The Rocket Marketing Group have created a brand new bespoke membership programme exclusively for sit-up channels – The Privilege Savings Club.

The club has been fully branded in line with the look and feel of sit-up’s home shopping channels, and has been designed specifically for their viewers.

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The start of Autumn can be a pretty depressing time of year. The evenings begin to draw in, there is a definite chill in the air, and that two week break in the sun is soon just a distant memory as you settle back into the daily grind of work.

Sound familiar? If so, a short hotel break in the UK may be just what you need to beat the end of Summer blues, while providing a fantastic opportunity to see Britain’s Autumnal beauty in all its glory.

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Companies have always looked to instil loyalty in their customers. It’s an invaluable way of increasing customer retention, generating incremental revenue and growing a business.

Loyalty can be encouraged through a variety of methods, including e-marketing, offering consumer rewards and demonstrating excellent customer service. But perhaps the most effective way of forging a lasting relationship with your customers is by asking for, and acting on, their feedback.

With this in mind, The Rocket Marketing Group present their 5 Top Tips for generating and utilising customer feedback. (more…)

The Rocket Marketing Group have filed end of year results for 2009 showing an impressive 35% increase in turnover from £3.7m in 2008, to over £5m.

In a further year of terrific growth, Rocket’s pre-tax profits have also increased by 55%, proving that Rocket’s commitment to efficiency and business processes is reaping rewards.

Rocket has worked hard to expand on its success over the last three years, and has seen the results of new revenue partnerships with Living TV, Flying Brands and iSUBSCRiBE, as well as securing a further long-term deal with sit-up channels.  (more…)

With VAT set to rise to 20% in 2011, the retail sector will welcome the news that online sales jumped by 22% in May, compared to 2009 levels.

The online market has become a key sector for businesses, in part due to the financial limitations imposed by the recession. Companies have found marketing and selling their products online to be a very cost effective way of generating revenue and attracting customers, with the latest figures showing that shoppers spent £4.5bn online during May alone.

The research, conducted by the International Media Retail Group (IMRG) found that companies who utilised a range of sales channels had the most success. For example, retailers with both physical stores and online facilities saw year-on-year sales rise by 28%, compared with a rise of just 1% for online-only retailers. (more…)

The Wise Marketer recently reported the rise in coalition marketing as a sales promotion technique. Sales promotion has become more prominent in the last year in a blanket effort to get people  to spend their money less cautiously. It has become important to reward consumers for their loyalty so that they continue to spend money at a time when people are trying to cut back. Encouraging reluctant consumers to spend money continues to be the number one priority for brands at the moment and sales promotion is a proven way to do this. We are at the point where now it is an essential tool to remain competitive, particularly on price.

Sales promotion through consumer incentives and brand coalition is not a new or reactionary concept dreamt up as a recession solution. This has long been the bread and butter of companies such as The Rocket Marketing Group who put companies together in loyalty and membership programmes/ discount clubs and create rewards for staff or consumer incentives. The lure of big brands working together can be a powerful solution for potential rewards and an attractive consumer incentive whatever the state of the economy. All the current climate has done is to highlight the importance of sales promotion to consumers, making it now essential for all brands.

The ideas of brand coalition are the principles that loyalty and rewards programmes or discount clubs and consumer incentive rewards were built on. With loyalty and membership programmes/ discount clubs a member joins a club and then becomes eligible to redeem discounts at various retailers. The joint venture of big and small brands work to validate each other and produce a community of customer centric brands that members become loyal to because they can rely on them to understand their needs/ interests. These loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs can be categorised to target certain markets such as entertainment, home & garden or white-labelled to match particular brands who want to sell the clubs as non-core products and earn incremental revenue.

The idea of high profile sales promotion has now become an integral part of the consumer shopping experience, so it likely to continue in some guise or other even as the economy improves.

Contact Us to discuss the possibilities of developing consumer incentives and brand coalition solutions through loyalty and membership programmes or discount club for your brand.

At this time of year there is only one thing that people are thinking about – all the chores they have to do for Christmas. As a business or employer understanding the pressures of the people who work for you or buy your goods/ services can help you reward these people with a staff or consumer incentive. Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful for anyone really, whether they stay at home or travel away from it all there’s always an opportunity to enjoy those tasks that are written off as chores. Looking forward to a break makes Christmas more exciting and gets everyone into the spirit of the season, and happy staff/ customers are more likely to reciprocate the goodwill. With the range of deals available such as the 241 Hotel Club (which gives members 2 nights for the price of 1), a hotel staff/ consumer incentive can be presented as a lifeline at this hectic time of year. Here are few ideas of Christmas tasks that can be made fun by turning them into a short break through a hotel club:

Shopping

Buying gifts for every friend and family member can be a daunting task but is a great opportunity to visit a new city. The range of different shops will keep anyone interested and could even inspire some presents that loved ones will be pleasantly surprised with. The evenings can be spent relaxing and having fun so the whole experience feels like a treat rather than a chore.

Visiting loved ones

This can be the most stressful element of Christmas – being trapped in a house with every member of family and possibly in-laws too, it’s just not natural. Situations like this across the country are responsible for many a Christmas time bust-up. So how can people avoid this awkward situation? Stay in a hotel! Just because people spend all day together they don’t have to spend all eve/ night together as well. Holiday Inn is currently running a promotion – offering a 25% discount to put the in-laws up this Christmas. We’re sure that the 241 Hotel club is going to give many members’ families 2 nights for the price of 1 this Christmas and make the festivities run a lot more smoothly.

Cooking

Going on a cooking course ensures making a delicious meal is made enjoyable again. It can help to inspire cooks and make them excited about putting the Christmas dinner together by trying out all new skills that have been learnt. Family members will appreciate the tasty change. Using a hotel club for this kind of break can make a really unique but practical get-away and fantastic opportunity for some quality you-time whilst on the course.

Keeping everyone entertained

The Christmas break is often a long one particularly if there are kids that need to be kept entertained. There are only so many hours the toys will keep everyone occupied before there’s a need to break free from the same 4 walls. Theatre breaks are great and there are so many fantastically magical shows on at this time of year from funny pantomimes to spectacular West End shows. There is sure to be something for anyone’s interests and won’t break the bank, particularly when they get 2 nights for the price of 1.

There are so many interesting and beautiful places to stay in the UK and Ireland so people don’t have to go far for a holiday that can make them feel better, whatever they’re into.

Anyone interested in purchasing a reward such as the 241 Hotel Club as a staff or consumer incentive or partnership marketing reward please Contact Us. The club enables members to enjoy 2 nights for the price of 1 at over 300 hotels throughout the UK and Ireland, so is a great staff or consumer incentive for anyone.

In Britain we are currently experiencing the longest recession since records began and it is becoming increasingly hard for some businesses to continue trading. Retailers have been using numerous sales promotion tactics – encouraging consumers to spend money by offering discounts and rewards to customers who shop with their brand. With Halloween and bonfire night just passed and Christmas plus New Year on the horizon, there are many marketing and sales promotion opportunities coming along, perfect for targeting customer retention. But how valuable is it to offer seasonal discounts and what are the best ways to distribute them to the kind of customers who are likely to respond?

The changing seasons and special events such as Halloween and Christmas give consumers a reason to spend money. In the current economic climate consumers have become more cautious about spending money – often only buying the things they need. So the job of businesses and marketers is to make sure that their product is seen as a necessity. This is why seasonal discounts can work – it is seen as a special, limited time deal that everyone should get into the spirit of. The deal gives consumers the excuse they want and the sense of urgency needed to prompt an impulse purchase.

There are many reasons people respond to seasonal discounts, mainly using it as an excuse to treat themselves as well as others or merely trying to wait until the best deal is available. The element that all these reasons have in common is that the consumer is responding to a prompt – giving them permission to make a purchase even though times might be hard. These purchases range from the smallest of knick-knacks to big purchases such as furniture or electrical goods, so any retailer can benefit, given the right marketing strategy. By becoming a port of call for a seasonal discount this then showcases your complete consumer offering and encourages customer retention.

To make your seasonal offer work and ensure your message reaches a responsive audience your business needs to sufficiently highlight the seasonal discounts. This also gives you a reason to refresh your customer communications, giving them a new reason to listen to what you are selling and highlighting the brand benefits. This process should start before the event. By having a run up to an event and renewing the message as the days countdown, it gives consumers the chance to engage with the offer and consider using it.

It is also good to draw consumers in to the fun element of the season or event so they are engaging with your brand on a social level. Show insights into their lifestyle and be seen to offer to help them out with your products/ services. For example how about suggesting gift ideas at Christmas, costume ideas at Halloween or ideas for keeping kids entertained during the summer holidays? The value is in knowing your customer then showing that you understand their mindset and offering them what they want in a way that is mutually beneficial.

As well as in-store and point of purchase offers you can also offer a saving and subsequently a seasonal discount through a third party agency. There are a number of sales promotion agencies that have a substantial loyal customer base to who you can offer your discount to. The special offer you offer will then be distributed to the established customer base who respond to discounts and seasonal discount through regular e-shots, driving customer retention.

There are definitely benefits in offering seasonal discounts and some would even argue that they are still essential for retailers in the run up to Christmas, but as with anything it is essential that they are managed properly to get the best results.

Contact Us if you would like to discuss the customer retention and sales promotion opportunities for your business, by creating an exclusive discount, reward or seasonal discount for a loyalty and membership programme/ discount club.

With Brits spending more and more time holidaying at home on ‘staycations’, we wanted to explore the UK and Ireland to find our favourite city break destinations, seeing what there is to entice tourists there and which businesses are potentially profiting from this increased trade. There are so many different areas in the UK and Ireland, each individual in what they have to offer tourists. And as companies such as The Rocket Marketing Group launch discount clubs like the 241 Hotel Club, which gives members 2 nights for the price of 1 at over 300 hotels, the UK and Irish tourism trade really can now compete with the rest of the world for offering affordable yet interesting and unique holidays.

Bournemouth

Famous for its expansive sandy beaches and warm south coast climate this is a popular destination for old and young alike. There are plenty of attractions, many focussed around the seafront, making it a major competitor to the traditional beach holiday abroad. Providing the sun stays shining tourists can spend hours enjoying the beach for free. Every business from ice cream vans to clothes shops and restaurants benefit from visitors who can spend money that they’ve saved by getting 2 nights for the price of 1 at their hotel.

Brighton

Or London-by-the-sea as it is known is a bustling seaside resort with plenty to entertain tourists both on and off the beach. In sunny weather the pebble beach is very popular as are the galleries and eateries that sit along the seafront. There is the famous pier with rides and bars plus quirky independent shops that benefit from the busy holiday seasons. There is still plenty to do when the weather is not quite so good such as busy bars, nightclubs and comedy to name just a few. This will always be a popular resort but with cheaper hotel accommodation such as 2 for 1 at Holiday Inn, or Rottingdean, White Horse, people are freed up to really enjoy everything Brighton has to offer.

London

The capital of Britain has activities and sights to interest everyone so people travel from far and wide to see this exciting cosmopolitan city. Traditionally known of as an expensive destination this puts some people off visiting, but with cheaper accommodation like 2 for 1 at Earls Court Holiday Inn Express or further south at Kingston Lodge plus consumer incentives and discount clubs, attractions such as the world-class theatres, galleries, shopping, restaurants, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds become accessible for more people. This city is a great alternative for people who might normally take a break in Paris, Rome or Barcelona.

Cambridge

As one of England’s most treasured historic university cities, Cambridge is a fascinating place to visit. Again, great on a sunny day as you can meander the streets taking in the beautiful architecture, punt down the river or join the locals and go for a cycle. But there’s also plenty to do inside from world-renowned exhibitions, theatres bars and cafes that will benefit from an increase in tourism. This can be achieved by presenting consumers with an affordable romantic break accommodation like 2 for 1 at Cambridge Crowne Plaza.

Manchester

This is just one of the North West’s interesting and vibrant cities, with a reputation for great nightlife including music, theatre and restaurants. This city gives tourists a good time all year round they visit. There are lots of tourist attractions that reflect the strong character of the city such as the working people’s museum and Urbis – a new kind of museum. As in all of the cities featured, all of these attractions would benefit from increased visitor numbers.

York

A beautiful historic city with many unique features, the magnificent Cathedral, Roman city walls, numerous exhibitions and winding streets with independent shops means tourists are spoilt for choice. It can be a romantic getaway or fun-packed and educational holiday destination for all the family. The city caters well for tourists and there are discount clubs and consumer incentives that give savings which could help increase visitor numbers and as a result benefit the city hugely.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is another city that is geared towards tourists – one of the most popular cities in the UK. The interesting history and many unique and original architectural features make it one of the country’s most beautiful places. There is so much to do all year round and one of the world-famous festivals is a must-see for anyone, as well as sampling some of the regional food and drink specialities. Cheaper hotels or deals such as 2 nights for the price of 1 at Edinburgh Royal Mile Holiday Inn Express may prompt people to plan the trip they’ve always thought of.

Cardiff

Wales’ capital and largest city is a good mix of the heritage of the old and the progressive new. Cardiff is a bustling and interesting city at the heart of this proud country. The tourist attractions range from the historic Cardiff Castle to the modern and monumental National Assembly for Wales and Cardiff Bay, as well as lots of beautiful shops – all of which would benefit from a rise in trade.

Belfast

Belfast makes for an interesting visit with its castle and Victorian heritage, including Botanic gardens plus entertainment at the Grand Opera House or family attractions like Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory. It’s also a good base to explore the rest of Northern Ireland including stunning natural sights such as Giants Causeway. Tourists can use offers such as the 241 Hotel Club so they can enjoy the beauty that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Dublin

Dublin is the Irish capital and a city that promises everything – an exciting nightlife with trendy bars, traditional pubs and live music plus lots of family attractions and access to some beautiful scenery. This has always been a popular destination all year round but it can be expensive. Discount clubs, consumer incentives and savings on accommodation such as Dublin Blanchardstown Crowne Plaza, could really help more tourists enjoy this complete holiday destination.

These breaks are all unique and the attractions in various locations appeal to a wide selection of people. The diversity of such a small area is what makes the UK and Ireland interesting places for anyone to explore. The 241 Hotel Club offers 2 nights for the price of 1, making it a product with mass appeal and can be used effectively as a consumer incentive, staff benefit, sales promotion tool plus much, much more.

So why not support British tourism while taking advantage of this powerful new promotional incentive? The 241 Hotel Club is available to purchase so if you would like to find out more Contact Us.

Offers correct at time of publication and subject to terms and conditions.

There have been many surveys and reports this year indicating an increase in the number of British people taking their holidays in Britain. Travelsupermarket.com conducted research back in July, showing that 50 % of British holiday makers said that they were most likely to book a holiday in Britain in the next 12 months. The ‘staycation’ as it has been dubbed is a new fashion that is fantastic for the British economy. But as we begin the ascent out of recession, can the British hotel trade continue to compete with the allure of foreign holidays that offer the probability of good weather and escapism from our everyday life?

It’s unfortunate that it has taken a recession for British people to discover that Britain has the kind of diverse landscapes and cultures that can be just as enjoyable and interesting as flying abroad for a holiday. Maybe the good experiences of this year’s holidays will encourage British holiday makers to have a staycation more often. But this element cannot be relied on too heavily as summer memories will soon fade as the winter sets in.

Some of the most popular city breaks in Britain include London, Edinburgh and Brighton. These destinations have seen visitors descend on them this summer giving the tourists a taste for the theatre, historic sites, theme parks plus regional food and drink specialities. Most of these activities don’t rely on sunshine so could survive as an addition to the annual summer sun break or as an interesting alternative to spending hours sleeping on a beach.

The increase in the British tourism trade this year has been in direct response to the recession but we mustn’t forget that it is only in the last 20 or 30 years that foreign travel has become financially possible for the average British family. The rise in cheap package holidays to countries such as Spain and then the increase in budget airlines selling flights abroad for less than it costs in train fares across the country has contributed to British people travelling further a field than British holiday hot spots such as London, Brighton and Blackpool. But as eco/green issues become more widely understood, airport taxes continue to rise and the budget airlines start to fold, this era of cheap foreign holidays could soon be over.

So if British resorts and cities remain competitively priced surely this will contribute significantly to Britain being able to compete with the popular destinations abroad? Hotels have traditionally been the most expensive element of any British break so a consumer incentive that focuses on hotel discounts, whether stand alone or part of a discount club would be a useful sales promotion technique for encouraging the Brits to think twice about holidaying abroad.

A recent sales promotion idea has seen The Rocket Marketing Group launch the 241 Hotel Club. This discount club offers members 2 nights for the price of 1 at major hotel chains including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Old English Inns and Brook Hotels, giving members the choice of over 300 hotels across the UK and Ireland. The 241 Hotel Club is a discount club that has been created by The Rocket Marketing Group and will initially be given as a reward to members of its loyalty and membership programmes. The 241 Hotel Club is also intended to be sold as a consumer incentive for other businesses as it is an impressive sales promotion tool that could encourage customers to buy certain products/services. This discount club would be suitable for almost any consumer incentive or employee benefit as it’s a product that most would be interested in whether they are young or old, rich or poor, prefer city breaks or countryside retreats.

There is so much to see, do and be proud of in the UK and Ireland and any initiative that illustrates this and makes it accessible for more people to enjoy, will help the recession hit UK and Ireland.

For more information on our loyalty and membership programmes/discount clubs or if you are interested in purchasing the 241 Hotel Club as a consumer incentive or employee benefit sales promotion tool please Contact Us.

Offers correct at time of publication and subject to terms and conditions.