118 Group appoints space and time design to reposition brand of Verification Association Product
Daniel Corby CEO of 118 Group Holdings has appointed space and time design to handle the re positioning of the Verification Association brand for 14 February launch
[UKPRwire, Wed Jan 24 2007] Daniel Corby, CEO 118 Group Holdings plc announces the appointment of Space and Time design to re-brand the Verification Association product
Speaking about the announcement, Daniel Corby, Group CEO said “The Verification Association has been very successful since its launch in 2006 and has signed up 40% more members than forecast. The product is continually growing and added features join the range on a monthly basis. The Verification Association offers members of the public a chance to use recognised and vetted members and takes the risk out of employing a rogue tradesperson. The association lists thousands of members across 200 business categories from Architects to Plumbers and Roofers and Piano Tuners. Space and Time design have been appointed to review the brand positioning and a further improved product is expected to be launched in mid February 2007. The VA is a product of the 118 Group and includes valuable member’s benefits such as discounted tool hire, commercial vehicle purchases, protective clothing, mobile phones, member’s card, feedback scheme and over 30 additional benefits. As the brand is owned by 118 Group it also includes a free listing with 118trades.com – the UK’s leading directory service of tradespeople and businesses with checkable references”
Daniel Corby continued “118 Group’s cross selling opportunities for the business are huge and we fully expect the business to achieve double digit growth for 2007 and beyond. From humble beginnings in 2005, 118trades has become part of the multi million 118 Group, with interests in Advertising, Directories, Media, Mobile, Publishing and Telecoms. The business is now one of the largest on-line directories in the UK, sold through telesales and inbound response from UK call centres. The recent launch of tastymobiles which will now be connecting to all 6 mobile networks will enable the group to offer more to its customer base than ever before. Fido Media is expected to be a significant contributor to the 118 Group Holdings plc”
Notes to editors
The group is now starting to think and act like a plc ahead of the planned float and has recently made some high profile appointments including business veteran Richard Allan, the former CEO of Perry Group plc as Chairman, Hugh Craen, the founder and mastermind of Potential Finance Group plc which floated on AIM in 2002. Hugh joins the business as a non executive director, Peter Hill as Group FD, who joins from Dorma Door Controls Limited, Scott Barker as Head of Risk, previously from World Pay and Meta Charge. In addition, Ian McLachlan, the recently retired head of Trading Standards of Hertfordshire, who has become Head of Ethics for the business and will oversee the way the business manages relationships with shareholders, staff, customers and suppliers. The business is now in talks with a former Director of Yellow Pages with regards to taking a board position with 118 Group Holdings plc. Further statements will follow in due course
118 Group Holdings plc successfully completed pre IPO fund raising exercises in October 2006 ahead of the planned AIM float and is growing ahead of forecasts. Last month the business announced the creation of 300 new jobs in Chelmsford and is recruiting rapidly. A third call centre for Chelmsford is currently at the planning stage following an offer being accepted by landlords for additional space of 17,500 square feet.
You can read more about the business at www.the118group.com
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