MANCHESTER, England, December 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Thousands of smokers will receive free electronic cigarettes in time for New Year.

The NHS plans to offer the devices on prescription during 2016, following Public Health England (PHE) reporting that electronic cigarettes are 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco.

Stealing a march on the NHS, e-cigarette brand VIP will provide 10,000 vaping starter kits as part of a new initiative - the first of its kind - which will launch on ITV1 tonight [Wednesday 9 December 2015].

Miguel Corral, co-founder of VIP, said: "It's widely agreed that vaping plays a major role in helping people to quit smoking. The NHS doesn't currently offer free vaping kits to those who need them, but no-one should have to wait for effective treatment. That's why we've stepped in just in time for New Year's resolutions - the most popular time to try to stop."

The brand is hoping that this campaign will lead smokers on the path to vaping for good.

Miguel continued: "Doctors recognise that smokers have a much higher chance of quitting if they receive adequate support. Vaping mimics the experience of smoking - making it an ideal solution for those who are sick of cigarettes but just can't quit with gum or patches.

"The vaping industry has had to endure years of scare-mongering and unfair claims, so to finally have validation from Public Health England among other bodies, such as the Royal College of Physicians[1], was a major milestone not only for e-cigarette brands, but for smokers, too."

Figures from public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) showed that, between 2012 and 2014, the number of e-cig users rose from 700,000 to 2.1 million, equating to a three-fold increase. Meanwhile, Smoking in England has reported that the prevalence of cigarette smoking continues to steadily decline, falling from almost a quarter of adults in 2007 to 18 per cent in 2015 - accounting for approximately 10 million people.

The Great VIP Giveaway will launch with a series of teaser trailers from Friday 4 December, with the official advert airing on ITV1 on Wednesday 9 December after the 9pm watershed. Viewers will be given a special code - the first 10,000 new customers to redeem the code on VIP's website will receive free vaping kits, worth £29.99 each.

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1. https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/news/rcp-statement-e-cigarettes

About VIP

VIP endeavours to be the premier provider of electronic cigarettes and related products in the UK and selected other markets by delivering the highest value to customers and employees. VIP strives to pursue new growth opportunities and continues to improve profitability while remaining a socially responsible and ethical company.

Launched under Must Have Ltd. in 2009, the VIP brand was one of the first e-cigarette divisions to be established in the UK. Extensive research and feedback obtained from cigarette smokers was used to assist in the development of VIP Electronic Cigarette products.



Headquartered in Manchester, VIP has now become one of the largest independent e-cigarette brands in Europe operating via multiple channels consisting of 200+ dedicated outlets throughout UK, Ireland and Spain, retail distribution network and e-commerce.

Website: http://www.vipelectroniccigarette.co.uk/

VIP was taken over in April 2014 by ECIG. Electronic Cigarettes International Group (ECIG), formerly Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corporation.

VIP was the first brand to screen a television advert for e-cigarettes last November, causing outrage among some health campaigners who felt it 'glamorised' smoking, despite the advert showing a woman exhaling e-cigarette vapour.

About ECIG

Electronic Cigarettes International Group (ECIG) is dedicated to providing a compelling alternative to traditional cigarettes for the more than 1 billion current smokers around the world. ECIG is a fast growing independent electronic cigarette company, and owns the trademarks VAPESTICK®, FIN®, Victory®, VIP®, and others. The Company owns multiple subsidiary companies and has operations in North America and Western Europe. ECIG offers consumers a full product portfolio that incorporates product quality and the latest technology.

Website: http://www.ecig.co

SOURCE VIP