Roger's taking the plunge!

So this weekend saw some amazing efforts around the country to raise money for Sport Relief. So many people got involved for this amazing charity which helps people living incredibly tough lives, both at home in the UK and across the world's poorest countries. It goes a long way too. From transforming the lives of people in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities, or those living with poor mental or physical health, to protecting street children and providing life-saving healthcare abroad.  

The Sport Relief Mile was a huge success and saw more than a million people get involved bringing the current fundraising total to £52,070,587. Celebrities got involved on mass with various challenges for example, Freddie Flintoff's challenge to beat 12 world records within 12 hours which he smashed and actually beat 14 world records! These included fastest time to high-five 20 people blindfolded (in 6.53 seconds); Most people popping party poppers (420); Most peas eaten with a cocktail stick in 30 seconds (38); Most kisses in 30 seconds (40).

Our local celeb, Roger Illsley, loves getting involved with these good causes (we all saw the moustache) and this time is no different. Unfortunately he missed the chance to take part in the Sport Relief Mile but is gearing himself up for the Big Splash Mile which is pretty much the same idea... Just in water. As they say, 'Missed out on the mile? Take the plunge now!' Now's your chance to get involved, with charities like this a little really does go a long way so loosen those purse strings and sponsor Roger for his Big Splash Mile here. 

In the spirit of charitable giving Griffin Glasshouses have been selected by The National Garden Scheme (NGS) to offer an exclusive new collection of free standing glasshouses. This collection represents excellent value for money, features beautiful design and the NGS receives 5% of the proceeds from the sale of every glasshouse in this collection. Included are 5 designs which can be personalised with a range of accessories and made in any colour. To find out more about the NGS visit their website here.

Spring in our step

With a noticeable improvement in the weather and the nights getting a little lighter, it’s a great time to reflect on the year gone, but also to be looking forward to all the delights Spring brings with it. We’ve seen many positive news stories recently, which is a real boost for morale. The 101^st International Women’s day was celebrated by many across the globe yesterday with initiatives, events and news creating a real media buzz, and a top ‘trending’ theme on Twitter. Social media was marked as an essential key in spreading awareness, with our own Prime Minister, David Cameron, marking the day with calls to eliminate violence against girls and women using social media initiatives to change and improve lives. Celebrity supporters for the day include singer-songwriter and We are Equals activist Annie Lennox, Avon Foundation advocate Reese Witherspoon and OXFAM supporters Helena Christensen and Kristin Davis.

 

In other positive news, the marketing group, WPP has reported a surge of more than 18% in pre-tax profits for 2011 to break the £1bn mark for the first time. With Martin Sorrell, WPP, stating that: “The group's 26th year was a record year on virtually whatever measure you are to name… This record performance was achieved in difficult circumstances, particularly in the second half of the year." While we are still in the early quarter of 2012, it’s a great boost to hear companies are not only starting to do well, but are smashing records. Read more about the WPP story here.

Here at Atom, as well as having a great selection of products ready for Spring issues, we’re also proud to report that many of our clients are also going from strength to strength. Eurostove have announced that they are branching into the European market. Continuing their expansion becoming exclusive distributors in France, Spain and Portugal of the already well established UK brand of Scandinavian wood burning stoves, ‘Westfire’, with plans to also expand the European coverage of their own brand, ‘Mendip’ stoves. Any of our followers in France can look forward to seeing the range exhibiting under the name Eurostove SAS at the ‘Foire de Paris’ show: 28^th April - 8^th May. And in St Etienne at the ‘Salon Bois Energie’: 22^nd -25^th March.