Monthly Archives: February 2015

Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping Weekly Round Up

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

It’s been a busy week for the head office team, mystery shoppers and valued clients of mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford.

Hyundai supports UK entrepreneurship with Skills for Future initiative - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Today (Friday), there has been a dress down day at the Douglas Stafford head office at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth in support of the company’s valued clients Toyota’s £1 million Comic Relief fundraising campaign.

 

Six groups of students from schools across the UK have been working with Hyundai Motor UK to set-up their own businesses through the company’s ‘Skills for the Future’ initiative. You can read more about it here.

 

New figures revealed that discount chains, Aldi and Lidl, now account for more than 10% of all supermarket retail grocery sales. Read more here.

Thomas Cook launches new campaign to promote Singapore - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Thomas Cook Group and Singapore Tourism Board announced a marketing partnership to promote the Far East destination. You can read more about the campaign here.

 

Land Rover has strengthened its fastest-selling model – the Range Rover Evoque – with a host of new features and upgrades. The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new designs and technologies to reinforce its impressive market status. Read more and see pictures here.

 

Supermarket chain Morrisons has appointed a new chief executive. Former Tesco director, David Potts, will take up his new role on March 16th, succeeding Dalton Phillips who is leaving the company after five years in charge. Read more here.

New Project Manager joins Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Porsche announced it is set to unveil two new extreme sports cars at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show – the new Cayman GT4 and a new model to be exclusively revealed. Read more here.

 

A new Account Coordinator has joined the expanding Account Management department at Douglas Stafford. Lydia Warrender is a former English teacher, who studied at Lancaster University, and will be based at the company’s Portsmouth head office. You can read more here.

 

New Account Coordinator joins Douglas Stafford

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

A new Account Coordinator has joined the expanding Account Management department at Mystery shopping company, Douglas Stafford.

 

Lydia Warrender is a former English teacher, who studied at Lancaster University, and will be based at the company’s head office at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth.

New Project Manager joins Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Lydia also has vast knowledge and experience in a retail environment and understands the important role mystery shopping plays within a company which wants to analyse and improve customer service.

 

Lydia said: “A company I worked for carried out mystery shops, so I have seen it from the other side. As staff, we all benefited greatly because it showed us areas that we could improve the service to customers.

 

“I am really enjoying my new role in the Account Management team. It’s great to work with our clients to help them analyse and improve their levels of customer service. I love working with people and it’s a new challenge for me.”

 

Lydia studied English Literature and Creative Writing at University, where she was also the Lifestyle Editor of the University newspaper.

 

Lydia added: “I had heard some great things about Douglas Stafford as a company, both in Portsmouth and further afield. The company has been around for 25 years and has some very important and large clients, and I am thrilled to be a part of a business which is moving forward.”

 

Mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford, provides a range of bespoke Telephone Mystery Shopping, Email Mystery Shopping, Report-Based Mystery Shopping and Video Mystery Shopping programmes to clients in a variety of industries in the UK.

 

Porsche to unveil new models at Geneva International Motor Show

Porsche to unveil two new models at Geneva International Motor Show - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Porsche is set to unveil two new extreme sports cars at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.

 

The first, the new Cayman GT4, is the first high-performance sports car belonging to the GT family to be based on the mid-engined coupe.

 

The second new model is another exceptional Porsche that sets new standards – to be exclusively revealed during the Porsche press conference at the Palexpo Arena in Geneva on March 3rd. A live webcast will be available in German and English at: http://porsche.gomexlive.com/

 

Porsche to unveil two new models at Geneva International Motor Show - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

This newcomer confirms the sports car manufacturer’s commitment to high performance sports cars that make a very special link between everyday driving and motorsport.

 

These two premieres continue the Porsche tradition of presenting motorsport highlights at the Spring car show on the shores of Lake Geneva. The 911 GT3, 918 Spyder and 919 Hybrid all made their debuts in Geneva in recent years.

 

With the new Cayman GT4, Porsche impressively maximises the driving dynamics of its mid-engined sports car and positions it as the new benchmark of its segment. This high-performance sports car stands out from other Cayman models, with the 3.8-litre engine, derived from the 911 Carrera S, producing 385hp.

 

The completely new front end with lowered spoiler and additional air outlet in front of the bonnet as well as the rear wing make it the only Cayman with downforce at both axles. The chassis, which features a 30 mm lower body position and an extra-large brake system, is set up for motorsport with components from the 911 GT3.

 

Morrisons announces new CEO

Morrisons announces new CEO - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Supermarket chain Morrisons has appointed a new chief executive.

 

Former Tesco director, David Potts, will take up his new role on March 16th, succeeding Dalton Phillips who is leaving the company after five years in charge.

 

Mr Potts started his career aged 16 and rose to become retail director in the UK and chief executive of its Irish businesses. He left Tesco in 2011.

 

The arrival of Mr Potts, 57, will mean that Morrisons’ two most senior managers are former Tesco stalwarts.

 

Current Morrisons chairman Andrew Higginson was previously the finance director at Tesco and worked with Mr Potts.

 

Mr Higginson said: “David is the best retailer I have worked with in 25 years in the industry. Having worked alongside him for 15 years, I know he will bring to Morrisons a focus on the customer, a track record of delivery, flair, talent, and immense energy to his new role.”

 

Morrisons has more than 490 stores across the UK.

 

Mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford, provides a range of bespoke Telephone Mystery Shopping, Email Mystery Shopping, Report-Based Mystery Shopping and Video Mystery Shopping programmes to clients in a variety of industries in the UK.

Added features for new 2016 Range Rover Evoque

Added features for new Range Rover Evoque - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Land Rover has strengthened its fastest-selling model – the Range Rover Evoque – with a host of new features and upgrades.

 

The luxury compact SUV features a comprehensive range of new designs and technologies to reinforce its impressive market status.

 

Range Rover Evoque’s cutting-edge exterior design has been further enhanced with a selection of carefully chosen revisions, to include a new front bumper, two new grille designs, all-LED headlamps and three new alloy wheel designs.

 

Added features for new Range Rover Evoque - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

Interior changes include new seats and door casings, new infotainment system, accessed via an eight-inch touchscreen, and the introduction of new colour and materials such as Lunar Ice, Vintage Tan and Dark Cherry (Autobiography only) complementing Evoque’s bold architectural forms.

 

Land Rover’s advanced new diesel engine also debuts. The new EU6-compliant four-cylinder Ingenium unit brings a class-leading combination of performance, refinement and efficiency. The cutting-edge engine, which is designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, provides up to 180PS, fuel economy of up to 68mpg (4.2l/100km) and CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km. That makes the class-leading Evoque the most efficient Land Rover ever produced.

 

The 2016 model year Evoque’s trim levels have been realigned to match those of the Range Rover Sport so customers have the choice of three highly-desirable models: SE, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography.

Added features for new Range Rover Evoque - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer said: “The Range Rover Evoque first established and then dominated the luxury compact SUV sector generating worldwide acclaim and sales success. Our challenge has been to evolve the Evoque design without diluting its distinctive character.”

 

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “The Evoque has proven to be an enormous success in the UK with sales of 62,000 since its launch back in 2011. Clever design, class leading residuals and competitive cost of ownership have all been contributors to its success.

 

“The 2016 model year Evoque builds on this achievement with a new engine line up delivering outstanding CO2 emissions down to 109g/km and for the first time; an all-wheel drive version under 130g/km. This combined with intelligent and relevant technology will ensure that the Range Rover Evoque is an attractive proposition to both private and fleet & business customers.”

 

Thomas Cook launches new campaign to promote Singapore

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Thomas Cook Group and Singapore Tourism Board have announced a marketing partnership to promote the Far East destination.

Thomas Cook launches new campaign to promote Singapore - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

The new campaign will integrate digital and traditional media, aimed at pushing Singapore as a unique holiday destination rather than just a stop-over haven for UK visitors.

 

The high-profile agreement is the first collaborative deal that Singapore Tourism Board has run with Thomas Cook in the UK, and will target consumers across Thomas Cook’s platforms of online, in-store, direct and third party media.

 

Posters, brochures and social media will all play an important part in the multi-media campaign, which coincides with Singapore’s Golden Jubilee this year.

Thomas Cook launches new campaign to promote Singapore - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Senior International Partnerships Manager at Thomas Cook, Richard Raperport, said: “This partnership with Singapore capitalises on the enormous reach that Thomas Cook has to millions of UK holidaymakers.

 

“Combining our best in class data-focused marketing and our travel agent expertise, we are dedicated to driving significant success and return on investment for Singapore tourism.”

 

Mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford, provides a range of bespoke Telephone Mystery Shopping, Email Mystery Shopping, Report-Based Mystery Shopping and Video Mystery Shopping programmes to clients in a variety of industries in the UK, including travel.

Grocery sales surge at Aldi and Lidl

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

New figures have revealed that discount chains, Aldi and Lidl, now account for more than 10% of all supermarket retail grocery sales.

Grocery sales surge at Aldi and Lidl - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

During the twelve weeks to 31 January, Aldi’s year-on-year sales grew 17.3% and Lidl’s 13.8%, compared to an increase of total supermarket sales of 0.7%, according to data from Nielsen Homescan.

 

Aldi and Lidl now hold a combined 10.7% market share, up from 9.3% in the same period last year.

 

Morrisons was the only big four supermarket to increase sales in the four weeks ending January 31, as shoppers continued to flock to the discount stores.

Grocery sales surge at Aldi and Lidl - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Nielsen’s UK Head of Retailer and Business Insight, Mike Watkins, said: “The 10% market share for discounters has not been seen since the heyday of Kwik Save some 15 years ago.

 

“Initially built on the premise of saving money, the new wave of discounters are now a regular part of grocery shopping and have changed shopping habits forever.”

 

Mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford, provides a range of bespoke Telephone Mystery Shopping, Email Mystery Shopping, Report-Based Mystery Shopping and Video Mystery Shopping programmes to clients in a variety of industries in the UK.

 

Hyundai supports UK entrepreneurship with Skills for Future initiative

 

Hyundai supports UK entrepreneurship with Skills for Future initiative - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Six groups of students from schools across the UK have been working with Hyundai Motor UK to set-up their own businesses through the company’s ‘Skills for the Future’ initiative.

 

For each school, a team of between eight and 11 pupils between the ages of 14 and 17 have come together to form a business.

 

All businesses have been developing a new product or service that has a connection to the car industry and its needs. With the help of a link teacher and a mentor from Hyundai Motor UK, the students are working on plans to raise capital, manufacture, market and sell their new proposition.

 

The schools involved are Highcrest Academy, High Wycombe, John Colet School, Aylesbury, Ysgol Gyfyn Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Bridgend, Holmer Green Senior School, High Wycombe, St. John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate and Cirencester College, Cirencester.

 

On April 27th, each business will come together at Hyundai Motor UK’s Training Academy in High Wycombe to compete for the title of ‘Best Business Enterprise’.

 

All teams will pitch their business ideas to Hyundai’s Board Executives who will select an overall winner. The winning business will go through to the European finals that will take place in Prague, Czech Republic between June 8-10th. Each successful business from participating countries across Europe will then pitch their ideas to a panel of judges from Hyundai Motor Europe, JA-YE, and industry experts.

 

The winning team will hold the title of ‘Best Skills for the Future Student Company in Europe’, and will receive invaluable practical training throughout the competition, ultimately enhancing employability and work readiness.

 

Tony Whitehorn, CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “Hyundai’s Skills for the Future programme is an excellent way to help increase the employability skills and entrepreneurial spirit of students, not just here in Britain, but also across Europe.”

 

Douglas Stafford has been working with Hyundai for several years, carrying out a range of mystery shopping, performance improvement and contact centre initiatives for the motor manufacturer.

 

 

 

Follow mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford:

 

on Twitter @DouglasStafford 

 

on Facebook facebook.com/douglasstafforduk

Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping Weekly Round Up

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

It’s been a busy week for the head office team, mystery shoppers and valued clients of mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford.

Toyota and Mr Tickle present the world’s first ticklish car for Red Nose Day - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Today (Friday) a dress down day has been held at the company’s Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth head office in support of Toyota UK’s £1 million Comic Relief fundraising campaign. In the run up to Comic Relief, which takes place on Friday, March 13th, Douglas Stafford will be raising money through a series of fundraising initiatives.

 

On Monday, Toyota – an official partner of this year’s Comic Relief campaign and a valued client of Douglas Stafford – unveiled a one-off laughing Yaris for Red Nose Day.

 

Officially unveiled by celebrity consultant, Mr Tickle, the Yaris is the world’s first ticklish car. Read more here.

David Cameron with The News Editor, mark Waldron. (Picture by Jamie White)

David Cameron with The News Editor, Mark Waldron. (Picture by Jamie White)

 

On Tuesday, Britain went flipping crazy for Pancake Day. You can read more about the day and find out how to make the perfect pancake here.

 

On Wednesday, Prime Minister, David Cameron, was on the south coast and paid a visit to the head office building of Douglas Stafford.

 

Mr Cameron dropped into Lakeside North Harbour to visit The News, as part of a whistle-stop tour of Portsmouth and Gosport.

 

Douglas Stafford Head of Communications, Jamie White, managed snap some shots of Mr Cameron’s brief visit. You can read more and see pictures and a video here.

 

The judging has been finalised, the scores are in, and the countdown is officially on to this year’s The News Business Excellence Awards.

Dacia to launch special editions to mark 10-year anniversary - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Douglas Stafford – based at Lakeside North Harbour, Portsmouth – is the proud sponsor of this year’s Apprentice of the Year category at the coveted awards, which take place at The Guildhall, Portsmouth in March. Read more about the event here.

 

Also this week, Dacia announced special editions of the Sandero, Duster and Logan MCV will be unveiled to commemorate the 10thanniversary of the Dacia European re-launch. Read more here.

 

A new campaign has been launched by Honda UK – valued clients of Douglas Stafford – challenging viewers to echo the brand’s thirst for relentless improvement by pushing themselves to new limits.

New dynamic Honda advert challenges viewers to push themselves - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

A series of short films have been created encouraging viewers to push the limits of what they can achieve, echoing Honda’s philosophy of surpassing its limits. Read more and see the advert here.

 

Burger King has revealed it is trialling a new delivery service in the UK for the first time ever – but only to certain locations. See if your area is covered here.

 

Burger King trials UK delivery service

 

By Jamie White – Head of Communications

 

Burger King is trialling a delivery service for the first time in UK.

 

Initially, the new service is only available to a limited number of locations – Northampton, Hornchurch, Gants Hill, Romford, Hayes, Truro, Skegness and Hull, and only certain postcodes within those areas.

Burger King trials UK delivery service - Douglas Stafford Mystery Shopping

 

Burger King delivery has been available for some time in some other countries, and the chain is now looking at extending the service as it aims to beat off competition from rivals and online delivery services.

 

Customers can enter their postcode on the dedicated Burger King Delivery site to find out if they’re catering in their area yet.

 

The new website offers the service during local branch delivery hours, while orders can also be taken over the phone.

 

It is not yet known if the chain plans to roll out the service across the rest of the UK.

 

Mystery shopping and performance improvement company, Douglas Stafford, provides a range of bespoke Telephone Mystery Shopping, Email Mystery Shopping, Report-Based Mystery Shopping and Video Mystery Shopping programmes to clients in a variety of industries in the UK.