Law firm Hill Dickinson has helped to secure a worldwide licencing agreement between a Bolton-based combat and fitness e-commerce business and an international sports brand, which will put the North West on the map in the international combat sports arena.

Advised by Ian Gillis and Michelle Morgan of the Manchester office of Hill Dickinson, Fightshop.com has entered into an exclusive worldwide licence agreement with Sandee in Thailand to manufacture, promote, and distribute non-leather Sandee apparel, combat equipment and merchandise.

Sandee Boxing equipment is one of the most established brands in the Muay Thai and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) world and is used by some of the top-ranked fighters across the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), boasting exclusive sponsorships with the likes of UFC middleweight contender Michael Bisping, BAMMA’s ‘Leeroy’ Barnes, Manchester’s Muay Thai European Champion Daitan Jackson and ISKA World Muay Thai Champion Luke Turner.

Following the rise in popularity of MMA across the globe, Fightshop.com has enjoyed triple-digit growth since it was established in 2006, becoming a leading supplier of combat and fitness equipment and clothing in Europe. Acquired by Ian Wright in 2011, Fightshop.com has since been a headline sponsor for the World Championship Muay Thai ‘Main Event’ in Manchester and has secured a multi-event sponsorship deal with Cage Contender, which is currently being aired on Sky and Setanta in 90 countries.

As a 4th dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, Ian Gillis, partner and head of Hill Dickinson’s corporate team in Manchester, was able to use both his legal expertise and MMA insight to secure the deal for Fightshop.com. On the deal, Ian Gillis comments: “Having been involved in martial arts for 30 years I have a deep understanding of the market.  MMA has undoubtedly become more popular year on year as martial artists from different disciplines test their skills against each other in the UFC arena.

“This exclusive worldwide deal with Sandee will help to put the North West at the forefront of MMA’s growing prominence in the UK and establish Fightshop.com as the leading supplier of combat sports equipment in the world.

“The UFC is by far the most popular arena for MMA and since it was started in 1993 the UFC has become one of the fastest growing sports organisations in the world.  Ian has clearly identified a fast growing market and Hill Dickinson look forward to working with Fighshop.com in the years ahead.”

Commenting on the exclusive Sandee license agreement Ian Wright said: “This license agreement puts in place the foundations of what will be our five year strategy to take this long established and prominent MMA combat sports brand to territories around the world.  Fightshop.com has always been a major proponent of the Sandee brand and this deal allows us to work in partnership with Sandee to introduce innovative and exciting products into the combat sports market.”

Personal identity is important for all athletes but for those competing as part of a team, it can be difficult to express individuality while representing the squad. Recognising this issue, Team Colours have initiated a campaign to design individual sports kits that still match the uniform of a team.

Team Colours are specialists in custom sportswear and have now channelled their expertise towards providing variable netball kit designs for different teams. Here is how it works:

- The team decide on their colours, badges, images, texts and sponsors.
- Each individual player states their preference of kit style i.e. top and skirt, dress or leotard dress.
- The order for each garment is placed with Team Colours.
- Team Colours print the team design into each individual top and skirt, dress or leotard dress.
- Every team member receives their preferred kit style, which is designed in conjunction with the universal team colours, badges etc.

This way, netballers can enjoy the game wearing exactly what they feel comfortable in and focus on playing. Thanks to the campaign, Team Colours can now customise all sublimated kits in this way – which results in a unique team uniform designed for longevity, as the process of dye sublimation means the colours won’t wash out of the fabrics over time.

A spokesperson for Team Colours commented:

‘Naturally, teams want a unified identity when they step out onto the court but it is just as important for the players to feel secure as they play. Different people will have different preferences when it comes to how a kit feels and looks. This way, the team looks great as all the colours coordinate and the players can enjoy their own unique styles.’

Netball uniform can be customised from the Team Colours website, where users can download a template of a kit and personalise its appearance. Photos can even be dyed into the material of the kits – a feature that can provide the team with an even more distinctive identity.

To find out more information or to design your own custom clothing, you can visit the Team Colours website at www.team-colours.co.uk.

A leading pest control company is warning hotel owners that there could be a surge in tiny, unwanted guests during the Olympic Games. Experts from Cleankill Pest Control experts say that London hotel and hostel staff need to be extra vigilant and look out for tell-tale signs of bed bugs. These include blood spots on sheets and live insects on headboards and around skirting boards. Infestations need dealing with quickly and by a professional pest control company otherwise they can spread throughout the building before hotel staff realise there is a problem as the bedbugs hitchhike in the recesses of holdalls, suitcases and clothing.

Cleankill Managing Director Paul Bates said: “The increased volume of people from overseas who will be in London during and in the run up to the games will definitely mean an increase in bedbugs. It’s not just the athletes, it’s journalists, spectators and tourists – many of whom will have made stops in several countries en route to the UK.”

Travellers with backpacks are often the ones who unknowingly transport bedbugs with them and one of the steps hotels can take to reduce the risk of infestation is to make guests leave their luggage in a designated area.

“There has been an explosion in bed bugs over the last few years and the number of calls to deal with bed bugs has increased. Fortunately the problem is not as bad here as in the US and Canada but that could change if hotel owners don’t act quickly to sort out problems and take the warning seriously,” Paul explained.

Pest control experts see bedbugs as the main problem but cockroaches could also be on the increase as cockroach nymphs are very small and can hitchhike in the same way bedbugs can.

Cleankill is a specialist provider of pest control services to retail, commercial and industrial properties throughout the UK. The company deals with ‘distress’ pests such as wasps and fleas, as well as offering preventative maintenance against public health pests such as mice and rats. Cleankill can also clear and proof buildings against pest birds. Cleankill has been solving pest problems for commercial and domestic customers for more than 15 years. Using the most up-to-date pest-control techniques and technology, the company keeps its customers pest free and makes sure it is at the forefront of the industry when it comes to the use of pesticides and non-toxic pest control methodology.

As an Investor in People, all Cleankill’s staff are highly trained and offer an exceptionally fast and efficient level of service. The company is a proud member of the British Pest Control Association, as well as being approved to ISO9001 and ISO14001. Cleankill is also fully accredited to the Safecontractor, Exor, Constructionline and Achilles Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme and aims to be recognised as a market leader for innovation and new pest control techniques. For further information go to www.cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477. You can follow Cleankill on Twitter or Facebook ENDS

For further information or interview requests, contact Suzi Christie at Blueberry PR on 01435 830031 or e-mail suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk

Eco-camping, sustainability, green awards, bio-diversity? Where to start? We have an amazing variety of campsites here in the UK from “Back to Basics” to an all singing, all dancing Holiday Park but what makes a campsite ‘green’. The answer is a whole host of factors all of which are driven by the passion and ethos of the people who run them. Statistics show that here in the UK 68% of us will make a green choice if it’s presented to us.

Top tips when looking for a campsite’s green credentials:

Recycling

Something many of us do automatically at home and yet not all businesses and campsites supply recycling points. Can be annoying to see all your recycling waste go to landfill. Look out for campsites that do recycle. Many provide multiple points around the park.

Green Awards

There are 2 big awards to look out for in the camping industry. David Bellamy Award and the Green Business Tourism Scheme. Both of these offer Gold, Silver and Bronze awards. Both look at a whole range of criteria from renewal energy to the purchasing of goods. These 2 awards are not exclusive as they do require a membership of various organisations. There are also many local awards run by National Parks, Local business schemes or Regional Tourist Boards.

Local Produce

Can be one of the great highlights of camping. Trying fantastic regional goods supplied almost at source. Look for campsites that are proud to source and sell local produce. Some grow their own veg, some link up with local butchers and offer BBQ packs, some bake their own bread on site.

Renewable energy

Solar and wind power are being used more and more by campsites owners. Some may use it for powering the site. Others use it to help heat swimming pools and provide showers. Using it to top up and therefore reduce their usual energy usage as well as using your own Eco Camping Gear and Camping Equipment

Backpacker rates

Forward thinking campsites offer back packer rates to those arriving on foot or by bike. Makes sense as well. Someone carrying their camping gear brings smaller tents, takes up less space, no vehicles = less damage to the land, more likely to buy local produce rather than shopping in Tesco. Look for campsites that actively encourage people arriving by Public Transport , on foot or by bike. These campsites offer discounted rates.

Wildlife programme

Many campsites develop wild flower areas and encourage natural habitats on their land. Then promote these by providing walks, guides, signage boards and even in some case guided walks and nocturnal nature visits with a ranger. Great for kids and adults alike.

The David Bellamy Award is a big advocate of Bio-diversity and those campsites which are members of the scheme are encouraged to look at their parks and surroundings with fresh eyes.

Biodegradables used

Having a campsite in a stunning location, perhaps on farm land, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a National Park, can have a huge impact on the environment especially when hundreds of campers descend for the week or weekend. All having showers, washing up using toilets. Many campsites take their role as land owners very seriously and will source biodegradable cleaning and other products. To do your bit think carefully before you go away. What do you need, what can you bring. Packing List

Public Transport Links

Look out for campsites which are situated near good public transport links and which actively encourage their usage. This could be for getting to the campsite in the first place or enjoying a car free day while staying. Many campsites give out great local information meaning you can plan a car free day easily. Perhaps to visit a local landmark, beach or attraction. A popular way is to plan a one way walk. Take the bus from the campsite and walk back. Or vice versa! Visit http://www,hillfieldscampingandleisure.co.uk

The UK Flat Racing season reaches its first of its many high points at Newmarket this weekend with the running of the first classic of the season, the Group One, Qipco 2000 Guineas. Run over the famous Rowley Mile, the 2012 renewal will feature 18 of the very best three year old horses in training that will be looking to confirm their potential as top class performers.

First run in April 1809, the 2,000 Guineas was named after its original prize fund of two thousand guineas at a time when a ‘guinea’ amounted to approximately £1.05. This year, the race will earn the winner over £200,000!

The race is sponsored by Qipco a Qatari based investment company who agreed sponsorship of all races that are included in the British Horse Racing Champions Series.

Over the years, the race has acted as a spring board for many of the greatest race horses the world has ever seen, horses such as the great Nijinsky in 1970 the last horse to ever win the colt’s Triple Crown of the 2000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby and the St Leger. A year later, the race was won by Brigadier Gerard probably the greatest miler of all time, whilst more recently, in 2009, it launched the whirlwind career of Sea The Stars, who went on to win six Group One races in one season, including the Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Last year saw the great and still unbeaten Frankel win the race.

Whether or not this year’s renewal will produce such a profound winner remains to be seen but already there are suggestions that the favourite in the 2,000 Guineas betting, Camelot, trained by Aidan O’Brien, could easily become one of the greats. He is unbeaten in two starts as a 2 year old which includes an eye-catching performance in the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy. His Sire is the great Montjeu, who sadly passed away recently but whose offspring have already won the race four times in recent years.

Other leading lights in the race this year will be Power also from the Aidan O’Brien stable, who was runner up in the Dewhurst last season. Born To Sea, who is a half brother to Sea The Stars and trained by John Oxx, is reported as being very fit and forward ahead of the race and is one that should relish the ground and the trip. Abtaal and French Fifteen are the leading French Raiders, who will enjoy the mile trip, while Trumpet Major from the Richard Hannon yard warmed up nicely for this with a win in the Group 3 Craven Stakes last month.

Such has been the stature of the 2000 Guineas that it has spawned versions in a number of countries each these days being regarded as vitally important Group One races. The Irish and French 2000 Guineas are both top class races whilst other versions exist in Italy, Germany, Japan and even Australia.

The race takes place at 3.10 on Saturday afternoon, the first day of the Qipco Guineas Festival. More information can be found at www.2000guineas.org

Playing netball is a great way for pupils to keep fit, build up a sense of teamwork and have fun. Beyond school, netball is an international sport renowned for the skill, discipline and athleticism required from the players.

The intensity of the game is often unfairly compared to basketball but if the post-match perspiration levels of the players are anything to go by, both sports are equally demanding. Outdoor courts can cause even more of a sweaty atmosphere in summer and it takes more than a spray of deodorant to avoid it.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with sweating and it does help to naturally cool the body during what is a vigorous exercise. However, certain areas of the body can suffer chaffing during play and cause real skin irritation – potentially hindering performance as a result. The sweat-proof netball uniform from Team Colours could be the ideal solution.

Team Colours are custom sportswear manufacturers and their netball kit range now benefits from specialist sweat-prevention technology. The new moisture wicking tri-mesh panels are designed to keep athletes dry during intense exercise, and can be neatly embroidered into very specific kit areas to prevent uncomfortable build-ups of sweat, while still allowing for healthy ventilation – which is perfect for playing outdoors in summer leagues.

A spokesperson for Team Colours, comments: ‘Netball is a very high energy sport and sweating is an inevitable part of the fun. Our kits can be customised at the production stage to have tri-mesh panels built-in, minimising sweat in irritable areas and effectively improving on-court performance. The fabric can be embroidered into most custom kits, dresses or even teamwear items like baselayer tops.’

Team Colours encourage netball teams to customise their kits from the start – you can even design uniforms on their website. Custom clothing can be imprinted with unique logos and text – completely individualising kits from things like colour, right up to features such as built-in sweat-prevention panels.

To find out more about Team Colours and their bespoke sportswear please visit www.team-colours.co.uk.

Irelands leading MMA promotion Cage Contender have agreed a multi-event brand association deal with prominent e-tailer FIGHTSHOP.com

The deal which will see FIGHTSHOP.com benefit from the promotions prominent TV and press exposure as well as letting the online retailer engage with the CC faithful.  Up coming Cage Contender events will be branded as Cage Contender in association with www.FIGHTSHOP.com

FIGHTSHOP.com is one of the most dominant brands in the UK combat sports and fitness market and is undoubtedly the most ubiquitous brand in the combat sports market as a whole with strong trademarks and massive social media reach; you cannot search the web for combat sports products or information without coming across the FIGHTSHOP.com brand. It dwarfs all major competitors in its on line presence and is the exclusive distributor of one of the highest profile combat sports brands, SANDEE.

“I can see no better way for Ian Wright and his team at FIGHTSHOP.com to engage with the Irish MMA market simply because Cage Contender has the largest media footprint across all platforms in Irish MMA.

Importantly this deal is about more than just logo placement on canvas and posters, it’s about FIGHTSHOP.com engaging with our fan base in Ireland and further afield. We will be jointly working on further event based initiatives that will excite the Cage Contender fans” – John Ferguson, Cage Contender promoter

As well as prominent brand placement across a range of platforms this association will also see FIGHTSHOP.com have a dedicated sales portal in the soon to be released www.cagecontender.com website when it changes from its current .net home in late spring

“When I first acquired FIGHTSHOP.com in October 2011 I identified Ireland as a market that could offer steady growth. I’m happy that we have been able to complete a deal with Cage Contender, the largest MMA brand in that market. Everyone at FIGHTSHOP.com is excited about bringing our brand to Irish MMA fans through this association. – Ian Wright, CEO, FIGHTSHOP.com

Leading sports and leisurewear manufacturer, Team Colours are appealing for sports clubs and schools to send them their designs – no matter how crazy or creative! The firm aim to spread the word about their innovative techniques and bespoke service which can cater for even the most elaborate of designs.

If you are a fledgling club or have just never had a proper design before, then their bespoke kit service could be the perfect solution and allow your imagination to run wild. Whether you have an ambitious idea for an emblem or logo, a colourful combination that can’t be found anywhere else or an unusual cut, Team Colours will strive to make your dreams of your own rugby, netball or football kits, amongst many other types of sports, a reality.

Most teams want a unique look that will make them stand out and be distinctive, so Team Colours is committed to finding new ways to help their customers do this. In doing so, they aim to make them feeling like a winning team before they even go out onto the field, therefore giving them a winning mentality hopefully!

One of Team Colours’ main strengths is flexibility in their designs and their manufacturing capability, plus their dedication to supporting new ideas and designs. The sports clothing specialists are also able to create free mock-up designs of team kits with a simple description if the customer only has an idea but without a design. The firm’s experience in the industry coupled with their passion for all things sports-related makes them perfectly placed to offer the best guidance on the ideal kit for you whether you need a collection of elaborate kids football kits or just a basic cricket kit.

Team Colours specialise in creating fully bespoke kits, offering customisation options across all products. Our strengths include the flexibility of our design and manufacturing capability, including dye sublimation printing; a new printing technique that dyes an image onto the fabric which won’t wash out over time.

For more information on Team Colours and their bespoke sports clothing options, please visit www.team-colours.co.uk.

The final Olympic qualifier for GB Boxing will be taking place between April 14 – 22. Among those in the squad of hopefuls is Anthony Ogogo (75kg). The talented middleweight boxer from Suffolk has his sights firmly set on making it to London 2012 and is one of PhysioRoom.com’s names to look out for.

Sports injury specialist, PhysioRoom.com has been following the rehabilitation and training process of Ogogo since he aggravated a long term shoulder injury at the AIBA Men’s World Championships in October. During the tournament in Lithuania he suffered a dislocated shoulder while blocking a punch from an opponent.

The injury happened just before the first Olympic qualifier leaving his right shoulder in a sling for three and a half weeks.

Ogogo’s determination to get fighting fit in time for the final qualifier meant that he not only had to undergo a shoulder operation, but then cut short his recovery time while upping his training.

As well as extra sparring and strengthening sessions the 23-year-old has been using the PhysioRoom.com Shoulder Support Strap during periods of rest to quicken his recovery process.

Despite the setback from his injury, Ogogo seems to be on top form winning the Czech GP in March.

Ogogo has been positive about his chances at London 2012 throughout his training and after the date was set for the qualifiers he Tweeted: “Time to grab what I feel is mine.”

Speaking to PhysioRoom.com in January, he said: “It’s my dream to go to the Olympics.

“I know I’ve got the ability and talent but unfortunately for me last year was disastrous injury wise for things I didn’t have any control over. If I get 100% fit then I don’t think anyone will be able to beat me. That’s the confidence that I’m taking in to the next qualifier.”

The full interview with Anthony Ogogo and an in depth case study on his dislocated shoulder injury can be found on PhysioRoom.com.

For more information on sports injuries, including dislocated shoulder, expert advice and recommended products visit the site’s dedicated sport injury pages.

About PhysioRoom.com:

PhysioRoom.com Got an Injury? We’ll Explain It & Help You Fix It! PhysioRoom.com is a Sports Injury, Shop, News and advice website.  PhysioRoom.com stock a wide range of products including Supports & Braces, Hot and Cold therapy, and Rehab and Fitness products.

PhysioRoom.com has a wide range of educational content, features, and online shopping with products from the World’s top brands, empowering our users with knowledge about their own sports injuries, and supplementing treatment and advice given by their doctor or Chartered Physiotherapist. PhysioRoom.com medical information is provided by fully qualified medical professionals who are experienced in the treatment of elite athletes, including English Premier League soccer players, making this the most authoritative source of professional sport injury information there is. 

After getting that winning feeling back again at Wembley in the Carling Cup, Liverpool are on their way back to the venue they affectionately dub ‘Anfield South’ on the hunt for more silverware.

The reds are just one game away from the FA Cup Final and standing in their way are fierce, local rivals Everton. Both clubs met on numerous occasions at Wembley in the 1980s and fans from Merseyside will be heading down the M6 to battle it out once again in what promises to be a red-hot atmosphere in London.

It will also be a day touched with emotion coming just 24 hours before the Hillsborough anniversary; the tragic event which was felt across the whole of Merseyside regardless of club allegiance.

Liverpool’s road to the FA Cup semi-finals this year saw them overcome stiff Premier League opposition in Stoke City and other arch rivals Manchester United, as well as handing out thrashings to lower league Oldham and Brighton. Now, Everton stand in the mighty reds’ way as the Toffees look for their first trophy in 17 years.

If you’re heading to Anfield South to support the King and his men, what better way to do it with a piece of LFC-inspired clothing from the new spring/summer collection at LoveFollowConquer?

With a wide range of new products you may be stuck for choice but you can be sure that when you wear it, it’ll be worn proud displaying your passion for the Redmen in their chase for more cup glory.

Head to lovefollowconquer.com and check out their Liverpool FC-influenced apparel; you’ll be sure to find something you like.