Appco Group UK stands proud as EAST meets WEST in beautiful London!

Appco Group UK stands proud as Appco Group companies in the East meet companies in the West in the country's capital city – London. Several of APPCO Group Asia’s top performers make their way to the Appco offices in the UK towards the end of May 2011. There were two teams - led by Vice President, James Greaves which included the newly promoted Owners and Assistant Owners from around the region. A third team, led by Regional Head Administrator, Joanne Ng included Recruitment & Administrative Managers representing each country.

The trip proved very educational, not only to learn about the business but to also bond with the other delegates from around the region. Several offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol including the APPCO Group headquarters were part of the week long office visits.

Delegates were inspired by many of the Owners met, who have been in the business for years and have powered through very trying times. The Administration team also learnt valuable lessons and new processes that prove useful in improving their administrative duties.

Although the main focal point of this trip was learning, the team managed to squeeze in some down time which included exploring the historical city of London and checking out the night life. This was especially exciting for many of the delegates who have never been to the UK before, as it was a chance to experience and learn about a new culture.

Overall the trip was a fun, educational experience that has left everyone involved with new knowledge and a new sense of direction and purpose.

Appco Group UK and UK cars await the Fastwax phenomenon

Appco Group UK and UK cars are all set to experience the Fastwax phenomenon. Appco Group Prosales which has been actively promoting the product has now earned another feather to its cap. The group has made it to the 45^th place in the renowned Business Review Weekly (BRW) Fast 100 list. BRW is known for its accurate ranking of both the public and private fast-growing companies in the Australian continent and annually compiles the Fast 100 list. Companies are ranked on the basis of their business growth and revenue over the last three years, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

Having achieved an average annual revenue growth of more than 60 per cent over the past three years and having earned revenue of $8.6 million during the previous year, Appco Group Prosales has registered an incredible growth, thus securing for it a place among the fastest-growing companies in Australia. The happy news that it came in the first 50 companies rated by BRW in the Fast 100 list came soon after he company's ranking in BRW's Fast 100 Starter list earlier in 2010. This is what Ty Pedersen, Prosales Chief Operating Officer, had to say...

"We're very proud of the result. We know it wouldn't be possible without our dedicated team, suppliers and customers, so we extend our thanks. We're looking forward to continuing our growth in Australia and internationally next year and further developing our product range."

The Business Review Weekly maintained that the factors which helped the Fast 100 secure a place in their list were self belief, determination and the ability to change. Thanks to the attitude of the staff at Appco Group Porsales who are ever ready to work hard as well as who are open to changes in the market, Prosales was able to make it to the list.

With Prosales making their way to the country, Appco Group UK is all geared up for a long association.

The leading waterless cleaning wax has been launched in UK

Appco Group Prosales has finally launched the world's best-selling waterless cleaning wax in the United Kingdom and teamed up with Appco Group UK for the same purpose. The waterless cleaning wax has been one among the most popular products in Australia and the success of the product in the Australian continent is what inspired Appco Group Prosales to launch the product in UK as well. The cleaning wax has already achieved record sales Down Under and hit British shores in autumn 2010.

Ever since its launch in Australia, the waterless cleaning wax has helped citizens save a lot of water and together almost 100 million litres of water have been saved in the continent thanks to this great product. Also the whopping figure shows the concerted effort that the Australians had put in to save water across the country.

Appco Group Prosales Managing Director Ty Pederson is of the opinion that the product will be as successful in UK as in Australia and viewed the launch as an exciting prospect.

"The product has taken off in Australia because we've really appealed to people who want to save water, and at the same time, take pride in the look of their car. Launching in the UK will be a great opportunity for us to showcase the waterless cleaning wax product to a market that needs it - research has shown that the UK has the highest number of hand car washes per capita across the globe. That’s a massive opportunity for us", said Ty Pedersen, Chief Operating Officer of the company

Appco Group UK - all set to launch the Sports Division

Appco Group UK is all set to launch the Sports Division. Appco Group is always on the lookout for new opportunities and areas where it can grow. The sports division of Appco Group was launched in 2000 and has been representing many sporting organisations since its inception.

This division of the company allows sporting organisations to readily access resources as well as sell its products in the target markets. Inspired by the success of the test campaign in UK, today Appco Group is all set to launch a UK Sports Division. The Sports Division of Appco had a successful spell both in Australia as well as New Zealand where it is paired up with large sporting organisations and served as the inspiration behind this thought of the company-to set up such a division in the United Kingdom as well.

Anthony Tarquini, Managing Director of Jam Prospects and Product Owner of Appco Group Sports in Australia and New Zealand, has been in UK for quite some time now, analysing the opportunities and threats that this new division will have to come across. He also ran a test campaign in partnership with a leading charity which turned out to be a huge success.

Anthony Tarquini teamed with a few other top performing Independent Contractors from the country and all of them together organised and conducted a unique fundraising campaign in London. The campaign which exceeded the target by 25% had everyone surprised and inspired the parent company to launch a new Sports Division in the country at the earliest opportunity.

“

You can evoke emotions in the public when you talk to them about charitable giving, however when you couple this with sport, something people are typically passionate about, you have a phenomenally successful formula,

” explains Anthony.

“This is what we have created in Australia and achieved incredible results in the process. Now we intend to replicate that success in the UK, helping our partners achieve their aims with our industry leading face-to-face fundraising concept.”

The UK Sports division which will be launched soon will be considered the pioneer of a major program that is planned to be rolled out in Europe in the near future.

Appco Group UK and Ireland Quarterly Strategy meeting turns out to be a huge success

Conferences have always helped Appco grow. Ever since its inception, being a few among those companies who love to bring in participation from as many employees and representatives as possible, Appco Group has taken all efforts to organise conferences are regular intervals. These conferences serve as an ideal meeting place where people can discuss and plan their goals, visions and future plans for the company.

The Appco Group UK and Ireland Quarterly Strategy Meeting was one of this kind and its proved to be a highly interactive and informative day fro those who were present at the meeting to express their views on successful business practices.

The meeting which was held on 30^th April, Saturday, at Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, was attended by marketing companies affiliated with Appco Group across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Mike Blane, Managing Director of Appco Group gave the welcome speech to the Business owners and top sales professionals who were gathered at the venue. He also briefed about the huge growth the company was witnessing across UK and Ireland through its country division Appco Group UK.

“We have made an amazing start to 2011 – revenues and sales are up between 20 to 30 per cent across all Divisions," he said. After Mike Blane, it was Chris Niarchos, Appco Group founder and Chairman who shared tips he had on running a successful business. Next followed a series of presentations and seminars, starting with the one on the topic 'the importance of being disciplined' by special international guest speaker Olivier Blomme. Delegates could choose those seminars which they found relevant to their business needs.

The conference was a huge success and every person who attended it, left the event with the satisfaction of having clear strategies in their mind that would help them in guaranteeing the success of their marketing companies.

Appco Group does its part in creating a positive socio-economic impact

Appco Group UK and Appco Group have both worked very hard for many years now to make their contribution to the economy. And, they have succeeded in a great way in this aspect.

Recent research results have revealed that the direct selling industry positively impacts the socio-economic scenario in Europe and it goes without saying that Appco Group of companies which has its direct selling branches in almost a dozen countries in Europe has contributed in a great way.

Appco Group is the largest direct sales and marketing in across the entire globe and this study which has thrown light on positive impacts of the direct selling industry does indirectly hint on the efforts that are put in by Appco Group's divisions and their branches in various countries.

Direct selling comprises a 20 billion euro channel of distribution, with 1,300 businesses ranging from large to small companies in the EU and records a steady growth (9.6 per cent in 2006). Today, there are more than 9 million direct sellers in Europe.

With the direct selling marketing evolving as platform where modern customers are provided a better and easier choice when compared to the traditional retail shopping and with sellers also enjoying the benefit of having with them an opportunity to hone their business skills it is not a wonder that the direct selling industry does have a positive impact on the socio-economic scene in Europe.

The results were greeted with much joy by direct selling associations and in the words of Mr. Richard Berry, Chairman of the Federation of European Direct Selling Associations (FEDSA)

"The study demonstrates the alternative opportunities that direct selling can offer to new entrepreneurs interested in setting up their own business at a low cost."

And, Appco Group UK stands proud today with the satisfaction that it has contributed in a great way too.

Mental illness charity praises Appco Group Support's efforts

A leading mental illness charity in Australia has praised the efforts of Appco Group Support, which have proved 'instrumental' to its success over the past one year.

The not for profit organisation, which supports individuals and families affected by mental illness, showed its appreciation to Appco and one of its affiliated Marketing Companies by holding a special brunch on April 15. In the last 12 months, the company has become involved with the regular giving campaign run by this charity and consequently the number of donors has increased from under 1,000 to approximately 6,500.

Says a representative of the charity organisation, “Appco Group has been instrumental in our success over the past 12 months. The organisation can now offer scholarships and conduct research and evaluation. There is also a new initiative set-up - an early intervention program that aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness...During our time on the campaign we have made a significant impact by educating the public on mental health, lifting some of the stigma associated with mental health in Australia, and raising important funds to aid research and new programs”.

Appco Group UK also does commendable work to promote activities done by many such charity organisations.

Appco Group UK with lots of business opportunities

Appco Group UK presents lots of business opportunities to those working within its network of Marketing Companies and Field Representatives. The company provides answers to questions that many people would have about operating their own business as self-employed Field Representatives.

The Appco Group works for clients spanning diverse industries and these clients are mostly household names. So while working for the company, a Field Representative will be promoting and selling products and services for and on behalf of these clients and will be contracted to one of the Marketing Companies within the company's network. To assist Field Representatives in this, the company provides them with client product training and also provides all the materials and support needed based on the clients' marketing requirements. The Appco Group Business Development Programme offers unique opportunities for successful Field Representatives.

A great opportunity if provided to mentor, guide and product train other FR with a view to moving through the Programme and run one's own Marketing Company within the Appco Group network.

Appco Group fundraisers support Earth Hour

Appco Group UK has lots of things to be proud of. This year, when people all over the UK switched off their lights and even UK landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Big Ben and the London Eye went in for a voluntary blackout for 60 minutes and as British Prime Minister David Cameron made a video address supporting Earth Hour, the ace direct marketing company was happy at having done its share towards making things happen so perfectly well. The Appco Group had worked hard towards making the Earth Hour a big success. The company's fundraisers had gone about, raising public support for the event, which is observed to urge world leaders to tackle climate changes on a war-footing.

It was not just in the UK that people went in for a black out; it was happening the entire world over on March 26 at 8.30 pm. Even iconic landmarks, the world over, like Times Square in New York, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Davis Station, Antarctica and the Sydney Opera House in Australia took part in this. The Earth Hour was for the first time observed in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. From there it grew, gaining international proportions and now, it's seen as the joint effort of the whole of humanity to serve planet earth and to save humanity.

Appco Group has always stood by the people and such noble causes. Hence no effort is spared in making sure proper awareness is created about things like the Earth Hour and people from all walks of life are encouraged to take part in such events. It's here that the Appco Group scores much above usual direct marketing companies.

Appco Group launches operations in Belgium

Even as Appco Group UK is creating ripples in direct marketing, Appco Group launches operations in yet another country, Belgium. The official launch was on April 5, which has happened after the successful test of the market, conducted systematically last year. The company thus is now active in 25 countries worldwide. The beginnings in Belgium is with the energy division, catering to a prominent client.

Jess Leeson, General Manager, Appco Group Belgique, sounds very confident when he says, “The tests showed us that the company can be huge in Belgium. We expect to open a second location with a new client by the end of this year. The growth opportunities are promising.”

“We are incredibly excited about our venture into the first French speaking country within the Group in 2011...This is an amazing opportunity for French speakers within the Group worldwide”, says Appco Group Vice President and Country Head of Belgium, Simon Murphy.

Appco FRs flown to Canary Islands to see charity work

That Appco Group UK is doing commendable service in the charities sector is known to all. The company also gives its personnel ample opportunities to make trips to understand how things progress at other places. This is done in all countries where the company has its operations.

Recently ten fundraisers in Spain got a chance to see how their efforts improved lives of vulnerable kids. Appco Group Support España did this by holding a competition open to all Spanish Field Representatives within the charities division. The ten best performers were offered the chance to be flown to the Canary Islands to see a children’s charity at work. The ten fundraisers thus got the chance to visit a special village where about 40 children live. They were happy to see that these kids were given the chance to grow up in a warm family atmosphere and also that the social workers and charity 'mothers' there were doing real fantastic work.

One of the Field Representatives who undertook this trip, had this to say, “It enabled us to see how important the work we do is. It has made me feel really proud that I am helping to make a difference.”

These Appco Group FRs also got the opportunity to take part in a thrilling go-karting competition during the trip.

Appco Group UK personnel congratulate Chris Kiely and team

Appco Group UK personnel are happy that Chris Kiely and his team of nine, working with Appco New Zealand, had a narrow escape when disaster struck in the form of the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand on February 22.

Chris, who is the Managing Director of a company associated to Appco Group New Zealand, was conducting a Training Day in his office when the earthquake struck. He managed to exit safely, along with his team and watched on in horror and the building adjacent to theirs collapsed. Chris' office was destroyed, but alternate arrangements are being made.

“We are all really lucky to be safe, but are shaken by the horrific event, “said Chris Kiely.

“We’re giving full support to the Christchurch team as they overcome this experience. We organised flights to Auckland over the weekend for them and they will work with the team there for several weeks, and also attend the Rally taking place on March 5”, said Appco Group VP Stewart Hartley.

Appco Group Support works wonders with major partner in Australia

Appco Group UK has been working out campaigns with its clients in the charities sector, delivering remarkable kind of results. Appco Group Support has had a fruitful alliance with one of the world's largest development agencies that focuses on assisting children in developing countries. The organisation this year intends to generate more donations through sign-ups in Australia by way of its tie-up with Appco Group. The organisation is working with the company to drive acquisition of new supporters for its monthly program, which in turn provides a vital source of income to fund projects that benefit children throughout the world.

Says a spokesman representing the aforesaid organisation, “We’ve seen the positive impact of the company's efforts in other territories that we work in, and were eager to replicate the success in the Australian market place. Appco Group Support was able to provide the professional, reliable and cost effective service that we needed."

Appco Group Support representative visits Indian slums

Appco Group UK renders meritorious service in the charities sector, helping its charity clients do their work with all smoothness and find donors.

Appco Group Support's Philip Bresser recently visited the slums in Chennai, India. His intention was to see the difference that the projects of Street Children, run for a charity partner, make. He summarises his experience as :

“On a daily basis, we see the terrible things happening around the world, by watching the news or picking up a newspaper. But we can be very dismissive of what is happening. It seems very far away from the reality of our own lives. In the Western world we have reached the stage where we are used to the luxuries we have around us or that are so easily accessible. We live in a part of the world where we as individuals are empowered to make choices.
I visited the Street Children projects of Anbu Illam in Chennai, India. This is the first year all the Marketing Companies in the Netherlands are contributing to the programmes in Chennai. The field visit had a significant impact on me. Probably, because it is as confrontational as it can get.

On television we see things happening in, so-called, Third World countries. Usually it is all far away and surrealistic. However, the things we have heard, seen and smelled in the slums and on the streets are very real. The Street Children projects in Chennai are necessary and really tangible.

India is a country with a billion registered people and more than a million children are 'living' in the streets in Chennai. By directly supporting the projects in Chennai, we enable a significant 'extra' amount of children in Chennai to get proper shelter, healthcare, education and to be treated in a human way. We enable them to get into a position where they can make some choices in life as well, just like we do. The visit to Chennai put things into perspective for me and makes me realise how lucky I am, just to be born in this part of the world.”

The service that Appco Group has been rendering in the charities sector is indeed notable and deserves appreciation.

Appco Group with the underprivileged children in India

Appco Group Support, the Appco Group's charities division, forges a partnership with a leading charity client in India and strives to work for underprivileged children.

It was in 2001 that the campaign to alleviate the sufferings of underprivileged children was started, joining forces with the client. The campaign spread out to ten cities across India, with over 325 dedicated fund-raisers in the field spreading awareness of the campaign. The campaign, with child welfare and development as its motto, seeks to help the 8 million children, within the 6 to 14 age bracket, who are restricted access to education in India. The campaign generates donor supports, creates awareness about clients and their work and makes sure that the growth rate with the client, which has been as high as 120%, remains steady. Over the past nine years, it's over a million charitable donations that has been raised for this client.

“Our journey with this client has been great. Our sole aim is to take this partnership to an extent where one day we will be able to reach every underprivileged child in this country”, says Saiprakash Kuckian, Vice President Appco Group India, Product Head Charity Division.

Appco Group UK also does appreciable work in the charities sector and sets example for others.