Infoserve Group PLC
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Infoserve appoint Sales Director
10th July 2008
Aim-listed, online local business search company, Infoserve, has appointed Mark Riley as their new Sales Director.
Mark joins Infoserve having spent over 27 years in the newspaper industry and has a wealth of experience of leading businesses in the media sector.
Following a background in sales, Mark was Managing Director of Ackrill Media Group before his appointment as MD of JP Letterbox Direct, the distribution arm of Johnston Press.
Having already demonstrated an impressive track record in cost reduction and maximising new revenue opportunities, Mark will now be helping Infoserve build upon their position as one of the UK’s leading online search specialists.
Mark said, “I was immediately impressed with Company’s genuine ambition to develop its range of quality products, as well as the enthusiasm of the Senior Management Team. Infoserve is going from strength to strength and I intend to bring some of my tried and tested methods to help develop our staff and meet the demands of our increasing customer base.
“This is a great opportunity for me to really add value at a key stage in the company’s development and I’m not only looking forward to pushing the boundaries of this dynamic market but to help increase awareness of what I believe is an already impressive portfolio of products to help promote businesses online.”
Commenting on his appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Steve Barnes said: "We are delighted to have recruited someone of Mark’s calibre to occupy this key role in the business. Without doubt, his drive and experience will be invaluable to the Company as we look to increase our sales productivity and capitalise on the ever-increasing demand for local search.”
Mark’s appointment coincides with Infoserve’s end of year results, which announced significant progress following a strategic review of its operations and the signing of major new contracts with the world’s two biggest search engines, Google and Yahoo! Revenue for the year increased by approximately 25% year on year to £4.65m, and the performance per sales executive increased from £32,000 to £46,600, a rise of 45% on last year and 191% on the same period two years ago.
Infoserve helps small and medium sizes companies promote themselves to people searching online for local goods and services, listing over 3.5 million businesses on its main online business directory, www.cityvisitor.co.uk. It also has over 120 single industry vertical directories, which together with cityvisitor enjoy more than 23 million first page results on the major search engines, covering a broad range of business categories and locations. Infoserve’s agreement with internet search giant Google makes it only the second company in Europe to be appointed an "Authorised Google AdWords Reseller".
Infoserve’s network also includes the websites of a number of major online media partners including Football League clubs’ official websites and Sky Digital. Infoserve’s data is presented to more than 32 million online visitors every month.
Above: Mark Riley.
Local Infoserve Team to Compete in York Dragon Boat Race
10th July 2008
A team of 20 from Leeds-based Infoserve, the UK’s leading online local search company, will be taking part in the York Dragon Boat Race on Saturday 13th July to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and West Riding of Yorkshire IA.
Dragon Boat Racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport and involves teams of up to twenty paddlers in a 40-foot boat with a drummer and helmsman, paddling frantically to beat the other teams down a chosen course.
The York Dragon Boat Race, organised by York Rotary Club, challenges teams to compete over a 250 metre stretch of the River Ouse between Scarborough and Lendal Bridges, whilst professional helmsmen provided by Dragon Boats Events Ltd guides them through the race.
Infoserve’s team, “Oarsome”, will put their paddlers and drummer to the test as they compete against 35 other teams, with more than 6,000 spectators expected to cheer all the participants on. Creating a Gala Day atmosphere, there are also stalls and a variety of activities planned alongside the River to bring the race to life.
Infoserve’s team captain, Peter Laflin, said, “This is such a great way of raising awareness for two great causes – the West Riding of Yorkshire IA and Yorkshire Air Ambulance – and I have no doubt it will be a fiercely contested battle. We’re really looking forward to the race and hope to raise as much money as possible to help support the local charities.”
The West Riding of Yorkshire IA is a Leeds based charity, which provides first hand support to people who have had, or are facing, surgery because of Bowel cancer or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The Infoserve team will also be supporting their onsite colleagues at Leeds Bradford Airport, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which provides a life saving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people, needing over £7,000 per day just to keep both of Yorkshire's Air Ambulances maintained and in the air.
Steve Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of Infoserve said, “The race is not only a great team building exercise, but a perfect way to support local charities that make such a huge contribution to Yorkshire’s communities. I hope it’s a fantastic day for all involved, although I know Infoserve are determined to win!”
This is the sixth year that the York Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge has taken place, which has already raised over £300,000 for local charities over the years. Anyone who would like to donate money to the Infoserve team can contact Peter on 0870 556 1001 or info@infoserve.com
To find out more, visit http://www.yorkrotary.co.uk/dragonboat.htm
Above: Members of Team Oarsome with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
For further information, please contact:
Infoserve Group PLC
Steve Barnes, Chief Executive
Tel: 0870 556 1001
WH Ireland Limited
Richard Lindley
Tel: 0113 394 6628
