Firm sends out smoke signals

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Jan 22, 2008

Byline: HENRYK ZIENTEK

A MARKETING agency in Huddersfield is turning the smoking ban to the advantage of one its clients.

Pigs & Bees Creative Marketing is using its Ping! Bluetooth technology to promote Holmfirth retailer Outdoor Attitude's winter clothing lines to freezing pub regulars when they step outside for a cigarette.

Ping! broadcasts a message to any Bluetooth enabled mobile phone in a set area.

Bob Taylor, managing director of Pigs& Bees, said: "Pass any pubin the evening and you'll see a group of smokers shivering to keep warm while they have a smoke.

"It's a golden opportunity to reach people with a relevant message like a promotional voucher or even a product brochure.

"Most of us ignore flyers and posters these days but nobody ignores their mobile."

Pigs & Bees ran the campaign outside The Nook pub in Holmfirth following the success of similar promotions for estate agency Esjape Properties Ltd, Toyota Cars UK and West Riding Motor Group.

Pigs & Bees, based in Slaith waite, was formed in 2007 and employs five people.

Its clients include Toyota Material Handling UK, The Institute of Fundraising, West Riding Motor Group, Treetops Hospice, New Habits, and McGowan Associates.