SERVICES HELPLINE

Q: We have been organising our business travel arrangements in-house, but due to our increasing size, we can no longer cope with them. Are there travel specialists that will look after our arrangements for us?

A: In-house travel can be a time-consuming task, and now that your firm has reached a size where it is no longer viable to do yourself, it does make sense to hire someone to do it for you. Speak to Capable Travel on 020 7489 8787. It can arrange for your travel with minimum fuss and within budget.

Camera tricks

Q: We have our summer party coming up and would like to show a company video featuring moments from the past year that have been captured on a camcorder kept in the office. Is there someone who can edit a seamless video together that we would be able to show?

A: A camcorder in the office to record the daily goings on is an original idea - as long as everyone understands what can and can't be recorded.

A company video capturing some of the memorable and fun moments in the office could also help to boost the morale of staff.

As far as a company who can put this together for you, speak to Shine on 07710 385 010 or World Television on 020 7554 5900.

On display

Q: We are looking for a portable display that we can take around our region and set up in public places such as shopping centres. We need something light and easy to set up. Who do your recommend?

A: Portability does make life easier for you and allows greater freedom to take your display and move if the location you're in isn't reaping rewards.

High-quality displays are out there, but you must weed out the good from the bad. Speak to Display Max on 01256 768 899 or Portable Displays Direct on 01707 390 122.

Top of the list

Q: New business creation is key to our success. We are continually searching for ways to do this and feel that it could be made easier by bringing in up-to-date company lists from outside sources. Are they available and if so where?

A: Business information on companies you believe are worth targeting, but currently don't, could be extremely important to the health of your company.

By buying this information there is an obvious financial cost, but it could be money well spent when you realise the levels of new business that are there for the taking.

Companies that can help you are Marketing File on 0845 345 7755 and Kompass Direct on 01342 335 928.

Cab ads

Q: I want to create a promotion that will be seen all over London with high visibility levels. Our budget is tight and so we cannot afford to blaze publicity everywhere. What do you suggest?

A: High profile is difficult to achieve without deep pockets. With a limited budget, it might prove effective to create a mobile promotion and use one of London's moving billboards.

London Taxis can prove extremely effective when branded correctly. It could pay to contact London Taxi Promotions on 020 8458 7111 and see what it can offer you.

Lively time

Q: Our annual conference is usually a rather uninteresting affair with dull speakers, boring venue and bland food leaving people with a rather flat feeling. Who offers a different approach and could produce an uplifting conference for us?

A: This is difficult as there are obviously important issues to be discussed at such a event and you do not want the seriousness of this to be lost.

But, it could also be said that it doesn't hurt to inject a little fun into proceedings. When organising an event like this it pays to contact a professional who will organise the whole show for you.

They will make sure that everything works and works well, ensuring your staff will leave informed, but happy.

Contact companies such as Optimise on 020 8871 1622 and Lizard on 01732 760 636 that specialise in the production and management of these sorts of events.

Telephone: 020 8267 4305 or e-mail: marketing.helpline@haynet.com.

This article was first published on Marketing