The March 2010 edition of IER will feature the first of what is anticipated to be a bi-monthly Employment Law Column from Stuart Lawrenson of Shoosmiths. Many of you will have　heard　of Stuart via　retra; he has spoken at retra conferences, run training sessions at their　summer　school and advised many retra members via their helpline. Stuart hopes that his column　will keep you up to date with　both changes to legislation and　key cases, whilst also providing you　with practical advice.

BDC has entered into a distribution partnership with Fratelli Onofri, the specialist Italian range cooker and built-in appliance manufacturer. Fratelli Onofri is known for kitchen appliances that combine technical innovation with traditional Italian style and elegance.

Polish white goods manufacturer Amica has signed a preliminary agreement to sell its laundry and refrigeration plants in Wronki to Samsung Electronics Manufacturing Poland.  Simultaneously, both companies agreed that the South Korean group will sell washing machines and refrigeration products to Amica. It will allow Amica to maintain the supply of the washing and cooling products popular with the UK’s independent retailers and concentrate on the research and development of cooking appliances.

Held in Las Vegas, in the Nevada desert, the world’s largest consumer electronics show was as big as ever this year, with over 2,500 exhibitors and more than 20,000 new products on show. Remaining bullish in the face of the recession, the show attracted more than 120,000 attendees, according to early estimates, marking a substantial increase in visitor numbers from last year.

Consumers looking for HDTV products are spoilt for choice these days, whether it’s an HD Ready set, an HD set-top box or a Blu-ray Disc recorder.

A wide choice

Matt Evans, JVC’s assistant product manager, says: “The market trends show 1080p adoption is growing, which led to us to increase the number of 1080p models in our range – screen sizes range from 19 to 47 in.”

There will always be two types of consumers. “Firstly, there are dedicated green consumers, environmentally conscious shoppers, who have proven that they will remain green during hard times – even if it means paying a little bit more. Then there is the average cash-strapped consumer for whom saving cash is king. For these individuals going green is a bonus, but saving money and lowering their household running costs will always be the deal-breaker,” explains Jonathan Casley, sales and marketing director, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances.

Barry Jenkins has transformed his business several times over the last thirty years.  A passionate surfer, who used to take part in international competitions, he started out manufacturing fibreglass surf boards and exporting them to France. In winter when the demand was slack he produced swimming pool furniture for hotels. His next business venture was souvenir retailing at the time when Jersey was a bucket and spade holiday destination. He had five shops at one stage. When tourism in Jersey started to decline he developed the photographic side of the business. “I expanded the range of cameras and started bringing in more audio products – radios and recorders – and eventually we ceased all other businesses and concentrated on what we do now.” The company was renamed Fotosound to reflect it. It is now linked to two associated businesses: a photographic shop – Digital Photo Centre – and Telefitters, specialising in installations of televisions and audiovisual equipment.

Of all the consumer electronics products the one which consistently turns in the biggest business for the independent dealer is large-screen TV. It also offers the most and the best opportunities for trading up – in turns of product upgrade, service and accessories. And I’m not thinking only of stands and leads, important though they are...