Quizzed by Mower Magic, over 1,000 visitors to the online garden machinery superstore, said they had made a gardening-related New Year’s Resolution.

The most common commitment for 2009 was to spend more time actually enjoying their outdoor space rather than working in it. Cutting down on the time taken on mundane chores, such as mowing the lawn or weeding came second, with increasing the number hours spent tending to the garden in third.

As well as time-orientated commitments, Britain’s gardeners also want to improve their outdoor environment both for wildlife and themselves. Relaying or improving the patio, removing a neglected or weathered garden feature and increasing the garden’s appeal to wildlife featured prominently in the poll as did increasing the privacy of one’s backyard.

“The survey was intended to be a bit of fun but I think it reveals quite a lot about UK gardeners,” says mowermagic.co.uk Managing Director, John Hall. “People want to spend more time enjoying the garden and less time on mundane things like mowing or weeding. They also want to make their garden more welcoming, not just for them, their friends and family but also for wildlife, such as bees and birds. With house prices falling and the property marketing slowing down, I think we’ll see more and more people deciding to improve rather than move and I think this will mean a lot of our customers actually stick to their New Year Resolutions.”

A full range of time-saving and useful garden gadgets to help gardeners stick to their resolutions can be found at mowermagic.co.uk

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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Lindsey at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / lindsey@lavapr.co.uk

To view all of Lava’s recent press releases or to sign up to receive them via RSS please visit http://www.lavapr.co.uk/press-releases

Note to editors:

1,206 visitors to mowermagic.co.uk responded to the online poll, asking if a) they had made a garden related New Year’s Resolution and b) if they had done, what was it?

To survey was conduced during November and December 2008

The Top Ten answers were:
1.    Spend more time in the garden relaxing
2.    Spend less time doing mundane chores
3.    Spend more time gardening
4.    Redesign my garden
5.    Relay or improve the patio
6.    Remove a garden feature
7.    Make it more wildlife friendly
8.    Recycle more / buy a composter
9.    Introduce more colourful / exotic planting
10.    Increase the privacy in garden

The company, which has a sites in Lincolnshire, Perth and Somerset received the accolade at a prestigious gala dinner last month at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

Jo Parish, Tesco Account Director for Branston collected the award from Tesco Produce Category Director Alex Dower, in front of 630 other suppliers and food industry guests.

The Tesco Supplier Awards were established to recognise the contribution of suppliers and growers. The awards celebrate the success of those exceptional teams who together have contributed to the growth and development of Tesco’s business during 2008.

Branston used the opportunity to pass on its thanks to its own suppliers, inviting 12 potato growers to join them at the London event.

“We’re delighted to have won this award as it is a reflection of a great deal of hard work, innovation and dedication by our team,” said Jo. “It was also great to be able to take some of our growers to London to join in the celebration. It’s a great Christmas present for the whole team and we’re looking forward to defending our title over the coming year.”

Branston has worked with Tesco since 1990 and has grown significantly over the last decade, employing over 500 people and turning over in excess of £100m per annum.

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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk

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Councillor Hilton Spratt, Economy, Tourism & Culture Portfolio Holder at the City of Lincoln Council, received the keys to the new building from main contractors Marriott Construction at a ceremony to mark completion of the new building.

Designed specifically to cater for Lincolnshire’s increasing number of innovative companies, the 3,300m2 Think Tank, on Ruston Way, will welcome its first tenants in late February 2009.

A home for established and start-up businesses from across the county, the Think Tank is the most prominent part of Innovation Lincolnshire’s efforts to increase employment and contribute to a sustainable local economy.

Comprising nine workspaces and 21 offices for enterprises demonstrating innovative ideas or working practices, the Think Tank was first discussed by the City of Lincoln Council in 2002. Since then, £7.1m in funding has been secured from the Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund, the East Midlands Development Agency, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Enterprise to allow the City of Lincoln Council to bring the state-of-the-art facility to fruition.

Designed by architects Marks Barfield – the practice responsible for the London Eye – the Think Tank is as innovative as the businesses it will house. Environmentally sustainable, powered by renewable energy sources and featuring a green roof, the building features a unique cladding that changes colour depending on how the light catches it.

Taking just over a year to build, the Think Tank will open, on time and within budget, in February, once facilities management and the building’s administrative team have taken up their positions and fully familiarised themselves with the building.

“Today is a significant milestone in the development of the Think Tank and the provision of support services for Lincolnshire’s increasing number of innovative companies,” said Councillor Spratt. “Even with the current economic climate, Lincolnshire has a lot to be proud of and we’re confident that the Think Tank will be instrumental in helping the county foster and develop a reputation for encouraging and supporting innovative companies whether they be young, mature or start-ups. The Think Tank will become a fantastic home for Lincolnshire’s most innovative businesses.”

The Think Tank will offer 21 offices ranging from 44 to 150m2 and nine workspaces from 70 to 135m2. All tenants will be able to access meeting rooms, featuring state of the art video conferencing and presentation equipment; secretarial services and a range of other support services.

Monthly rents will range from £15 to £22 per square foot, including business rates based on a month-in, month-out lease.

Businesses interested in moving into the Think Tank should contact City of Lincoln Council on 01522 873466 or 0800 848 8840 for more information on Innovation Lincolnshire.

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Issued on behalf of the City of Lincoln Council by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Lindsey at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / lindsey@lavapr.co.uk <mailto:stuart@lavapr.co.uk>

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Note to editors:
1.     The Think Tank required an investment of £7.1m to bring the vision to fruition: Objective 2 European Regional Development Fund contributed £4,094,003; Lincolnshire Enterprise and the East Midlands Development Agency contributed £4,608,110 whilst the City Council and County Council are providing £1,150,000 between them.

Camille received finance from EnterpriseLoans East Midlands, which has helped her to start a small production facility in Bulwick near Corby. In addition, she is developing a retail website and exhibiting and sampling her range of chutneys and conserves at trade and consumer food shows including the BBC Good Food Show.

Established by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and managed by the First Enterprise Business Agency (FEBA), EnterpriseLoans East Midlands provides businesses and entrepreneurs with loans of between £3,000 and £20,000.

“I have years of experience making preserves,” explained Camille. “My first Well Pickled range was stocked all over the country and the brand was eventually sold to Baxters of Fochabers. I have also helped other companies develop and market their own products.

“For the last three years, I have been testing new recipes and ideas for marmalades and chutneys on the customers who visit my village shop. Earlier this year I was ready to develop and launch The Pickled Village brand and tap into the growing interest in fresh, gourmet and locally sourced food. My bank advised me to approach Business Link and with their support and advice I applied for funding to help us to produce enough products to supply larger outlets and put our marketing plan into action to establish The Pickled Village brand.

“We plan to supply as many local farm shops and delicatessens as possible and in addition, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols have requested samples, and Harrods will be launching the range in the New Year which is very exciting.”

Camille is one of a number of entrepreneurs across the region who have received funding through EnterpriseLoans East Midlands. Speaking about the scheme, John O’Reilly, emda’s Business Support Director said: “Camille is an example of just the kind of person we want to support through the EnterpriseLoans fund.

“We want people with commitment, vision and solid propositions, like Camille, to be given an opportunity to develop their own business. I am sure that there are many other budding entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire who could also benefit from this fund and be given an opportunity to develop their own business. EnterpriseLoans East Midlands is a sustainable source of funding which addresses the difficulties of accessing finance and can help people in the East Midlands to realise their ambitions.”

Quamar Zaman, Chief Executive of FEBA, which administers the EnterpriseLoans East Midlands fund said: “Given the credit crunch, traditional sources of funding such as banks are now much more selective about which business proposals they will support.

“We are receiving a steady flow of enquiries, including those from people who have a poor credit rating or who have been declined funding in the past.  I would encourage more people to contact the Business Link and find out about the range of business support services available to them.”

Existing entrepreneurs or individuals who are thinking of starting up in business should contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk

For more details about EnterpriseLoans East Midlands, telephone 0845 602 7355.

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Issued on behalf of emda by lava. For further information please contact Matt or Louise at lava on 01522 842 800 / 07870 567 968 or matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk

According to figures released today sales of woodcutting machinery such as chainsaws, hatchets and axes have shot through the roof following rises in gas and electricity prices over the last year.

The figures, released by online garden machinery supermarket Mower Magic.co.uk, show that sales of woodcutting items have been steadily increasing since January when the first of the price rises came into effect.  However, as the colder weather sets in the increase has become an upsurge with 25% rises year on year in September, October and November. With Christmas approaching and energy companies still refusing to pass on cost savings Mower Magic is already projecting a further year on year profit gain of 40 % in December.

John Hall Managing Director of Mower Magic says: “People are sick of being dictated to by energy companies and there’s a big move towards sustainable living and self sufficiency so is it any wonder people are looking for alternative sources of fuel.

The National Association of Chimney Sweeps has also posted rises in the number of people asking for their services.

Martin P Glynn President of the National Association of Chimney Sweeps says:

“Christmas is the busiest time of the year for a chimney sweep. This year especially we’ve had a lot of people re-opening their fireplaces and having their chimney swept for the first time. Real fires are back in fashion with many people choosing energy efficient wood and multi stoves to heat their homes. Unfortunately, the credit crunch is affecting regular customers as well, with some customers not being able to afford to have their chimney cleaned this Christmas. All chimneys in use need to be cleaned and maintained for efficiency and safety to avoid chimney fires and fume spillage.”

“Chopping wood is a great source of free fuel, but people need to remember to get their chimneys swept as regularly as possible to prevent falling debris and possible asphyxiation from blocked chimneys.”

John adds: “Chopping your own wood and opening up long forgotten fireplaces to heat your house is a great way to cut down on energy prices. Because of this we’ve introduced two new products the Smart Log Splitter and the Smart Saw Horse both of which are easy to use and require no additional energy consumption.”

“The Smart log splitter acts as four tools in one and is much safer than using an axe. The Smart Saw Horse folds down flat, is easy to assemble and requires minimal lifting, making it perfect for people who aren’t used to chopping wood.”

Mower Magic is the UK’s leading online gardening superstore to find out more visit www.mowermagic.co.uk

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Issued on behalf of Mower Magic by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk

To view all of Lava’s recent press releases or to sign up to receive them via RSS please visit http://www.lavapr.co.uk/press-releases

The new programme, which was first presented at emda’s Survive and Thrive events earlier this month, is free and centres on five workshops designed to hone skills in five core business areas.

The senior managers participating in Route to Market will receive help, advice and training in areas including business strategy, customer retention, recruitment and staff development, sales and marketing, and financial planning.

The five, day-long sessions will all be delivered by specialist advisors from the University of Northampton Business School, which has been instrumental in developing Route to Market’s content.

Businesses are allowed to register up to two managers on Route to Market, which follows an intensive two month syllabus and sees workshops being delivered in each of the East Midlands’ five counties.

Route to Market is open to East Midlands’ businesses that have been operating for more than a year, employ five or more people, and have a turnover in excess of £100,000.

John O’Reilly, Director of Business Support at emda, believes that Route to Market is not only designed to help companies weather the current economic climate, but also to prepare them for the future. “Since its inception, the East Midlands Development Agency has been committed to providing businesses with the products and support services they need to develop and grow,” said Mr O’Reilly. “In the current economic climate, businesses need practical support to help them to get through the downturn. We have responded by running the Survive and Thrive events and now by launching Route to Market.

“Route to Market is designed not only to help businesses address their present concerns but also to prepare for the future and ensure they are in the best possible shape when the economy starts to grow again. It also complements the wide range of other business support services that we provide which can be accessed through Business Link.”

With the first workshops scheduled for February and with just 80 places available on the first Route to Market programme, businesses are encouraged to register their interest as quickly as possible. A small, fully-refundable deposit will also be required as a sign of commitment to participating in the full schedule of workshops.

Full details of the Route to Market programme, its qualification criteria and workshop dates are available from Business Link on 0845 058 6644.

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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk

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Branston Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of potatoes, is involved in a number of environmental initiatives to minimise use of non-renewable resources, reduce waste and develop long term  sustainability.

Vidyanath (Vee) has been heavily involved in the projects that contributed towards Branston’s recent achievement of the Carbon Trust Standard.

“Environmental best practice is important for all business, but especially so in the food industry,” says Vee. “It’s not just about securing a more stable environment for our future, but also reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Water is a key resource in our industry and we need to take steps now  to manage it for the long term.”

Vee heads up capital expenditure projects across the company so he is well placed to join a panel of experts, fielding questions on the financial viability and organisation of large and small scale water conservation and reuse projects.

“Water conservation projects come in all shapes and sizes and what might be right for one business may not be right for another. For example a small scale project like introducing water efficient taps may have a payback of just one to two years. However a large scale project like investing in rainwater harvesting or other similar projects could have a payback of up to eight years. For Branston it’s about looking forward to a sustainable long term future for the business from an environmental perspective, rather than just focusing on short term business priorities,” added Vee.

Vee will share an insight into some of the projects Branston has been involved in, how these have contributed to the company’s achievement of the Carbon Trust Standard and how they have improved overall efficiency.

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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 / matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / stuart@lavapr.co.uk

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The company is to supply a £16,000 system, which features Stormsaver’s latest innovation, the COMBI-system, to Sainsbury’s in Otley, Leeds.

Rainfall will be diverted from the building’s 3618m2 roof to a 15,000 litre storage tank instead of adding to the local water course.  The rainwater will go through a multi-stage filtration process before being used for flushing toilets.

Project Estimator Helen Renshaw, 30, from East Markham in Nottinghamshire, has worked for Stormsaver for a year; she was promoted to her new role after only eight months as a sales consultant.

Her job involves advising on and writing specifications, customer service, project management and managing service and maintenance contracts.

“I’m thrilled to have secured a Stormsaver system for Sainsbury’s after only recently starting my new job,” says Helen. “The process of this order was vey detailed and involved getting quotes and ensuring that the system matched the designer’s specifications. I’m particularly pleased that Sainsbury’s has ordered the new COMBI-system which is a new and exciting product, developed specifically for commercial buildings with minimal storage space.

“This contract gain adds to Stormsaver’s impressive portfolio of clients including B&Q, Isleport Foods, Co-op and several Building Schools for the Future projects,” comments Lisa Farnsworth, Sales Director.  “Helen and the Stormsaver team are committed to providing the best possible solutions for all our clients.  Our ever expanding  sales team work together very closely and their performance so far in 2008 has exceeded targets already.

“The new COMBI-system will have significant benefits for Sainsbury’s compared to a standard pressurised unit.  It will reduce installation costs by simplifying electrical and pipe work, reduce running costs by using efficient sort start pumps, and offer a reliable back-up during low rainfall periods without the need for large header tanks.”

Stormsaver estimates that its system will reduce Sainsbury’s annual mains water bill by more than £1,800 per annum.

The new COMBI-system is now available for purchase, with the first units having been ordered by B&Q and Sainsbury’s. For further information on Stormsaver or the new system telephone 0844 884 0015 or visit www.stormsaver.com

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Issued on behalf of Stormsaver by Lava. For further information please contact Stuart, Louise or Matt at Lava on 01522 842 800 / 07870 567 968 or matt@lavapr.co.uk, stuart@lavapr.co.uk.

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Editor’s notes:

Stormsaver’s COMBI-system
The revolutionary COMBI-system has just two main components; the storage tank and a single enclosed COMBI-unit , combining a small pressurisation unit, system controls, automatic backwashing filtration and pump booster set. During periods of low rainfall or high demand the system tops up mains water into the COMBI-unit and not the underground tank. Fully compliant with the Water Supply Fittings Regulations (1999) Stormsaver’s COMBI-system will ensure that mains water cannot be cross contaminated by rainwater.

The Innovation category is one of three new Special Awards. Shortlisted companies will be judged on how their organisation best exploits new ideas.

“We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for yet another innovation award,” says Lisa Farnsworth, Stormsaver Sales Director. “Stormsaver was the first to develop a UK manufactured rainwater harvesting system and we have actively promoted the benefits of reusing rainfall for some years now.”

“Stormsaver continues to embrace innovation with cutting edge systems and a number of new products launching over the next few months. Our latest innovation is the COMBI-system which has been developed specifically for commercial buildings with minimal storage space.”

However, it’s not just product development that the company is being assessed on, Stormsaver has also fulfilled a number of other requirements to become finalists; including fostering a culture of innovation, with staff members being actively encouraged to generate new ideas and new working practices.

This is not the first time Stormsaver has been recognised as one of the region’s most innovative companies, winning Nottinghamshire’s Most Innovative Business Award in 2007.

The Midlands Excellence Awards programme is one of the most prestigious in Europe and culminates with a spectacular annual ceremony attended by 1,350 business leaders.

Winners will be announced at the ICC in Birmingham on 29th January, 2009. Presentations will be made by James Caan of BBC Dragons’ Den.

For further information on Stormsaver or the new COMBI system visit: www.stormsaver.com or phone 0844 8840015.

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Issued on behalf of Stormsaver by Lava. For further information please contact Stuart, Louise or Matt at Lava on 01522 842 800 / 07870 567 968 or matt@lavapr.co.uk, stuart@lavapr.co.uk.

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Branston Ltd., which supplies over 400,000 tonnes of fresh potatoes every year, was awarded the accolade in recognition of its success in reducing its carbon emissions by 6% over the last three years.

The company, which has a turnover in excess of £100m and employs over 500 people at three sites, is one of just 26 organisations in the United Kingdom that is currently certified by the Carbon Trust Standard Company.

Already ISO 14001 accredited, Branston has invested in developing an Environmental Management System and introducing new environmentally sensitive equipment, manufacturing processes and systems across its business.

The Carbon Trust Standard was introduced in June 2008 in response to the demands of businesses and consumers seeking an environmental certification scheme that focused on actual results, not good intentions; an ongoing commitment not a judgement at a single point in time; and a requirement to continually reduce carbon emissions.

To maintain the standard Branston will have to continue its efforts and reduce its carbon emissions every year. The company will be audited every two years to ensure it has met its targets.

“As a company that relies on the environment for its product we decided some five years ago, before environmental best practice was such a buzz word in business, to reduce our impact on the environment and lower our carbon emissions,” says Graeme Beattie, Managing Director at Branston. “Receiving ISO 14001 across all our sites for best practice in environmental management earlier this year was the end of phase one.

“Becoming the first food producer in the country to hold the Carbon Trust Standard is the beginning of the next phase in our environmental strategy, as we look to continue to reduce our carbon emissions by using less energy and embracing new technologies and processes wherever possible. Receiving the standard is a great honour for us and the whole team at Branston has worked incredibly hard to secure it. We will be working even harder to ensure we retain the standard when we are reassessed in two years time.”

As part of achieving the Carbon Trust Standard and ISO 14001 accreditation Branston devised and implemented an environmental policy across its sites in Lincolnshire, Perthshire and Somerset.

Measures such as building a state-of-the-art cold store, which uses less power than traditional cold stores, introducing high-speed doors in areas of the factory where heat loss is above average and upgrading water treatment facilities have all contributed to the reduction in carbon emissions.

“Branston is the first company in the food and agriculture sector to receive our standard,” says Harry Morrison, General Manager of the Carbon Trust Standard Company. “As such they have become a beacon for other food production companies. Branston’s innovation and foresight in recognising that reducing carbon emissions also reduces costs is to be celebrated. It demonstrates real action on climate change as well as commercial acumen. We hope that many other food producers follow Branston’s lead.”

As well as looking at its own operation, Branston has also worked with Tesco to measure the carbon footprint of potato production and to introduce clear carbon footprint labelling on the supermarket’s potato product packaging. A project to reduce the amount of packaging weight by 25% is currently underway.

Branston is also working with three Universities to explore energy reduction opportunities in potato packing, refrigeration and transportation.

The Carbon Trust was set up by the Government in 2001 as an independent company. Its mission is to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies.

The Standard has been awarded to 26 organisations including B&Q, Trinity Mirror, the Crown Prosecution Service and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) . A further 40 organisations are currently going through the assessment process.

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Issued on behalf of Branston by Lava. For further information contact Matt, Louise or Stuart at Lava on 01522 842 800 or matt@lavapr.co.uk / louise@lavapr.co.uk / lindsey@lavapr.co.uk

To view all of Lava’s recent press releases or to sign up to receive them via RSS please visit http://www.lavapr.co.uk/press-releases

Note to editors:

Organisations wanting information about getting the Carbon Trust Standard can call: 0800 019 1443 or visit our website www.carbontruststandard.com