UK "Apprentice" TV show winner McQueen to head new digital advertising business

Phil Hunter, event director at KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe and The European Digital Signage Show, predicts that digital display is the future for public space marketing: 

So we learnt last night that Sir Alan’s latest venture, with the sales force headed by the winner of the BBC Apprentice show, is going to be a digital signage and advertising group. 

Cynicism about TV talent shows and CV cheating salesmen aside, if this is the case, we in the industry probably ought to sit up and take notice.  Yes, The Apprentice, on one level, is a cracking piece of marketing for Sugar himself but it’s also more than a simple reality TV show.  After all, the winning contestant is actually fighting it out for a serious corporate role and, if the serial and successful entrepreneur in Sugar is looking to digital signage as the way forward, it suggests that we are set to see a proliferation of digital display usage within marketing and further afield.

As AV experts, we have already seen digital display become a much more pivotal part of a company’s advertising strategy and obviously Sugar has seen the huge potential for growth that digital signage offers across many different levels, recognising that the very nature of a centrally controlled display network means that you can convey a series of focused and relevant messages that are changeable in an instant.  In fact, increasingly we are seeing a rise in the usage of digital signage for a number of communication purposes.  Within a big business organisation, for example, digital displays can keep a large number of people up to date with the latest news and activity.

As well as offering a fantastic way to get products noticed, it’s the wide-ranging benefits and attractions of digital signage and the emergence of interactive display marketing that, I’m certain, will contribute to a huge boost for the industry over the course of the next few years.

This positive outlook is reflected in the interest shown by exhibitors in the European Digital Signage Show (Olympia, 1-2 October).  Running alongside the now established Self Service Expo Europe for the first time, the show will provide a high-profile platform for companies to showcase the latest digital signage innovations, backed by a hugely informative seminar programme.  Who knows, perhaps Lee McQueen might take a slot, tell us all how it’s going and maybe pick up a few handy hints for the new business…that’s what I’m talking about!

KioskCom Europe Self Service Expo and the European Digital Signage Show take place on 1 & 2 October at London’s Olympia.  For further information on exhibiting or even to register for the pre-launch visitor list, visit

The proposal to launch a coin-op exhibition to run during the same week as ATEI brought a robust response from organisers Clarion Gaming. Although not totally surprised by the announcement, chief executive Peter Rusbridge believes that it is being seen by many in the industry as an unwarranted and potentially divisive move. He explained: "Although the purpose of commercial organisations is to pursue profits, some observers have identified a whiff of opportunism surrounding this announcement.

The view is that it is a divisive move which comes at a time when the industry should be working together to readjust to the challenges presented by the current trading environment. "ATEI has unique heritage, for more than 60 years it has provided the coin-op industry with a vital platform for the launch and demonstration of product. Our duty to the industry is to protect and develop that platform and it is a role that we take very seriously. Every member of my team understands their responsibility and we will compete vigorously."

An alternative London show has been announced for January 2009. InterGame Expo will take place from Monday, January 26 to Wednesday, January 28 at the Ibis Hotel, which is situated in Lillie Road - within 10 minutes' walk of Earls Court, home of the ATEI show.

InterGame Expo is designed as a 'no frills' exhibition, responding to exhibitor demands for a modestly-priced event. InterGame's David Snook said: "We have been asked by a number of companies to prepare an alternative show that will meet their demands: the end of January, all on one level, reasonably priced and marketed globally. That is what we have done."

With Europe’s premier event for customer facing technologies and digital signage only months away, KioskCom Self Service Expo Europe has launched its 2008 show website – www.selfserviceexpo.co.uk – and, with an added interactive element, manufacturers can play a part in demonstrating the future of retail technology.

The innovation gallery, an all new feature for Self Service Expo 2008, offers a platform for exhibitors to showcase their most cutting-edge products – those that aim to change the face of self service.   

As Phil Hunter, event director, explains, the aim is to seek out the kiosks of the future:

“At the show this year, we want to demonstrate the evolution of the self service market and show our visitors – the people that are investing in the technology – exactly where the next big thing is coming from.  It’s about more than just showing the existing products that make life easier for the consumer, we want manufacturers who have taken things to the next level to shout about their innovations.  Perhaps a previously functional kiosk application that has been made totally secure or something none of us have seen before.”

Comestero Group reached an important result, it is really proud of: the memorable goal of 1 Million electronic coin validators sold all over the world.1Million coin validators sold over the latest 6 years is for the Italian Group a success which goes beyond expectation: it is an achievement which overcomes both Italian and European boundaries, with RM5 coin validators distributed in more than 70 countries all over the world.

“This success – states Riccardo Chionna, Comestero Group Managing Director – relies undoubtedly in the indisputable quality of our coin validator. RM5 is appreciated especially for its great flexibility: it is available in several mechanical and software versions to fully meet the requirements of any type of gaming and vending machines and of all systems that need a safe and reliable automatic coin recognition system”. “It is also extremely important – continues Riccardo Chionna – the active role of every member of our Team, more than 200 motivated and flexible collaborators, which contribute everyday with their work to the results of our Group”.

A special golden logo has been created to celebrate this very occasion by Comestero Group. Now the company is ready to reach new important results, once again thanks to the novelties which regard RM5 coin validator, which will be soon unveiled.