SERVICES HELPLINE

Q: Where can I get a trailer or bus for a roadshow?

A: David Wilson's Trailers (01825 740 696) operates roadshows across Europe.

It offers a choice of exhibition trailers and a comprehensive selection of units.

The products and service are backed by an experienced team of field operatives and professional drivers. Car-towable trailers are subject to the towing recommendations of the car manufacturer.

Standard units start with wide openings and fold-out access steps, although the concept can be developed to incorporate galleys, display doors, desks and seating.

Search party

Q: We are a motoring insurance firm looking to trade over the internet. I am searching for a company that can optimise our web site and ensure it is listed within the first two pages on the top UK search engines. Can you recommend a company that is good in this field and does not limit its work to large companies?

A: All your hard work could be wasted if your web site does not appear where it belongs - toward the top of the list on the leading search engines.

There are ways to maintain a higher status on these sites.

Get in touch with emarketeers (020 8747 2040). It can advise you how to use technology to reach, empower and interact with your customers, and optimise your web site.

You could also try The Energy Cell (01652 682 900) or Net Visibility (01926 732 044).

Portable fun

Q: I am an exhibitor who needs something that will generate interest in my stand and increase visitor numbers, but perhaps more importantly, encourage return visits. What do you suggest we do to make this happen?

A: Regal Amusements (01257 232 600) supplies interactive solutions from an extensive range of gaming products.

From driving games to prize-every-time crane machines it offers a huge spectrum of exciting and addictive products.

Whether supplying skiing games to ski exhibitions or Formula One racing games to car shows, its products have provided a boost to a variety of companies. It also offers a rental service.

The right staff

Q: We need promotional staff for an event we are organising. They need to look smart and be courteous. Who can we call?

A: You should speak to Rapport Promotions (020 7386 7555) or N2O (01753 801 180).

Both offer high-quality staff and have databases listing a plethora of professional hosts and hostesses for exhibition and hospitality assignments throughout the UK.

POP poser

Q: I am looking to source some innovative point-of-purchase material for our network of stores. Can you suggest any interesting systems?

A: Eazyrizer from Atomic MK (01908 280 040) measures 3ft to 8ft and needs no assembly. The product, constructed from card and elastic bands, simply pops up when pulled and can be folded away again with ease.

You could also get in touch with Tecform (0191 455 1209).

Response unit

Q: We will soon be advertising our latest promotion on TV and want to find ways of ascertaining whether we are getting our money's worth.

A: Mediahawk (0870 126 1703) is dedicated to helping sales and marketing professionals create and convert their sales leads. It provides sophisticated analysis of inbound telephone calls, but in a form that is easy to use.

Customers can use its analytical tools to garner precise response rates for each piece of advertising and promotional media used. Information may include the number of phone calls not answered, or a breakdown by TV region, county and town, for example.

This data is updated daily. It provides reliable measurement of return on investment, allowing for better targeting of marketing campaigns and efficient management of inbound enquires. You could also try Armada (020 7224 3040).

- Sam Solley takes the hassle out of finding the right product or service - you ask the question, he'll provide the answer. Telephone: 020 8267 4305 or e-mail: marketing.helpline@haynet.com

This article was first published on Marketing