The robotic ball enjoyed by President Obama available now here

Kaizo has been appointed to launch the latest consumer technology sensation from the States. Sphero, created by Orbotix, is like nothing anyone has seen before.  A completely new type of gaming system, it is the world’s first robotic ball that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone and tablet. You can drive Sphero from any Android or iOS device and play tabletop and multiplayer games. Hold Sphero in your hand to use it as a controller for on-screen gameplay, change his colour to suit any mood and learn basic programming for this adorable little robot.

The Sphero ball earned a positive review from U.S. President Obama during a visit to Boulder, Colorado, earlier this year. After watching a demonstration, President Obama said, “I like that… let me drive this around. Excuse me, give me some space to drive my ball.”

Rhodri Harries Managing Director for Kaizo said:

“Sphero is a truly amazing innovation, we are delighted to have been brought on board at this exciting time. From gaming to encouraging kids to code the possibilities and applications are very far reaching. Expect this to be the top of wishlists for all generations for years to come. ”

There are more than 20 apps to choose from including multi-player apps and arcade-style games as well as games for all the family. Example ways to use Sphero include:

• Drive: Race Sphero on a homemade obstacle course, go for a swim, play a round of golf, or invent your own game. You can even disguise Sphero to prank your friends!
• Multiplayer Games: With multiplayer apps, Sphero is the life of the party. Bring friends and family together with several Spheros, or connect one Sphero to multiple devices
• Game Controller: Use Sphero as a controller for intuitive on-screen gameplay. Hold Sphero to tilt, turn, and aim with ease
• Mixed Reality Gaming: Play in the real world, control it from your smartphone. Your experience changes with every new app, and more are always on the way
• Program, Create, Discover: Apps like MacroLab make programming Sphero fun and simple. Tech savvy? Use Sphero’s SDK to create your own apps
• Customise: The fun doesn’t stop with Sphero apps. Use ramps to build obstacle courses, command a chariot, and even customize your Sphero for different environments

Kelly Zachos, Orbotix, said:

“Sphero is fun for everyone, from families playing around the dinner table at Christmas to teens playing multi-reality games outside. You can even create and play your own apps.”

The Sphero is priced at £99.99 and is available in store from MenKind and online from Amazon, Firebox, www.gosphero.com and other retailers.

Tags: amazon, android, apps, Consumer, firebox, gaming, iOS, Kelly Zachos, launch, menkind, Obama, Orbotix, robotic ball, Sphero, Technology

Leading international PR partnership votes in two new partner agencies in EMEA region, Blumen Group from Serbia and Manifesto from Turkey in a regional meeting in Moscow  

Worldcom Public Relations Group EMEA region voted in two new partner agencies, Blumen Group from Belgrade, Serbia, and Manifesto Communications Group from Istanbul, Turkey, in a regional meeting in Moscow on 27.–28. September. A total of 31 partner agencies offer creative and reliable PR and communication services from all Europe to Middle East and Africa.

Natasa Pavlovic Bujas, founder and managing director of Blumen Group, states: ”We think about our partnership as a great possibility to exchange knowledge and experience with respected colleagues from all around the world.”

With more than 20 years of experience in business and communications, Blumen Group has a very good reputation and a steady network of agencies and communication professionals not only in Serbia, but also in other countries in Balkan region.

Manifesto Communications Group is a communications consultancy firm, with headquarters in Istanbul and five secondary offices in the EMEA region. Selin Bozkurt, CEO of Manifesto comments: “Our motto is «Together With Its Clients, Wherever They Are». We aim to become the most effective global brand originating from Turkey.”

Worldcom’s strong partner network with local experience will leverage Manifesto in serving the needs of its clients, wherever they are.

”Our membership will create many advantages to all Manifesto clients, especially in establishing trustable business development opportunities”, Selin Bozkurt says. ”Manifesto’s strong brand name in Turkey, accumulated experience of our team, fifteen years’ of managerial experience, ability of strong network management with all media groups and a wide business network will add value to Worldcom’s brand in Turkey.”

The meeting in Moscow was one of the most successful ones of the Worldcom PR EMEA. It gathered more than 40 representatives of partner agencies all over the region for lively discussions and up-to-date information about business, economic growth and PR in Russia.

Tags: Blumen Group, Manifesto, Pavlovic Bujas, PR, public relations, Selin Bozkurt, worldcom, Worldcom EMEA, Worldcom PR Group

The financial software provider chooses Kaizo to help spearhead its global expansion

Kaizo, the independent PR and Digital agency, is pleased to announce it has been appointed by BlackLine Systems, a leading financial software provider headquartered in Los Angeles, to address the European market, focusing on the UK in the initial stages. Already established as the financial close software of choice for companies worldwide, Kaizo will be aiming to replicate BlackLine’s commercial success in the UK.

Kaizo will be working with BlackLine to establish a presence in the UK beginning with a dedicated media, analyst and social media programme. This will specifically focus on educating the UK influencers through a number of targeted activities including thought leadership by-lined articles and white papers, a customer reference programme and events speaker and award activity.

Howard Goldstein, VP of marketing, BlackLine Systems, said: “We came to Kaizo because they understood our industry. The team was able to specifically show the opportunities in the UK and that they knew all the right media and analyst contacts. Another key deciding factor is not only does Kaizo understand our market, but they were able to demonstrate they understood our sales cycle and how PR fundamentally could make a difference.”

With many well-known BlackLine client companies already on board, such as AT&T, LaFarge SA, Salesforce.com and Whirlpool, Kaizo will be working closely with BlackLine creating content and thought leadership to take to the media. BlackLine was the first to offer a commercially available Balance Sheet Account Reconciliation solution and therefore was able to make a significant impact in the U.S., which it is hoping to replicate in the UK.

Rhodri Harries, MD of Kaizo, said: “To be working with an innovative and expanding company like BlackLine Systems speaks volumes about the capabilities of Kaizo. At Kaizo we have a great depth of knowledge about turning technical messages into easily digestible sound bites as well as delivering tangible results for clients – especially ones with virtually no current presence here.”

Kaizo was appointed through a formal competitive pitch process.

Tags: analyst, Blackline, digital, financial software, Kaizo, Los Angeles, media, PR, UK

Kaizo is once again delighted to support the annual Tom Olsen Lecture, held every year at St Bride’s, the church of the media and press, just off Fleet Street.

This year’s lecture, to be held at 6.00 on 24 October, will be delivered by two leading figures from the world of media and public service; The Mail on Sunday’s columnist Peter Hitchens and ex Mayoral candidate and Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met Brian Paddick.

The theme is “Drug Laws in Britain – a waste of time, or an essential barrier to grave danger?” and Peter will be arguing the case for increasing the law and Brian for its relaxing.

Time and location

Wednesday 24th October, 6.00pm for 6.30pm

St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8AU

Those interested in joining us for what is always a thought provoking event in a spectacular setting, please email events@kaizo.co.uk.

Tags: brian paddick, event, Kaizo, peter hitchens, PR, public relations, Question Time, st brides church, Tom Olsen, twitter, worldcom

Awards frenzy continues at Kaizo with two more shortlist nominations, this time in the PRCA awards.

Kaizo has been shortlisted for ‘Best Consumer PR Campaign’ and‘Best Media Relations Campaign.’ Both nominations are for The Truvia® Voyage of Discovery, which saw the roof of Selfridges turned into a spectacular boating lake to launch Truvia® calorie-free sweetener.

The awards will be announced in London on November 13th, 2012.

Earlier this year Truvia® Voyage of Discovery won the CIPR ‘Best Event’ and SABRE Diamond Award for Superior Achievement in Brand Building. The campaign is also currently shortlisted for the Gramia’s and PR Week awards. For brief details of the campaign please visit http://www.kaizo.co.uk/expertise/truvia/

Tags: Awards, PR, PR awards, PRCA, PRCA awards, public relations, Truvia, truvia vo

Following a string of award wins earlier this year, Kaizo has been shortlisted for ‘Consumer PR Campaign of the Year’ at the prestigious Gramia’s, organised by The Grocer magazine.

The Grocer Marketing Advertising and PR Awards are a celebration of client and agency creativity and achievement in the grocery retail and FMCG space.

The nomination is for The Truvia^® Voyage of Discovery, which saw the roof of Selfridges turned into a spectacular boating lake to launch Truvia^® calorie-free sweetener.

The awards will be announced in London on November 1, 2012.

For brief details of the campaign please visit http://www.kaizo.co.uk/expertise/truvia/

Tags: Awards, consumer PR, Food PR, Gramia, Kaizo, PR, The grocer, Truvia, truvia voyage of discovery

Kaizo has been shortlisted for this year’s DADI Awards in the ‘Best Use of Social Media’ category for its work on Unilever VIP, an online community that encouraged consumers to engage more closely with 11 of the company’s iconic brands, including PG Tips, Carte D’Or, Persil, Domestos, Magnum and Cif.

The DADI Awards recognise and reward digital excellence. The awards will be announced in London on 8th November 2012.

For brief details of the campaign please visit www.kaizo.co.uk/experience.

Tags: award, brand advocacy, community management, crowdsourcing, DADI Awards, digital, Facebook, Kaizo, open innovation, social media, The Drum, Unilever, Word of Mouth

Kaizo has been shortlisted at this year’s prestigious Digital Impact Awards, organised by Communicate Magazine in the UK.

The nomination is in the ‘Best Community Development’ category for Unilever VIP, an online community that encouraged consumers to engage more closely with 11 of the company’s iconic brands, including PG Tips, Carte D’Or, Persil, Domestos, Magnum and Cif.

The Digital Impact Awards recognise, benchmark and celebrate excellence in digital stakeholder communications.

The awards will be announced in London on 16 October 2012.

For brief details of the campaign please visit www.kaizo.co.uk/experience

Tags: Communicate Magazine, digital, Digital Impact Awards, Kaizo, social media, Unilever, Unilever VIP

Kaizo has been hired by CitizenCard to launch the first combined photo ID proof of age and Prepaid Visa card, available to 12 year olds and above, within the UK.  The Visa Prepaid CitizenCard will now enable users to prove their identity and age, as well as pay for purchases online and in store, all via one simple card.

 Andrew Chevis, CEO of CitizenCard, said:

“Kaizo’s experience at bringing new products to market alongside their integrated approach made them the right fit for us as we need to reach parents and young people with our messages. They are an agency that has proven experience at helping bring commercial success without above the line support in very competitive marketplaces – exactly what we needed.”

The card carries the Government PASS mark (proof of age standard scheme) recognised as valid ID by the Home Office, the Scottish Government, the Police and Trading Standards and is approved by Visa. CitizenCard has issued over 2 million proof of age cards in the last 13 years.

Rhodri Harries, Managing Director of Kaizo, said:

“It’s quite a coup to be launching this innovation in the financial services market, something that 12 to 21 year olds and older genuinely are asking for and will use. And it’s good news for parents as well, so generating media and social media recommendations which engage with both these groups is the key objective for us. Our programme is insights led with the views of cardholders playing a fundamental role in our campaign.”

 The card displays the owner’s date of birth, but also an ageband (12-15; 16-17; 18+; and 21+ cards)  so it’s easy to prove that users are young or old enough to access age-restricted goods and services.  The actual card number also identifies whether a cardholder is over or under 18, giving it a new added level of security for retailers online, and provides reassurance to parents, with the under-18s card not working at age-restricted retailers, e.g. retailers serving alcohol or providing gambling services.

Under 16s need parental consent to apply for the card – and they can then manage their child’s account directly, providing further peace of mind and safety, whilst enabling more childhood independence and developing positive financial education. The perfect tool for providing pocket money, parents can set up a standing order to fund a child’s card and because it is easy to top up, parents know that their child can instantly have access to funds in an emergency, whether that’s transport home or if stranded while on a gap year.  And, whilst young teens  can make purchases online (e.g. cinema tickets), they do not work for retailers selling  age-restricted items.

For those over 18, Visa Prepaid CitizenCard offers the perfect all-in-one card solution – providing photographic proof of age at retailers and in pubs and clubs, with the card having unrestricted use for online and offline payments.  The card also allows greater financial stringency, helping young people avoid spending more than intended on a shopping trip or night out.

The Visa Prepaid CitizenCard costs a one-off application fee of £15 for delivery within one month or £30 for delivery within one week. For more details visit www.citizencard.com

- Ends -

Tags: Brands, CitizenCard, consumer PR, Kaizo, media relations, Online conversations, PR, public relations, social media

New research released today (06 June 2012) reveals the latest winners and losers in terms of brands’ online reputations. Lumix comes out top overall in the study, with budget airline Easyjet, ASDA, Shreddies and ASUS winning the sector battles.

The Kaizo Advocacy Index, a bi-annual audit of online reputation, has analysed digital news and social media outlets to rank UK household names including; supermarkets, cameras, airlines, breakfast cereals and computer manufacturers. The study is based on consumers’ actual behaviour and experience by analysing what appears on; the first three pages of a Google web, news and blog search, the top twenty tweets and the top ten Facebook pages, discounting any pages owned by the brand in question. The sentiment is recorded and a percentage score calculated which can be positive or negative.

Lumix ranked first overall in what was a very high scoring camera sector, whilst all PC brands also scored very highly, as both sectors relied largely on positive product reviews to influence the sentiment of coverage.  Meanwhile, Shreddies proved that content remains king in the cereal category, by creating engaging, shareable content that focused on nutrition and health, a subject of high importance to many parents.

With the economy and value clearly top of mind, no frills airline Easyjet and budget supermarket chain ASDA performed the best in their sectors. Whether it’s introducing small benefits to improve customer experience without compromising on price or a real push towards cheaper own-brand products, during periods of recession, those companies which focus on value are likely to fare well.

Supermarket and airline brands in particular often suffer from large volumes of negative feedback, particularly on social media, by consumers dissatisfied with the service they receive. Brands can help to counter these negative posts by creating positive news, great examples of which include Sainsbury’s renaming its tiger bread ‘giraffe bread’ following a letter from a three-year-old girl, Virgin Atlantic launching its ‘Upper Class Red’ lipstick, and HP hiring chauffeur-driven vans to whisk business people around London.

Below are the headline summaries for supermarkets, airline, cameras, cereals and PCs. The full press release including executive summaries for each sector can be found here and overall results for each sector can be viewed in the main report here

• Supermarkets – Savvy supermarket ASDA leads and powerful partnership sees Waitrose take second place

• Airlines – Customer expectation allows Easyjet to soar past Virgin Atlantic

• Cameras – All smiles for the Lumix camera whilst it’s a bad picture for Kodak

• Cereals – From nutrition to nookie, cereal brands remain full of energy

• PCs – ASUS finishes on top as tablets reign supreme whilst HP gets creative to boost its reputation online

Tags: Brands, Kaizo, Kaizo advocacy index, media relations, Online conversations, public relations, social media, twitter, Word of Mouth, worldcom