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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th February 2010
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Grab the Freebies!
Everyone likes receiving things for free!
Recent research has highlighted the increasing number of companies using product samples as part of their online marketing strategy.

Olay, Ariel, Garnier, Pampers and L'Oréal are just some of the household names distributing samples in an effort to drum-up support for their products. So far this year, anti-wrinkle cream, tea bags, perfume, moisturiser, along with numerous other items have been offered free of charge via the Web.

According to the recent study approximately 50% of people who sample a product will likely purchase the item in future. Of these, 25% can be expected to purchase the product more than once. Figures also show that over 65% of respondents would feel more confident recognising the sampled item 'on the shelf'.

The research found the trend is particularly prominent in the beauty industry. Two in three cosmetics companies are now offering samples or competitions as part of their online promotional campaigns. In 2004 the number was only one in three. The study also found that word of mouth is an important factor, with over 25% saying they would recommend sampled products to friends and family.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.