As Appco US celebrated their successful relationship with ‘Save the Children’, by launching “Save the Children USA Campaign 2012″ to bring change to the life of the poverty stricken children. ‘Save the Children’ has run successful campaigns with Appco Group US in New York in previous years.

“Save the Children and Appco have developed over the years a successful global partnership with campaigns running in the UK, Spain, Italy, Asia and Australia. We are very proud to be adding to this list with the inclusion of the US”, says Sarah Cauchi, Chief Operating Officer U.S.

While Ogo Ekweozor, U.S Country Head have remarked that “Following a successful campaign last year, we were very excited to launch our 2012 campaign with Save the Children from our Manhattan headquarters.”

To find out more about Save the Children please visit their website at www.savethechildren.org

Paralympic Gold medalist swimmer Sophie Pascoe praised Appco Group for supporting people with disabilities which helped her get elite training and win many medals in 2008 Paralympic Games, in Beijing.

Pascoe lost her leg in a lawn mower accident when she was two years old, but won three gold medals and one silver medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games. Sophie has taken home nine gold medals and eight silver medals over the past three years in the Pan Pacific and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) swimming world championships. This inspiring athlete was named the 2012 Halberg (a nonprofit Organisation, which enhances the lives of the disabled by helping them to participate in sport) Awards Disabled Sportsperson of the Year.

At a recent Appco Group Convention, Ms Pascoe told the audience that she doesn’t see her accident as a tragedy and was identified as a possible Paralympian at eight years of age. She is now on an intense training schedule in the lead up to the London 2012 Paralympics.

Ms Pascoe explained this type of elite training would be impossible without Appco Group Sports’ ‘Pin and Win’ campaign, which has supported the Paralympic team since 2009. She told that the vital funds raised have provided opportunities for all people with disabilities to be able to develop and excel in high performance sport.

Appco Group Support UK has visited the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to see how their work is helping the animals

March 23, 2012

Appco Group Support UK field representatives have seen first hand how their work to acquire charity donors is making a difference to abandoned and lost pets.

A recent VIP trip to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London was both an educational and personally satisfying visit for all involved, said Appco Group Support UK Relationship Manager Dominic Lester-George.

“Our field representatives are really passionate about what they do and today got the opportunity to meet some of the furry friends they are helping,” he said.

Appco Group Support, is the world’s largest donor acquisition agency and works with many charity partners including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, which has been in operation for 150 years, caring for homeless pets and helping them with training in a bid to find new homes.

Appco Group Support UK field representative Chris Gibbs said: “The opportunity to experience the behind the scenes operations of the home, coupled with the information provided by the staff was incredibly insightful.

“Working with the trainers to learn, first-hand, how they train the dogs in the home by being paired up with some of the home’s current residents was definitely the highlight of the day for me.”

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Senior Direct Marketing Officer Rachel Samuels said it was a pleasure to have the field representatives at the home.

“They showed the enthusiasm and energy that I’m sure they apply to their work every day,” she said. “It’s exciting that we are in a position to show exactly where the money you’re raising goes when you come in for a tour, but to be able to show you part of the groundwork is equally as important.

“…the work, passion and energy that all the Appco fundraisers put into our campaign is amazing. The number of regular givers they have signed up has blown us away and they have far exceeded our expectations.”

Appco Group Support UK recently attended the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s night of nights to show their ongoing support

November 24, 2011

Appco Group Support (AGS) UK recently rubbed shoulders with celebrities and the not-so-well-known, but real heroes of the 2011 Annual Collars & Coats Ball – the animals of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

AGS, who help fundraise for the animal shelter, showed their full support by not only attending the black-tie event, but also by donating football tickets for the silent auction.

The four corporate tickets to the Premier League Fixture fetched more than £1000 at the event hosted by singer Peter Andre and featuring rock legends Status Quo. More than £300,000 was raised during the course of the evening. The money will go towards renovating the shelter, which has cared for more than 3 million animals since it was established in 1860.

AGS field representatives were also present on the night selling raffle tickets, which raised more than £5000 for the worthy cause.

Taking place at Battersea Evolution, stars of stage and screen united in the presence of the Home’s President TRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

But Battersea’s legendary Guard of Honour, made up of dozens of Battersea dogs, stole the show as they lined the Red Carpet entrance, winning the hearts and affections of the attending guests.

Peter Andre said: “I’m so proud to have hosted Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball. Battersea is an amazing charity, which does incredible work to look after the animals that come into its care, helping them have happy futures in loving new homes. Walking up the red carpet past the Battersea dogs was an unforgettable experience and I hope this evening will show why this special charity needs our continued support.”

AGS client relationship manager Dominic Lester-George said: “Appco Group Support have been working with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for a year now, during which time we have developed a strong and ongoing relationship with this important, iconic charity.

“Next year will be very exciting for us as we continue to help the home achieve its ambitious plans to assist even more dogs and cats in desperate need of help. It was an absolute pleasure to show our support by attending the ball and we look forward to a successful 2012.”

Photo: Members of Appco Group network had their own table at the 2011 Coats & Collars Ball to show their continued support for animals in need

Appco Group Home Efficiency is doing its part to help low-income families and the planet save energy

November 4, 2011

Appco Group’s home efficiency division is helping the UK government to meet its carbon dioxide reduction targets and to bring greener power to homes in need.

As part of the Kyoto Protocol, the UK is legally bound to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent, below 1990 levels,

by 2008-2012. The 2008 Climate Change Act also states that greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 80 per cent by 2050.

CERT, the obligation placed by Government on gas and electricity suppliers to deliver a reduction in household carbon savings across England, Scotland and Wales, requires suppliers to focus at least 40 per cent of their activity on a ‘priority group’ of vulnerable and low-income households “including those in receipt of eligible benefits and pensioners over the age of 70 by increasing the energy efficiency of these households”.

Fifteen per cent of homes helped under the 40 per cent will be the lowest income households more at risk of fuel poverty.

Appco Group Home Efficiency is proud to be working on behalf of energy saving clients and offering green solutions such as household insulation to families in need.

“Since July, we have helped more than 10,000 ‘at-risk-of-fuel-poverty homes’ to save money on their energy consumption and in turn help the planet,” said Appco Group Home Efficiency head Pauline Henderson.

Staying connected with Cobra and Appco news easier with free app

October 20, 2011

Cobra Group of Companies has relaunched its iPhone application, making it easier for employess and the public to access all the important news about its operations.

Cobra earlier this year developed a free application for general news about its companies, including CRS Racing and Australian Power & Gas, and one dedicated to its largest business Appco Group, which specialises in direct sales and marketing.

The application, which was out of action for a short time due to some technical difficulties, can be downloaded from iTunes. The app will allow users to have the latest news from the group at their fingertips.

“The apps are an important part of our communication strategy and are a great way to share what is happening in the group dynamically,” said Cobra Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Paul Sanderson. “We also have Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that form important communication platforms”

“In addition we are developing a wide range of exciting apps for our field representatives worldwide that will enable us to not only improve our efficiency in the field but also take advantage of the features and functionality of the amazing devices that are coming in the market today.

“We are testing iPads obviously as well as other devices that run the android suite and blackberry apps. The initial results are promising and we are looking forward to deploying these solutions over the next six to 12 months.”

Despite the internet age, face-to-face communication is an important asset for businesses

September 15, 2011

Avon celebrating 125 successful years of sales today is testament to the fact door-to-door sales is still a much-needed service despite the Internet age, according to Appco Group CEO Paul Sanderson.

A BBC report today highlighted why the US makeup company Avon, which has field representatives selling its products, is still thriving – it’s the personal touch that people appreciate.

In the report cultural historian Ruth Brandon said Avon was also so successful because the field representatives were seen as the experts who took the time to have real conversations with people. “So what you had was a nice long chit chat devoted entirely to you and that was extremely attractive,” she said.

Appco Group, a world leader in direct marketing and sales, is also based on a similar model with field representatives who work on behalf of blue chip clients, including pay TV, insurance and telecommunications industries.

Mr Sanderson said Appco Group, in operation for 24 years and part of the Cobra Group of Companies, was still thriving because like Avon it cut through “the noise” on the internet.

“There is no doubt the world is changing and moving more and more online and onto handheld devices, which is making it more and more difficult for service providers and product distributors to acquire new customers and sell their products,” he said.

“Combine this with the fact we are now in a borderless e-commerce world it is going to be a noisy and complicated second decade of the 21st century.

“Appco can do what it does best on an unprecedented scale worldwide – that is deliver a professional and effective face-to-face human commercial that leads to a new product sale and a new customer acquisition.”

Mr Sanderson said a lack of conversation occurred in the digital age.

“Everything is online, delivered via email or via a smart phone and the new trend is heavily discounting via digital coupons – all this is noisy and complicated leading to a confused and disloyal consumer,” he said.“Savvy companies are seeing this and turning to companies like Appco to keep it simple and effective – that is talking to people, establishing rapport and credibility and answering their questions, which leads to quality sales.”

For the BBC report, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/14925969

The UK and Ireland divisions of Appco group are set to grow by 20 per cent

September 1, 2011

The global outlook for Appco Group is extremely positive for the remainder of 2011 and looking ahead for the 2012 Olympic year, according to Appco Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Sanderson.

“There’s never been more demand for Appco’s expertise in the face-to-face sales and marketing industry,” said Mr Sanderson. “In fact we are being asked to grow our numbers by all our major clients worldwide, which is very exciting.”

Mr Sanderson commented on the company’s future following a successful UK and Ireland Annual Convention held on August 6. More than 2000 people attended the event in London. Appco Group Chairman and Founder Chris Niarchos, who attended the event, not only thanked the Appco Group network for their hard work and outstanding results in the last 12 months but predicted the outlook for the UK and Ireland in particular was “very strong”.

“We are introducing new clients, new divisions and we are investing at unprecedented levels in our training and development of our sales team and sales support teams to deliver on the huge amount of demand for our services,” he said.

The Appco Group in the UK and Ireland was expecting to grow by at least 20 per cent by the end of 2012, according to Mr Sanderson. “This is tremendous for everyone associated with Appco and the Cobra Group of Companies,” he said. He then went on to explain the global outlook for Appco.

“We are breaking records constantly in our Asian and Indian businesses, Japan has almost recovered from the devastating earthquake earlier this year and is quickly returning to business as usual, the EU is continuing to develop and grow despite the tough economic situation,” Mr Sanderson said. “Australia continues to achieve consistent growth across all our Appco businesses and our new countries – Russia, US, Canada and Brazil have all surprised us at how quickly they are building – so all in all the outlook is extremely positive.

“There is no doubt the world is changing and moving more and more online and onto ubiquitous handheld devices, which is making it more and more difficult for service providers and product distributors to acquire new customers and sell their products. Combine this with the fact we are now in a borderless e-commerce world it is going to be a noisy and complicated second decade of the 21st century.

This environment was presenting Appco, with its unique approach to customer acquisition and product distribution, a massive opportunity to cut through “the noise”, Mr Sanderson said.

“Appco can do what it does best on an unprecedented scale worldwide – that is deliver a professional and effective face-to-face human commercial that leads to a new product sale and a new customer acquisition.” Mr Sanderson said there was a lack of conversation that occured in the digital age.

“Everything is online, delivered via email or via a smart phone and the new trend is heavily discounting via digital coupons – all this is noisy and complicated leading to a confused and disloyal consumer,” he said.

“Savvy companies are seeing this and turning to companies like Appco to keep it simple and effective – that is talking to people, establishing rapport and credibility and answering their questions, which leads to quality sales. And they are providing excellence in after sales service and ongoing relationship management.

“Appco Group is approached more than 100 times a month by companies who have worked out that people buy their products and services off people – and this is what Appco does best.”

Behind the scenes of the Appco Group launch in Belgium was a team  of hard working and dedicated people of Appco Group UK. With this successful launch Appco Group has now extended its operations into 25 countries by now.

After testing the market in 2010 Appco Group decided to commence its business ventures into the Belgium the Market. Appco is launching a residential Energy Division with the leading energy company as its first client.

Appco Group UK has set and also attained targets throughout its marketing procedures for the leading Energy Company and is helping it gain momentum in the industry. As a direct result of this experience and knowledge, Appco’s advice has been sought by other countries looking to set up similar schemes. With strong foundations and experience to deal with the changes in the direct marketing industry, the field representatives are sure to hit excellent results in the Belgium market too in the near future.

Lead by Appco Group UK’s best leaders, the Independent Contractors seized the opportunity to move to Belgium to gain valuable international experience in the field.

Appco Group UK, the company that has a successful tradition spanning over two decades, is all set with plans for expansion in 2011. The company has registered success of the most spectacular kind in 2010 and in 2011, plans are to make sure the company expands into newer sectors and territories and reach out to more customers.

The Appco Group, which has its headquarters in the UK, is planning for further expansion on the global level in 2011. 2010 bore witness to the company starting business in Brazil, America and Russia. The Appco Board of Directors and Senior Executives from across the Group, who met at the luxurious Hilton Vilamoura resort in Portugal in the last quarter of 2010, discuss in detail potential new locations and also the strategies to be adopted for expansion. So, it will be expansion into more countries in 2011, the year that has just begun.

“The world is changing…We have grown from being in one country, Australia, 23 years ago, to the massive global reach we now enjoy across 25 countries. If we want to expand into even more new territories going forward then we need to adapt. It is not enough that we are a world-leading direct marketing company- if we want to continue to thrive then we need to maintain standards as we grow. That is why we are investing our infrastructure, developing initiatives to provide the best possible support to the Field Representatives who are associated to our network, and taking steps to ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible customer service to our clients.”- says Appco Managing Director Mike Blane as regards expansion plans.