A noble venture, on Australian soil

Appco Group is part of a truly noble venture, on Australian soil...

Appco Group Australia's Sports Division has a very fruitful tie-up with the Mater Foundation, which has been rendering outstanding service in Australia for the past many years.

The Mater Foundation, as most people know, runs the Mater Prize Home Lottery as part of its initiative to fund the purchase of life-saving medical equipment and also to support patients and families, financially as well as emotionally. Research is also done to find better and more effective ways to diagnose and treat life-threatening diseases.

Appco helps Mater Foundation sell lottery tickets and generate support for raising funds, things that make a great difference to countless lives...

Appco US and Save the Children celebrate their global partnership!

After previous year's successful campaign, Appco Group US recently launched Save the Children USA campaign 2012, from their Manhattan headquarters, and celebrated their global partnership with the charity organisation.

Sarah Cauchi, Chief Operating Officer U.S., said: “Save the Children and Appco have developed over the years a successful global partnership with campaigns running in the UK, Spain, Italy, Asia and Australia. We are very proud to be adding to this list with the inclusion of the US.”

Ogo Ekweozor, U.S Country Head, remarked: “Following a successful campaign last year, we were very excited to launch our 2012 campaign with Save the Children from our Manhattan headquarters.” Ms Ekweozor continued, “Save the Children are a magnificent charity doing some great work to bring children out of the cycle of poverty and it's very empowering to fundraise on their behalf with the knowledge that the job you are doing is making a difference to a child's life”.

For more information about Save the Children, please visit: www.savethechildren.org

Appco Group in Connecticut

Appco Group US will try out the ChildFund International campaign in Connecticut.

Appco Group US has been signaled to try out Connecticut with charity partners ChildFund International.

Motivated by the successful ChildFund International campaign, the charity group has agreed to explore the state of Connecticut.

Appco Group US commenced operations in 2010 in Manhattan, New York and started their second office in White Plains, New York state, recently - just one year after trading.

After the establishment, Appco Group US has been setting the foundations for a national expansion over a number of the conventional Appco industry sectors.

Will Lyon, US County Head, said: “We've been eyeing up Connecticut for a while now and we are finally at the stage where we can expand our territory with confidence and really make a difference to the ChildFund campaign."

“We are starting with our White Plains team with plans to expand this to the Manhattan office team in the near future. We are growing fast and strong and there is much more in the pipeline a sign that the US really is the land of opportunity.”

Appco Group aids Americans in thinking green

Appco Group US, and Mark Group assist Americans preserve energy.

Appco Group US and energy efficiency experts, Mark Group, have teamed up to offer a list of home efficiency products that have already been a great success in the UK and other international markets.

Appco Group US delivered beyond expectations in the US market during its test run – providing households building assessments and greener solutions to preserve energy, such as wall and roof insulation.

Appco Group US Country Head, Chris Rudge said, “The momentum we built was great. It’s all about the benefits the product provides the customer. At a time of worldwide recession, savings are important, and managing your carbon footprint is key. This and Appco’s Human Commercial™ approach translated to the success of the test.”

Mark Group provides energy efficiency analysis and improvements in homes and businesses on three continents. Ever since 1974, Mark Group has been assisting more than two million customers live more comfortably and save money on their utility bills. For more information on Mark Group, please visit: www.markgroupusa.com

Plans are being made for full sales and marketing campaign in the US.

Appco Group has a second office in New York

White Plains is the most recent location for Appco Group US

After just one year of business, Appco Group US has started their second office in New York.

Since its establishment in September 2010, Appco Group US has been setting up the foundations for a national expansion over a number of the conventional Appco industry domains.

Appco Group is elated to declare the opening of its second office; the Country Head, Will Lyon said: “It’s great to have a second location in New York as it allows us to cover more territory and help raise funds for our charity partners, WSPA and ChildFund International."

”The opening of the White Plains office is one of many expansion projects in the US with more details of developments expected to be released soon."

Appco Group: East meets West

Appco Group witnessed recently East meeting West, in beautiful London.

That happened towards the end of May; several of Appco Group Asia's top performers made their way to the Appco offices in the UK. The trip was educational as it helped people learn about the business and bond with other delegates. The company's headquarters and several offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol were part of the week long office visits. The visitors derived inspiration from the owners that they met, especially those who have been in the business for years and have withstood all kinds of crises. The Administration team also made use of this opportunity to learn new, valuable things.
The visitors also found time to explore London and its history and also checked out the night life. To those who had never been to the UK, this was all exciting and enlightening. The trip was fun and it was an educational experience too, for everyone.
Appco Group US would also look forward to such interactions in future, which undoubtedly does good for the company and its personnel, in all ways.

Appco Group Founder Chris Niarchos stresses on international growth

On the one hand Appco Group US is expanding fast across the US; on the other, the company is on an aggressive expansion spree all across the world. In this content, the message of international growth and new business development that the Company founder and chairman Chris Niarchos delivered at the recently held Appco Group Australia and New Zealand R&R Conference deserves special mention.

Said Chris Niarchos at the conference that started on June 13 and ended on June 19, “The growth we’ve seen in Australia and internationally over the last year is very positive. We’re constantly reviewing our business structure to see how we can assist the broader group. This includes developing new support systems and avenues for new business. We’re noticing the increasing cost of energy in Australia, and the world for that matter, and believe there is a real opportunity to assist businesses and home owners in this area with our expertise”.

The Appco Group Australia and New Zealand R&R Conference 2011 also witnessed discussions, speeches and presentations by senior leaders, debates etc and also gave the delegates the chance to unwind themselves and get refreshed.

Appco Group US to work with an NGO for kids

Appco Group US is all set to work with an NGO that helps children all around the world. Established in the UK around nine decades ago, this NGO works with separate national organisations, set up in more than 28 countries, all of which share the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care, and economic opportunities. It also provides emergency aid in natural disasters, wars, and other conflicts.

The Appco Group, which is a full-fledged global direct marketing phenomenon with its business spread across 25 countries, works with the NGO in a number of countries. The company is only too happy to be able to extend its fundraising expertise to such a reputable organisation in the US too.

"As an organisation we look forward to contributing to their vital life saving work around the world. We look forward to sharing stories of our successes over the next few months", says Sarah Cauchi, Appco Group US Country Manager.

Appco Group works to raise public support for Earth Hour

For Appco Group US, supporting noble and popular ventures has always been a matter of top priority. Appco Group has always been doing this, on the global level. The company has been playing a key role in the observance of the Earth Hour, held every year on the last Saturday of March. The company works to raise public support for the event and makes sure the number of participants increase considerably every year.

It all began in 2007 when 2.2 million residents of Sydney participated by turning off lights. In 2008 many other cities around the world adopted it and switched off their lights. This is done to urge global leaders to do something about climate change and related issues. This year the Earth Hour 2011, held on March 26, became the biggest Earth Hour ever and 135 countries took part in it.

Appco Group was proud of this as the company has also been instrumental in contributing to this, procuring financial support, creating awareness, making more people participate and such other things.

Appco Group launched in Belgium too

It was last year, in 2010, that Appco Group US was launched. The company also had launches last year in Russia and Brazil. Now, in April 2011, Appco Group once again has a country launch, in Belgium. The official launch in Belgium happened on April 5, after the successful testing of the market conducted last year.

The launch no doubt is part of the company's aggressive global expansion plans. Operations in Belgium begin with the energy sector and with this the company gets active in 25 countries worldwide.

Jess Leeson, General Manager of Appco Group Belgique sounds very confident and optimistic when he says, “The tests showed us that Appco can be huge in Belgium. We expect to open a second location with a new client by the end of this year. The growth opportunities are promising.”

“We are incredibly excited about our venture into the first French speaking country within the Group in 2011; this is an amazing opportunity for French speakers within the Group worldwide”, says Appco Group Vice President and Country Head of Belgium, Simon Murphy.

Appco Group Support delivers great results for major partner in Australia

Appco Group US, young and vibrant, is going great with the charities sector.

Appco Group Support has been working commendably well in the charities sector worldwide. The company, in partnership with a leading organization that focuses on assisting children in developing countries, has been working wonders. In Australia, the company has been helping this partner organization generate more donations this year through sign-ups. There are also plans to drive acquisition of new supporters for the organization's monthly programme, which generated income to fund projects for assisting children worldwide.

Says a top official working for the organization, “We’ve seen the positive impact of Appco Group Support’s efforts in other territories that we work in, and were eager to replicate the success in the Australian market place. Appco Group Support was able to provide the professional, reliable and cost effective service that we needed."

Appco Group Support's Philip Bresser visits Indian slums

Appco Group US has been going great in the charities sector, reaching out to the needy through its charity partners. The company has projects that work very systematically in the charities sector and do appreciable work, just as Appco Group is doing on the global level.

It was recently that Appco Group Support's Philip Bresser visited the slums in Chennai, India to see the difference that the projects of Street Children, run for a charity partner, make. This is what he has to say, “On a daily basis, we see the terrible things happening around the world, by watching the news or picking up a newspaper. But we can be very dismissive of what is happening. It seems very far away from the reality of our own lives. In the Western world we have reached the stage where we are used to the luxuries we have around us or that are so easily accessible. We live in a part of the world where we as individuals are empowered to make choices...I visited the Street Children projects of Anbu Illam in Chennai (Madras) South India. The field visit had a significant impact on me. Probably, because it is as confrontational as it can get.”

Adds Philip Bresser, “On television we see things happening in, so-called, Third World countries. Usually it is all far away and surrealistic. However, the things I have heard, seen and smelled in the slums and on the streets are very real. The Street Children projects in Chennai are necessary and really tangible. India is a country with a billion registered people and more than a million children are 'living' in the streets in Chennai. By directly supporting the projects in Chennai, we enable a significant 'extra' amount of children in Chennai to get proper shelter, health care, education and to be treated in a human way. We enable them to get into a position where they can make some choices in life as well, just like we do. The visit to Chennai put things into perspective for me”.

Appco Group is indeed doing amazing work and is making a real difference to the lives of the very people who need it most.

Appco Group Support works for underprivileged children in India

Appco Group Support's partnership with a leading charity client in India has worked towards bettering the lot of underprivileged children in India.

The campaign that Appco launched in collaboration with this client in 2001 has reached out to ten cities across the length and breadth of India, with over 325 dedicated fund-raisers in the field spreading awareness of the campaign. It's child welfare and development that's the motto and the campaign seeks to help the 8 million children, within the 6 to 14 age bracket, who are restricted access to education in India. Beyond generating donor supports, the company is intent on creating awareness for its client’s noble initiatives. The growth across India with the client has been as high as 120% and in the meantime FRs have raised over a million charitable donations over the past nine years. “Our journey with this client has been great. Our sole aim is to take this partnership to an extent where one day we will be able to reach every underprivileged child in this country”, says Saiprakash Kuckian, Vice President Appco Group India, Product Head Charity Division.

Appco Group US is also doing its best towards helping its charity clients in promoting themselves and their activities.

Appco Group Finance Meeting 2010 discusses important issues

The Appco Group Finance Meeting 2010, held at the Appco Group headquarters in London recently, discussed relevant issues relating to business and finance. The meet was hosted by the Appco Group Finance Academy and offered advice to delegates on efficient techniques to build a financially stable business. Managing Directors and Administrators of Marketing Companies affiliated to the Company took part in the meeting, which had as key speakers Appco Group Chairman Chris Niarchos, Managing Director Mike Blane and Vice Presidents Simon Murphy and Michael Scully. All of them stressed on the need of having interactive sessions and made sure that the meeting had enough of such sessions. The discussions at the meeting took a back-to-basics approach and the emphasis was on the importance of constructing a plan of attack and breaking down goals.

“You should have a regular plan where everyone involved is on the same page. Consequently you will find that you can stop problems before they occur”, said Mike Blane, Managing Director, Appco Group, while speaking about the need for financial planning in order to troubleshoot.

Appco Group US and its Marketing Companies would no doubt get benefited out of such regular meetings, which help company personnel see things from a clearer perspective.

Appco Group Marketing Companies Meeting

Appco Group US is making news by being the most dynamic and result-oriented direct marketing company in the United States. The results, always of the best kind, are made possible by a proper coordination between the Marketing Companies and the sales and marketing guys. Steps are initiated always to make sure the Marketing Companies get to mingle and thus make the best of it all.

Appco Group recently held its Marketing Companies Meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Canary Wharf, London. It was an interactive event and was attended by Managing Directors. Motivational discussions, especially on business challenges, divisional issues and plans for the future made the meeting eventful.

The Company Chairman Christos Niarchos waxed eloquent on the Appco Marketing Companies Meeting- “The quality initiatives and sales training initiatives established three months ago have had a huge effect on the business and driven exponential growth across all of the Divisions in which we operate...We have established a benchmark and the meeting allowed us to elaborate upon it so that it can be followed by the same astounding results in 2011."

"It was an astonishingly successful day and everyone should be congratulated for a job well done”, adds the dynamic Chairman and Founder of the Appco Group.

Appco Group US receives fundraising license for New York operations

Appco Group US has received the fundraising license for operations in New York.

The New York Attorney General recently granted the license, allowing Appco Group US to officially venture into the field for fundraising. Ever since the company began operations in the US, in September, efforts have been on to organize details and plan movements all across America. Immediately after receiving the license, the company started on work for fundraising for its first client in the charities sector, a prominent organization. The cold weather didn't prevent the very energetic and goal-oriented professionals from getting out onto the field.

Of course the company is in its initial stages on American soil, but work is going all smooth and hopes and aims are high. “ This is a relieving end to a very long process. Our focus is now firmly on success in the field and recruitment. I am looking forward to our anniversary in 2015 when we can all remember this 1st day in the field...”, says Kerry Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer, Appco Group, for the Americas.

Appco Group Brazil launched...

Just a few months after the launch of Appco Group US, here's yet another launch on the American continent. Appco Group Brazil has been officially launched.

It's to be noted that the initial sales figures are real good and promising. Andrew Blake, Country Head Brazil and his key people, Katsumi Sakamoto and Jonatha Pires, have seen to it that no stone is left unturned as regards the smooth running of campaigns. They spent three days in the field, testing the Brazilian market, making studies, analysis and all. The results are very much visible, especially in the charities sector. Plans for the future are all well laid out. Appco Group Brazil plans to reach out to more clients in 2011 and also seeks to continue the initial trend of high averages, high quality and amazing growth.

“I am so proud of Brazil’s early success and I know that under the guidance of Andrew Blake, Country Head, the country will go from strength to strength in a very short amount of time.”- says Kerry Johnstone, COO Appco Group Americas.

Appco Group Product Owners meeting held

The Appco Group Product Owners meeting was held recently at the Four Seasons Hotel, Canary Wharf, London.

The event, which proved to be a great success, was attended by Marketing Company Owners and addressed issues of many kinds. There were discussions on business challenges and divisional issues.

The Appco Group Product Owners meeting started off with an encouraging introduction from the Chairman Chris Niarchos, who was very much in favour of having open discussions. He made his introductory speech more of a discussion by stopping at intervals and letting others talk. The rest of the event, led by the Company's dynamic Managing Director Mike Blane, had discussions pertaining to New Initiatives, Media Issues, the success of the Nationally Recognised Qualifications Scheme and a Business Development Update.

"The quality initiatives and sales training initiatives established three months ago had a huge effect on the business. Sales, conversion rates and averages all went up by 25% across all divisions. We established a benchmark and the meeting allowed us to elaborate upon it so that it can be followed by the same astounding results in 2011. It was an astonishingly successful day and everyone should be congratulated for a job well done!”- this is what Chris Niarchos, Appco Group Chairman has to say at the Product Owners meeting.

Appco Group US has a good captain in Chris Rudge

Appco Group US, which has had a smooth take-off, has a good captain in Chris Rudge, the dynamic Country Head.

Chris, who comes from a background of hospitality business management, has always had a natural enthusiasm for sales. That helped much in his progression from Field Representative to Managing Director of his own Company in 2004. From there it was a quick climb, to the topmost rungs of the corporate ladder.

With Chris Rudge in the driver's seat, Appco Group  is now all set to explore new areas in direct marketing. Chris, who is also an Organisational Head, has as his key strength the ability to build relationships and develop people. That has resulted in him being chosen one of the founding Country Heads of the Appco Group’s new venture into the US.

Appco Group Rest and Relaxation week

The Appco Group Rest and Relaxation week was held recently, in October, in Hamilton Island, Australia. More than 300 delegates, including Senior Executives, VPs, Product Owners, Organizational Heads, Assistant Owners, Team Managers, Administrators, and Support Staff took part in the event.

For the Appco fraternity, it was a very informative week of learning from key organizational heads and they also got the chance to meet delegates and team members from Australia and New Zealand. Topics discussed include divisional structure, improvement of training techniques, recruitment and retention, travel schedules, the 2011 meeting and event calendar and of course key strategies to take Australia and New Zealand forward.

Appco Group Chairman and Founder Chris Niarchos and Vice President Shane Ward led the event while Country Head of Greece Howie Seymour, Vice President Asia and Country Head of Malaysia James Greaves and Vice President Tony Fernandez were the special guests. Other than productive workshops, speeches, discussing the success stories of owners and field representatives and discussing strategies in the face of changing environment and consumer habits and needs, there was also the opportunity to mingle freely at an outdoor cocktail function. There was also a group gala dinner that added to the grandeur of the event.

The Rest and Relaxation week provided all at Appco Group an opportunity for learning and networking and also to relax and unwind over the weekend.