COMPETITION COMMISSION’S FINAL REPORT ‘NOT ENOUGH’ SAYS BHETA

The creation of a new strengthened and extended Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) and a recommendation by the Competition Commission (CC), in its final report into UK groceries retailing, to establish an independent Ombudsman to oversee and enforce the code ‘will do little to assist or protect the non-food manufacturers who supply UK grocery retailers in ever increasing numbers’.

This is the view of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), as voiced by its chief executive officer David French, whose members supply a wide range of housewares, brush and DIY products to UK grocery retailers.

“As the grocery retailers increase their non-food offer, our members face exactly the same concerns as those food suppliers this report seeks to assist and protect, but the CC has not widened its brief to include non-food suppliers in its recommendations, which is very short-sighted,” David commented.

“If the terms of reference for both these recommendations were to be extended to cover all types of suppliers to grocery retailers, then we would actively support them in line with our policy of encouraging members to follow business best practice and agree mutually equitable trading terms with retailers which afford consumers the best possible quality/price ratio on the ranges of products they supply.

“However, as they stand these recommendations specifically exclude suppliers of:
‘food and alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks sold for consumption in the store where it is purchased, petrol, clothing, DIY products, financial services, pharmaceuticals, newspapers, magazines, greetings cards, compact discs, video and audio tapes, toys, plants, flowers, perfumes, cosmetics, electrical appliances, kitchen hardware, gardening equipment, books, tobacco and tobacco products’. Given the supermarkets growing presence in all these product sectors, to continue these exclusions, is clearly not in the suppliers or consumers best interests, and will only create a two tier system which will add unnecessary complexity and cost.”

BHETA will therefore continue to lobby the CC to widen its brief to include non-food suppliers within its recommendations.

Bahco PX & PXR ergonomic pruners – Product Review

The ergonomic pruner improves your Comfort Safety Health Efficiency
All pruning professionals are at risk of developing aches and pains through repeating the same motion thousands of times a day during the whole pruning season. Those pains, commonly called Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), account for a large part of work related illnesses in the horticultural industry.

The design of the ergonomic pruners results from five years of scientific research and user testing all over the world.

The benefits of this new design can be felt in two major advantages: less fatigue at the end of the day and a less painful, longer and more productive working life.

The main features of the ergonomic pruners are:

Vertical and lateral inclinations that help the user to keep arm and hand straight in line. Those angles then avoid pains on tendons and nerves while cutting thus reducing tennis elbow type pain – Epicondilytis – and wrist pains – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The flowing shape of the handles has emerged from serious study of how pruners are used. They spread the load more evenly and concentrate pressure points away from sensitive zones and nerve centers.

The elastomer coating on the upper handle gives a better grip and spreads the pressure over a larger surface. The user also requires less effort to hold the tool all day long.

Different sizes and types of cutting heads are available as are different strengths of springs. In addition to this a hand measuring system and different size handles allow for a nigh on made-to-measure pair of pruners.

At the recent Garden Press Event 2008 at the RHS Halls in Westminster on January 29, I was given a sample of the Bahco PX-M2 version of those ergonomic pruners by Richard Hayter, the representative on the Bahco stand.

I have tried so-called ergonomic pruners before from different makers but found most of them not very good and even more difficult and tiresome to use then the straight-forward versions so I probably was a little apprehensive at first with this one, and must have appeared somewhat like that to Richard Hayter as well, but...

Well, this is one of the best pairs of pruners that I have handled in years, and I do mean THE BEST, and as a professional I tend to handle quite a variety of different makes.

For the test I have used the pruners for a number of days and must say that I cut branches well above the cutting limit, e.g. green Elm of around on inch in diameter (25mm plus) and it cut that without much of an effort in strength applied and half an inch or below, around the 10mm mark, one does not even notice that one is doing it. I must remember to keep my little finger well clear of the blades here.

The handles fit so well that the pruners become an extension of the user's hand and the work is done rather effortless. That is, however, not surprising seeing that one is measured to the pruners. Cutting is, as said, absolutely effortless and one hardly notices that one is doing it.

This is the first pair of bypass pruners, methinks, which would make pruning roses, shrubs, trees or vines fun rather than a chore.

A definite recommend I can but put to this tool. A definite must for the professional gardener, forester and vintner.

The retail price is not low, that is for sure, with nigh on the, so I understand, 50 GBP mark, but then one gets a tools that is well designed and makes life and work easier and with a lifetime warranty one gets quality too.

Reviewed by Michael Smith (Veshengro), February 2008



Over 100,000 visitors flock to Grand Designs Live London

A new nine-day stint, an exciting TV event and hundreds of cutting-edge exhibitors draw in the crowds

www.granddesignslive.com

Over 102,000 visitors flocked to Grand Designs Live London (3-11 May 2008), the multi-award winning consumer exhibition for homes, gardens, design and innovation. In an unprecedented move, the event changed from its traditional three-day format, to run over nine days, including a bank holiday Monday.

Allied to the event was a major peak-time TV show for Channel 4 (Grand Designs Live and Grand Designs Today) was also broadcast in and around the exhibition - amassing 11 hours of live coverage from ExCeL London. This partnership led to a further strengthening of the Grand Designs brand and ensured that the exhibition and TV show gained mutually beneficial exposure.

Kevin McCloud, commented: "The show looked extraordinary. It's our fourth year and it's quantum leaps ahead of where we've been before. It was bigger and better, with more features, more interesting products and design. I really believe it's something else. Another planet. Planet Grand Designs!"

The multi award-winning exhibition remains the only contemporary design exhibition, offering visitors the chance to buy, build and furnish a house all under one roof. This year saw even more features, more celebrities, including: Kevin McCloud, Janet Street Porter, John Burton Race, David Bellamy, Melanie Sykes and Denise Van Outen, and more expert advice than ever before.

The event, which launched in 2005, has evolved into a spectacularly vibrant show and changed the face of the homes and interiors exhibition industry forever. Visitors were able to meet experts, gather ideas and purchase everything from door handles to houses.

Victoria Bolton from West Hampstead said: "This is a seriously impressive event, I've never been to such an exciting exhibition. I came away with millions of ideas and even had a chance to speak to a designer about my home project."

ExCeL London was transformed to make visitors feel a part of the whole Grand Designs experience the minute they arrived. Budding designers were encouraged to realise their dream projects with a wide array of stands to browse, show-stopping features.

Visitors packed themselves into the seminar theatre to hear talks from industry and celebrity speakers including, Kevin McCloud, Diarmuid Gavin and Jason Bradbury, who wowed audiences with their specialist knowledge, top tips and expert advice.

What's more, this year, the Royal Victoria Square outside ExCeL London was transformed into an interactive village of brand new dwellings. Grand Village comprised of five exceptional houses, including 'The House That Kevin Built' which was completed on Friday 9 May. Visitors were able to split their day between the vibrant halls of the exhibition and Grand Village to explore the showcased buildings which including, Eco Pod, No.1 Lower Carbon Drive, The Log House Company and the Clear Glass House.

Lee Newton, managing director of show organiser Media 10, said: "I'm immensely proud of Grand Designs Live London and know we have created an exhibition that inspires and excites visitors the minute they arrive. This year, we have seriously upped the ante, creating an exhibition that truly reflects the Grand Designs brand, attracting a fantastic spread of visitors."

We feel that the move from three to nine days has changed the face of the consumer events market - this success proves that with determination, vision and creativity events can develop and expand instead of consolidating. We feel that Media 10 has once again raised the bar in the events world and we will continue to improve this show year after year. Next year we are growing again - to 10 days - which shows that this venture superseded even our ambitions"

Village life on a grand scale at Grand Designs Live London 2008

Five zero carbon, energy efficient new builds at ExCeL London

www.granddesignslive.com
Ticket hotline: 0871 230 5577

This year, the Royal Victoria Square at ExCeL London will play house and home to a village of brand new dwellings. As part of Grand Designs Live London (3 – 11 May), Grand Village will comprise of exceptional houses situated just outside ExCeL London’s West entrance.

The showcased buildings include, Eco Pod, No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive, The Log House Company, The Clear Glass House and ‘The House That Kevin Built’. Never before have so many innovative building techniques been bought together in one place.

Eco Pod
Committed to producing a range of modern, comfortable eco homes, Eco Pod will be building environmentally friendly dome-shaped pods, which have an individual feel and achieve a zero-carbon rating with minimal impact on the environment. The ‘Pods’ utilise systems such as solar water heating, wind power, photovoltaic cells, superb insulation and hot air recovery, cutting energy requirements and heating costs by up to 90 per cent, producing virtually zero CO² emissions.

No. 1 Lower Carbon Drive
Part of the Green Homes service launched by The London Development Agency, No.1 Lower Carbon Drive is a life-size building, modelled after a typical, pre-war London terrace house. The exhibit illustrates ways in which Londoners can tackle climate change from their home and is divided into six different zones, focused on energy, ventilation, appliances, water, recycling and insulation. It demonstrates how certain products, technologies and habits can be adopted to reduce the average six tonnes of carbon dioxide a similar house emits in a year.

The Log House Company Ltd
A more traditional, but equally sustainable building, is the log house from The Log House Company Ltd, which uses Douglas fir trees from managed woodland in Suffolk. Manufactured by the first company in the UK to comply with new building regulations for residential buildings, the log house is both pleasing to the eye and the environment. The bespoke Grand Design will be built by The Log House Company Ltd, with VELUX being fundamentally involved in the design.

Clear Glass House
Clear Glass Structures has developed a sustainable, ready-to-go ‘GlassPod’. The structurally double-glazed panels can be assembled without the need for planning permission, making it a suitable modern garden office or summerhouse. The Glass House comes in three sizes with a self-levelling base and living roof.

The House That Kevin Built
After six series of watching other people cope with the stresses and strains of self-build projects, Kevin McCloud is finally rolling up his sleeves and building a house at Grand Designs Live London in just six days. The House That Kevin Built is an exciting home that has been designed by RIBA award-winning architect Duncan Baker Brown.

Every day, Kevin will invite one of his famous friends - to be revealed on the day - to lend a helping hand.

Once they’ve explored GRANDVillage, visitors will have plenty of time to pick up some fresh ideas and inspiration before hitting GRANDBuild, GRANDInteriors, GRANDKitchen, GRANDBathroom and GRANDGarden inside ExCeL London.



Grand Designs Live London 2008

The UK’s number one consumer show returns for exciting new nine-day stint

www.granddesignslive.com

Ticket hotline: 0871 230 5577

Grand Designs Live London returns to ExCeL London for a fourth year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. In a move from its traditional three-day format, the 2008 exhibition will be held over nine days from 3-11th May. A major peak-time TV show for Channel 4 will also be broadcast from in and around the event.

The multi award-winning show remains the only contemporary design exhibition, offering visitors the chance to buy, build and furnish a house all under one roof. This year sees even more features, celebrities and expert advice than ever before.

Based on Channel 4’s hugely successful Grand Designs series, presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, the live exhibition has gone from strength to strength since launching in 2005. Bringing together over 500 exhibitors, one ticket will provide visitors with access to six inspiring shows:

GRANDInteriors: The most contemporary interior designs from the world of furnishing and decoration including technologies that have never been seen before in the UK.


GRANDBuild sponsored by Velux: The biggest and most comprehensive self-build show in the UK. GRANDBuild helps guide visitors through every step of the build process, from sourcing land and planning, to construction and fittings. The show includes all the latest products and essential advice for those hoping to get their self-build off the ground.


GRANDGardens: All a green-fingered enthusiast should want to make their garden come alive. Expert advice on everything from garden re-design to timber decking and planting schemes as well as all the products needed to make a dream garden into a reality.


GRANDKitchens: Showcasing the newest, most advanced and stylish kitchens from a host of top manufacturers. Expert tips and demonstrations of the latest high tech gadgets and appliances.


GRANDBathrooms sponsored by Bathstore: Encompassing more bathrooms than any other show GRANDBathrooms incorporates cutting-edge design with the hottest new technology including energy-saving sustainable bathrooms.


GRANDVillage: Based outside the west entrance of ExCeL, the Village is one of the most visually impressive features at the show, containing houses from around the world set in its own landscaped garden.

Other features include an awe-inspiring Architectural Salvage exhibit and a mind-boggling House of the Future. For the ecologically pro-active visitors there will be cutting-edge green design, practical advice and inspiring seminars.

The Information Hub will provide visitors with a one-stop-shop for all queries from architecture and building regulations to planning and garden design. A qualified team of specialists will be on hand to offer advice and counsel.

Free seminars will take place at the Grand Designs Seminar Theatre, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Council, with lectures and discussions to inspire budding designers and covering topics such as planning, design, ecology and finance. The schedule covers the six key elements of the show and includes an exciting line up of TV stars, industry experts and Grand Designers from the TV programme.

Grand Designs presenter, Kevin McCloud, commented: “This year Grand Designs Live London is about more. More features, more seminars, more eco solutions, more new ideas. And in 2008 the Grand Design Awards also get a big shot-in-the arm as Channel 4 features the Grand Designs Home of the Year.”


Lee Newton, managing director of Media 10, commented: “Extending the show to nine days is an incredible development as not only will exhibitors achieve more from the longer run but it gives us more scope to build even greater features areas. We are incredibly proud to be opening our doors to Grand Designs Live the television programme.”


FremantleMedia Enterprises Senior Vice President Licensing UK, Dominic Burns, said: "The Exhibition has become a very successful extension of one of our longest running and most loved TV brands. Having won multiple awards in its opening year, it has quickly become the best property exhibition of its type in the UK. We are hugely excited about the exhibition's extended stay at ExCeL in May and the opportunity to welcome even more visitors. "