Following a consolidated period of growth, Aspers has unveiled two new appointments to its Newcastle-based marketing team and is on the lookout for an additional Campaigns Manager to supplement its national marketing function.

June Alltimes, who was previously Head of Marketing in Newcastle, becomes Group Head of Marketing, overseeing all Aspers marketing functions from the Newcastle site. Her team, which includes newly appointed Campaigns Manager, Tracy Kenny, will be responsible for sites in Newcastle, Swansea and Northampton, as well as planned future openings.

"After four years of going from strength to strength, we have restructured our marketing team with a newly created senior position and dedicated campaigns managers to oversee all three Aspers sites," said Richard Noble, Chief Operating Officer of Aspers. "In her career with Aspers, June has built up a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in the future development of the business."

June joined Aspers in 2007, leaving the role of Marketing Manager for Northumberland County Council. She had previously been head of marketing for two UK theatres, including York Theatre Royal, and will now spearhead marketing strategy for all sites operating under the Aspers brand.

"I'm very excited about this new role. We're operating in challenging times, but there are still great opportunities out there for a well managed casino business," said June, who is originally from County Antrim. "We've turned Aspers at The Gate into the most successful provincial gaming venue in the UK and I'll be taking the lessons I've learned in Newcastle to make our other sites even better." 

Tracy has joined Aspers from a printing company on Tyneside, where she worked successfully to promote the business. Prior to that, she worked with the well known furniture manufacturer, Delcor, for more than a decade. In her new role, she will oversee marketing activities for the three Aspers casinos, from advertising to special events and promotions.

"Aspers has rapidly become the most popular casino and leisure venue in Newcastle city centre, so it's great to be playing a part in moving things forward for the group nationally," said Tracy, who lives in New Hartley. "June has done an excellent job here and I'll be working with her to develop the successful marketing strategy and introduce new marketing initiatives, as well as expanding our successful loyalty scheme."

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Aspers at The Gate

by Point Pleasant Communications

For further information please contact Rob Lawson

on (0191) 519 7219 (Mobile: 07940 501 993) or email rob@point-pleasant.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• Aspers at the Gate is a 45,000ft2 leisure facility in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.
• There are currently two other Aspers in Northampton and Swansea, with more new openings in the pipeline.
• The venue includes bars, restaurant, beauty spa, live entertainment and state-of-the-art gaming facilities. 
• Aspers has attracted over 134,000 members in just over three years from a catchment area covering Northumberland and County Durham, reaching across to Cumbria and down to York.
• In late 2007 Aspers became the first casino operator in the country to launch a loyalty club - Aspire - that allows customers to collect and redeem points throughout its operations (including gaming).  Customers are now able to gain points for every purchase made on the premises and can also earn bonus points on selected promotions. 
• In April 2008, Aspers became the first British casino to go 'membership free' which means that virtually all visitors can freely walk through the reception area without completing membership forms. Photo ID is required if you look under 21 and to join our Aspire Loyalty Club.
• At every Aspers location, the company has set up the Community Action for Responsible Gaming (CARG) programme. This initiative is unique to Aspers and is based on similar successful schemes in Australasia. CARG is a voluntary, not-for-profit group that seeks to constructively address problem gambling issues in society through a working partnership between local community-based interest groups.