22 August, 2006

Thomas Cook Sport has launched an innovative scheme for all UK Cricket Clubs to earn thousands of pounds for their clubs by booking official travel packages to support the England team at The Ashes series in Australia.

As an official travel partner of the English & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Thomas Cook Sport is offering 250 Cricket clubs across the UK the chance to register enabling them to earn great commission on every package that one of their members’ book.

The amount of money a club can earn is unlimited, commission levels start at £150 per package booked increasing rapidly depending on how many packages are bought.  Clubs can register through www.play-cricket.com – an interactive site run by the ECB – that also allows cricket clubs to have their own personalised website at minimal cost. 

England Cricketer, Matthew Hoggard joined Thomas Cook Sport today at Headingley Cricket Ground to officially launch the new scheme.  Matthew Hoggard said “Urn Cash is a great scheme for England fans to support both their club and country this summer, and I hope many clubs register to take part.“

Thomas Cook Sport’s Ashes packages start from £2,121 per person, the package includes return flights to Australia, accommodation; airport transfers and guaranteed official match tickets.  All stays are for a minimum of eight nights with a choice of packages available to every test match, all with the added assurance of Thomas Cook brand making all the arrangements.

Danny Talbolt, Director of Thomas Cook Sport said; “As a major travel organsiation we are thrilled to not only be able to help fans go and support their country during The Ashes series but to be giving something back to the grass roots of cricket in the UK.  We have been one of the ECB’s official travel partners for the past two years and this initiative concretes our commitment to the sport home and away.”

Cricket Clubs can register at www.play-cricket.com and find out more information on the packages available at www.thomascooksports.com or calling 0870 752 0149.

Press contact:

Thomas Cook Press Office 01733 417269
Pressoffice.tcuk@thomascook.com

16 August 2006

England and Newcastle striker Michael Owen paid a flying visit to the Guildford offices of international property developer First Homes Worldwide today, to sign up as the company’s first International Ambassador.
 
Whilst at the offices Owen met with the 50 strong management and staff, and even spoke with some unsuspecting customers on the telephone!
 
The agreement between Owen and First Homes Worldwide, part of The First Group family of companies, will see him represent the company’s most prestigious development, The Diamond at Dubai Sports City, around the world. He will be making personal appearances in Dubai as well as appearing in national press advertising and on marketing materials.
 
Commenting on the visit, Owen said, “I really enjoyed meeting the team behind the First Homes Worldwide operation and look forward to working closely with them on The Diamond and other projects.”
 
He continued, “The life of a professional footballer is a challenging one, which is why I take my investments seriously. The First Homes Worldwide team has a long history of successful global property developments and I’m delighted to have signed with them.” 
 
Danny Lubert, managing Director of First Homes Worldwide LLC said, “Michael is a global footballing icon, and will help First Homes market the special benefits of our projects to investors around the world. We are thrilled that he has agreed to join with us.”
 
The Diamond at Dubai Sports City comprises 114 luxury residential units with views across parkland and a 27-hole Ernie Els championship golf course. Utilising First Homes Worldwide’s unique WealthBuilder program, investing in The Diamond promises genuine capital growth potential married with above-average rental returns on a year-to-year basis.
 
For further media information please contact:
 
Rod Kohler, Revolution PR                      
Tel: 01903 883 747