3G Coverage

The UK maps of 3G coverage were publish by Ofcom, the government's telecom watchdog. Third generation mobile broadband has been seen as one way of bringing faster internet access to rural areas. Millions have signed up for mobile broadband deals, with over 2m new connections between February 2008 and February 2009.

But the maps reveal that map rural areas have poor or non-existent 3G coverage, effectively making them mobile broadband "not-spots".

The 3G coverage maps were published alongside Ofcom's second phase of its mobile sector assessment. It reveals that consumers are increasingly giving up landlines in favour of their mobile phones. All communications from and for rural based audiences will need to take this into account.

Communications Project Management Training

We would like to invite you to our Communications Project Management Course on Thursday 9th July between 9.30am - 4.00pm. This course has proved so popular at other venues we're running one at the beautiful Folly Farm just south of Bristol. It's a highly interactive day that will provide you with skills and techniques:

- Plan projects using everyday techniques
- Manage projects that can adapt and evolve
- Involve different people in the planning effectively and creatively
- Build resources into a plan effectively
- Evaluate and monitor projects simply
- Deliver best value return for the budget you spend
- Demonstrate an understanding of how PR, advertising, direct marketing, promotions and the internet can make a significant impact on your companies competitive position

The cost is just £95 + VAT including lunch and refreshments. Call Jim on 07590 687537 to book your place.

This was the lead story in the latest in our regular e-newsletters which keep our clients and other interested people up to date with all things marketing and communication. To keep in touch and pick up our free snippets of interesting information from around the world of marketing just drop us a line to mail@vipermarketing.co.uk asking to be added to our mailing list.

To see how one such e-newsletter looks click here http://bit.ly/14KX1W and of course, if you'd like to be sending out e-newsletters like this to your clients and customers then get in touch and we'll tell you how you can do it.

Viper Music Signs Jemma Rycroft

The brilliant Jemma Rycroft is the first artiste to be signed by Viper Music as part of her winning the inaugural Axe Factor, a showcase for unsigned talent in the south west of the UK.

Jemma's silky smooth performance in the final captivated the judges and the audience as she played two original songs and a Peggy Lee cover to which she gave a contemporary twist.

Neil Wilkins, Director of Viper Marketing, sponsors of the contest said, "Over the course of the last six months we have seen nearly 100 artistes and many of whom could have been part of this final. Judging down to the last six was so tough and many top performers couldn't be rewarded with a place in the final".

Neil added, "We are delighted that Jemma won this competition and look forward to working with her to kick start her professional career".

In an eleventh hour decision, Viper also offered contracts to Sally-Anne Langton and Ryan Inglis who finished second and third respectively. More details will be revealed about the three artistes through the Viper Music website at http://www.vipermusic.co.uk

Developing a Business is like Bringing up a Child

Developing a business is not unlike bringing up a child.

When they are born there's this overwhelming feeling of protection and excitement coupled with sleepless nights and never ending tasks and fine details. You make so many mistakes because there are never enough manuals or courses about the subject that you are forced to learn as you go.

There's always someone out there who knows how to do it better. Well at least they are always there to offer you their opinion whether or not you choose to listen.

As the business grows it develops new needs and a will and life of its own. Sometimes all consuming of time and energy and sometimes quieter and giving you those little respites where you can pause and take stock of what's happening. Most of the time however it's one long struggle uphill and feeling as though there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

Well actually it's not that bad at all. Yes it can be hard work and yes you do sometimes wonder if it's all worth it but when you do allow yourself the luxury of stepping outside for a moment and looking back you realise that it's actually far better than you could ever have imagined. In fact it's nothing like you thought it would be and no amount of preparation and reading around the subject can prepare you for its little wonders and challenges.

The biggest of these challenges is to every now and again take the time to stop and smile. Review what's good and think about how you might have done things slightly differently. Not that you'll be here again of course because before all of this you were clueless. Now however you have learned so much.

Do stop though, just pause... because before you know it you have either sold your business and moved on or the kids have packed up and flown the nest. You won't be here again so pause and enjoy... especially today as the sun is shining.

T-shirt Update

Why am I wearing more t-shirts with messages on these days? Is it because I work in communications now? When I was a teenager I always had t-shirts on with bands and messages etc. I've come full circle now.

Other stuff. Interpretation panel delivered for the Windmill Inn. State of the AONB report nearly finished for the Mendip Hills. Wye Valley AONB team have asked us to do a full day 'communication' workshop with their Partnership. Brackenburn website is live and attracting discussion. Great training day at Folly Farm last week with people from all over the South West. Final amends being made to welcome signs for a major park near Bath. Busy busy. Banksy exhibition soon.

Brackenburn Website Goes Live

We are delighted to launch the new Brackenburn website helping to showcase their sustainable biomass fuel products. Bracken is a sustainable and natural resource in the southwest and the Brackenburn philosophy is to harness the natural raw power of the vegetation to run domestic and commercial heating systems. Visit the website to find out more

Zambia; Camp Life

Shopping for food is an adventure! The local dish which is all some of the kids eat is called Nasheema. It's like heavy, rubbery mashed potato. An acquired taste but it will keep you alive. The town's Spar shopis always busy, somtimes with people buying 40 loaves of bread to take across the border to Zimbabwe.
We cook outside on a two ring gas stove. Not easy when you're preparing for 12 people. We can't/don't eat in front of the children at the schools. We shut ourselves away in the bus and grab a sandwich.
Washing up at camp consists of 3 large bowls; one to wash, one filled with disinfectant and the other to rinse. The you have to flap everything dry as damp clothes just harbour the eggs of a fly that burrows into your skin! Tom and Anna enjoy the flapping though.

Yesterday was a public holiday so no school visits. The bus got a tidy up. It was really sad saying saying goodbye to all our other Bookbus volunteer friends. Tom and Anna are missing them terribly. We're all trying to stay in touch via Facebook and Blogs.
We're now at a lodge before flying to Lusaka tomorrow. We have beds and pillows and everything! We've seen loads of animals. We woke up to the sound of a hippo munching outside our door. Anna got the fright of her life when she plucked a towell from the rail and a toad jumped out of it!

Anna's Blog; Leaving the volunteers was very sad because we had spent so much time with them. Last night was lush, it was like living in luxury compared to two weeks in a squishy tent!

Tom's Blog; Being on the Bookbus was really good fun but sad when we had to leave. Coming to the safari was amazing.

Follow up Blog when we're home on Thursday.
Jim