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 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: 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 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'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 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.

Appco Group makes its presence felt at the Third Sector Excellence Awards

Appco Group made its presence felt in a big way at the annual Third Sector Excellence Awards held recently in the Lancaster Hotel, London. The event, which recognises those who have made outstanding contributions to areas such as Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Governance and Foundations, witnessed Appco Group Supports sponsoring and presenting the Charity Partnership’ award.

Appco Campaign Managers Jen Gould and Michelle Thomas presented the award, recognising the work done by the award winners in the charities sector.

"Sponsoring the award for Charity Partnership seemed like the natural choice for Appco Group Support as the partnerships we have with our charities are absolutely integral to the success of our face to face campaigns. We had a ball, and it was a great privilege to be able to recognise the hard work of these charities".- says Jen Gould, Appco Group Support Campaign Manager.

Appco Group with new iPhone application

Good news for everyone associated with Appco Group US.

The Appco Group has introduced a novel system to enable users share views, news and ideas from wherever they are in the world. This can be done through the Appco Group's iPhone application, aptly named Appco App, which can be downloaded from www.apple.com/itunes.

This would do a lot to the company which believes in growing by sharing views and ideas. News concerning the direct marketing sector too would be communicated all across the world, with photos, videos etc. The application works on all current versions of the iPhone with the iOS 4.0 itunes software update downloaded.

“The Appco App currently works only on the iPhone but an iPad version is on its way in the coming months”- says Andy Hobbs, Web Development Manager, Appco Group.

Appco US Launch

Here's a first hand account of the launch visit to the Appco Group USA office, based in New York…

"On the 15th September 2010 the start of the American adventure began for us at Appco as we had packed our bags full of dreams and headed off from London on our one way trip to NEW YORK CITY!!!!

As we landed the American adventure began as all around us were yellow cabs and bright lights, we had fun trying to fit Ogo’s seven suitcases in the back of a cab as Will played his favourite Jay-Z track Empire State of mind out loud so everyone knew we had arrived and we were here to stay!

In the last few weeks it has all been happening. Vice President Michael Scully came over for the week to help with the set up and organise the details of setting up a new country with regards to Appco Group's planned movements and expansion across all of America.......we may just be in New York now but we are already thinking and talking about where to expand.

The Appco Group US office, which is beautiful, is now fully furnished and operational; it fits in perfectly with the Manhattan setting, with high ceilings, glass walls and wooden floors, and seeing as its only 5 minutes from the Empire State building it’s not hard to miss!!

We have all moved into our brand new apartment just off Times Square so we can see everything that goes on in NYC and feels like we are living an episode of Friends we are that close to Central Park. We have visited all over Manhattan and New York State, and with over 9 million people here we have plenty of territory!

Over the past weekend we did the tourist trip and went to see all the sights including the Empire State building, Madison Square Garden, the Statue of Liberty and also went to our first Yankees game at Yankee Stadium, they were playing the Boston Red Sox...which we believe is a big deal!

We now have the licence through which means we can officially start pitching and getting in the field and building a country, and all three of us can’t wait to get out there and start a brand new country from fresh. It’s going to be such a great adventure for all of us, and with all our ambitions, drive and goals of what we all want to achieve we can’t wait to get started and build an American empire!"

Cheers!-Chris Rudge, Ogo Ekweozor and Will Lyon, Appco Group

Appco Group plans to expand into more countries

Just as Appco Group US is going strong and expanding into newer sectors and new territories across the United States, the Appco Group is all set with ambitious plans to expand into even more new countries.
The company currently a presence in 25 countries, with country launches in Brazil, America and Russia this year alone and signs are that the company has no intention of slowing down.

Appco Group Managing Director Mike Blane says, “The world is changing. We have grown from being in one country, Australia, 23 years ago, to the massive global reach we now enjoy across 25 countries...It is not enough that we are a world-leading direct marketing company- if we want to continue to thrive then we need to maintain standards as we grow. That is why we are investing our infrastructure, developing initiatives to provide the best possible support to the Field Representatives who are associated to our network, and taking steps to ensure that we continue to deliver the best possible customer service to our clients.”

So, great times ahead for Appco Group as well as for the direct marketing community worldwide.