Following its recent acquisition of Bennetts, Hughes Electrical has launched a new business supply brand aimed at trade and business customers, which will trade as TED or Trade Electricals Direct. The company plans to open seven TED branches at the following locations: Norwich, which will also become national headquarters; Ipswich; King’s Lynn; Peterborough; Colchester; Birmingham and Chelmsford, which will cover London.

The Labour party has announced a four-point plan to save Britain's high streets. The proposals include enacting a temporary cut in VAT and introducing a retail diversity planning clause to give local people a say on any retail plans for their area.

CE accessory specialist Techlink International is to sell directly to independent retailers in the future. In the past, Techlink has served the independent channel via national distributor Lawton. However, due to the recent closure of Lawton it have decided to take the opportunity to reconsider the way in which it serves and can grow this important sector of the market. At the same time Neil Drain, formerly MD of Lawton will join the organisation to help manage the new division.

The 2011 Independent Business Awards proved to be a wonderful night of celebration – judging by the messages the IER team received from those of you who spent this evening with us. From the nominations received for the 22 awards, the winning products, campaigns and personal awards it was clear that despite the toughest market conditions experienced in decades the industry hasn’t stopped innovating and supporting its independent dealers who in exchange demonstrated their business acumen and superb professionals skills.

Hotpoint continues celebrating its 100th year anniversary – this month with the launch of a new microsite illustrating the brand’s history. The website, www.hotpoint100.co.uk which looks back at Hotpoint through the years from the launch of its first product, an iron which was ‘hot at the point’ in 1911, through to its latest range of A++ energy efficiency Aqualtis washing machine.

At its summer product showcase Group SEB, the parent company of SDA brands such as Tefal, Krups and Rowenta, demonstrated its latest product innovations. New from Tefal was ActiFry Plus, the third generation of the healthy fryer which cooks a kilo of chips in one spoonful of oil. ActiFry Plus, now available in white and black, has a 1.2kg capacity and is positioned between the 1kg ActiFry original and ActiFry Family with 1.5kg capacity.

Smart TV represents a huge opportunity for the industry but can CE, IT and content providers work together to overcome the challenges? Richard Stevenson reports.

With its anti-allergy design, SEBO’s X4 is the perfect vacuum cleaner for a nursery. What’s more, its repetitive and rhythmic sound can help settle a baby, claims the manufacturer.

The distinctive feature of the latest dishwasher from Smeg is its handle-less design. It is a perfect complement to many contemporary handle-less kitchen furniture ranges on the market.

At just below 1.2kg and 16.65mm slim, the new VAIO Z is the perfect partner for business travellers who require ultimate power with less to carry.

The new Culisense oven from AEG combines the expertise of hundreds of professional chefs. The oven is equipped with a database of recipes and sensors that can detect the weight and volume of the food to be cooked - calculating the right cooking temperature and time.

The Qosmio F750 3D, the latest laptop from Toshiba can display 3D images without the need for 3D glasses.

The JF208 Curved TV stand is the latest addition to the Jual Furnishings Curve range of audio visual furniture. The JF208 combines real walnut wood veneers and modern piano black glass and it supports TVs from 37in to 50in and up to 80kg.

The new audio system from JVC, the UX-VJ5/UX-VJ3, comprises a slim, vertical centre unit and a pair of speakers, that can connect and charge iPad and iPhone or iPod side-by-side. The centre holds CD, USB host, PC input, FM/AM tuner, and also hides two secret docks behind the simple design.

The STREAM 105 from Roberts is the company’s first internet only radio, that is compatible with ROBERTS’ new iPhone / iPod touch app; ConnectR.

Polti is the European leader in steam-powered domestic appliances. David Thompson, Polti’s UK commercial director, told Anna Ryland how the company is planning to ensure that its eco technology is more widely adopted by British consumers.

New TVs from Sony deliver increased Internet content and functionality, enhanced 2D and 3D viewing, and smart connectivity features

Is 3D the next big leap forward in consumer electronics? Not surprisingly, manufacturers, retailers, broadcasters and movie studios hope that it is. All the major consumer electronics manufacturers now offer an array of 3D products including, TVs, Blu-ray players, camcorders and digital cameras. But some consumers remain unconvinced about the merits of 3D, and the different 3D technologies adopted by manufacturers have led to some confusion and hesitation.

With the EU proposing that Member States should achieve energy saving measures by imposing obligations on suppliers or by other means, Douglas Herbison, chief executive of AMDEA, reiterates the arguments for offering consumers a financial incentive to buy more efficient domestic appliances.

It really does seem to be a vibrant time to be in the small electricals game, if features, colour and design are anything to go by.

Usually with a trends-led article like this one, looking to see what is driving this diverse sector, the responses are often fairly predictable, albeit welcome, with the main brands highlighting where they think the market is going and why.

Managing debt effectively is particularly important in a recession. An IT system offering debt management capabilities can safeguard the company’s future, advises Sonu Kundi, commercial director of Cromwell Business Systems.

The Independent Business Awards 2011 were held at the Forest of Arden Hotel, Warwickshire, on 23 June 2011. The winners of this year’s Awards, organised annually by the Independent Electrical Retailer and voted for by the independent  retailers – the readers of the IER magazine, collected 22 awards in 10 categories.

Satellite TV, even with one dish, does not have to be confined to Sky or Freesat. With a relatively inexpensive set-up, a wide range of other programmes can be received.