Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand

PRESS RELEASE
26th June 2008
Basingstoke, England

Nightclub marketing and promotions get helping hand

Nightclubs, late night bars and restaurants, cue sports bars and live music venues are all facing a difficult time as the UK economy falters.

Basingstoke Public Relations consultant, John Hicks of Headline Promotions, Press & PR (http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/), deals with this particular sector and is confident that effective marketing and promotions will enable them to keep their head above water until times get better.

Back in 1969, John established an on-line resource site for owners, operators and managers in the hospitality and entertainment industry. This offers advice and information about all aspects of the business sector, from marketing through to the use of celebrities for special events.

John’s background is that he has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, internet radio broadcasting, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and a promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.

Now, John has re-launched the Nightclub Marketing website with a new-look design, in the format of a book with chapters on specific topics including new developments such as “running your own radio station”.

The re-launch coincides with the introduction of his new Mentoring Scheme.

The mentoring programme, allows for a venue management team to have in-depth support from John for a week. During that time, they will work together to devise a SWOT and competitor analysis, a marketing and PR programme, training needs analysis and a customer relations strategy.

After the week, John will remain available for telephone support for a period year for the management team. This transfer of knowledge will enable the team to manage their own destiny and help prepare newer staff for future management roles.

Of course, effective marketing and promotions will not ensure business success on their own. They have to accompany high standards of customer care and service. The new website and John’s unique mentoring service will give them the edge however.

Further details can be found on John’s re-launched website http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/

ENDS


Further information can be obtained from:
John Hicks
Headline Promotions, Press & Public Relations
Basingstoke, England
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
Mobile: 07771 575 654

You can read John’s occasional blog at: http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/


John has worked in public relations, marketing and promotions for many years, across many sectors. He specialises, however, in the leisure, local radio broadcasting, manufacturing and entertainment sectors. He formerly operated a busy 750 capacity 24/7 snooker and pool hall, Chinese restaurant, sports bars and live music venue in the south of England - in addition to previously being a national promotions manager for a division of Europe's leading late night venue operator and promotions manager for a global drinks manufacturer.
John also writes for several UK and US newspapers and blog sites as well as having contributed to a number of published works. He has also acted as an occasional advisor to City funds and investment banks with interests in the UK leisure sector.
His principal business is Managing Director of Headline Promotions, Press & PR but he is also heavily involved in internet radio, a performer management agency and leisure property development. Not much time then for his passion for live music!


Keywords: nightclub marketing, late night bars promotion, John Hicks, advertising restaurants, promoting cue sports clubs and live music venues, internet radio stations, mentoring for nightclub managers, Headline Promotions

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New product - cigarette disposal for pubs, clubs & restaurants

We have come across a new idea which appealed to us.

Butz is a revolution in the messy world of cigarette butts.

A cigarette bin like no other, it is a disposable container, neatly dealing with your used butts. No more messy emptying of the disgusting bin contents. Simply slide the Butz container from the backing plate, dispose of it and slip in a new one. Its simple, clean, safe.

By changing your Butz everyday your work place will be a cleaner environment for all, with no overfilled containers. With Butz you are providing a clean, safe way to extinguish and dispose of cigarette waste. Your Butz will always look smart and clean, unlike some bins that quickly look shabby.

Find out more on their website, just click here.

Gaining free publicity from a company anniversary

A client asked me for small business public relations advice for his retail store in relation to their 10th anniversary of trading. I thought that I could usefully share my thoughts with you.

Whatever the nature of your organisation, company, small business or retail store the fact that it is celebrating its 5th, 10th or 20th anniversary it is important to you so, naturally, you want the world to know. But if all you do is call the reporter at your local newspaper and announce the anniversary, don’t be surprised if the reporter says, “Who cares?” You need a clever hook to get free publicity if you're celebrating an anniversary.

Here are several ideas to get you started:

1 Sponsor a contest in honour of your anniversary. A men’s clothing store can have an Ugly Tie Contest, put the entries on display and ask customers to vote for the ugliest tie. Create your own day, week and month of the year.

2 Call the local radio station and donate prizes for their presenter to give away. Tell them they can have the prizes to give away however they wish, as long as they mention your store and your anniversary.

3 Take a poll or survey and announce the findings on your anniversary date. A bookstore, for example, can poll readers on the one book they would most like to have with them if they were stranded on an island.

4 Sponsor a free class at your store. A gourmet food store can invite patrons to a free class on cooking with wine. You might even invite a local celebrity chef to be the teacher. Be sure to hand out free samples of the food.

5 Ask customers to explain in 50 words or less the most unusual or outrageous way they have used one of your products or services. The winner gets a cool prize.

6 Team up with a local school or charity such at the homeless shelter, and donate products or services they can use. Ask them if they will work with the media to try to get free publicity for the donation.

7 Try and tie-in any anniversary announcement with news of a successful bid for new work, or get a testimonial from a long-standing customer (especially if that customer was with the business right from the early days!).

8 Ask your local newspaper if they will feature a competition for which you will supply the prize. If you are a club or bar, call a party! That is what you are good at so invite your regulars and get a supplier to sponsor some product to give away. It always worked for me!

9 One of my favourite stunts was to celebrate the anniversary of a restaurant. Chef baked an enormous cake and iced it in the shape of the company logo. We then took large chunks round to the local elderly persons' homes - the press loved it and we received great newspaper and local radio coverage

10 Invite a celebrity in to sign a few autographs. It costs a little but is worth every penny! There are loads of agencies you can contact or I can always put you in touch with one (see my e-mail address below).

In terms of free space in the local newspaper, you could always consider a special feature where your suppliers are all contacted and asked to support an advertising feature. The newspaper then provides you with editorial coverage and a photo. I am sure you have seen the sort of thing I have in mind. Newspapers call these “advertorials” and, basically, the suppliers pay the costs. A good photo and a good supporting photograph can make these very readable and interesting. Poor copy and a poor photo will consign your advertorial to the dustbin of history so consider spending a few pounds with your local PR consultant to make sure this is a success.

One final pointer is to remember to plan well ahead. You need to talk to suppliers well in advance, especially if they want to be involved in launching one of their new products in association with your event. Also, you need the time to make sure your advertising and marketing budget allows for special initiatives and special offers to tie-in with your anniversary.

I hope this is helpful. You are welcome to send me further ideas and, maybe, copies of your media coverage for your latest anniversary. My e-mail address is john@headlinepromotions.co.uk and you can read my blog at http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

This article was first published on the Amazines dotcom article database - June 2008

Sutcliffe: Get your act together

Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe held out a sliver of hope to the trade this week, when he said the Chancellor might re-think automatic duty rises in the next four Budgets.

But only if industry lobbying “gets its act together”.

Asked by the Morning Advertiser if lobbying on duty was now a waste of time, following the inflation plus 2% formula announced in last month’s Budget, Sutcliffe said: “You say that, but we’ve had examples like the fuel levy where the impact on a sector has been massive — and the decision has been deferred.

"I’m not saying that will happen, but that’s where the trade needs to focus the basis of its argument.”

He added: “I think the industry’s right to be upset. We, and I speak as a champion of the pub trade, want the Chancellor to change his mind.

"The next opportunity will be the pre-Budget report in November. But the industry has seriously got to get its act together in working out what its priorities are.”

Sutcliffe said the trade is letting itself down on lobbying: “The industry’s problem is that it’s not united. My message is: sort yourselves out.

"If all that’s said is, ‘Woe is me, everything’s bad, the rise has made it worse, and we’re all going to die,’ that is not the way to do things.

“What the industry’s got to do is say, ‘That wasn’t helpful, but if we do this and this and become more proactive, and more positive, we’ll get where we need to be.’

“The important thing is: what is the industry’s plan for development? People’s drinking and lifestyles are changing. What’s the industry doing about that?”

Sutcliffe also challenged the trade to question if the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is the right sponsoring body for brewers.

“I think the beer lobby may sit better elsewhere.”

On polycarbonates and the Association of Chief Police Officers’ drive to impose a blanket ban, Sutcliffe said: “There should be no blanket ban nationally. This should be part of local discussions."

Article courtesy of Morning Advertiser

Christmas Eve treat for Windsor clubbers

Okay, so it's not a Wednesday, but WOW! Wicked on Wednesday season at Chicago Rock Cafe Windsor ends the year with news that hearthrob PC Will Fletcher from The Bill, is to see his Christmas Day in at the popular nightclubs and bar.

Well, actually it is actor Gary Lucy, a firm favourite with fans who have followed his TV career right from "Hollyoaks" through "Footballers' Wives" to his current success in ITV's hit series "The Bill".

He will be joining customers at Chicago's on Christmas Eve to help everyone get into the festive mood, complete with a disco through til 2am.

We hope to see you there!

Media enquiries to Headline Promotions, Press & PR

Corporate Killing – the new law from April

The purpose of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 is quite straight forward and is intended to find corporate organisations guilty in respect of deaths caused by their negligence.

It removes the onerous requirement of the current law requiring proof of personal and individual guilt of manslaughter of one of the “controlling minds” of the company. This requirement had always made it notoriously difficult for medium to large sized organisations to be held properly accountable for deaths occurring in the course of their employment.

Its provisions will not come into force until the 6th April 2008 and operators of nightclubs need to reflect on its implications.

The new legislation poses no additional regulatory burdens upon organisations. It simply changes the way in which blame is apportioned and broadens the categories of those who may be prosecuted. Under the old common law offence of manslaughter only individuals and corporate bodies could be prosecuted. The new offence extends to partnerships, trade unions, employers bodies, police forces and government bodies but that is of academic interest to operators.

The new offence will be committed by an organisation “if the way in which its activities are managed or organised a) causes a persons death, and b) amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by the organisation to the deceased”.

Operators need to realise that the organisation will in fact mean the “Senior Management” of that business, although the legislation is a bit vague on what exactly this expression will mean. However the new legislation will clearly not apply to deaths which are caused by the negligence of co-workers, for example

Of particular interest is the fact that the legislation does not require proof that any individual is guilty of an offence (as was the case under the old law) but simply allows the tallying up of a series of management errors which demonstrate that an organisation was criminally negligent.

The test will be whether the conduct alleged is a gross breach of any civil duty of care i.e. that the breach falls far below what can reasonably be expected of the organisation in these circumstances.

The possibility of an unlimited fine or conviction is unattractive enough. In addition, the court may make a “publicity order” requiring the convicted company to publish details of the offence and the penalties. Whether naming and shaming will help anyone remains to be seen!

The new legislation does not alter the position with regard to individual liability for Directors or anyone else in the organisation. They may still be prosecuted as before if gross negligence can be established in the conduct of their individual roles.

Operators will need to decide what steps – if any – they need to take to protect themselves from what is perceived by many as a legislative change making it easier to secure convictions against the corporate entity.

This article is not intended to be a definitive guide to the law. We thought that it might be helpful to remind us operators that it would be a good time to reflect on our staff training (of existing as well as new employees), our internal procedures and our insurance policies.

The new licensing legislation in England and Wales

We have received several enquiries from students who asked for help in understanding the new licensing legislation in England and Wales.

Our simple explanation is as follows:

A Personal Licence is required by an individual in order to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol. This is granted to the individual (not to the business) and therefore ‘travels’ with them if they move on. The Personal Licence relates only to the supply of alcohol under a Premises Licence. It is valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years.

A Premises Licence is compulsory for licensable activities (i.e. the sale of alcohol) to be undertaken by an outlet. This may be held by an individual (e.g. the owner or lessee) or a company (e.g. Pub Management Company).

The Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) is a person nominated to be in day-to-day control of the premises and the single point of accountability for any problems which may occur on the premises. This is a key change to the Licensing Act, as every outlet must have a single DPS who is also the holder of a Personal License. Any premises selling alcohol without a DPS will be in breach of licensing law.

Licensing Objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder


• Public safety


• The prevention of public nuisance


• The protection of children from harm

We hope this is helpful as an introductory guide.

Photo: courtesy of WOW! Wicked on Wednesday (www.wickedonwednesday.com)