Humax, the digital TV recorder and set-top box specialist, has launched Humax Trade, a new initiative designed to support independent electrical retailers across the UK.  The service will be underpinned by a dedicated online portal: www.humaxtrade.co.uk, providing registered Humax Trade retail partners with product information, advice and support.

Armour Home has been appointed by Scandyna International of Denmark, to be the exclusive UK distributor of their Scandyna range of loudspeakers and matching iPod-related electronics.

The Indesit Group has just unveiled its latest product propositions in its three leading brands: Indesit, Hotpoint and Cannon.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed a one month delay in the implementation date of the Battery Directive for retailers which were originally scheduled for 1 January 2010. The BRC has been campaigning for the postponement of the original date as it would create a New Year nightmare for shops. It comes at retailers' busiest time of the year and is precisely the same time they are expected to cope with the task of reversing last year's VAT cut - the BRC has already called on the Chancellor to use next week's budget to announce he will delay the VAT increase by at least a month. 

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has launched a new, universal on-pack recycling label which will provide customers with standardised information on whether packaging can be recycled. The single, industry-supported, label replaces the potentially confusing range of symbols previously used. The new label will have three categories depending on how local authorities will accept packaging for recycling: widely recycled, check local recycling and not currently recycled.

Whirlpool UK has appointed Ian Railton as managing director.  Previously commercial director, Ian takes the reins from Paolo Conte who has returned to Whirlpool Europe HQ.

The recent announcement of the Budget left the retail industry disappointed, which is perhaps what could have been expected at a time when the Government's priority is to deal with the global economic mess. The job creation measures, such as places on training schemes for everyone under the age of 25 out of work for 12 months, were welcome.

Roberts' Revival radio was one of the prizes donated in support of the Willow Foundation's fundraising Keepsake exhibition and auction held at the SW1 Gallery in London in April. Hardeep Singh Kohli, best known for his appearances on the One Show, was one of the star supporters of the Willow Foundation's work which provides special days and creates precious memories for seriously ill 16-40 year olds.

Toshiba UK is bullish about the future after announcing that is has reversed the decline in its TV share, following a restructure of the company.

PURE has teamed up with The Energy Saving Trust and retra to launch its ‘Less than a Light Bulb' campaign, which underlines the energy saving credentials of its radios to the consumer.

Baumatic's new 60cm integrated oven (the POM9651SS) features a unique rotating ‘joystick' operation which makes it very easy to use. The oven has also built-in ‘intelligent' fuzzy logic technology which can recommend the cooking function, the cooking temperature and the duration to cook a dish to perfection, leaving nothing to chance. Baumatic has included 20 of the most popular European dishes in this model's saved recipes, leaving capacity to save 16 of the user's favourites in the memory. 

The new Loewe Art SL HD TV combines first-class technology and an elegant design making it Loewe's slimmest TV to date.  With a profile of just 89.9mm, the new model features a Full-HD resolution of 1,080 x 1,920 pixels, 100 Hz technology and 24p motion picture display.

The Slimline range of mounts from Peerless - which is only 8.4mm deep - is almost invisible once installed.

The new REGZA SV series is the most advanced Toshiba LCD TV model on the UK market. The range is the first-ever to combine Toshiba's Resolution+ technology, Active Vision M200HD picture processing and an LED backlight - delivering extremely high quality images.

Whirlpool's new Filo gas hobs offer designer looks and maximum integrated flexibility. They have a one-piece base plate that fits flush into the worktop for a streamlined look and offers the consumer a choice of styles, widths and features. The range comprises three 40cm models (ACM 424, ACM433 and ACM 435), two 120cm models (ACM 427 and ACM 437), a 90cm offering (AKM489) and a 116cm hob (AKM293). All models except the ACM433 have wok burners, while the 40cm and 120cm hobs also offer the choice of cast iron or ‘silver' pan supports.

Stove's Richmond SXS is a range cooker with a twist. It has two tall ovens offering a combined cooking capacity of 152 litres.

The body of the Ultra Silencer Green - Electrolux latest eco vac - is made out of recycled materials (55%) that's why it's only available in black. The recycling process saves 90% of energy compared to the production of these pieces from virgin plastic.

Home-tek's new iron is an answer for all those who wish to travel light but need to look smart at their destination. Weighing only 712g (including plug and 2m mains lead) the Home-tek Light‘n'Easy travel iron/garment steamer has a rubberised coating on the handle for safe grip, a stainless steel soleplate, translucent water tank and a travel pouch

Vogel's, Dutch manufacturer of innovative audio-visual mounting solutions, operating in Europe for over 35 years, has launched its own distribution company in the UK - Vogel's Product UK - which is bringing to Britain the company's latest offer, the 8000 Series.

At its recent trade event in Birmingham, Samsung showcased a wide range of products which in the words of Andy Griffiths, Samsung vice-president of consumer electronics, were to reflect "the solutions to the money which is still available in the market. Preparing this showcase we wanted to indicate to the trade what is still possible out there, and how we can survive this recession together."

One of the important roles for any trade association is involvement in official and unofficial consultations with the government - which these days means dealing with institutions both in London and Brussels.

Families today lead busier lives than ever and demand harder working washing machines. The entire Hoover laundry range has been designed with the very latest technology to help make our customers' laundry chores easier.

In general, the market for January to December 2008 was down when compared to the same period for 2007. Washing machines were down 2.6% in value and 3.7% in volume. Tumble dryers were down 1.8% in value and 4.0% in volume. This may have been in part due to the increase in price points, with the average washing machine retailing for £292.40 against £289.12 the previous year, an increase of 1.1%. Tumble dryers were up considerably more, £197.07 against £192.60 the previous year - an increase of 2.3% per unit (source: GfK).

Gorenje's B-rated D72325BK condenser dryer reflects the trend for high-tech tumble drying, as it features an internal light as well as humidity sensor control, which gives users the option of cupboard or bone dry laundry. It also makes this an extremely energy-efficient appliance as it only uses the minimum amount of power to dry the load efficiently and automatically stops the cycle when it reaches the desired level of humidity.

New from De Dietrich is an 8kg A+ washing machine with ICS (Intelligent Control System) technology. Available in black or stainless steel, it features sensors that gauge the process of saturation between synthetic and non-synthetic clothing with a choice of light, regular or soiled options. It will then determine the programme, temperature and duration of the wash, together with the correct spin speed. The machine then constantly monitors the load and adjusts itself when required to use the least amount of water and energy.

The Government recently outlined its proposals in the final consultation document for how the Batteries Directive will operate in the UK. Its proposals have left those that are obligated by the new legislation confused and concerned. Producers are claiming that the Government's proposals need much further thought and modification before the directive is introduced if the UK is to hit the stringent collection and recycling targets expected of it.

Before, the current economic downturn, it was predicted that 2008 would be the year of the Digital-SLR camera and that the compact camera market would face its first real challenge after sales reached a peak in 2007. This has proved to be the case, says Cedrid Mertes, GfK account manager for photo/imaging panel, who comments: "Year-on year, the D-SLR segment has maintained the sales of the global camera market in the UK, while the compact market has reached maturity and so relies on replacement sales. Especially in a crisis period, product categories relying on replacement sales have more difficulties".

Good news stories in retail are hard to find at the moment, so the relative success of John Lewis made headlines last month.  Group pre-tax profits in the year to January fell by 26%, but that was a resilient performance and so 69,000 staff received a bonus of 13% (down from twenty).

The kitchen is becoming the heart of the home and the place for social gatherings and family time, therefore the noise level of a cooker hood should be no more than 55Db on the low speed. Many of Elica's new range of cooker hoods feature Elica Deep Silence, EDS3, providing exceptional quietness at airflow speeds of up 900 m3/h

A 90CM traditionally designed range cooker with a twist from cooking appliance brand, Stoves.  The SXS has 2 tall ovens offering an enormous combined cooking capacity of 152 litres, making it the most spacious range oven currently available in the UK market. In addition to the sheer quantity of cooking capacity on offer, the large SXS also boasts a unique, separate, slide out central Thermo Plate System. Cleverly disguised, the tall compartment slides out from the centre of the range cooker if pressed gently, and can hold and warm up to 8 large plates.

Oven cleaning is one of the most hated chores in the home and is a task that is often neglected rather than tackled. Looking after your oven is important if you want to keep it working in tip top condition. But at Zanussi, we know that not everyone wants to spend their precious time on hands and knees trying to get the oven spic and span. That is why we offer pyrolytic cleaning on our top of the range multifunction oven Zanussi ZYB594X. 

Beko, a leading UK appliance manufacturer, is to launch a range of built-in ovens and hobs with the same high quality approach to products that has seen them enjoy rapid growth in the freestanding sectors.  The Beko built-in range, available to retailers from May 2009, includes ovens and hobs as well as a selection of fully integrated cooling and dishwashing products.  This new collection of appliances, in stainless steel, black or white colour options, has been designed to match a variety of kitchen furniture and layouts, make life in the kitchen easier and cater for various budget needs. 

Big on features as well as style, the 90EDO from New World is a 90cm range cooker offering plenty of cooking capacity, an impressive 136 litres in total. Boasting a 5-zone ceramic hotplate, a large fanned oven with electric grill, a smaller conventional oven and a handy storage compartment, the 90EDO is perfect for both family cooks and aspiring chefs. The 90EDO also comes complete with an LED clock and minute minder avoiding under- or over-cooking. This electric range is also designed to take the strain out of cleaning as it is coated with easy clean enamel so that the user can simply wipe the oven clean.

When Neff introduced the totally unique SlideAway oven door that disappears from view under the oven, it took the UK market by storm.  And it has continued to make waves ever since, thanks to its highly innovative door mechanism that moves aside to provide extra space in the kitchen.

Cookers

Smeg SY4110BL / SY4110WH - 110cm Symphony dual fuel four cavity range cooker in white or black - Features 6 Burners, 8 functions, 55 litre capacity and AA Energy Rating