I have now spent 6 days with the Therapy Agency learning not only about aspects of marketing and PR but also about the organisation of the business itself. I have learnt about how blogs not only increase the detection of a business online, but also inform customers of the development and recent news about the company. I have also undertaken some market research on the use of occupational therapies within individual companies and have improved my telephone skills when calling businesses. The most important thing I have learnt during my time with the Therapy Agency, is that hard work and dedication put into a business is vital to its development. I hope to use the skills that I have learnt in a future career within marketing or PR in a large company. 

I have enjoyed working with Jason and learning about his business and will use skills in the future.

Mairi Lucas

Labels: marketing, therapy agency

posted by Mairi Lucas

Today I have been contacting some of the top 100 companies to work for to allow me to send them a market research questionnaire about there use of massage therapies within the workplace. 

The answers given will be able to show us whether massage therapies within the workplace has helped towards them gaining the award. 

Next week I plan to contact more companies to send out more questionnaires. This task has allowed me to experience an aspect of market research. I aim to use the responses to analyse and publish on the website in the near future. 

I shall keep you updated on my progress next week.

Labels: market research, questionnaire, top 100 companies

posted by Mairi Lucas 

Mums around the UK can now receive the gift they really want for Mother’s Day: a Therapy Voucher entitling her to a relaxing massage in the comfort of her own home. Personalised vouchers are instantly available for purchase on The Therapy Agency’s secure website, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for fast delivery direct to mother or child. 

A variety of therapeutic treatments are available for customers to choose from including aromatherapy, reflexology and massage. To ensure that customers are in good hands, The Therapy Agency only provides certified practitioners rigorously selected for quality service and professionalism. 

Sessions are arranged at mutually agreeable times including evenings and weekends and can be booked online on www.therapy-agency.co.uk

The Therapy Agency is a leader in the field of complementary therapy massage providing customers with easy access to some of the best therapists in the country. “The process is simple,” says Jason, managing director, “Customers visiting our website can type in a postcode, view a list of therapists together with their photos, read details about their background and make bookings. By putting in one of our Treatment Voucher codes makes it free.” 

– ENDS – 

For further information contact Jason (MD)
www.therapy-agency.co.uk 

Notes to Editor:
Launched in 2002 with now over 300 therapists registered, The Therapy Agency is a national organisation to promote reputable practitioners of complementary therapies to both private and corporate clients. “We always interview, we always check qualifications and references, plus we always seek evaluations from previous clients as well as ongoing monitoring of current clients with each of our therapists” explains Jason. With the most sophisticated secure online search and booking facilities available in this business sector, clients can book preferred treatments 24/7, at home, or in their workplace. 

Preview sample images for publication can be viewed on the website:
http://www.therapy-agency.co.uk/about/press/ For digital copies of these images ready for print, please contact us directly with your requirements.

The Therapy Agency in collaboration with Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) has carried out pioneering research on the effects of onsite massage therapies. Results from the pilot study, involving staff at Directline Holidays, identified substantial improvements to alertness and calmness as well as more accurate response on tasks requiring sustained attention. 

Data from the study was collected to monitor responses before and after staff received onsite treatment by a massage therapist provided by The Therapy Agency. Tests were carried out for statistical analysis. Significant changes in mood and alertness were identified. Results showed a large increase in calmness and heightened levels of alertness. 

Choice reaction time tests were used to determine the effect of massage therapy on cognition, the mental processes used to acquire, store, retrieve and utilise information. There were significant indications of a rise in levels of accuracy. Improvement in performance reflected better ability to sustain attention, suggesting that this is a direct consequence of massage therapy. “It confirmed what we’ve known for a long time: that businesses have much to gain from onsite massage therapy” said Jason, managing director of The Therapy Agency. 

The Therapy Agency is one of the leading suppliers of complementary massage therapists to businesses in the United Kingdom. CDR is internationally recognised throughout the pharmaceutical industry for its innovative computerised cognitive assessment system and research. 

You can also view the full pdf of the research here: File size: 73 k
>> Research into the Cognitive Effects of Massage.pdf (Right Click >> Save Target As…)

– ENDS – 

For further information contact Jason (MD)
www.therapy-agency.co.uk 

Notes to Editor:
Launched in 2002 with now over 300 therapists registered, The Therapy Agency is a national organisation to promote reputable practitioners of complementary therapies to both private and corporate clients. “We always interview, we always check qualifications and references, plus we always seek evaluations from previous clients as well as ongoing monitoring of current clients with each of our therapists” explains Jason. With the most sophisticated secure online search and booking facilities available in this business sector, clients can book preferred treatments 24/7, at home, or in their workplace. 

Preview sample images for publication can be viewed on the website:
http://www.therapy-agency.co.uk/about/press/ For digital copies of these images ready for print, please contact us directly with your requirements.

Flowers, chocolates and a romantic dinner for two by candlelight can only mean one thing: Valentine’s Day. In response to the season of romance, The Therapy Agency has launched the Therapy Voucher for those who want to treat their partners to a soothing one-hour complementary therapy massage in the luxury of their homes. This is a unique gift that is available for purchase online, 24 hours day, 7 days a week, via the agency’s secure website. 

The Therapy Agency is one of the largest suppliers of complementary massage therapists in the United Kingdom offering the most sophisticated online booking facilities. “Customers can type in a postcode, bring up a lists of therapists, see their photos and view details about their background,” says Jason, Managing Director. 

Customers are able to choose from a variety of therapeutic treatments such as massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. All therapists are rigorously selected registered professionals, totally committed to the highest standards. Sessions are arranged at mutually agreeable times including evenings and weekends. 

Each gift voucher is redeemable against individual bookings with registered therapists. To purchase a Therapy Voucher online go to www.therapy-agency.co.uk/vouchers/

– ENDS – 

For further information contact Jason (MD)

Notes to Editor:
Launched in 2002 with now over 300 therapists registered, The Therapy Agency is a national organisation to promote reputable practitioners of complementary therapies to both private and corporate clients. “We always interview, we always check qualifications and references, plus we always seek evaluations from previous clients as well as ongoing monitoring of current clients with each of our therapists” explains Jason. With the most sophisticated secure online search and booking facilities available in this business sector, clients can book preferred treatments 24/7, at home, or in their workplace. 

Preview sample images for publication can be viewed on the website:
https://www.therapy-agency.co.uk/about/press/ For digital copies of these images ready for print, please contact us directly with your requirements

Today, The Therapy Agency launches its new document: “Onsite Massage: The Financial Benefits”, which sets out the evidence, from scientific studies to case histories, proving that on-site massage from professional therapists makes a substantial contribution to the financial well-being of organisations. 

The report reveals that, out of 118 employees receiving on-site massage[1]:
• 66% reported staying at work for the massage, when they would otherwise have gone home sick
• 83% reported a reduced medical intervention for a previous health issue
• 92% reported an increased alertness, motivation and productivity
• 98% reported reduced work related stress 

Stress is responsible for around 70% of all sick leave in the UK, generating a loss of on average 7.8 days per employee[2] and costing more than £600 per year. Skeletal and muscular problems are the most reported workrelated health problem with the blame for more than half of absenteeism[3]. Back pain alone is an extensive problem and costs the British economy an estimated £3.8 billion a year solely in lost production – that equals £208 per employee, per annum[4]. 

On-site massage therapies have been proven to reduce stress5, increase productivity and performance by up to 50%[2], decrease absenteeism[6] improve morale and staff retention[7], effectively tackle muscular and skeletal problems, and reduce accidents and repetitive strain injuries[8]. 

“We have been working with The Therapy Agency for just over a year and everyone here really values and appreciates the treatment provided. We’re happy to report 100% attendance on Therapy Days as well as a reduction in absenteeism overall. This could be a happy coincidence, but we’re sold on the benefits.” 
– Antony Bradley, Managing Director, www.directline-holidays.co.uk 

– ENDS – 

For further information, or to receive a copy of the report, contact:
Jason (MD).
Web: www.therapy-agency.co.uk 

[1] Reebok International: Study on the Effectiveness of On-Site Massage Techniques
[2] Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Report, December 2001
[3] The Times, October 1999
[4] Health and Safety Executive, Feb 2001
[5] Cady, S. H. & Jones, G.E. Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Perceptual & Motor Skills 84(1), 157-158. 2-1997.
[6] Internal Study by Reebok International, 1997, Recorded Statement to the AMTA
[7] Personnel Today, Therapies in the House, Article 4650, 20 February 2001
[8] American Massage Therapy Association, statement by Joseph Schlesigner 

Notes to Editor:

Launched in 2002 with now over 300 therapists registered, The Therapy Agency is a national organisation to promote reputable practitioners of complementary therapies to both private and corporate clients. “We always interview, we always check qualifications and references, plus we always seek evaluations from previous clients as well as ongoing monitoring of current clients with each of our therapists”explains Jason. With the most sophisticated secure online search and booking facilities available in this business sector, clients can book preferred treatments 24/7, at home, or in their workplace. 

Preview sample images for publication can be viewed on the website:
http://www.therapy-agency.co.uk/about/press/downloads/
For digital copies of these images ready for print, please contact us directly with your requirements.

The Therapy Agency, today announced the launch of a sophisticated secure online booking facility, for staff to book a massage in their workplace. 

“We were recognising the challenges many workplaces were facing, in staff having to phone through to someone to arrange bookings, or to go to some central location to view the available timetable” Jason, MD of The Therapy Agency explained, “with more and more staff gaining access to the internet from their workstations, and companies not wanting to tie up individual staff with the responsibilities of arranging bookings within each therapy day”. 

This unique booking system, recently valued at £100,000 by web developers www.bluhalo.com, is the first to offer every member of staff the opportunity to view all available booking times on any prearranged therapy day. Bookings can be subsidised, part subsidised, or paid for entirely by staff through the secure payment facilities. “We found a lot of companies who wanted to offer our services, preferred their staff to pay up-front, and with booking facilities available 24/7, staff can even make a booking from their own home. This can be invaluable to executives who’s busy timetables keep changing up until the last minute”. 

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

Launched in 2002 with now over 300 therapists registered, The Therapy Agency is a national organisation to promote reputable practitioners of complementary therapies to both private and corporate clients. “We always interview, we always check qualifications and references, plus we always seek evaluations from previous clients as well as ongoing monitoring of current clients with each of our therapists”explains Jason. With the most sophisticated secure online search and booking facilities available in this business sector, clients can book preferred treatments 24/7, at home, or in their workplace. 

The Therapy Agency, today announced the launch of its new website, providing an online database of rigorously selected professional therapists, offering complementary therapy treatments in therapists’ clinics or in individual client’s homes. 

In the past, suppliers of complementary therapies to individuals broadly fell into two camps: Firstly, there were individual therapists working from home or from hired rooms in health centres. Secondly, treatments were provided in health clubs, hotels and spas by full-time staff members, therapists unable to control their hours. 

Information about therapies was lacking and the choices for clients were limited, often reduced to word-of-mouth recommendations. The range of treatment qualities also varied considerably, with little or no regulation for therapies such as massage. A number of gift experience voucher companies provide a small range of locations, but selections were normally very limited to just 10 or so locations nationally, and there was no opportunity to choose a therapist you felt comfortable with. 

Even with regulatory bodies, although basic qualifications were sometimes checked against a list of set standards, the actual competency of each therapist, and their relationship with clients were rarely questioned. “We recognised a real need for customers to find professional therapists they could trust, without having to rely on just word of mouth recommendations, so every therapist completes a detailed application form, references are followed up, they are interviewed, and we seek feedback from all new clients gained through The Therapy Agency, as well as existing ones in their own private practise.” says Jason, Managing Director “Now customers can type in their postcode, and bring up a list of professionally selected therapists throughout the UK. Customers can then see photos of each therapist, view details about their background, and make a secure preliminary booking online without leaving their armchair!” 

-ENDS-

Bluhalo is working with The Therapy Agency to provide a unique service for people looking for all kinds of complementary therapies. The Hampshire-based new media agency Bluhalo, has built one of the most advanced postcode search databases of its kind, allowing businesses and individuals to search for, book and pay for therapists in their area online. 

The Therapy Agency is a supplier of complementary therapists to businesses, events, and individuals nationwide. It was established in 1996 by current managing director, Jason, who himself practises Indian Head Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Kinesiology, Reiki and Hypnotherapy. He is based in Reading, Berkshire where The Therapy Agency has its administrative centre. Jason discussed his idea for www.therapy-agency.co.uk with Vimal Patel, Business Development Director of Bluhalo, who specialises in specialist and advanced web-based databases, after a chance meeting at a networking event in the summer. 

The site offers an online booking facility for businesses who want to provide complementary therapies to their staff, for individuals who want to find a therapist in their area, and events that want to offer therapies as enticements to visit exhibition stands or to refresh tired visitors. 

“Most companies aren’t interested in using their valuable resources to recruit and organise local complementary therapists.” says Jason. “We understand the business environment and our site enables us to provide a whole package, across the UK. It makes the process of organising an office Therapy Day a lot simpler, more efficient and less onerous for the manager.” 

A company with many branches can ring The Therapy Agency to arrange a Therapy Day, a day on which one or more complementary therapists visit to work on-site, for its staff. Each branch manager then gets their own log-in from the company’s head office and they can then book and pay for therapy days in advance, or they can make payments for each staff member individually. Alternatively The Therapy Agency can provide each staff member with their own log-in, enabling them to book their own therapy time slot and releasing companies from the burden of organising booking. 

Payment can be handled in three ways; the company pays in full for the day, the company subsidises part of the day and then each employee gets a discounted rate for treatments, or the business pays therapy credits into each staff member’s account and the staff can cash them in for treatments when they wish. 

The process is just as simple for individuals who want to arrange a therapy themselves. After searching for a therapy and a therapist in their area using the postcode search, they then book a time slot. An email is generated by the system asking the therapist to contact the patient directly to sort out the details. Once the therapist has arranged the appointment, the therapist confirms the time with the system, the system then sends a confirmation email to the client and the therapist and also sends a map with specific directions to the therapy room. After the session a feedback form is generated and sent to the client to be returned to The Therapy Agency, which feeds back to the therapist accordingly. 

Bookings for events, such as conferences, exhibitions, or product launches, can be handled the same way, by the organiser contacting www.therapy-agency.co.uk and searching for therapists in the relevant area. 

Most of the therapists on www.therapy-agency.co.uk have clinical rooms at home or a therapy room that they share. They are also able to travel to other people’s homes or offices. Jason does not charge the therapists to join, but The Therapy Agency receives a small commission from each booking. The Therapy Agency is appealing to practitioners, not least because clients pay in advance, which eliminates the risk of not being paid if the appointment is missed. 

To register with The Therapy Agency, the practitioners fill out an application form, send a copy of their CV, with a covering letter, along with copies of their qualifications, certificates and insurance documents. The Therapy Agency interviews applicants and contacts their previous clients for feedback and testimonials. Successful applicants agree to a detailed Code of Ethics & Practice, sign a consultancy agreement and can access a range of support facilities through their own secure area of The Therapy Agency website. 

The web site was an intriguing build for the Bluhalo team www.bluhalo.com. “As far as we know”, comments Vimal, “there is nothing like it on the web. The advanced web-based database was built in MySQL with a pro-extension module, and the site is being hosted by NTT Verio on a dedicated server.” 

“Before I met Vimal I had approached lots of new media agencies,” says Jason, “and the majority of them were small companies who I felt did not have the right experience or expertise. Bluhalo offered the attention to detail that I knew I was going to need. Their portfolio was impressive, they were more cost-effective, and they made it clear that they understood my vision for the site. Once the site is up and running we are aiming to offer vouchers that can be redeemed online and put towards therapies – that’s my next goal.”