started producing Biogas in December 2014 and production has steadily been increasing through the year.  Wyke Farms’ gas upgrading will save up to 15 million kgs of CO² per year and will provide 70 million units of certified Green Gas per year (one unit = 1kWh), enough for the heating and cooking needs of over 4,000 homes[1].

“As people who work closely with the land, we can see first-hand effects of climate change and I believe that we have a responsibility for the sake of future generations to be part of a low carbon solution to energy. ” said Richard Clothier, Managing Director and 3rd generation family member at Wyke Farms “Increasingly the shoppers that buy our cheddar across the world see green and sustainable as part of our corporate responsibility and expect us to do our bit.”

Wyke Farms generates its biogas from its own on-site anaerobic (AD) plant, which converts 75,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste from its farm and neighbours per year, into energy. The wastes include farmyard manure, slurry, dairy washings and apple pomace amongst other things. Each unit of green gas injected into the grid displaces a unit of conventional fossil-fuel gas, where it is then available to be bought by any businesses or consumers. Currently its biogas is used as energy to fuel the cheese dairy and saw the company become the UK’s first national cheddar brand to be 100% self-sufficient in its own green energy.

Molly Scott Cato – Green MEP for the area has visited the site said: “There are a host of innovative ways for generating sustainable energy in the South West. We don’t need dangerous nuclear or dirty fossil fuels. The team at Wyke Farms are leading the way in showing that we can generate energy by utilizing natural assets that are found on many farms and businesses in the region. There is still too much organic waste going to landfill and far too many south-facing roofs without solar panels. Wyke Farms are showing how waste can be diverted away from landfill and how south facing roofs can be used to their maximum potential.”

Wyke Farms worked with CNG Services to manage the connection from AD to the gas grid. John Baldwin, managing director from CNG Services, which specialises in biomethane to grid connections, says: “This project shows a highly sustainable way to process waste from the dairy industry. Using the gas grid allows renewable methane to be delivered to homes and utilised with very high efficiency for domestic heating. There is no doubt that Wyke make the most environmentally friendly cheese in the UK and we are proud to have supported this project.”

The AD project is part of ‘100% Green’, Wyke Farms’ sustainability initiative, which has seen the company also invest in solar arrays, water recovery, electronic delivery, packaging waste reduction as well as sharing knowledge and encouraging its suppliers to work in more sustainable ways.

The Wyke Farms gas is joining the Wales & West Utilities network (WWU), Chief Executive, Graham Edwards said:  “Linking biomethane from Wyke Farms to our gas network is a positive step forward for Wales & West Utilities. The UK Government has set a target for the decarbonisation of heating, and in order to meet this we need to enable the injection of gas from renewable sources.” 

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain selling over 13,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

Images available here:

http://connectedpr.com/wyke-farms/wyke-farms-media-library/ 

Ofgem estimates that a typical household’s gas demand for heating and cooking is 13,500kWh per year: www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/review-typical-domestic-consumption-values-1

Somerset, UK – 30^th June 2015: – Wyke Farms, one of the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and milk processors, embark upon their annual Summer sampling campaign this week. Now in its tenth year, the company have been reaching approximately 2 million consumers every year with their extensive presence at national family, lifestyle, county, food and equine events across the country.

This year the Wyke Farms sampling kitchen will be present at 20 events where shoppers will be invited to taste its award winning cheddar in a traditional farmhouse kitchen layout. The company will be focusing heavily on their ‘100% green’ and quality prize winning messages, which focus on their natural, traceable and local credentials.

Consumer Press Advertising

In addition to the shopper sampling campaign, Wyke Farms are supporting the brand with advertising in consumer magazines until Christmas to communicate how their prize winning Cheddar fulfils shoppers desire for ’new healthy eating’ with a focus on natural, unadulterated foods. Titles include Women and Home, BBC Good Food, Good Housekeeping and Hello. The brand will also be on TV again this Autumn with their award winning TV advert produced by Ridley Scott. Finally, Wyke Farms are set to continue to be more active than any other cheese brand on Social Media where they are communicating daily to a communities totaling over sixty five thousand people.

Jennifer Gray, Marketing Manager at Wyke Farms said: “This blend of personal interaction combined with print, TV advertising and social media provides us with the opportunity to talk about our unique proposition using the most relevant channel for the message. We have a rich brand story to tell shoppers, covering family history, sustainability, farming and news about our award winning cheddar and it’s often easier to convey these through a one on one interaction on the tasting stand than through other media where the interaction time is shorter.”

The Wyke Farms team will be encouraging brand loyalty at the events by offering consumers samples, product offers, coupons and recipe cards.

Wyke Farms are sampling its farmhouse cheddar at The BBC Good Food Show, The Royal Bath & West Show, The Grand Designs Show and MasterChef Live among others. Product sampling includes Wyke Farms Simply Gorgeous Vintage Cheddar, Just Delicious Extra Mature Cheddar, Rich and Creamy Mature Cheddar, and also Somerset Old Smokey.

Rich Clothier, Managing Director at Wyke Farms said: “We believe that we make the finest cheddar in the world and the best way to prove that to people is to get out there and let them try it.”

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain selling over 13,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

Paris, France – 21st May 2015, Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), a global leader in audio communications for businesses and consumers, today announced the official opening of its newest Simply Smarter Office in Paris, France. Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Europe & Africa, and members of the Plantronics team will host press and partners for a tour of the new facility and share the company’s continued vision for smarter working. Plantronics will also unveil a new addition to its Blackwire family of products to connect and collaborate in today’s new office environments and remote working.

Smarter Working Put to Practice

Plantronics’ new office in Paris is the latest smarter working environment specifically designed by the company for today’s office worker. Plantronics goal is to create the most effective working environment enabling staff to be comfortable and productive. The new office in Paris features state of the art design and soundscaping, including a waterfall feature, allowing noise to be masked with soothing running water sounds. As with the other offices, the space includes different workspaces designed to support a range of identified working styles and activities while at work. The new office also includes a gym with equipment connected to other Plantronics offices, so workers can jog and challenge colleagues based in other countries. Also featured is a brainstorm room with walls on which workers can write and a room for resting to ensure proper relaxation at times.

Plantronics Quotes:

“The traditional office and 9-5 workday is long gone. Today’s worker deserves the right environment and right tools to be successful,” said Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director E&A, Plantronics. “At Plantronics, we are proud to stay on the forefront of this movement and drive home our Smarter Working motto – to allow employees to work where and when they are most productive, cost-effective and environmentally respectful.”

“Today’s office worker is not confined by four walls and a punch-clock. While our new office provides a large variety of spaces to Collaborate, Communicate, Concentrate and Contemplate, workers only need to come into the environment when necessary. The aim is to stimulate creativity, wellbeing and mutual respect when workers are here, not keep them at work longer,” said Philippe Tessier, Marketing & Inside Sales Manager France, Plantronics. “Customers and partners who have already had the chance to visit the office are amazed by the place, but even more by the smarter working philosophy.”

Plantronics Blackwire Family – Designed for How People Work Today

The Plantronics Blackwire family delivers outstanding UC audio quality and reliability, with price points to meet any budget and features sets that increase as you go up the line. Announced today is the new entry-level Blackwire 315/325 corded USB headsets which are easy to use, simple to deploy, and offer the ability to switch between USB or 3.5mm connectivity. Also included in the family is the recently announced top-of-the-line Blackwire 725, a premium USB headset that features Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology, which combined with an immersive design helps block out distractive background noise in work environments.

At the office opening, Philip Vanhoutte’s “The Smarter Working Manifesto” co-written with Guy Clapperton, will be available in French (also currently in English, Italian, German and Spanish). The book is dedicated to Plantronics’ Smarter Working journey and when, how and where you work best.

Healthier cheese option now available

Bruton, Somerset, 28^th April 2015 – Wyke Farms, one of the UK’s largest independent cheese producers and milk processors, today announce availability of their new ‘Fabulous 5’ reduced fat mature cheese.

Named after the impressive 5% fat content, the new cheese is available online at http://www.wykeshop.com and locally at the farm shop in Bruton. Wyke Farms have put all of their cheese making expertise into producing a cheese that can be used in cooking in just the same way as full fat cheddar and is as delicious as its full fat cheddar counterparts.  Fabulous 5 is the perfect cheese choice for those looking to make healthier day to day choices to reduce fat intake and manage weight.

The new launch compliments the companies growing healthier option range; Wyke Farms are continuing to produce Super Light, their award winning cheese specifically developed for cholesterol aware shoppers.  Super Light has almost 50% less fat than standard Cheddar, with only 1.3% saturated fat and 90% less cholesterol.

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain selling over 13,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

Budapest, Hungary – 23rd April 2015 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), today announced Plantronics Device-as-a-Service Flex, offering a 12, 24, or 36-month programme that allows Cloud Service Providers to act as a one-stop shop for a complete, communications solution for audio devices on a simple, flexible monthly payment model. It complements the Cloud Service Provider’s subscription business model for SMB and mid-market businesses, by adding a new recurring revenue stream with bundled world-class Plantronics customer support.

For customers, the Plantronics Device-as-a-Service Flex programme will make it easy to acquire a complete communications solution in a packaged, budget-friendly manner from a single Cloud Service Provider. It means the programme is flexible and gives customers the ability to scale usage to align with changes in their business and match the right communications devices to their users’ work styles.

“At Plantronics, we are keen to give our customers what they want. Our new Plantronics Device-as-a-Service Flex programme does just that, allowing them to see clear benefits with our audio solutions and have peace of mind with a unique, flexible service model,” said Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe & Africa, Plantronics. “We will continue to offer innovative and effective ways for companies to work smarter, not harder.”

“As their business needs evolve, customers want a simple and agile way to acquire a complete Unified Communications solution,” said Morgan de Ruiter, Head of Strategic Partners Europe & Africa, Plantronics. “The new Device-as-a-Service Flex programme makes it easy for the customer and easy for the Cloud Service Provider.”

According to Tiffani Bova, Vice President, Gartner in the June 2014 report entitled, Tech Go-to-Market: Selling Unified Communications in a Highly Disruptive Market:  “Developing an effective sales and go-to-market model in this ultracompetitive, rapidly evolving environment is challenging, but essential, to capture growth.  Established and emerging providers must develop agile sales programs and operations that allow them to respond rapidly to market shifts.”

“Exertis congratulates Plantronics new program, which addresses the need for a focused customer service in the UCAAS market and we are very pleased to launch this exciting new service offering.” Comments Phil Brown, Exertis B2B Director. “As an European distribution leader and innovator, Exertis will be including the Plantronics DaaS Flex in our Conect leasing module, giving our reseller base access to Plantronics headsets and service on subscription and as part of their cloud offer. Plantronics DAAS Flex is a perfect match to increase our service value toward our customers.”

The new Plantronics Device-as-a-Service Flex programme is available now for SMB and mid-market customers across Europe, including Germany, UK and Ireland, Benelux, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. To get more information on the Plantronics Device-as-a-Service Flex programme, go to www.plantronics.com/DaaS

Somerset, UK – 31^st March 2015 – Wyke Farms is giving away a 24-inch Easter Egg (a Cheaster Egg) made from its award-winning cheddar cheese to a deserving cheddar-loving family. The ‘Giant Cheaster Egg’ is two feet tall and made with 85 x 300g blocks of award winning Wyke Farms cheddar.

To be in with a chance to win, a Giant Cheaster Egg image is hidden somewhere on Wyke Farms website at http://www.wykefarms.com. Entrants must find the egg and send an email to wyke@connectedpr.com sharing the location for a chance to win. The retail value of the cheese included in the Giant Cheaster Egg is over £200. The egg is made from the original Ivy Clothier’s 100-year-old recipe and matured to perfection for over a year. The winning family will be announced on Friday 3^rd April.

Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, has been running the annual ‘Giant Cheaster Egg’ giveaway since 2008 and every year it attracts more attention. This is the second year that the competition has been run across both Twitter and Facebook.

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually. The company have achieved substantial growth year on year by staying true to the traditional values behind the brand and have become the fastest growing cheddar brand at a rate of 10% every year for the past five years.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

CeBIT – Hanover, Germany – 16th March 2015 – Research[1] commissioned by Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) in the UK, France and Germany, revealed that office noise has an adverse effect on office workers and the quality of their work (UK 89.9%; Germany 96.5%; France 93.5%). The findings highlight the growing difficulty for office environments to keep noise distractions at bay and for employees to focus on work.

Today’s office environments are showing serious noise challenges for individuals and their colleagues, undermining productivity gains. Office workers in all three countries listed decreased productivity as a common effect of noise and believe they would be a lot more productive in a less noisy environment (UK 54.1%; Germany 65.1%; France 65.5%). An oversight of noise at work issues could potentially cost a UK organization nearly £15,000 per year[2] in lost productivity per senior manager employed. Disruptive noise in an open office environment can manifest itself into stress and physical ailments, such as headaches and migraines, and both were listed amongst chief complaints across all countries. Three quarters of workers in all regions reported that their company has taken no action to address their noise issues or the actions have failed.

THE NEW WAY OF WORK

The dynamics of the office workplace are constantly evolving; an average of only half of total respondents (UK 47.7%; Germany 51.4%; France 51.3%) reported they still worked in the office five days during an average work week. As flexible working grows in popularity, office design has also radically changed with open plan office environments becoming the norm and less people working from a traditional fixed desk. This new way of work can create serious acoustic difficulties without the correct soundscaping measures. As a result, office workers in Germany, UK and France all listed noisy colleagues as the biggest noise complaint in their office environment.

“Acoustics play a huge role in the contentment and productivity of a workforce,” says Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Europe and Africa, Plantronics. “In today’s environment, it is extremely important for companies to understand how sound affects its bottom line and to take appropriate action to soundscape their workplace. We are passionate about ensuring workers have the right solutions necessary for a high-quality communication experience. No matter if work is being done in an traditional open plan office, an airport, coffee shop or at home.”

HEADSET SOLUTIONS FOR NOISY ENVIRONMENTS

Work calls should be heard clearly from everywhere on every device. Unfortunately, survey results showed the truth of the matter with telephone calls unanimously coming in as the toughest task to complete in a noisy environment (UK 63%; Germany 51%; and France 59.8%). With the introduction of four new UC products from Plantronics, office workers can feel confident in the ability to focus, connect and collaborate in open office environments and on-the-go work scenarios.

These new offerings are comprised of the Blackwire 725, the company’s first UC stereo headset with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for those people who want to stay focused in noisy office environments; the Voyager Edge UC, the latest product in the Voyager family of Bluetooth headsets aimed at workers constantly on the road; the Calisto 610, a portable speakerphone for instant anywhere conferencing, and the Clarity 340, designed for those who face vision, hearing, or dexterity challenges. Now, workers in the office and on the road have tools they can use to control outside noise that allow them to hear as well as be heard clearly.

[1] Opinion Matters surveyed organisations employing over 250 employees in the UK, Germany and France (1000 per region) in February 2015.

[2] Based on average UK wages taken from totaljobs.com and the actual costs to employ UK workers (http://www.itcenta.co.uk/it-support/employee-cost-calculator)

SXSW – Austin, Texas – 10th March 2015 – Research[1] commissioned by Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) in the UK, France and Germany, has found office noise has an adverse effect on office workers and the quality of their work (UK 89.9%; Germany 96.5%; France 93.5%). Today’s open office environments are causing serious noise challenges for individuals and their colleagues, undermining productivity. To combat disruptive noise an average of nearly 60% of total respondents listen to music through headsets to decrease the impact of background noise in their office environment and be more productive.

Answering emails was the preferred task to do whilst listening to music in the UK (40%) and France (37.6%), while managing data entry (39.8%) and creative thinking (36.7%) were preferred in Germany. Streaming sites, such as Spotify or iTunes, was the number one source of music for Germans (44%) and the French (38.4%), whereas Brits tapped into their own personal music collection (38.9%) first.

The pop genre reigned supreme as the favourite office music type for all three regions (UK 38.6%; France 31.8%; and Germany 41.8%). Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith were the two most popular artist choices in the office overall for the British. French-Guinean rapper Black M is one of the French worker’s most popular artists to listen to at work, along with Bach and Mozart, Rhianna and David Guetta. Despite pop’s popularity as the top genre in Germany, Linkin Park, Metallica and Rammstein are amongst Germany’s favourite artists to listen to in the office.

Plantronics will be sharing it’s findings at SXSW, one of the industry’s top forums for showcasing what’s new and what’s next in film, music and tech in Austin, Texas. Philip Vanhoutte will describe ways to dramatically improve your surroundings with an overview of “soundscaping” and related audio trends, including music, as part of a Smarter Working environment. Joe Burton will examine the emerging Internet of Things (IoT) that expands the conversation beyond ‘things’ for a deeper and more comprehensive look at what real-world problems can be solved by technology. Finally, Cary Bran will present a developers guide to wireless connectivity options and optimal use cases for wearables.

Speaker and Session Overviews

Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Europe & Africa will co-present in two sessions to help attendees better understand acoustic intelligence, soundscaping, Smarter Working environments, and the impact of noise on productivity, including:

“Soundscape Your Smarter Workplace” with Julian Treasure
Venue: JW Marriott, Room 408-409

Date/Time: Monday, March 16 – 5pm to 6pm

“ASWA (Anonymous Smarter Workaholics Association)” with Markus Albus

Venue: Hilton Austin Downtown, Salon F, 416 AB

Date/Time: Wednesday, March 11 – 12pm to 1pm

Joe Burton, Executive Vice President of Products, Technology and Strategy, and CTO will take a comprehensive look at the IoT as part of the “Intelligent Future” track, with his session:

IoT: Endless Possibilities, Real World Questions

Venue: JW Marriott, Room 2011-2012

Date/time: Saturday, March 14 – 11am to 12pm

Cary Bran, Vice President, New Ventures & Innovation will explain wearable tech wireless connectivity options, including optimal use cases for developers, in his session:

“A Dev Guide: Connectivity and Wearables”

Venue: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom C

Date/Time: Monday, March 16 – 5pm to 5:15pm

[1] Opinion Matters surveyed organisations employing over 250 employees in the UK, Germany and France (1000 per region) in February 2015.

In its recent poll of over 4,000 Brits, the most popular choice of housemate was a dog (23%) followed by cats (14%). Some respondents even said they would rather live with a house-trained pig (4%), a cow (3.5%) or a sheep (2%).

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

London, UK – 5th February 2015 — Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today unveiled four new UC (unified communication) audio devices designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and noise management technology to help people effectively communicate and collaborate, regardless of workplace or location. These new offerings are comprised of the Blackwire 725, the company’s first UC stereo headset with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for those people who want to stay focused in noisy office environments; the Voyager Edge UC, the latest product in the Voyager family of Bluetooth headsets aimed at workers constantly on the road; the Calisto 610, a portable speakerphone for instant anywhere conferencing, and the Clarity 340, designed for those who face vision, hearing, or dexterity challenges. Now, workers in the office and on the road have tools they can use to control outside noise that allow them to hear as well as be heard clearly.

“There’s been increasing emphasis on the importance of a reliable, high-quality, seamless user experience when communicating and collaborating today, and rightly so,” said Rich Costello, senior research analyst, unified communications, IDC. “The new Plantronics offerings not only address these important requirements, but also address the surrounding noise factor on both sides of the call.”

“Everywhere is the new workplace. We know office noise is increasingly becoming a concern due to more open working environments that promote collaboration, but workplace noise isn’t just a problem for those in the office,” said Richard Rogers, head of E&A B2B marketing, Plantronics. “You can’t always control your environment and you certainly can’t control your caller’s environment, so we help ensure workers have solutions they need to block out the noise, allowing them to have a high-quality communication experience wherever their workplace is.”

This shift to Smarter Working-style environments, though undoubtedly beneficial, creates new noise challenges for individuals and their colleagues, which can often undermine productivity gains. The following are Plantronics’ new solutions that addresses the inherent ambient noise challenges and potential audio quality concerns associated with today’s Smarter Working scenarios and environments:

Blackwire 725:
The company’s first UC product with Active Noise Cancelling technology (ANC), provides a corded option at a very affordable price for office workers who need to hear and be heard. The Blackwire 725 is ideal for managing PC calls and enjoying music and multimedia with dynamic hi-fi sound. Also, with the combination of wideband audio, Digital Signal Processing and a noise cancelling microphone, incoming calls and your voice are both crystal clear.

Voyager Edge UC:
New wearing style for mobile UC users who need to be heard and want to use their Bluetooth® enabled communications devices (laptop, smartphone or tablet) together. The solution includes a small Bluetooth USB dongle that provides seamless wideband audio to your laptop. The latest addition to the Voyager line features a slim, sophisticated design that fits quickly and comfortably in your ear and comes with its own portable charging case. It boasts signature Plantronics audio technology that eliminates disruptive background noise and includes intuitive, responsive features that keep you moving by automatically answering calls as you place it on your ear.

Calisto 610:
Corded USB speakerphone that provides users the ability to easily create on-to-go conference calls for small groups of people. It enables workers to hear remote participants with high-quality, omni-directional audio, in an easy-to-carry form factor that integrates easily with a softphone of their choice, all at the price of a basic speakerphone; includes carrying case.

Clarity 340:
Designed for knowledge workers with vision, hearing, or dexterity challenges, the Clarity 340 handset-style phone features amplified sound, an easy-to-read screen, large buttons for dialing, and crisp audio. With Clarity 340, now everyone can fully participate and benefit from UC solutions.

Pricing and Availability

The Voyager Edge UC, Blackwire 725, and Calisto 610 are immediately available. The Clarity 340 will be available in March. MSRP for Voyager Edge UC is €149 / £119, Blackwire 725 is €179 / £139, Calisto 610 is €99 / £79 and Clarity 340 is €149 / £119.

Additional Product Information

Voyager Edge UC: http://www.plantronics.com/uk/product/voyager-edge-uc

Blackwire 725: http://www.plantronics.com/uk/product/blackwire-725

Clarity 340: http://www.plantronics.com/uk/product/clarity-340

Calisto 610: http://www.plantronics.com/uk/product/calisto-600

Boca Raton, FL – January 27, 2014: Unify, a leading communications software and services firm, today announced Philip Vanhoutte, senior vice president and managing director for Europe and Africa at Plantronics, as a New Way to Work Global Ambassador. Over the past few years, Vanhoutte has researched and globally implemented radical new workplace changes to support growing trends in agile work communication. These efforts led to the publication of Vanhoutte’s book, “The Smarter Working Manifesto” in 2014, which offers employers and employees insight into the freedom of work movement— the ability to identify and determine when and from what environment will yield the most productivity, and flexibility, for individuals, and teams.

“At Plantronics, we went through this Smarter Working journey and saw huge benefits in terms of employees’ self-empowerment, well-being, productivity, and confidence in management; as well as organizational cost savings, and the ability to attract and retain talent,” said Philip Vanhoutte, senior vice president and managing director for Europe and Africa at Plantronics. “The right technology, along with a shift in behavior and company mindset is essential for organizations that want to establish a culture of agile communication and collaboration.”

As a global leader in audio communications for business and consumers, Plantronics has been an advanced technology partner of Unify for almost 10 years. Plantronics, in conjunction with Unify, creates integrated and intuitive solutions to meet the most diverse work modes and use cases. These solutions simplify and enhance Unify’s OpenScape and OpenStage desk phones, OpenStage DECT and WLAN handsets, OpenScape soft clients and applications, Circuit for Google Chrome browser and iOS apps, and OpenScape Xpert turrets for trade, dispatch and safety critical services.

Plantronics was invited to join the Unify Customer Advisory Council during the summer of 2014 to be one of the first companies to deploy Circuit. “We’ve experienced, first hand, how Circuit brings the social and collaboration capabilities to any company who wants to adopt this New Way to Work,” continued Vanhoutte. “Our own beta-testing team recognized the rich sound quality users enjoy with Circuit when using Plantronics headsets.”

“Vanhoutte and his progressive team provided invaluable feedback during our Circuit beta customer program,” commented Bill Hurley, chief marketing officer at Unify. “Plantronics was impressed by Circuit’s underlying principle that continuous conversation and keeping a contextual history of communication exchanges, which are synchronized across devices, makes collaboration simple and efficient, even with a team that is split across two continents. Vanhoutte’s foresight makes him a progressive thought leader in future of work technologies.”

Unify’s global NW2W Ambassador program honors these leaders, who prioritize the impact of work trends on business. These individuals prioritize new strategies for communication and collaboration in order to successfully embrace the NW2W.

For more information about the New Way to Work Global Ambassador Program, visit the NW2W hub at www.unify.com/nw2w. Additionally, follow the NW2W conversation on Twitter at #NW2W and on LinkedIn.

CES 2015. January 8, 2015 — Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), a pioneer in wearable technology, today introduced its latest wearable prototype offering from PLT Labs, Wearable Concept 2 (WC2). This concept device builds off of its predecessor, Wearable Concept 1 (WC1), by adding several new capabilities for developers to explore and use as the base for future applications. The PLT Labs Wearable Concept platform was created to extend the company’s flagship technology to new applications.

In addition to all the core WC1 capabilities, WC2 incorporates an always-on low power state that enables hands-free voice commands to interface with a variety of applications and devices, plus enhanced motion-tracking capabilities to enable comprehensive capture of device orientation in three-dimensional space. WC2 also features an NXP A700x secure authentication microcontroller which allows the headset to serve as a wearable multi-factor authentication device. Combined with a wealth of sensor data like compass heading, angular velocity and acceleration, and supported by a broad range of SDKs for mobile and desktop platforms, developers can explore and create real-world apps across a range of industries and verticals.

Wearable Concept 2 demonstrations featured during CES 2015 illustrate the many possibilities enabled by this updated platform. These include:

• Integration with KUBI, a telepresence robot from Revolve Robotics. Head tracking in WC2 can be used to enable hands-free remote multi-media collaboration to enable a variety of use cases such as telemedicine, distance learning, and unified communications.
• Voice command solution for Lockitron, a leader in contextually-aware keyless entry. This demonstration features secure device-based identity, which helps to create a safer, more intuitive experience for managing entry for homes and controlled sites.

“We are pleased to improve upon the work we did for the original WC1. The WC2 adds new enterprise focused capabilities to our platform. Our goal is to identify and build solutions with our partners and developer community that improve the workplace by joining enterprise infrastructure with our wearable technology,” said Cary Bran, Vice President, New Ventures and Innovation, Plantronics. “Our demonstrations with KUBI from Revolve Robotics and Lockitron are great examples that showcase the vast potential of the WC2 platform.”

To learn more about the Plantronics Wearable Concept 2 prototype device, stop by booth #31117, South Hall 3 (upstairs) or visit www.plantronics.com

LONDON, UK – 5th January 2015 — Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today announced that it will be embarking on “The Way Ahead Tour” to share its predictions for 2015 with contact centres in seven locations across the UK, and offer them a deeper dive into its latest range of EncorePro headsets. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the industry’s market leader on developments in contact centre technology – and to experience some of those developments for themselves.

The Tour will run from 14 January until 12 February, with stops in Strathclyde, Edingburgh, Cardiff, Coventry, Leeds, Sunderland, and Dublin. Attendees that sign up for Plantronics’ Best Practice Clinics at their local event will receive a free consultation visit from Plantronics experts.

For full details on “The Way Ahead Tour” and to register, visit: Plantronics The Way Ahead Tour.

Plantronics EncorePro 500 Headsets

The Plantronics EncorePro 500 headset series was built with front-line staff in mind by delivering a unique design that is ergonomically correct, extraordinarily durable, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wearing. Noise-cancelling technology and Plantronics high-quality audio ensure focused and private calls, so conversations are effective and all participants will be heard clearly with fewer missed words.

“The contact centre is vital to a brand’s reputation, and to the business as a whole. At Plantronics, we believe in technology’s ability to help contact centres deliver smarter customer interactions. With our “The Way Ahead Tour”, we want to give UK businesses a chance to see how they can benefit from these tools first-hand and kick off 2015 with their best foot forward” said Richard Kenny, E&A Marketing Manager at Plantronics.

Somerset, UK – 4^th November 2013 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, is delighted to announce that Will Slade, from Chawleigh, Devon, is this year’s Wyke Farms winner in the West Country Dairy Awards. Wyke Farms presented Will with a scholarship of £1,000 towards his studies in Veterinary Medicine.

Will is currently studying for a degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge. He has always been actively involved in his family’s dairy farm, where about 200 organic Dairy Shorthorns are kept. Based in Chawleigh, near Chulmleigh in Devon, Will is passionate about dairy farming.

Will was delighted to win the £1,000 prize money, saying “As my vacation periods will now be spent undertaking vital work experience as a vet student, instead of working on the family farm, this funding will help support me with my day-to-day living costs at university. Through my studies I will gain an improved understanding of how to treat animals as well as knowledge of diseases which could pose a threat to my livestock, all of which I can put into practice back in the field.”

“We are proud to be supporting the future of dairy farming and to be able to help students, such as Will, through their studies” said Rich Clothier, managing director and 3^rd generation family member at Wyke Farms “Will came across as very self-motivated and passionate about dairy farming with a strong level of business awareness and determination – a rare combination to find in a 21 year-old today.”

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

 Somerset, UK – 13^th October 2014 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today announces that its ‘Free Cheese Friday’ social media campaign has been awarded trademark protection. Somerset cheese maker Wyke Farms is the first brand in the UK to register a trademark based on the popularity of a social media campaign.

Wyke Farms’ ‘Free Cheese Friday’ takes the form of an online weekly competition, run across both Wyke Farms’ Facebook and Twitter pages. It has mainly grown organically from viral sharing and now receives over 25,000 entries per month. Since its inception 4 years ago, Wyke Farms has seen the popularity of the campaign double each year. It now has a following of more than 44,000 individuals.

The ‘Free Cheese Friday’ trademark has been registered on the basis that it has acquired distinctiveness through use and that a sizeable proportion of that use is use as a hashtag.

Join in the cheddar fun by following and re-tweeting @wykefarms #freecheesefriday and entering on Wyke Farms’ Facebook page at http://bit.ly/freecheesefridays.

“It has been fantastic to watch our competition grow virally” said Rich Clothier, managing director and 3^rd generation family member at Wyke Farms “Social media is a great way for us to keep in touch with our customers, share our news and ideas, get feedback and just say ‘hey, thanks for your loyalty, we appreciate it!’.”

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

Somerset, UK – 13^th October 2014 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today announces that its ‘Free Cheese Friday’ social media campaign has been awarded trademark protection. Wyke Farms is the first brand in the UK to register a trademark based on the popularity of a social media campaign.

The ‘Free Cheese Friday’ trademark has been registered on the basis that it has acquired distinctiveness through use and that a sizeable proportion of that use is use as a hashtag. It.was registered with the UK IPO by UK law firm Burges Salmon LLP.

Wyke Farms’ ‘Free Cheese Friday’ takes the form of an online weekly competition, run across both Wyke Farms’ Facebook and Twitter pages. It has mainly grown organically from viral sharing and now receives over 25,000 entries per month. Since its inception 4 years ago, Wyke Farms has seen the popularity of the campaign double each year. The campaign now has a following of more than 44,000 individuals.

“The influence of social media networks is not to be underestimated,” said Rich Clothier, managing director and 3^rd generation family member at Wyke Farms “At Wyke, social media remains a core part of our communications strategy and is something that we have invested in for several years now. We have seen numerous benefits – increased brand recognition, improved brand loyalty, improved sales and smarter customer insight – this is why we decided it was time to protect our brand by trademarking our competition.” 

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually.

Wyke Farms have 150 years of family farming experience. Wyke Farms’ cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.

The Wyke Farms products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Sainsbury’s Tesco and Waitrose.

LONDON, UK, Call Centre Expo – 1st October 2014 — Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) today announced a new family of contact centre headset solutions designed for the future and built on experience. The Plantronics EncorePro® 500 headset series ushers in a new generation of headsets for customer interactions that deliver greater comfort for all-day wearing, superior noise cancelling for clearer calls, and increased reliability to help manage costs. In addition, the company announced their next-generation USB audio processors for Plantronics headsets that allows for a more complete audio experience by providing contextual information that contact centre managers can leverage to improve their customer interactions operations.

The customer interaction landscape has changed. Today’s calls are more complex, making each and every communication between the customer and the customer interactions associate crucial as it can either strengthen or weaken an organisation’s brand. Plantronics new solutions are specifically designed to create positive customer experiences that also help attract and retain staff.

Comprehensive Solutions for Customer Interactions Associates

The Plantronics EncorePro 500 headset series was built with front line staff in mind by delivering a unique design that is ergonomically correct, extraordinarily durable, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wearing. Noise-cancelling technology and Plantronics high-quality audio ensure focused and private calls, so conversations are effective and all participants will be heard clearly with fewer missed words.

The family includes dedicated over-the-head (EncorePro 510 and 520), over-the-ear (EncorePro 530) and convertible models (EncorePro 540), the latter unique in its simple design and high-performance audio no matter what the preferred wearing style. All models support wideband audio.

Create a Better Customer Experience

A new family of USB Digital Audio (DA) Processors will deliver Plantronics SoundGuard to protect your employees hearing during acoustic shock events. Lightweight and simple to use, DA series audio processors come with USB easy-to-operate connections and Quick Disconnect features so your team can easily switch between workstations. The audio processors, with exclusive contextual intelligence as standard, make possible new efficiencies in a range of areas, such as automation of agent status updates, screen-locking for security when a headset is disconnected, dashboard management of headset inventory and warranty status, tracking of agent use of physical call controls and supervisor alerts to conversational conflict between agent and caller. Alliance integrations with vendors such as Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, Aspect, Avaya, Cisco, Genesys, Interactive Intelligence and additional third-party software application vendors are expected to enter market during 2015.

“With the rise of social media, smartphones and self-service, customer interactions are now in the public domain. Engaged and prepared customer interaction associates are vital to making every dialogue matter and end in a positive resolution,” said Philip Vanhoutte, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Europe & Africa, Plantronics. “With our new portfolio, organizations will immediately see the value of Plantronics professional audio instruments and their intelligence, which enables operations to be more effective, not to mention creating a positive experience for both the customer interactions associate and the customer.”

Pricing and Availability

• EncorePro 510 monaural headset: MSRP €132 / £101 and is available January 2015.
• EncorePro 520 binaural headset: MSRP €161 / £123 and is available January 2015.
• EncorePro 530 over-the-ear headset: MSRP €124 / £94 and is available mid-October.
• EncorePro 540 convertible headset: MSRP €139 / £109 and is available now.

The EncorePro 500 series is available through authorised Plantronics distributors and resellers.

BERLIN, Germany, IFA – 4th September 2014 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), a pioneer in audio and wearable technology, today announced BackBeat PRO, wireless active noise-cancelling headphones with battery power to outlast your playlist. The latest addition to its award-winning BackBeat stereo product family, the over-the-ear BackBeat PRO headphones offer Plantronics signature audio performance and design for all-day wearing comfort at home, in the office, and on the go. Bluetooth wireless freedom cuts the cord, and advanced active noise-cancellation (ANC) technology minimizes background sounds so you can fully immerse yourself in your music.

“People want to enjoy their music anytime, anywhere, without having to compromise. That’s why we created BackBeat PRO,” said Stuart Bradshaw, head of consumer marketing and business development at Plantronics. “We designed BackBeat PRO to eliminate distractions with active noise-cancellation, and Bluetooth wireless and ridiculously long battery life melt away the frustrations of limited charge and a tangled mess of cords.”

Host a personal concert for one, even in a noisy office or a busy flight, with BackBeat PRO headphone’s signature rich, brilliant audio and advanced active noise-cancellation technology. Using a unique dual-mic solution, the headphones draw in background noise and eliminate it, tuning out external sounds and resulting in clear, life-like audio. Alternatively, if you want to hear what is going on around you, with a touch of a button the adjustable OpenMic feature pushes the music to the background and amplifies environmental sounds; have a conversation with a co-worker, listen for your boarding call, or answer a fellow commuter without having to remove your headphones.

Plantronics innovation in power management gives the BackBeat PRO up to 24 hours of listening time on a single charge, and an included 3.5mm cable serves as a backup, allowing you to plug in and keep enjoying your music in the unlikely event that you run out of battery. Used alone, its active noise-cancellation is capable of eliminating background noise for up to 60 hours – enough to tune out airplane noise on a flight around the world. BackBeat PRO is always ready for action, with up to 21 days of standby power, and up to 6 months in DeepSleep hibernation

Additional features include:

Uncompromising audio performance: With 40mm dynamic drivers and Plantronics signature audio technologies, BackBeat PRO delivers rich bass, crisp highs, and natural midtones so you hear the nuances of each instrument and voice.

Unleash your music: Advanced Bluetooth technology lets you stream music from up to 330 ft/100m1 away from your smartphone or tablet, well beyond the usual 33ft/10m.

Truly “smart” headphones: Sensors on BackBeat PRO automatically pause your music when the headphones are removed and resumes when you put them back on, and will unobtrusively whisper updates on connection status, battery life, incoming calls and more.

Take your music anywhere: The exceptional ergonomic design and portability (with fold-flat earcups and durable nylon travel sleeve) makes BackBeat PRO ideal for all-day use wherever life takes you.

Clear communication: From phone calls to voice applications such as Siri™ and Skype, BackBeat PRO dual-mics directly on the headphones enable clear communication on smartphones and tablets for mobile professionals.

Works seamlessly with mobile devices: BackBeat PRO features NFC pairing with Android devices, and you can easily move from listening to music on your smartphone to watching videos on your tablet with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.

Plantronics Award-Winning BackBeat Family

BackBeat PRO is the newest member of the popular BackBeat family of stereo products. The award-winning BackBeat GO 2 + Charging Case wireless earbuds offer premium audio in an incredibly small and light form factor, and the included charging case protects the earbuds and extends listening time to over 14.5 hours. The BackBeat FIT sweatproof wireless headphones features a unique, safety-orientated design and a stable, comfortable fit that stays in place no matter how hard you work out. BackBeat GO 2 and BackBeat FIT are currently available at retailers.

Pricing and Availability

BackBeat PRO will be available in Europe starting October 2014. MSRP is €249.99 EUR, £249.99 GBP. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com/uk.

London, UK – 19th April 2012 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing released the inAir^™ 5000 Wireless AirPlay^® Speaker (MA5000) that allows users of iOS devices to stream music wirelessly over their Wi-Fi network to any room in the house. The inAir 5000 is the first in a series of audio networking products that capitalizes on the audio engineering excellence and groundbreaking product design of Altec Lansing.

The new inAir 5000 is the perfect companion for iOS devices including the iPod^® touch, iPad^® and iPhone^®. Whether a user is playing music from a personal iTunes^® library or streaming content from the vast expanses of the Cloud, the inAir 5000 is the simple, elegant way to wireless entertainment with astounding audio clarity.

“The way we listen to music is changing. It can be an extremely personal or a very social experience; the explosion of content and services online means we now have unlimited music in more locations than ever before,” said Brendon Stead, VP, Product Management and Engineering, Altec Lansing. “Altec Lansing is once again setting the bar higher for an entire product category by introducing our first AirPlay product that addresses the needs of demanding audio enthusiasts, while appealing to contemporary design sensibilities.”

Designed for Compatibility

Users of iTunes or those with an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch can now enjoy room-filling sound in any living space. Engineered to be an accessory to an active social lifestyle, connecting to the inAir 5000 is fast and simple with Apple’s AirPlay via any compatible device. Setting up the inAir 5000 is a breeze. Once your Wi-Fi capable iOS device is connected by USB cable, users will be prompted to download the free inAir Guide app which will direct them through the quick and easy set-up. The inAir 5000 will be filling the room with sound within minutes.

Compatibility with AirPlay devices means users can wirelessly stream music from a wide range of sources, including their full iTunes library, and it also provides the ability to tap the Cloud for content. “A whole new world of audio entertainment is attainable with streaming services now available in any room in the house,” commented Vincenzo Giuliani, Director, Networked Media Products, Altec Lansing. “Multiple inAir 5000 devices can be linked throughout the home or office to provide seamless listening experiences as users move from room to room.”

Designed for Amazing Sound Quality

The new inAir 5000 has been engineered from the ground up to provide the most punch in an attractive form factor. The unique curvature of the unit goes beyond aesthetics with non-parallel walls that prevent the cross-cancellation of sound waves and produces more natural sound. The result of this unique design is amazing clarity and minimal loss throughout the entire tonal range. The structure of the unit is fortified thoroughly to prevent distortion and vibration, so music is reproduced the way the artist intended. Intelligent digital signal processing promises lower bass response, widens the sound field and tames high frequencies. This product benefits from Altec Lansing’s legendary sound engineering, and music enthusiasts will hear the difference.

The internal components of the inAir 5000 are a testament to the heritage and legacy of Altec Lansing’s nearly 75 years in audio excellence. The dual 3-inch mid-range drivers are constructed of super strong Kevlar to deliver true vocals and mid-tones with minimal distortion. Triple amplifiers drive the system, with dedicated power to the mid-range drivers, the neodymium tweeters and the thunderous 4-inch subwoofer.

Designed for Household Harmony

The inAir 5000 is designed with an emphasis on clean lines and minimal distractions to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and harmoniously blend with any décor. Discreet, side-mounted controls and the included remote give users easy command of the unit and their music.

Availability and Pricing

The inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker (MA5000) is available now at all good electronic retailers for MSRP is €499.99 / £429.99.

London, November 14^th, 2011 – WorkSnug today announces general availability of its mobile application in the Android Market, following launches on iPhone, Blackberry and Ovi by Nokia devices.

WorkSnug’s innovative augmented reality application locates the nearest and best laptop friendly workspaces and allows users to report their experiences for other users. Users simply hold up their phone, and the range of local locations is displayed in augmented reality or map view.

Launched globally in April 2010, WorkSnug has since seen widespread adoption in Europe, the USA and more latterly in India. WorkSnug’s review teams and community have visited and reviewed many thousands of viable workspaces. They’re reviewed WiFi, noise levels, power provision, community feel, even the quality of the coffee, in cafes, coworking spaces, hotel lounges and other mobile working locations, all across the world. In this way, WorkSnug is building the first global community for mobile workers. In addition to workspace reviews, WorkSnug provides several tools designed to improve the mobile working experience. These include an integrated decibel meter in the mobile app, allowing users to assess and share noise levels inside working locations, and a unique ‘VoIP Checker’ tool at worksnug.com, which assesses the ability of public WiFi networks to support VoIP calls.

WorkSnug was founded in London by Richard Leyland, who said: “It’s great news for us and for the growing army of Android users. Our user community have been rightly demanding this for some time, and now we’re really excited to get the application onto people’s Android phones. We’re particularly excited about the broad range of devices we’ll now be able to serve”.

WorkSnug for Android supports all phones running release 2.1 or later. Users can download the free application from the Android Market.

London, UK – 14^th September 2011 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing introduced the new inMotion® iMT630 Classic and Sport speaker systems for iPhone and iPod^.  The inMotion iMT630 Classic and Sport speakers are ultra-portable audio solutions for consumers who want to accessorize their active lifestyle while enjoying great sound quality. With a rechargeable battery, the iMT630 travels easily, whether it’s from room to room or to the park for a family day-out. From looking good to sounding good, the iMT630 never misses a beat, standing out and delivering amazing audio quality wherever life takes it.

“Consumer electronics are an extension of our own unique taste, and the inMotion iMT630 syncs the listener’s personality to his or her lifestyle. It is the perfect marriage of form and function, whether it remains stationary as part of a room’s décor or moves with the party to keep the fun going,” said Steve Schlangen, Altec Lansing Senior Product Manager. “By incorporating our engineering audio excellence into a thoughtful portable design, the iMT630 becomes more than a dock for your iPhone or iPod; it becomes a personal accessory to life.”

Despite its small footprint, the iMT630 pumps out clear and accurate sound even at maximum volume. Whether relaxing at home or playing outside, users can enjoy precision audio clarity and crisp bass delivered through dual 2-inch drivers for a full stereo experience. Proving that style does not have to be sacrificed for performance, the iMT630 features fluid aesthetics with rounded corners and is available in three distinct colours to please any personal preference: the inMotion iMT630 Classic comes in timeless black while the inMotion iMT630 Sport packs a colourful punch in red or teal.

Seamlessly adapting to a user’s active lifestyle, the compact and portable iMT630 easily moves from room to room with the user.  The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery allows users to enjoy their music away from the outlet for nearly seven hours. The included wireless remote offers full iPod navigation from across the room and has its own magnetic storage space, so it never gets misplaced. Consumers can also access their music through the onboard controls. Whether listening to music with the family or entertaining the neighbours on the patio, the iMT630 lets others indulge in their favourite music by connecting their device via the auxiliary input jack.

App Enhancement

Users can enhance their experience with the iMT630 by utilizing Altec Lansing’s iOS apps, including the Music Mood app and the Alarm Rock app. With the Music Mood’s Graphic Equalizer (EQ), users can customize their sound for a more enjoyable listening experience. From basic and preset options to a more advanced seven-band graphic EQ, customized sound can be saved and accessed at the user’s discretion. Also included within the Music Mood app is the Ambient Sound library which lets users relax to a number of serene sounds, including a crackling fireplace, a calming river stream, a relaxing beach or a mountain breeze.

The Alarm Rock app acts as a full-featured digital alarm clock complete with time display and an oversized snooze button. Users can choose to wake or sleep to their favourite audio files and songs, while enjoying a fully customizable interface to match even the most eclectic tastes.

Availability and Pricing

Altec Lansing’s iMT630 is available now at select consumer electronics retailers for £99.99 / €129.99 MSRP.

The iMT630 is compatible with iPod touch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation), iPod classic, iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation), iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone.

The Music Mood and Alarm Rock Apps are available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

Berlin, Germany – 2nd September 2011 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing introduced its new Bliss series of noise-isolating, in-ear headphones designed for women’s ears and to compliment their personal styles. Featuring the Bliss Platinum, Bliss Gold and Bliss Silver earphones, Altec Lansing beautifully designed 9 different earphone models with smaller housings to fit petite ears while providing exceptional sound quality.  The Bliss series incorporates stylish colours and jewel accents to appeal to a woman’s sense of fashion. Whether commuting to work or working out, Altec Lansing’s Bliss series earphones offer style, comfort and great sound for women on the go.

“The majority of earphones currently on the market for women are just painted versions of male earphones; they are too large and uncomfortable for the female ear,” says Raleigh Wilson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing “Altec Lansing’s new Bliss series earphones are specifically designed to be small while providing our renowned sound quality. And, with three styles and nine colours for women to choose from, these earphones compliment a variety of personal tastes.”

Three Style Series of Noise Isolating Comfort for Women   

Altec Lansing’s Bliss series delivers in three important areas for women: sound quality, fit and style. Altec Lansing engineered the Bliss series with narrower barrels and smaller ear tips to fit gently and securely in female ears. Despite the lightweight design, Altec Lansing’s sound engineering ensures that its smaller components deliver great audio quality with punchy bass and clear highs so small ears can experience big sound. For added comfort, each earphone includes a selection of different size ear tips to let each user customize her fit.

Altec Lansing’s Bliss Platinum earphones are a practical yet stylish accessory designed for women looking for a subtle yet luxurious product to reflect their taste and lifestyle. The user will enjoy an immersive soundstage that resonates from within the diamond-cut styling, with crisp highs and bass that thumps without being overwhelming. Available in three attractive colours; aqua, black and pink, the Bliss Platinum products look as good as they sound. Epitomizing functional fashion, these earphones incorporate a coordinated braided cloth cord that eliminates friction and tangling. Also included with the Bliss Platinum earphones is a soft carry case that protects the earphones for ultimate portability and an eight-piece ear tip kit for the perfect fit.

For those who believe in accessories that sparkle, Altec Lansing’s Bliss Gold earphones feature glamorous jewel-faceted housings in pale lilac, violet and rose. The Gold series is ideal for women with a discrete sense of style and sophisticated taste who want their accessories to match with a range of outfits. The Gold series acoustics feature crisp and clean audio, especially ideal for emphasis on vocals. The Bliss Silver earphones feature a low profile, perfectly balanced audio and chic design in bright contemporary gold, teal and red at an affordable price point – perfect for young fashionable music lovers who want to make a bold statement.

Availability

Altec Lansing’s Bliss Platinum (MZX736) earphones are available now at all good electronic retailers for £39.99/ €49.99 MSRP. Altec Lansing’s Bliss Gold (MZX436) and Bliss Silver (MZX236) headphones are MSRP £29.99/ €39.99 and MSRP £24.99/ €29.99) respectively.

London, July 28^th, 2011 – Every mobile worker has been there. Ultra connected, yet lost in the city. Perhaps you’re preparing for a crucial meeting, rushing to catch a train or desperately trying to print a letter for the post. You need to print a document, and fast. Enter WorkSnug and HP ePrint®.

WorkSnug now integrates with HP’s ePrint® location data, making it the first third-party mobile app to help you navigate the first global network of publicly available printers. The HP ePrint® network has more than 9,000 printers installed in public spaces all around the world, in places such as hotel lobbies, FedEx centres and even some Starbucks stores.

WorkSnug’s innovative augmented reality iPhone application locates print locations, direct users to those locations in order to print their important documents, and allows users to report their experience for other users. Users simply hold up their iPhone, and see HP ePrint® locations in augmented reality and map view.

Launched globally in April 2010, WorkSnug is a tool that connects mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work. WorkSnug’s review teams and community have visited and reviewed many thousands of viable workspaces. They’re reviewed WiFi, noise levels, power provision, community feel, even the quality of the coffee, in cafes, coworking spaces, hotel lounges and other mobile working locations, all across the world. In this way, WorkSnug is building the first global community for mobile workers. In addition to workspace reviews, WorkSnug provides several tools designed to improve the mobile working experience. These include an integrated decibel meter in the mobile app, allowing users to assess and share noise levels inside working locations, and a unique ‘VoIP Checker’ tool, which assesses the ability of public WiFi networks to support VoIP calls.

WorkSnug was founded in London by Richard Leyland, who said: “WorkSnug already provides a unique, user-generated database of the very best touch-down working locations around the world and we know our users will love the ability to find nearby printers. We see ourselves as the Swiss Army Knife for mobile workers, and we just acquired a superbly useful new blade!”

Users can download WorkSnug Pro for free from the App Store now.

UK, London – May 17th, 2011 – Enhancing the iPad experience, audio innovator Altec Lansing today announced an upgrade to its Octiv 450 docking speaker system for the iPad, iPhone and iPod. Bringing to life the latest iPad, the Octiv 450 is one of the first products to support the iPad2 and showcase its latest features and unique capabilities for entertainment. With convenient design features, the Octiv 450 provides an exciting experience for watching and listening to content as well as a stylish home for the iPad.

“As audio innovators with 70 years of music heritage, and inventors of the first iPod dock and first iPhone speaker system, we are proud to be the first to offer an iPad2 compatible dock,” said Miguel Martin Gomez EMEA Channel and Marketing Manager “Altec Lansing has created the perfect solution to hands-free viewing, greater sound delivery as well as charging capabilities all in one dock with the Octiv 450.”

iPad2 Support

The Octiv 450 allows users to dock and charge their iPad while a 3.5mm auxiliary jack offers support for additional devices. The Octiv 450 is now sold with an additional adapter kit included, so that it can be used with both versions of the iPad. This kit is also available separately free of charge so existing owners of the Octiv 450 can easily upgrade their device to support the new iPad2.

Superior Sound for HD Video and Music

The new front-facing camera and rear-facing cameras on the iPad2 are ideal for FaceTime and shooting HD video. With the Octiv 450 this audio and video footage can be enjoyed in optimum audio quality. Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment technology provides distinctive centre channel voicing and enhanced stereo delivery for distortion-free performance even at full volume.

For a more pleasant viewing experience, the Octiv 450’s unique rotating connection arm allows the iPad to be viewed in both portrait and landscape positions and offers a tilt screen for multiple viewing angles, plus a full featured, wireless remote provides easy navigation from across the room.

Music collections are growing and have now just grown bigger with Apple’s new iOS 4.3 on the iPad2. Music and files can be easily shared between devices including the iPhone4, iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch and played back with upgraded audio quality and sound distribution on the Octiv 450.

Availability and Pricing

The Altec Lansing Octiv 450 audio dock upgrade kit will be available mid May at Apple, John Lewis, Dixons and PC World.

London – 10^th May 2011 – Altec Lansing, audio experts in PC and stereo speaker systems, today introduced the Orbit USB StereoÔ(iML247) speaker, the newest member of its Orbit family. This ultra-portable USB speaker is perfect for the frequent traveller, providing surprisingly big stereo sound and the convenience of plug-and-play USB connectivity for netbooks, PCs and laptops.

“We think two types of consumers will love the Orbit USB Stereo,” says Miguel Martin Gomez EMEA Channel and Marketing Manager, “Working professionals who can enhance their presentations with board-room filling sound from the Orbit USB Stereo. It’s small enough to pack in a briefcase for work trips and can also be used to listen to music or watch a movie in their hotel rooms at night. And of course, music fans who store music on their laptops and take their sound with them wherever they go.  Parties, music concerts and festivals, the Orbit USB Stereo can be tossed in a backpack and provide powerful instant sound at any time and any location.”

This powerful little speaker boasts Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment™ design, which is the precise balance and craftsmanship of the key audio components — the driver, the enclosure and the electronics. The sonic result is astounding volume, clarity and depth in a small system. The battery-free design offers an environmentally responsible solution and the retractable stands aim the audio wherever wanted.

Key features include:

• Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound
• Incredible Digital Clarity – From the source to the speaker, sound stays digitally wired through the USB connection guaranteeing the integrity of the original signal.
• Powerful Stereo Sound – two 40mm active drivers deliver impressively powerful audio in a very small compact design
• USB Powered – No batteries or AC cord required, just plug-and-play.
• USB Cord Storage – Free from tangle, just wind up the cord and go.
• Built-in Stands – Retractable stands lets you direct the sound to your audience
• Travel Case – stylish black case makes it perfectly portable for travel
• LED Power Indicator – lets you know when device is on
• Stow and Go – the 2 speakers snap together for convenient portability and easy storage

Availability

The new Orbit USB StereoÔ (iML247) will be available at Amazon, DSGi, JLP, Currys, and PC World from mid May 2011. The Orbit USB has an MSRP of £39.99 / €49.99 (inc VAT).

London – 19^th April 2011 – Altec Lansing, audio experts in PC and stereo speaker systems, today introduced the BXR1321Ô 2.1 stereo speaker system for computers and MP3 players. This three-piece system brings an elegant design and Altec Lansing’s award-winning sound to any desktop, laptop, netbook or MP3 player.

“The BXR1321 offers good quality sound with strong bass bringing your music, movies and games to life,” says Miguel Martin Gomez EMEA Marketing Manager, “It’s the perfect solution for someone who wants to upgrade their 2.0 system and the elegant design looks great anywhere in the home”

The new BXR1321™ is a 2.1 subwoofer-satellite combination that provides an amazing 84db of sound pressure level from a compact system. The two 2-inch full range drivers extend the treble response out to 18 kHz, retaining the clarity of music files, games and movies. The separate satellite speakers also give improved sound imaging and as a result the perception of both gaming action and stereo recordings is enhanced. The 4-inch down-firing driver in the subwoofer provides low frequency response for realistic bass and surround effects, adding a new level of realism to any music, movie or game.

The USB connection makes it easy to set up to your PC, netbook or laptop and the additional AUX in jack provides easy connection to portable DVD, MP3 and CD players, ideal for enjoying music, movies and games on the road.

Key features include:

• Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound
• Quality Stereo Sound – dual 2-inch full-range speaker drivers deliver crystal-clear full spectrum audio bringing music, movies and games alive
• Deep Bass – the down-firing subwoofer delivers impressive bass
• Improved Sound Imaging – separate satellite speaker improve perception
• Built-in controls –volume and power controls are on the satellite for easy access
• Magnetically shielded – able to place next to monitors without interference
• Easy to set up – USB powered. No need to find an unnsed AC outlet.
• Auxiliary input jack – second audio connection source with a 3.5mm jack

Availability

The new BXR1321 will be available at Amazon, DSGi, JLP, Currys, and PC World from mid May 2011. The BXR1321 has an MSRP of £29.99 / €34.99 (inc VAT).

London – 19^th April 2011 – Altec Lansing, audio experts in PC and stereo speaker systems, today introduced the BXR1320Ô stereo speaker system for desktop and portable PCs.  With a compact and elegant design, it delivers full-spectrum audio for a sound quality unmatched by any other speakers in this price category.

“The BXR1320 offers great sound and styling in a compact size at an affordable price,” says Miguel Martin Gomez EMEA Channel and Marketing Manager, “It’s perfect for users looking for a compact speaker system that delivers fantastic audio quality whether gaming, listening to music or watching movies.”

The new BXR1320™ features a pair of compact satellite speakers with Altec Lansing’s Audio Alignment™ technology, which precisely balances the speaker drivers, enclosure and electronics for optimum sound. Thanks to its USB connection, the BXR1320 doesn’t require an AC outlet – and no cumbersome power brick — making the system easy to set up, perfect for on-the-road enjoyment of music, movies and games, and the ideal companion for today’s netbooks. Magnetically shielded to keep your monitor interference free and with built-in controls, the BXR1320 provides rich, authoritative audio from its 2-inch full range drivers.

Specifically designed for the casual user looking for the best value for money when listening to music, videos and multimedia from any desktop, laptop or netbook, this system combines a compact, stylish and contemporary design with Altec Lansing’s uncompromising signature sound

Key features include:

• Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound
• Quality Stereo Sound – dual 2” full-range speaker drivers deliver crystal-clear full spectrum audio
• Easy access controls –volume and power controls are on the satellite for easy access
• Magnetically shielded – able to place next to monitors without interference
• Easy to set up – USB powered. No need to find an unused AC outlet

Availability

The new BXR1320 will be available at Amazon, DSGi, JLP, Currys, and PC World from early May 2011. The BXR1320 has an MSRP of £19.99 / €19.99 (inc VAT).

UK, London – 5^th April 2011 – Altec Lansing today introduced the Octiv 650 audio speaker system for iPhone and iPod users, which delivers crystal clear audio in a sleek elegant design. The flat-front horn loudspeaker design together with two 3-inch full range drivers and a nested 4-inch down-firing subwoofer deliver impressive room-filling sound. It also connects direct to the TV letting users play videos from their iPhone and iPod Touch in full screen. An added feature is the free downloadable Music Mood app, which lets users enhance their listening experience further with relaxing and calming videos and sounds.

Elegant and Intelligent Design

The Octiv 650 speaker system is the fusion of elegant simplicity and the artistry of acoustic engineering. Its discreet lines, flat front design and unique wedge shape ensures it blends in with home décor while it fills your space with full well-balanced sound. The design is clean and stylish, the epitome of understatement and impressive over delivery.

“Altec Lansing has over 70 years experience in developing innovative and modern sound systems to match the audio needs of the ever-evolving music and entertainment culture,” said Adrian Bedggood, EMEA Director of Business Management “Music and entertainment are part of our everyday lives and at Altec Lansing we are passionate about giving our customers the best audio experience possible, so users can get the most out of whatever it is they are listening to or watching.”

High Quality Audio and Deep Bass

Altec Lansing’s rich legacy of developing audio systems that complement the iPod and iPhone with great sound, beautiful design and the ability to share music continues with the Octiv 650. Delivering a full spectrum of crystal clear stereo sound through two 3-inch full range drivers, a nested 4-inch downfiring subwoofer and precision-engineered speakers, the Octiv 650 provides impressive audio with warm balanced sound.

TV Ready

The component and composite video outputs included on the Octiv 650 allow you to easily connect the speaker to your TV, enabling you to watch videos from your iPhone, iPod Touch or video-equipped iPod in full screen. Whether this content is already stored on your device or downloaded from sites such as YouTube, iTunes or Netflix you can now enjoy your favourite TV shows, films and video clips on a standard-size screen with better quality audio through the Octiv 650’s speakers, instead of making do with listening through the iPod’s own speakers.

Setting the Mood

The free downloadable ‘Music Mood’ app lets users customize their listening experience with a 7 band graphic equaliser as well as multiple pre-sets. Additionally, individual ambiance can be enhanced with a selection of relaxing and ambient videos and sounds featured in the Ambient Sound & Visual Generator in the Music Mood app, such as a crackling fireplace, ocean waves and gentle rainfall.

Octiv® 650 features include:

• Listen without interference – Certified to work with iPhone and iPod
• iPhone In–Call Support – automatically music pauses for calls from iPhone
• Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
• Understated Design – flat front horn design blends into home décor
• Video Out – connects direct to the TV to play videos from iPhone and iPod Touch in full screen
• Deep Bass – nestled sub-woofer on bottom delivers deep bass
• Remote Control – Fully featured remote allowing access to all the iPod and iPhone menus
• Auxiliary input – connects a second audio source
• Free Music Mood App – Search for Altec Lansing in the App Store area of iTunes

Availability and Pricing

The Altec Lansing Octiv 650 will be available from April at Apple, John Lewis, Dixons and PC World. MSRP is €179.99/ £169.99. The Music Mood app is available in the iTunes app store as a free download. It is available in two different colours: Charcoal (available now) and Grey Slate (from June onwards).

Now users can get connected and pay in just a few clicks with Skype Access

Barcelona – February 14th, 2011 – WorkSnug, the fast-growing community for mobile workers, along with the global leaders in communication headsets, Plantronics, and leading Internet communications company Skype today announce a collaboration to help mobile workers find the best workspaces for their needs and facilitate quick and easy pay-as-you-go internet access.

WorkSnug connects mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work by showing users the closest WiFi hotspots and cafe workspaces. WorkSnug currently has tens of thousands of workspace locations for mobile workers to choose from and is today doubling this figure through the partnership with Skype. In addition to enjoying a wider choice of places to connect to the internet, WorkSnug users will also be able to find Skype Access locations using WorkSnug’s innovative Augmented Reality tool or by logging onto www.worksnug.com. Skype Access is a product that lets Skype users quickly and easily connect to the internet and pay-as-you-go by using their Skype Credit as payment.

Since February 2010, WorkSnug has more than doubled its coverage and now offers an excellent service in more than twenty of the world’s largest cities, including London, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, New York, San Francisco and Amsterdam and is present in almost every world city*.

“Skype prides itself on being easy, affordable and accessible to those who wish to get connected, wherever they may be,” says Shadi Mahassel, product manager for Skype Access. “Worksnug’s new mobile app makes it simple for Skype users to find the closest Skype Access hotspot to quickly get online for voice and video calls, instant messaging or sending important emails and documents.”

WorkSnug founder Richard Leyland added, “It’s the whole package. Now mobile workers will have more choice than ever before to find the right WiFi enabled workspace, be able to easily connect to the internet, and have an enjoyable communication experience.”

WorkSnug user feedback since launch has revealed that ambient noise is the largest single barrier to productive and relaxing work in public spaces such as cafes and public transport hubs, with the

Plantronics Decibel Meter app showing the average decibel reading to be 67dB – considerably higher than the recommended maximum noise level in a workplace* for optimum concentration.

“As audio specialists and leading experts in the headset market, we at Plantronics understand the acoustic challenges faced by mobile workers and the importance of a quality sound environment,” said Stuart Bradshaw, Plantronics EMEA Head of User Segment Marketing “Plantronics’ portable and Skype-certified headsets are ideal for mobile workers who need to concentrate in a noisy environment. The .Audio 646 and .Audio 655 both feature noise-cancelling microphones and advanced DSP technology that work together to ensure background noise is eliminated and you can be heard clearly”.

Skype is offering customers 20% off the standard price of Plantronics’ Skype-certified .Audio 655 when purchased through the Skype Shop. For more information go to http://www.skype.com/go/plx

WorkSnug features the addition of the Plantronics VoIP Checker, which assesses public WiFi networks against a series of measures, including jitter, latency and download speed which predict VoIP call performance. Now users can make an informed decision on whether to use their softphone to make a call or whether to use their mobile.

Check out WorkSnug whilst you’re in Barcelona to uncover several hundred places to connect, including many around the congress venue, making this the perfect app for MWC delegates and nomadic workers alike. WorkSnug features ratings of WiFi, noise levels, power provision and even the quality of the coffee. Reviews can be accessed at worksnug.com or by downloading WorkSnug from the iTunes store.

WorkSnug is now also available for users of the Blackberry in addition to the iPhone and iPod Touch.

UK, London – February 8th, 2011 – Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing announces the European launch of the inMotion Air, the universal solution for users who desire true wireless freedom for home audio, but will not compromise sound quality. From any room in the house or from a variety of devices, the inMotion Air delivers audio autonomy providing room filling sound up to 100 metres away with unrivaled clarity.

“Users want access to their music at all times, whether it’s from their computer libraries, their mobile phones or portable players. The inMotion Air delivers freedom from the confines of wires so that the benefits of rich, crystal clear sound can be shared anywhere,” said Adrian Bedggood, EMEA Director of Business Management “Our heritage as an audio innovator enabled us to engineer a new wireless audio experience with an immersive soundstage, so whether consumers are connecting across the house from their computer or across the room from their iPhone, their music is always in reach.”

Life’s Playlist, Unbound

The robust sound from the inMotion Air will appeal to users looking for a more sophisticated solution for liberating their music libraries. Unlike any other wireless audio system at this affordable price point, users will get the party moving with distinctive sound definition and distortion free audio. When connected via the wireless adaptor to a computer, the inMotion air achieves an astounding range of 100 metres, that’s the equivalent of an entire football field, to stream playlists, internet radio or other audio content.

Whether setting the mood or rocking out, the inMotion Air lets loose the full potential of everyday devices. Users of the iPhone, iPad, Droid and other stereo Bluetooth enabled devices can enjoy their music anywhere, for up to seven hours of rich audio ecstasy with the included rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. Designed to be an accessory to an active social lifestyle, syncing to the inMotion Air is fast and simple for the user, as well as friends and family with compatible devices.

Users can control extensive audio libraries with the remote control, with included support for iTunes and Windows Media Center. When connected to a Bluetooth enabled portable device streaming and controlling content is a breeze.

Wireless Audio Evolved

To create top quality Bluetooth audio, the apt-X sound codec technology has been integrated into the inMotion Air. Apt-X is a unique codec that reproduces robust sound that’s true-to-life, providing CD quality audio, regardless of file compression encoding. Additionally, Waves’ Maxx^® audio algorithms are used to further enhance the performance for the best possible audio experience never before heard from a wireless portable audio device in this price range.

The inMotion Air computer adaptor features a bypass / line-out connection for speakers, so the adaptor unit never has to be unplugged from the computer. To make the inMotion Air more in-sync with a mobile lifestyle, the Bluetooth class 1 utilized in this system cuts down on interference to other devices such as Wi-Fi networks and cordless phones. Additionally, whether the user is looking to double the output or bring the party to multiple rooms simultaneously, two units can be linked to the same transmitter to provide truly immersive audio.

Weighing in at just over a pound (0.45kg), the inMotion Air’s sleek industrial design features top-mounted controls, soft-texture finish and an ergonomic handle in the back for easy carrying. The included remote gives the user easy control of their iTunes or Windows Media Center library from across the room. To fit any décor, the inMotion Air will be available in two colors, a modern slate black and riveting gunmetal.

Availability and Pricing

The Altec Lansing inMotion Air will be available from February at Apple, John Lewis, Dixons and PC World. www.alteclansing.com. MSRP is € 199.99 / £179.99.

London – 13^th January 2011 – Altec Lansing, audio experts in PC and stereo speaker systems, today introduced the VS2720Ô stereo speaker system for computers and MP3 players.  With a compact and contemporary design, it delivers full-spectrum audio for a sound quality unmatched by any other speakers in this price category.

“The VS2720 offers great sound and styling in a compact size at an affordable price,” says Miguel Martin Gomez EMEA Channel and Marketing Manager, “It’s perfect for users looking for a speaker system that delivers fantastic audio quality that they can use wherever they are – at home, in the office or on the go.”

The VS2720™ is a powerful, full-spectrum sound system that provides listeners with a rich 2.0 audio experience that belies the system’s compact size. The two 3-inch full range drivers combined with dual 3” passive radiators deliver the full spectrum of audio frequencies with an impressive bass, so that the clarity and sparkle of even high-bit rate music files, high-resolution games and high definition movies is still retained. The VS2720 has built in volume, power and tone controls and an AUX in Jack for easy connection to portable DVD, MP3 or CD players.

Specifically designed for the casual user looking for the best value for money when listening to music, videos and multimedia from any desktop, laptop, netbook or MP3 player, this system combines a compact, angled and bold contemporary design with Altec Lansing’s uncompromising signature sound.

Key features include:

• Audio Alignment™ – Altec Lansing’s expertise ensure that drivers, enclosure and electronics are balanced for optimum sound.
• Unmatched Sound Quality – dual 3” full-range speaker drivers combined with 3” passive radiators deliver crystal-clear full spectrum audio for a sound quality unmatched by any other speakers in this price category
• Easy access controls – tone, volume and power controls are on the satellite for easy access
• Magnetically shielded – able to place next to monitors without interference
• Auxiliary input jack – second audio connection source with a 3.5mm jack

Availability

The new VS2720 will be available at Amazon, DSGi, JLP, Currys, and PC World from 1^st January 2011. The VS2720 has an MSRP of £34.99 (inc VAT).

Somerset, UK – 20^th September 2010: Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, have announced the new name for Leskol, their half fat Cheddar brand; Super Light has been rebranded to better reflect the unique attributes of the cheese.  At the same time, Wyke Farms have unveiled a fresh new packaging design update for their entire range.  The updated designs show the cow and tree images printed in gloss, making them more visible to reinforce the brands message of provenance.

Appealing to the discerning female shopper the new Super Light packaging communicates the associated health benefits in a bright, fresh design.  The heart shaped parchment panel in the centre of the pack subtly conveys the cardiovascular benefits and the back of pack copy tells the heart warming family story of how the cheese was originally developed to alleviate the high cholesterol of Wykes’ chairman, John Clothier. It took 2 years to refine the recipe and was a real labour of love made for the family by the family.

The award-winning recipe has not been changed; Super Light is made using skimmed milk, vegetable oil and LoSalt™.  It looks, tastes, slices and cooks in the same way as any mature Cheddar.  Naturally rich in protein and calcium and with added Omega 3 and Omega 6, Super Light is an ideal family food, but with only 1.3% saturated fat, approximately 90% less than regular mature Cheddar, it is the healthier choice.

Wyke Farms use packaging to communicate their experience of over 100 years of family farming.  Their cheese and butter is made with the milk from their cows grazing the lush pastures of the Mendip Hills in the centre of the Cheddar making region in Somerset.  Repositioning ‘Superlight’ under the Wyke Farms family umbrella brand was a natural progression for the company who want to communicate the unique quality of this special product as part of the Wyke Farms range.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. Super Light is currently available nationwide in 200g packs in Asda (replacing the current Leskol listing) and 400g in the Co-op.

London – April 22, 2010 – WorkSnug and Plantronics today launched WorkSnug Pro, the newest version of WorkSnug’s hugely successful Augmented Reality iPhone app to help the mobile workforce locate the best places to work in major cities across the globe. Originally available in five of the world’s largest cities, WorkSnug Pro now covers more than a dozen cities and crucially, the community of mobile workers can write and submit their own reviews for any mobile workspace across the globe.

WorkSnug’s team of reviewers has been busy pounding the streets, working nomadically, accessing mobile workspaces and uncovering the best. WorkSnug Pro now covers the following cities: London, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Leiden and Brighton.

WorkSnug Pro is now open to the community of global nomadic workers. WorkSnug are inviting them to support their fellow workers by reviewing their favourite (or not so favourite) cafés, coffee shops, libraries, co-working centres and other working spots in their local area. Users can simply sign up at WorkSnug.com and begin reviewing, with new reviews appearing on the web and in the app within one day.

WorkSnug focus group research and user feedback since launch has revealed that noise is the biggest single barrier to productive mobile work in cities. WorkSnug Pro features the addition of the Plantronics Decibel Meter. Users can now take accurate noise readings in any WorkSnug workspace and send it into the central database. By doing this, WorkSnug are building up a noise-level history to guide workspace decision-making, enabling other WorkSnug users to pick an ideal location that best meets their noise preference.

WorkSnug Pro employs augmented reality, enabling users to hold up their iPhone and view their surroundings, as well as pop-up information that points to the nearest and best potential workspaces. Along with workspace reviews, WorkSnug Pro provides details on WiFi connectivity, power provisions, community feel, noise level, and even the quality of the coffee.

The Growing Mobile Workforce Population

According to research firm IDC, the world’s mobile worker population will pass the one billion mark this year and grow to nearly 1.2 billion people – more than one-third of the world’s total workforce – by 2013. From road warriors on a business trip, to creative professionals who look to their work environment for inspiration, or individuals who work from home needing a change of scenery, WorkSnug Pro will help them identify an array of potential workspaces for consideration.

“As the mobile workforce grows, work is no longer a place we go, but a thing we do. WorkSnug Pro is perfect for anyone who works remotely and is looking to remain productive in a public workspace,” said Richard Leyland, founder of WorkSnug. “The way we work is changing, and we are excited to be an instrumental part of this remote worker revolution.”

“For the past 50 years, Plantronics has helped people work smarter through audio innovations that enable more efficient communications,” said Stuart Bradshaw, EMEA Consumer Marketing Manager at Plantronics. “As workforces become more distributed and remote working more commonplace, Plantronics is committed to developing products, such as the Voyager Pro UC, that empower them to work effectively across all workspaces from the office to the airport. Teaming with WorkSnug is a natural extension of this commitment.”

A Community of Mobile Workers

WorkSnug has reviewed thousands of workspaces around the world for WorkSnug Pro, but the mobile worker community will be the catalyst for enriching the tool with their own reviews. If your city isn’t yet covered, WorkSnug Pro users are encouraged to post their reviews either via the application or at www.worksnug.com, while WorkSnug will continue to conduct its own reviews in the world’s largest cities.

WorkSnug Pro is available now for users of the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch. The augmented reality function is for only available for the iPhone 3GS. For more information about WorkSnug, please visit www.worksnug.com.

Barcelona – February 14, 2010 – WorkSnug, the must-have free iPhone App for mobile workers, along with the global leaders in communication headsets, Plantronics, have today launched their service in Barcelona to help users find the best workspaces for their needs.  WorkSnug uses Augmented Reality showing users where the closest Wi-Fi hotspots and potential workspaces are located by simply holding up their phone, where the information is displayed on the screen alongside real life surroundings.

WorkSnug has been on the streets of Barcelona, uncovering several hundred places to connect, including many around the congress venue, making this the perfect App for MWC delegates and nomadic workers alike. WorkSnug features ratings of WiFi, noise levels, power provision and even the quality of the coffee. Reviews can be accessed at worksnug.com or by downloading WorkSnug from the iTunes store.

WorkSnug began in London in November 2009 and has proven to be very successful. Ever-present in the download charts it has received many positive accolades within the technology community. Stephen Fry, the British actor, famed early adopter of technology and Mobile World Congress speaker was one of the first to test the App, he enthusiastically tweeted, “Augmented Reality on the iPhone. New gen of apps about to burst upon us. Been trying out WorkSnug. So cool it sizzle, WOW!”

Stuart Bradshaw, EMEA Consumer Category Manager at Plantronics comments, “We have been designing and manufacturing communication headsets for decades and understand the challenges for mobile workers. Our mobile professional portfolio features headsets with noise cancelling microphones to ensure background noise is eliminated and you can be heard clearly.”

Worksnug.com is also inviting the global community of mobile workers to submit their own workspace reviews and the best 100 reviews will receive either a Plantronics BackBeat 906 Bluetooth stereo headphone or Discovery 975 Bluetooth headset, both worth €99/£79/$129. Terms and conditions appear at WorkSnug.com.

WorkSnug continues its rapid city growth. WorkSnug founder Richard Leyland added, “as well as Barcelona, we are rolling out in Berlin, Paris, Madrid, New York, San Francisco and more very soon”.

To get started, visit WorkSnug.com. To get the app, search for WorkSnug in the iTunes Store.

Somerset, UK – January 6, 2009 – Leskol, half fat cheese makes it even easier to stay in shape this new-year with a fresh re-sealable zip packaging design.  Fans of the healthier alternative to full fat cheddar can now enjoy the improved smooth and creamy taste for longer as the improved packaging helps to keep the cheese fresh for longer.

Appealing to the discerning female shopper the new Leskol packaging communicates the associated health benefits in a bright, fresh design. The enhanced Leskol has an even smoother texture with a full-bodied flavour that is not usually associated with healthier alternatives.

Award winning cheese makers, Wyke Farms originally developed Leskol to alleviate the high cholesterol of their chairman, John Clothier. It took 2 years to refine the recipe and was a real labour of love made for the family by the family. Last year the company redesigned the packaging in response to an overwhelming interest from the consumer for information on the story behind the cheese.  Twelve months later this redesign is as a result of further consumer feedback.

Looking, tasting, slicing and cooking the same as any Mature Cheddar, Leskol has one big difference; it has 1.3% saturated fat, approximately 90% less than regular Mature Cheddar. Naturally rich in protein and calcium and with added Omega 3 and Omega 6, Leskol Half fat Cheddar is an ideal family food.

Available nationwide at Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose. For more information and free recipes log onto www.leskol.com

London – November 19, 2009 – When the city is your office and the options are endless, finding the perfect café or coffee shop to serve as your mobile workspace can be overwhelming, especially if you’re in a hurry. WorkSnug.com, in association with Plantronics, has launched a groundbreaking application for the iPhone 3GS that guides mobile workers to the nearest and best places to connect to the Internet, all by simply holding up their phone. There’s no ‘clicking through’ required; WorkSnug uses Augmented Reality so that users can see Wi-Fi hotspots and potential workspaces in their vicinity right on their screen alongside their real-life surroundings. Finding the perfect mobile office, that also happens to come with the best cappuccino in the city, has never been easier.

“Work, in the traditional sense, has changed. It’s no longer a place we go, it’s a thing we do – we’re mobile, and the city is our office,” said Richard Leyland, founder of WorkSnug. “With the seemingly unlimited choices of places to work, ranging from noisy cafes to more formal co-working spaces, WorkSnug is the first tool to make sense of this emerging world.”

With WorkSnug, users simply hold up and point their iPhone, and the potential connection spots float alongside the real-life, real-time image of the users’ environment. To help users find the best workspace for their needs, the WorkSnug team has discovered and reviewed hundreds of places to work – from family-run cafés to formal co-working spaces – and offers personal observations, including a guide to power provision, atmosphere, noise levels and even the quality of the coffee. In addition, WorkSnug users can suggest new places, review their favourite workspaces and will soon be able to connect with other local users and create ad-hoc co-working communities. Best of all, the application and all of these services are completely free of charge.

Richard Leyland also mentions that, “WorkSnug is much more than just an iPhone App, it is about building a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about the places in which they can work. WorkSnug gives the community a voice, and the content will grow ever richer as participation grows.”

After visiting many hundreds of places to work, WorkSnug found that the largest single barrier to productive and relaxing work, or even just making a call, was noise. This is why each workspace is rated by the WorkSnug team for its ambient noise-levels.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the development of WorkSnug,” said Stuart Bradshaw, Marketing Manager at Plantronics. “As audio specialists and leading experts in the headset market, we understand the importance of a quality sound environment for mobile workers and fully support their effort to improve the overall mobile work experience.”

Currently launching for the London metro area, WorkSnug will soon also be available for the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Berlin and Madrid. The website WorkSnug.com, which is scheduled to become active in early 2010, will mirror the functionality of the iPhone app while providing a complete platform for mobile work community building.

For a first-hand glance at WorkSnug in action, visit worksnug.com. To get the app, click here or search for WorkSnug in the iTunes Store.

About WorkSnug

WorkSnug exists to connect mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work. It strives to develop a community of all those for whom the city is their office.

WorkSnug was founded in London by Richard Leyland, a futurist and entrepreneur. Richard is an expert commentator on the future of work and has provided insight into the future for many of the world’s largest technology firms, broadcasters, professional services organisations and others.

About Plantronics

In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, emergency dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of innovation is the basis for every audio product we build for the office, contact centre, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call 0800 410014.

London – September 22nd, 2009 – When the city is your office and the options are endless, finding the perfect café or coffee shop to serve as your mobile workspace can be overwhelming, especially if you’re in a hurry. WorkSnug.com, in association with Plantronics, has launched a groundbreaking application for the iPhone 3GS that guides mobile workers to the nearest and best places to connect to the Internet, all by simply holding up their phone. There’s no ‘clicking through’ required; WorkSnug uses Augmented Reality so that users can see Wi-Fi hotspots and potential workspaces in their vicinity right on their screen alongside their real-life surroundings. Finding the perfect mobile office, that also happens to come with the best cappuccino in the city, has never been easier.

“Work, in the traditional sense, has changed. It’s no longer a place we go, it’s a thing we do – we’re mobile, and the city is our office,” said Richard Leyland, founder of WorkSnug. “With the seemingly unlimited choices of places to work, ranging from noisy cafes to more formal co-working spaces, WorkSnug is the first tool to make sense of this emerging world.”

With WorkSnug, users simply hold up and point their iPhone, and the potential connection spots float alongside the real-life, real-time image of the users’ environment. To help users find the best workspace for their needs, the WorkSnug team has discovered and reviewed hundreds of places to work – from family-run cafés to formal co-working spaces – and offers personal observations, including a guide to power provision, atmosphere, noise levels, and even the quality of the coffee. In addition, WorkSnug users can suggest new places, review their favourite workspaces and will soon be able to connect with other local users and create ad-hoc co-working communities. Best of all, the application and all of these services are completely free of charge.

Richard Leyland also mentions that, “WorkSnug is much more than just the iPhone App, it is about building a community of like minded individuals who are passionate about the places in which they can work. WorkSnug gives the community a voice and the content will grow ever richer as participation grows.”

After visiting many hundreds of places to work, WorkSnug found that the largest single barrier to productive and relaxing work, or even just making a call, was noise. This is why each workspace is rated by the WorkSnug team for its ambient noise-levels.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the development of WorkSnug,” said Stuart Bradshaw, Marketing Manager at Plantronics. “As audio specialists and leading experts in the headset market, we understand the importance of a quality sound environment for mobile workers, and fully support their effort to improve the overall mobile work experience.”

Currently launching for the London metro area, WorkSnug will soon also be available for the San Francisco Bay area and has plans to expand to several other global cities later this year. The website WorkSnug.com, which is scheduled to become active in November 2009, will mirror the functionality of the iPhone app while providing a complete platform for mobile work community building.

For more information and a first-hand glance at WorkSnug in action, visit worksnug.com.

About WorkSnug
WorkSnug exists to connect mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work. It strives to develop a community of all those for whom the city is their office.

WorkSnug was founded in London by Richard Leyland, a futurist and entrepreneur. Richard is an expert commentator on the future of work and has provided insight into the future for many of the world’s largest technology firms, broadcasters, professional services organisations and others.

About Plantronics
In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, emergency dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of innovation is the basis for every audio product we build for the office, contact centre, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call 0800 410014

Wyke Farms gives away a life times supply of Leskol, half fat cheddar in second online cheese for life competition this year

Somerset, UK 24^th August 2009: Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, have announced Lisa Kirby, from Donnington as the winner of the ‘Leskol for Life’ competition.

The competition has been running on the Leskol fan club on Facebook for the past three months; Lisa was selected at randomly chosen to be the winner. The prize includes 2lb’s of the award winning half fat cheddar per month for the next 25 years. The total weight of Leskol won is similar to that of a large cow or Harley Davidson motorcycle!

Mum of three, Lisa, has to be very careful about what she eats because of underlying health issues. She has been told that she shouldn’t eat full-fat cheddar, so this prize means a lot to her, she comments “I really couldn’t have won a better prize as I love cheese, its so versatile. I’ve had health problems and have been advised to stay off certain foods including full fat cheese so this is ideal .” She continues, “My son and I have just enrolled at the gym, and as part of my new healthy lifestyle, this prize will really help.”

Wyke Farms has become the first cheese producer to utilise social media as part of their communications strategy . This is the second time the company has used Facebook to host a ‘Free Cheese for Life’ competition. Earlier this year, a 4-year-old boy won 30 times his own body weight in Wyke Farms Cheddar.

Family-run Wyke Farms has become known for their long-standing traditional values and practices, as well as the distinctive taste of their award-winning cheddar. Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director at Wyke Farms, fully supports using social media as part of their communications plan and comments: “Sites such as Facebook give us an immediate two-way dialogue with the consumers. People are honest about our cheese, and we can thank them for their opinions by running regular competitions . ”

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar for over a century and has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain, selling over 14,000 tonnes annually. Wyke Farms have achieved substantial growth year on year by staying true to the traditional values behind the brand. They have become the fastest growing cheddar brand at a rate of 95%, reflecting an increasing consumer interest in provenance.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose.

www.wykefarms.com

San Francisco/Berlin – May 5, 2009 – zanox, a global leader in performance-based online marketing, will announce the opening of the company’s first US-based zanox Campus – a new open meeting point in Silicon Valley for publishers, start-up businesses and developers – this week during the San Francisco Plug & Play Expo on May 7, 2009. Designed as a ‘Think Tank’ for modern Web-based business models, projects and partners in Silicon Valley, the zanox Campus will ultimately serve to support new online talent and drive innovation. This addition follows the successful launch of the first zanox Campus in June 2008 at the company’s headquarters in Berlin, a city known for being a European hub for start-ups. Together, the two Campuses will serve as an open exchange space for all zanox partners across the US and Europe.

“With the zanox Campus, we’re inviting the creative community in Silicon Valley to help us promote and pursue innovation within the performance-based online marketing industry,” said Thomas Hessler, CEO and co-founder of zanox. “In return, we will offer access to our affiliate network’s infrastructure, our partners and attractive investment opportunities for the most promising business models – ultimately benefiting everyone involved.”

Overall, the new Campus will help zanox further strengthen its innovation development and publisher focus in the US, as well as support the company’s monetization 2.0 concept with the promotion of innovative business models to monetize the Internet. The official opening of the new Silicon Valley zanox Campus is scheduled for June 1, 2009. Once complete, the Campus will be open for all zanox business partners and friends, as well as available for events, projects and training sessions.

zanox recently kicked-off its $2 Million zanox Application Store Contest during the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco. The contest will award the winning business models an investment of up to two million US-Dollars for the best monetizing application based on zanox Web Services. With the upcoming launch of the zanox Application Store, developers will be able to introduce and distribute their innovative applications directly to zanox’s global network of more than one million publishers and over 2,000 international advertisers worldwide.

The zanox Publisher Initiative
The zanox Campus and the $2 Million Dollar Application Store Contest are part of the zanox Publisher Initiative, which helps publishers in the zanox network to easily monetize their business ideas with enhanced services, features and support for all zanox partners. The central hub of the Publisher Initiative includes the company’s continuous expansion of zanox affiliate marketing features, the introduction of zanox Web Services in early 2009, and the upcoming launch of the zanox Application Store.

“The zanox Publisher Initiative aims to take the overall quality of our network, products and services to a yet unrivalled level,” says Uwe Bormann, Marketing Director of zanox. “By leveraging the market’s feedback to address our partners’ needs, we’re striving to become the global ‘Network of Choice’.”

Important Links:
• $2 Million Dollar zanox Application Store Contest: http://www.zanox.com/contest
• zanox Web Services Blog: http://blog.zanox.com/en/webservices/
• zanox Official Blog: http://blog.zanox.com
• zanox Affiliate Marketing: http://www.zanox.com/us/publisher/products/affiliate-marketing.html

Company to unveil its second VC contest for $2 Million US Dollars along with new zanox Application Store in San Francisco next week

San Francisco/Berlin – March 25, 2009 – zanox, a global leader for performance-based online marketing, today announced the company will be launching the new zanox Application Store as well as officially kicking off its $2 Million Application Store Contest at the Web 2.0 Expo San Francisco, March 31 – April 3, 2009. The start-up contest, which is being held in conjunction with the M&A advisory company Corporate Finance Partners, will award the winning business model(s) an investment of up to two million US-Dollars for the best monetizing application based on zanox Web Services. Having recently wrapped up the company’s first 1 Million Euro zanox Web Services Contest, the Application Store Contest is another step for zanox toward helping developers and start-ups monetize the Internet.

At the Web 2.0 Expo, zanox will also introduce the new zanox Application Store, an innovative platform for developers to introduce and distribute their applications directly to zanox’s network of more than one million publishers and over 2,000 international advertisers. The zanox Application Store, which will hold more than 50 million product offers that can be retrieved automatically via zanox Web Services, was designed to help developers monetize their innovations, such as applications or widgets for the Internet and mobile, including the iPhone, Facebook and iGoogle, as well as all other platforms. Promising contributions may also include in-game or video advertising, contextual ads, behavioral targeting, Web analytics, bid management solutions, recommendation systems and review tools, as well as social community features and social commerce.

“After receiving so many impressive entries for our first contest last Autumn, zanox and our partners are keen to give start-ups a second opportunity to successfully monetize their business models with zanox Web Services,” said Thomas Hessler, CEO and founder of zanox. “With the current state of the worldwide economy, it’s become increasingly difficult for many of these companies to secure follow-up financing for their projects – this is where we would like to help.”

In January 2009, zanox launched the Open Beta of zanox Web Services, an innovative solution for professional Web developers and publishers. zanox Web Services offers access to a wide variety of new functions within the zanox affiliate network as well as the zanox infrastructure. In addition, zanox recently awarded the winner of the first zanox Web Services Contest, Webtrekk, at the zanox headquarters in Berlin on March 24, 2009. Webtrekk, a high-quality provider of Web analytics focusing on online marketing and conversion rate improvement, received one million Euros in growth capital. Along with intelliAd’s Bid Management Tool CPCagent, Webtrekk’s winning application Webtrekk Q3 will be one of the first software-solutions zanox publishers and advertisers will be able to purchase from the zanox Web Services Application Store.

zanox board members Thomas Hessler, CEO, and Heiko Rauch, COO/CFO, will be in San Francisco and available for interviews throughout the Web 2.0 Expo, March 31 – April 3. Please contact Cindy Young at cindy@connectedpr.eu if interested in scheduling a meeting at the show.

About zanox Publisher Initiative

zanox Web Services and the $2 Million Application Store Contest are part of the zanox Publisher Initiative, which helps publishers in the zanox network to easily monetize their websites’ traffic. The zanox publisher campaign is focused on enhancing the features of zanox’s affiliate marketing services, steadily extending the zanox Web Services platform as well as the upcoming launch of the zanox VIP Club for top-performing publishers. With its specialized industry-specific expertise, unrivaled international reach and modern “open company” philosophy, zanox aims to become the global publisher network of choice.

Important Links:

• zanox Web Services Landingpage
• zanox Web Services Blog
• zanox Wiki Web Services Documentation
• zanox Official Blog
• zanox Affiliate Marketing

UK’s largest independent cheese maker modernizes their award-winning Cheddar range with introduction of new formats

Somerset, England – March 18, 2009 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today unveiled a new line of their award-winning cheddar in a grated format. To provide ease of use and convenience for consumers, the 100 year-old company is introducing new grated options, in addition to the traditional block format, for their So Mellow Family Mild and Rich & Creamy Mature cheddars, as well as the popular half-fat cheddar brand Leskol.

The new line of grated cheddars is the latest instalment of Wyke Farms’ effort to modernize their products in accordance with consumer feedback while maintaining the traditional flavour that has made the family-run company the fastest growing cheddar brand in the UK. In addition to the new product format, the grated line will also feature Wyke’s new re-sealable ‘fresh pack’ packaging and re-designed contemporary-coloured labels, which were announced in January 2009.

“The average meal preparation time has reduced to 11 minutes. As the convenience market continues to grow, there is a genuine requirement for time-saving formats such as grated cheese and re-sealable packaging,” said Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms. “This new line demonstrates our dedication to making the consumer experience as modern and effortless as possible without sacrificing the strong, traditional cheddar flavour we’ve been delivering for over 100 years now.”

Wyke Farms has been producing its award-winning cheddar to the same recipe for over a century and continues to stay true to the traditional values behind the brand. Over the past few years, Wyke has grown to become the largest family-owned cheese maker in Britain selling over 14,000 tonnes annually, reflecting an increasing consumer interest in provenance.

Wyke Farms cheese and butter products are available nationwide and can be found in Asda, Co-op, Makro, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield and Tesco. The new grated formats of So Mellow, Rich & Creamy and Leskol are currently available in selected Convenience stores.

www.wykefarms.com

Somerset, England – September 2008 – A fresh new packaging design for Leskol Half Fat Cheddar, is unveiled today. In addition, fans of the healthier alternative to full fat cheddar will enjoy the improved smooth and creamy taste as a result of a new technique used to improve the texture; a move to help retain the ‘Gold’ status won by Leskol at last years International Cheese Awards.

Appealing to the discerning female shopper the new Leskol packaging communicates the associated health benefits in a bright, fresh design. The new enhanced Leskol has an even smoother texture with a full-bodied flavour that is not usually associated with healthier alternatives.

Award winning cheese makers, Wyke Farms originally developed Leskol to alleviate the high cholesterol of their chairman, John Clothier. It took 2 years to refine the recipe and was a real labour of love made for the family by the family. Last year the company redesigned the packaging in response to an overwhelming interest from the consumer for information on the story behind the cheese. Twelve months later this redesign is as a result of further consumer feedback.

Richard Clothier, third generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms said: “Last year we introduced a interactive ‘honesty booth’ that travels with us to shows all across the country. We use it to encourage honest feedback and then respond quickly to the developing tastes of the consumer.”

Looking, tasting, slicing and cooking the same as any Mature Cheddar, Leskol has one big difference; it has 1.3% saturated fat, approximately 90% less than regular Mature Cheddar. Naturally rich in protein and calcium and with added Omega 3 and Omega 6, Leskol Half fat Cheddar is an ideal family food.

Available nationwide at Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Somerfield, Tesco and Waitrose. For more information and free recipes log onto www.leskol.com

UK’s largest independent Farmhouse cheese producer introduces Americans to one of Britain’s health secrets, Leskol Half Fat Cheddar

Somerset, England – April 30, 2008 – Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese producer and milk processor, today announced the availability of their award-winning half fat cheddar, Leskol, in the United States. Unlike the other low fat cheese options on the market today, Leskol is finally what cheese connoisseurs have been waiting for – a full-bodied cheddar that boasts healthy qualities such as 90% less cholesterol, low sodium and very low saturated fat, but without sacrificing the sharp and tangy flavor we love most about mature British farmhouse cheddar.

Produced by Wyke Farms, a family-run company based in the heart of the Somerset, cheddar-making region in England, Leskol is a smooth and creamy cheddar that looks, tastes, slices and cooks the same as any mature cheddar, but features one main difference: it contains only 1.3% saturated fat, approximately 90% less than other mature cheddars on the market. Naturally rich in protein and calcium and has added Omega 3 and Omega 6, Leskol Half fat Cheddar is an ideal family food that finally delivers delicious flavor in addition to a healthier lifestyle.

The Clothier family has been producing farmhouse cheese and butter for more than 100 years, never straying from Grandma Ivy’s original family recipe. Leskol, the Gold winner at the recent International Cheese Awards, was developed five years ago by Wyke Farms after John Clothier, chairman and son of Ivy, was diagnosed with high cholesterol and ordered to change his diet. After spending two years refining the recipe, John’s two sons Richard and Tom Clothier, who now run the family cheese business, finally achieved the perfect combination of healthful and nutritious without sacrificing the smooth and creamy flavor of mature cheddar.

“It’s rare to find quality cheese that’s low in fat but still high in flavor, and that’s exactly what we’ve developed with Leskol,” said Richard Clothier, third-generation family member & Managing Director, Wyke Farms. “It was a labor of love made for the family, by the family, and we’re thrilled to be able to share it with U.S. consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle in time for this spring/summer’s picnics, barbeques and get-togethers.

Be sure to stop by and visit Wyke Farms and Leskol at this summer’s International Dairy Deli Bakery Association Show and Fancy Food Show events. In addition, visit www.leskol.com for information on Healthy Living as well as recipe ideas for how to cook with Leskol and a free downloadable cookbook.

www.wykefarms.com/

http://www.leskol.com/