NEWS RELEASE


PRESS RELEASE

4th April 2008

CHANNEL 4 AND BROOKLANDS GROUP CREATE JOINT VENTURE TO LAUNCH APLACEINTHESUN.COM

  • A Place in the Sun goes digital with summer website launch
  • Online classifieds portal to follow magazine and exhibition success
  • Unique joint venture bringing together brand management expertise, in-depth new media knowledge and extensive overseas property experience

Channel 4 and the publishing and exhibition company Brooklands Group have today announced the formation of a unique joint venture to launch an online classifieds portal for overseas property sales on the back of Channel 4's highly successful series, A Place in the Sun - produced by Freeform Productions.

The new web venture will feature thousands of houses for sale right across the world and offer a valuable resource to anyone seeking a dream home or investment property abroad. The site will offer overseas property market news, practical guides to buying and financing, as well as country-specific information combined with discussion forums where users can share experience and advice.

At the heart of the A Place in the Sun website will be a comprehensive overseas property sales database, driven by a sophisticated multiple-layer search tool including the latest geographical map-based search technology.

Says Paul Whitehead, Head of Corporate and Business Development, Channel 4: "With tens of thousands of people investing in overseas property each year, the
A Place in the Sun brand, with its tremendous consumer interest built through the TV series, magazine and live events, lends itself to a dedicated web site. This is Channel 4's first entry into the rapidly growing space of online classified advertising* and a great example of the channel working with programme brands, production companies and partners to explore new business models and ways of working in the digital landscape."

Says Darren Styles, Chief Executive, Brooklands Group: "Having worked with Channel 4 and Freeform Productions to create not only the UK's best-selling overseas property magazine but also the UK's biggest and best-attended overseas property exhibitions, A Place in the Sun Live, we are at the heart of this market. We are very excited to be working in partnership with Channel 4 on the digital extension of this immensely successful brand. The site will appeal to property seekers and estate agents alike and is set to quickly establish itself as the definitive reference point for overseas property."

For more information:

Sarah Booth, Channel 4 Press Office
T: 020 7306 5395
E: sbooth@channel4.co.uk

Gillian Green, Brooklands Group Account Director, Magellan PR
T: 020 8875 2850
E: gillian@magellan-pr.com

Pre-register sales enquiries with:

Jon Keen, Online Sales Manager
T: 01737 786 825
E: jon.keen@brooklandsgroup.com

Notes to Editors:

A Place in the Sun debuted on Channel 4 in 2000 and is made by Freeform Productions. Hosted by Amanda Lamb, the TV series achieves up to 3.5 million viewers a week. Variations of the series include A Place in the Sun: Home and Away presented by Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman. Brooklands Group signed a licence to publish the official magazine of the TV series in December 2003, and subsequently won the PPA's Magazine of the Year Award for independent publishers, and launched the A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions in April 2005. Winning Launch Exhibition of the Year and, later, Exhibition Team of the Year at the prestigious Event Awards, the calendar now extends to four shows at Manchester Central (February), London ExCeL (April), Birmingham NEC (September) and London Earls Court (October).

* Total UK online advertising spend is predicted to amount to £800million in 2008 and forecast to grow to £1.5 billion by 2011 (source Enders Analysis).


7th March 2008

MANCHESTER LOVES A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE: MORE THAN 8,000 VISITORS TO CHANNEL 4'S OVERSEAS PROPERTY EXHIBITION

  1. Runaway success for first-ever A Place in the Sun Live in the north-west
  2. 8,029* visitors in search of a holiday home or investment property abroad
  3. Millions of pounds' worth of business for satisfied exhibitors
  4. A Place in the Sun Live now moves on to ExCeL London (25th-27th April)


A Place in the Sun Live, the award-winning Channel 4 overseas property exhibition, brought a ray of sunshine to the north-west last weekend (29th February-2nd March) when it debuted at Manchester Central (GMEX). 8,029* visitors from right across the region flocked to the event in search of a property abroad and, with an average of £147,000 to spend, it appears their desire for a bolt-hole overseas remains strong in the face of any credit crunch.


For organisers Brooklands Exhibitions, part of the Brooklands Group that also publishes the official magazine of the A Place in the Sun TV programme, the Manchester show proved a major success ahead of three further UK events to be held this year, and comes despite a conservative property and financial climate.


Says Darren Styles, Chief Executive of Brooklands Group:


"Some industry commentators would have it that an overseas property show in Manchester doesn't work; others will tell you the credit crunch and a fear of recession have chilled the market to a standstill. Not so. A strong brand, a substantial investment in marketing and a bond of trust with exhibitors that comes with the knowledge that our shows are independently audited by ABC for visitor numbers means where there are buyers, we can find them.
"And more than 8,000 visitors to a show of about half the size of our events at ExCeL and NEC means a great weekend for showgoers and the 170 exhibitors alike. It's a fantastic start to the 2008 UK show calendar and augurs well for our return to London at the end of April."


Says Ken Pritchard, Group Events Director of Brooklands Group:


"We are absolutely delighted with the success of our brand-new Manchester event. Exhibitors were really impressed and report millions of pounds' worth of business. Ahead of three further shows this year we couldn't have hoped for a better result. The venue and the city offered us incredible support and the venue had a great vibe all weekend. Our 2009 date is already set!"

Celebrity guests add a dash of glamour


The Manchester show attracted a number of celebrity guests including A Place in the Sun TV presenters Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin, plus Countdown's Carol Vorderman and Manchester United football legends Lee Sharpe, Alex Stepney, Clayton Blackmore and Mickey Thomas.


Standing room only in two seminar theatres


Two seminar theatres, meanwhile, offered independent advice from expert speakers on subjects ranging from investment property portfolios and finding a reputable agent or developer to emigration: it was standing-room only at each of the twelve sessions daily.


What the exhibitors had to say about A Place in the Sun Live Manchester:


"The show was a huge success, in many ways our best and most successful A Place in the Sun Live yet, and we have done some great business and opened many new doors. We will return with a larger stand (or even two) next year."
David Ames, Harlequin Property


"The organisation of the exhibition was fantastic and overall it was a big success for us. We received very positive feedback from the visitors to the exhibition about Monarch, and had over 600 people enter our competition to win free flights."
Katie Williams, Monarch Airlines


"A Place in the Sun Live is the only serious property exhibition that delivers consistently high- quality prospects in the UK."
Charlie May, Lifestyle Homes on Crete


"For a first show in Manchester I think it was a real success. Fridays are usually slow days, or trade days, but we did some very good business from start to finish."
Peter Knight, Aegean Homes


"The A Place in the Sun Live exhibition in Manchester was excellent, a great way of getting a new customer base."
Jayne Schofield, Turkish Connextions


"A well organised show with friendly staff and plenty of exhibitors and visitors - and lots of choice for anyone intending to invest in an overseas property."
G Burke, Burke Bros Moving Group


"A great and very informative show that delivered the right customers for us. At other shows we see a lot of time wasters."
Melanie Grover, Mobile Homes Abroad


"It was the first time we have exhibited at A Place in the Sun Live and we were very impressed with the overall turnout."
Mary Speirs, South Tarn Properties

A Place in the Sun Live show calendar:
ExCeL London 25th-27th April 2008
(co-located with the London Golf Show)
NEC Birmingham 26th-28th September 2008
Earls Court London 3rd-5th October 2008
Manchester Central (GMEX) 20th-22nd March 2009

Ends

Press contact:
Gillian Green, Magellan PR, T: 020 8875 2850 E: gillian@magellan-pr.com

For further information on the A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions visit www.aplaceinthesunlive.com

Brooklands Group, organiser of A Place in the Sun Live, is the publisher of the official magazine of the Channel 4 TV series A Place in the Sun and further holds contracts to publish customer titles for Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Renault and Vauxhall - plus the in-flight magazine for Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline.

For further information on Brooklands Group visit
www.brooklandsgroup.com

* Attendance figure supplied for ABC audit


14th February 2008

NEW LOOK FOR CHANNEL 4’S A PLACE IN THE SUN MAGAZINE AS OVERSEAS PROPERTY INDUSTRY NAMES IT ‘BEST PRINT MEDIA’

  • New look publishes Thursday 14th February
  • More focused content, revamped design
  • New logo across all platforms (television, print, exhibitions)
  • Named ‘Best Print Media’ at OPP Awards

Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun magazine, the UK’s best-selling overseas property title, relaunches today (14th February) with developments in three core areas – a more focused content offering, a revamped design and layout and an exciting new logo.


These key improvements are in keeping with A Place in the Sun’s position as the most trusted and engaging read for anyone interested in overseas homes and property, and mirror branding updates recently introduced by the A Place in the Sun television series.


The editorial repositioning of A Place in the Sun is implemented under the guidance of new Editor Richard Way. The magazine builds on its position of trust among consumers and introduces a broader range of topical and challenging content. It holds an independent view and will take up the mantle of ‘people’s champion’ in an industry where a minefield of misfortune can await the foolhardy or under-prepared.


Says Richard: “The overseas property market has evolved considerably in the four years since A Place in the Sun magazine launched. UK buyers have wised up to the cycles, trends and practices of the overseas property markets and are understandably cautious about spending their hard-earned money, especially in our current economic climate. But at A Place in the Sun we want to champion the cause of buying abroad and awaken would-be buyers to the scale of opportunity while tempering that enthusiasm with considered advice and guidance.”


The editorial backbone of each issue remains a real life viewing trip, reflecting the successful TV programme, in which the magazine takes readers overseas in search of their dream home. This is newly supported by an in-depth focus on a specific area or country (in the new issue it’s Florida) consisting of a string of mini features covering purchase, real homes, case studies, financial analysis and rental prospects. Special reports, thousands of properties for sale and regular content from the TV show’s presenters – Amanda Lamb, Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman – make A Place in the Sun a must-read for anyone with an interest in overseas property.


Elsewhere, the magazine’s design has taken on a cleaner, more refined and upscale look and adopted the Channel 4 typeface and standards – to bring the product closer to its broadcast partner. Layouts are crisp, open and colourful, signposting is clearer and the all-important front cover is bolder and uses more aspirational property photography. All of this is topped off with a distinctive new logo – the work of publisher Brooklands Group’s Creative Director, Kevin Ingles – that is now being implemented across the TV series, the magazine and the Live exhibitions.


A Place in the Sun continues to work closely with the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), the industry’s association of which it is a founder member, to campaign for higher standards in the overseas property purchasing process and the widespread adoption of a code of practice.


Awareness of the A Place in the Sun brand will be higher than ever in 2008, with a new series of television programmes commissioned by Channel 4 as well as no less than four award-winning A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions taking place nationwide:

  • Manchester Central (GMEX) 29th February to 2nd March
  • ExCeL London                        25th to 27th April
  • Birmingham NEC                    28th to 30th September
  • Earls Court London                 3rd to 5th October

Press contact: 

Gillian Green, Magellan PR, T: 020 8875 2850

E: gillian@magellan-pr.com

For further information on the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition visit www.aplaceinthesunlive.com

Brooklands Group, organiser of A Place in the Sun Live, is the publisher of the official magazine of the Channel 4 TV series A Place in the Sun and further holds contracts to publish customer titles for Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Renault and Vauxhall – plus the in-flight magazine for Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline. For further information on Brooklands Group visit www.brooklandsgroup.com

 


15th January 2008

A PLACE IN THE SUN REVEALS THE UK’S TOP 20 DESTINATIONS FOR BUYING ABROAD: FROM THE SUBLIME TO THE SURPRISING…

According to a survey published today (17 Jan), in the form of A Place in the Sun magazine’s annual Top 20 buying destinations, despite a raft of emerging markets and USA property prices down 30% on a year ago and a dollar weakened by 25%, it’s the traditional sun-seeker’s favourite Spain that takes the number one spot for the second year running.

The poll, conducted at the recent A Place in the Sun Live exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, the world’s largest overseas property event of its type, also saw France with its enviable lifestyle maintaining its 2006 second place and Turkey climbing into third position on the back of a wide range of developments marketing in the UK offering great value and year-round sunshine.

Other key trends highlighted include the USA’s leaping six places into fourth position as UK investors take advantage of a buyer’s market and two dollars to the pound, Italy moves up three spots into the top five (as Calabria becomes ever more prominent) and the meteoric rise of Canada – the biggest climber – up seven places to number nine.

Seven of the top ten destinations are European, with Cyprus (6) and Greece (7) performing consistently on the wish lists of UK residents looking for a home abroad, but Egypt is up three places and bubbling under (at 11) and threatening to break through alongside its North African counterpart Cape Verde (10).

Another interesting mover is Australia, which jumps from 20 to 15 as more UK residents than ever make a permanent move overseas (389,000 last year according to the Office of National Statistics) – as witnessed by the success of The Emigration Show at A Place in the Sun Live.

Says Richard Way, Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine: “What’s really interesting about our annual Top 20 survey is that it shows UK buyers as traditional in one respect – in favouring Spain and France – but also willing to seek out new hot spots and investment opportunities elsewhere: across Europe, North Africa, North America, Asia and the Middle East. When looking for a second home or a new life in the sun it seems that Spain’s mix of great weather, rich culture and beautiful coastline is keeping the country at the number one spot, but buyers aren’t afraid to consider Germany, Montenegro, Morocco, Las Vegas, Thailand or Dubai.”

The UK’s Top 20 overseas property destinations according to A Place in the Sun:

 

2007

 

2006
1. Spain ( - ) 1. Spain
2. France ( - ) 2. France
3. Turkey (+1) 3. Bulgaria
4. USA (+6) 4. Turkey
5. Italy (+3) 5. Cyprus
6. Cyprus (-1) 6. Greece
7. Greece (-1) 7. Portugal
8. Bulgaria (-5) 8. Italy
9. Canada (+7) 9. Cape Verde
10. Cape Verde (-1) 10. USA
11. Egypt (+3) 11. Croatia
12. Portugal (-5) 12. Morocco
13. Morocco (-1) 13. Caribbean
14. Caribbean (-1) 14. Egypt
15. Australia (+5) 15. Dubai
16. Montenegro (+2) 16. Canada
17. Croatia (-6) 17. Thailand
18. Dubai (-3) 18. Montenegro
19. Germany (new entry) 19. South Africa
20. Thailand (-3) 20. Australia

 

For a complete guide to the nation’s favourite property destinations abroad, pick up a copy of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun magazine from any good newsagent. The annual Top 20 edition is published on 17th January.

 

 

 

Notes to Editors:

The A Place in the Sun Top 20 destinations are compiled annually from independent research by
The Happy Research Company based on interviews with buyers at A Place in the Sun Live exhibition.
469 overseas buyers were interviewed for this survey.

Interviews and quotes are available from:

Amanda Lamb, presenter of the Channel 4 series A Place in the Sun (photography available)
Richard Way, Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine

Press contact: 

Gillian Green, Magellan PR, T: 020 8875 2850 E: gillian@magellan-pr.com

 

For further information on the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition visit www.aplaceinthesunlive.com

 

Brooklands Group, organiser of A Place in the Sun Live, is the publisher of the official magazine of the Channel 4 TV series A Place in the Sun and further holds contracts to publish customer titles for Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Renault and Vauxhall – plus a new in-flight magazine for Flybe, Europe’s largest regional airline.

 

For further information on Brooklands Group visit www.brooklandsgroup.com