BSH Home Appliances Ltd, the home of the Bosch, Neff, Siemens and Gaggenau kitchen appliance brands, has announced the appointment of Mr. Brendan Bulfin as the company’s new Head of Customer Services in the UK.

Mr. Bulfin joined the company in December 2011 as the successor to Bernhard Vocke who held the post from 2002 to 2011.  Bernhard Vocke has now moved to BSH Head Office in Munich to run all overseas Customer Service operations for the Group.

At the annual suppliers lunch, held this year in the London Dorchester Hotel, Robin Millwood, CIH chairman, said: “In another consecutive poor year in retail, our turnover is only marginally down and this is with fewer members, but in a market place that in some areas is over 10% down. With more cost savings and streamlining, we have managed to reduce the members’ costs as well as maintaining profit in the company.”

Beko is investing heavily in its digital presence with a re-launch of its website (www.beko.co.uk), digital advertising and a series of online competitions.

Belling has announced a 12 month programme of activity for 2012 to celebrate its centenary year. Founded in 1912 by Charles Reginald Belling with capital of just £150, in a shed in Enfield, Belling has become a company with a multi-million pound turnover and more than 1,000 employees in the UK. The celebrations will include the Centenary Collection – a suite of specially designed products, plus a calendar of events for retailers, customers and employees.

Retail expert Mary Portas has published her report on the UK's high streets listing her recommendations for breathing new life into town centres.

The report is a result of a six-month review requested by the Government for which Portas consulted with retailers, councils and trade bodies to identify ways of helping high streets to prosper.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Independent Business Awards the organisers have teamed up with Belling, which is celebrating its 100 year anniversary. Together they are able to offer a golf day, on the spectacular golf course at The Forest Of Arden Hotel, on 20 June 2012.

The Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club, is one of the UK's most impressive golf destinations, featuring two top-class courses.

The focal point of the Belling stand at this year’s BBC Good Food Shows was the Facebook-inspired cooker, a range cooker created using the Facebook profile pictures of Belling’s social media fans, which had visitors queuing up to find their own image. 

Belling, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, has created a cooking world first by taking its Facebook fans’ profile pictures and producing a montage which was printed onto a Belling Classic range cooker.

Bissell, the American floorcare brand, best known in Britain for its deep cleaning appliances, has redesigned its product line-up, with a number of market firsts scheduled for 2012, and has just launched a compelling rental proposition for the independent channel.

The company, founded in 1876 in Michigan by Melville and Anna Bissell, is still a family-run business, managed by Mark Bissell, CEO, the great grandson of the founders.

New research has revealed that an increasing number of consumers intend to cut back on their Christmas spending this year in light of the current economic situation and pressures on domestic budgets.

The GfK Consumer Products and Retail’s Savvy Shopper study found that over a third of consumers (36%) claimed they would be cutting back, 10% more than last year.

Retailer association retra has backed calls for an internet tax to create a level playing field between bricks and mortar and online retailers.

Bryan Lovewell, retra’s chief executive, said the issue of a possible internet tax was discussed in-depth at a recent retra management meeting.

The members of the independent buying group CIH are the stars of its Christmas marketing campaign.

The first burst of the new CIH advertising campaign took place in November, and it will continue for two weeks from Boxing Day onwards. It includes a new TV campaign, new point-of-sale, online activity and a window display competition.

Beko has brought celebrity mum and TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher onboard to back its nationwide Beko Mums United campaign to engage mums in their child’s sporting activities.

Do we still have in Britain electrical companies that not only design their products but also manufacture them in this country? And without importing all components from the Far East? Well, a Yorkshire AV furniture manufacturer Off the Wall proves that this is possible. The company’s founders and directors source all components from local suppliers and exercise total control over the design and manufacturing of its products.

Chinese manufacturer Haier continues to strengthen its position in the UK.

The company has just opened its new offices in Westgate House in West London. The 353m² offices and product showroom offer easy access for its trade customers and give the Chinese brand adequate room for expansion.

The retailer’s association, retra, has launched retra Install, a new division to attract installers to the organisation’s membership. The association is looking to recruit installers from the custom installation market, but it also plans to recruit those that already work on behalf of retra members.

Andrew O’Gorman, a director of Oxfordshire-based business O’Gormans, is the new president of retra. Mr O’Gorman has succeeded Steve Norman, the former commercial director of rental company Boxclever.

Mr O’Gorman said: “I am looking forward to the challenge and feel very proud to have been asked to perform the role again in retra’s 70th year.

PURE has previewed its latest offer, PURE Music, a cloud-based on-demand music service that allows the user to discover, explore and listen to millions of music tracks through any of PURE’s internet-connected digital radios, a smartphone or a computer, for a monthly subscription of £4.99.

Linsar is launching a Christmas window display competition for its retailers starting 1 November in two categories – for small independent retailers and for larger outlets. Each top shop will win a weekend for two in Paris next year. Second prizes in each category will be a special gourmet dinner for two at a local 5-star hotel.

“Independent dealers have always been a vital part of Neff’s business,” said Mike Jarrett, sales director of Neff. That’s why the brand will again be sponsoring the Best Independent Retailer Award in the IBA 2012.

“We want to recognise those independent dealers who go the extra mile for their customers. We introduced the Neff Accredited Appliance Retailer Scheme a couple of years ago for the very same reason,” explained Mr Jarrett.

Samsung is setting its sights on becoming the number one white goods manufacturer in Europe, and also aims to become the world’s number one domestic appliances brand. The Korean manufacturer opened its first European factory - Samsung Electronics Manufacturing Poland (SEPM) – in 2010 in Wronki in western Poland following the acquisition of a manufacturing plant from Polish brand Amica.

In the fifth year of its involvement with WorldSkills, the world’s greatest international skills competition for young people, Samsung will be looking ‘beyond tomorrow’ - providing inspiration for the development of vocational skills in young people around the world.

LG, Philips and Sharp will work together on defining common technical requirements for their Smart TVs, based upon open standards such as HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV. The group’s first step will be to introduce the first beta version of a common Software Development Kit (SDK), which highlights the need to define the technical requirements that would allow content developers to create a single application that can run on Smart TVs from LG, Philips and Sharp Aquos Net+.

Responding to the concerns of the independent repair companies that face an increasing burden of service provision for fast diminishing returns, DASA, the Domestic Appliance Service Association, has organised an annual conference to discuss these issues. It will be held, alongside its AGM, in the Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough on 10 November 2011.

Consumer database specialist, All About Response is launching a new initiative programme designed to attract new brand partnerships. AAR gathers data which has been provided by a consumer whilst in a dialogue with a trusted brand from which they have recently made a purchase. The company develops brand partnership surveys which take the form of warranty cards, online registration sites, customer questionnaires and readership surveys.

Gorenje UK has launched a Centre of Excellence scheme, offering enhanced support and commitment to the independent retailer. The scheme has been introduced to benefit both the retailer and the consumer. The retailer gains increased marketing and sales support while the consumer will be able to familiarize themselves with Gorenje appliances in dedicated showrooms where they will receive in-depth product information and first class customer service.

At the Awards Dinner marking the end of its trade show, AGM and the September Golf Tournament, Sirius Buying Group presented its annual awards to its partners, suppliers and members. The Manufacturer of the Year 2011 title was given to SMEG. The Distriubutor of the Year 2011 accolade was awarded, for the second year running, to D.A.D. – Domestic Appliance Distributors.

Many visitors to this year’s IFA commented that the solutions, both in the consumer electronics and domestic appliances field, showcased there were genuine innovations (for full IFA report turn to page 12). Sony’s Personal 3D viewer, LG’s PenTouch TV, Toshiba’s glasses-free 3D autostereoscopic TV and LG’s SBS with Smart Manager food system that with the help of a mobile phone updates the owner on the contents of their fridge – are just some examples.

Vogel’s has just unveiled its new brand strategy that aims to create greater consumer engagement with the company’s products transforming them from a low interest to a high interest category. The new strategy, Expanding Experiences, has been based on extensive market research into consumer buying behaviour carried out by the manufacturer in 2011.

Sky has unveiled its new strategy for the independent channel which aims to create a 300-strong independent dealer network in the UK. It will focus on delivering a first-rate specialist service to Sky customers. Sky is looking for retailers to join the Sky team and become their recommended Sky approved retailers for their local region. Successful applicants will have a reputation as the best audio visual specialist in their region, delivering a complete sale and specialist install service to their customers.

CIH has called for government action following the recent announcement that shoppers drifted away from the high street between May and July. According to the Springboard’s footfall study, the high street has seen the highest drop in footfall during the last 12 months of 2.6%.

For the third successive year, BSH Customer Service has won Domestic & General’s Total Excellence and Quality (TEQ) customer service award for its Bosch, Neff, Siemens and Gaggenau brands. In the annual independent survey of over 420,000 customers who had an engineer’s visit in the last 12 months, 94.8% rated BSH Customer Service as excellent or good in the white goods manufacturers’ category.

The August riots in London and other cities north and south of the capital shook the society to the core. Yet it was the retail industry that suffered most from the mindless violence and destruction – with both electrical independents and multiple stores being the targets of looters and vandals. The question to which no one could find an answer at the time was: Why did this outburst of violence happen? What did the rioters hope to achieve?

The Whirlpool Corporation will be celebrating its centenary on 11 November 2011. Its origins date back to 1911 when the Upton Machine Company in Benton Harbor, Michigan, produced its first electric motor-driven wringer washer. The company grew through mergers and acquisitions to become the Whirlpool Corporation as we know it. Today Whirlpool is the world’s leading manufacturer of major domestic appliances, selling an appliance somewhere in the world every second.

Celebrating its eightieth anniversary this Christmas, Roberts has made its seasonal offer special with ten new radio models.

BSkyB will be hosting a series of roadshows from the 27 September, dedicated to supporting it’s independent electrical retailer network. The autumn roadshow programme is part of the company’s new strategy to shift sales support away from distributors and large chain stores, in favour of independent retailers. It is looking to build to its network to around 300 independent retailers over the coming months.

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.

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.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances has become the first company to be approved and recommended by the Energy Saving Trust Recommended scheme across all three of its freestanding, built-in and range cooking categories. Almost one hundred products across all three of GDHA’s cooking brands, Stoves, Belling and New World, have been tested against Energy Saving Trust Recommended criteria, set by an independent panel.

On 4th July 2011, the public was encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop to keep their high street alive. Skillsmart Retail and the National Skills Academy for Retail have teamed up with independent retailers and trade associations around the UK, including the Association of Town Centre Management and British Independent Retailers Association, to celebrate diversity on the high street.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova recently made a return to Wimbledon, this time to open the first of the new format Sony Centre retail stores.

The readers’ reaction to my editorial letter in the June 2011 reviewing the merits of internet tax, originally outlined by Tristan Cook in his letter to Vince Cable, was a great surprise. Clearly, many of you feel very strongly about this issue and believe that it should be promptly brought to the industry’s and the government’s attention.

AEG’s Neue Kollektion appliances played a starring role at Taste of London this June in both the AEG Taste Theatre and AEG Cookery school. Over 50,000 visitors, watched some of the capital’s best chefs, including Michel Roux Jnr and Gary Rhodes, rustle up their signature dishes on AEG induction hobs.

At the gala dinner of the Independent Business Awards 2011 in the Forest of Arden Hotel, Warwickshire, the industry cheered the achievements of the electrical goods manufacturers and their independent partners.

Over the next six months, the BSH Group will be introducing a new Dealer Partner Programme involving a number of significant changes to the trading policy for the company’s three brands: Bosch, Siemens and Neff. The new Programmes will aim to differentiate between the appliances in the Bosch, Siemens and Neff ranges.

BSH Customer Service has introduced an online booking system for its customers seeking service assistance for the company’s products.

BSH customers can now book appointments at any time of the day or night via the brand websites: www.bosch-home.co.uk/bookonline; www.siemens-home.co.uk/bookonline; www.neffcustomerservice.co.uk/bookonline.

Samsung has announced an exclusive agreement with David Beckham to be its global brand ambassador for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Beckham will play a key part in raising awareness of Samsung’s sponsorship of London 2012 as a Worldwide Olympic Partner.

I recently received a letter from Devon-based independent retailer, Tristan Cook, owner of Sparkworld ltd, who, feeling very strongly about the demise of the high street, has written to Vince Cable.  Mr Cook considers the internet to be the main culprit contributing to the slow death of the high street as we know it. He argues that the current business set up of internet traders does not maintain a level playing field for all retailers.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances has launched a new in-store support initiative for independent retailers selling GE Appliances to help communicate the benefits and features of its side-by-side refrigeration products to consumers.

It provides extra training, signage and point of sale materials to those retailers displaying at least three products. 

The UK economy will slowly emerge from the recession in 2011, but growth will be patchy and slow, according to the CBI’s latest economic forecast.

Despite a squeeze on household income, and public spending cuts, the CBI expects this year’s GDP growth rate to be 1.7%, marginally lower than the previous forecast of 1.8%. Growth of 2.2% is expected in 2012, down slightly from February’s forecast of 2.3%.

Indesit Company will be running its training roadshows again this year, giving retailers the opportunity to learn about Indesit and Hotpoint’s extensive range of new products (see page 12 for a full report from the Indesit 2011 product launch). The company’s training team will be visiting 14 locations across the UK and Ireland from 30 May to 6 July and, in all, more than 1,000 retailers and their staff are expected to attend.

A cross brand electrical industry taskforce has formed, in aid of ‘It’s a Mistry’ – a campaign to raise funds to purchase pre-term baby equipment at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

‘It’s a Mistry’ is bringing together representatives from Dixons Group, Hotpoint, Whirlpool and retail training specialist Beyond The Box in memory of *Priya Mistry*, a former employee of Beyond The Box, and her new born son Jayden. Both mother and son lost their fight for life last December, as Priya suffered a brain haemorrhage at eight months pregnant.

Toshiba is to enter the passive 3D TV market, while also offering active shutter 3D TVs. The Japanese manufacturer has also confirmed that it will launch a glasses-free 3D TV within 12 months.

The maker’s first TVs to feature the passive 3D technology will be the REGZA VL series of LED panels, making Toshiba the second company, after LG, to offer both passive and active 3D TVs.

LG is shortly to launch its next generation 3D televisions with its Cinema 3DTV range which supports the same technology as used in most 3D cinemas.

“This unique LG proposition means that for the first time families and friends alike can enjoy 3D together, without barriers such as the price or necessary charging of battery powered active 3D glasses. This has brought the shared 3D viewing experience normally favoured in the cinema environment directly to the living rooms of consumers,” commented Andy Mackay, LG commercial director, CE Home Appliances & Home Entertainment. In fact, with each Cinema 3DTV set the manufacturer will offer seven pairs of glasses weighing only 16 grammes.

Using a London Soho townhouse as a background, Miele unveiled its S6 range of vacuum cleaners which represent an overhaul of the manufacturer’s models to which a number of new features and user benefits were added to make vacuuming less of a chore.

The new S6 range features a vacuum cleaner to suit all lifestyles including the S6730 Red Velvet with a tactile red ‘velvet’ surface finish, the new S6290 Silence – Miele’s quietest vacuum ever; the S6210 Power for a first-class cleaning performance; the S6240 Ecoline for the energy conscious consumer; and the S6220 Cat & Dog, designed for pet owners. All cleaners in the S6 range have ‘one touch’, gentle rewind mechanisms, HyClean filterbags and Active HEPA filters.

To mark 21 years of trading in the UK, Beko hosted a three-day event at ‘Five’ in Farnborough to thank the trade for its support and launch its latest design range across refrigeration, home laundry and cooking.

The company’s new design style incorporates clear interiors to all cooling and freezing models, new simple and easy to use electronics and ergonomic control panels for washing machines and tumble dryers, and for the cooking a number of consumer benefits including larger ovens with excellent energy ratings.

To oversee the Range Centre initiative for independents, GDHA has appointed Vera Langley and Tracy Linsdell as area sales managers.

Vera, who has been with GDHA for over 12 years, moves over to the Range Centre team from her previous role as area sales manager for kitchen specialists and will cover the north of England. Tracy has four years experience, having worked for GDHA as area sales manager for kitchen specialists. Tracy will focus on the south of England.

Gloucestershire-based distributor DAD recently relocated to a state-of-the-art 120,000 square foot warehouse and new offices in Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, to deliver even better service with a larger stock supply while continuing to keep prices low.

PURE will be running a regional road show for independent retailers throughout summer 2011 to showcase its current product range as well as introduce the new area sales executive for their region.

In addition to product training, the regional events will feature special offers for those attending, and will give the opportunity to discuss the ‘PURE Select’ retail partner programme. PURE Select is a new initiative for independent retailers, aiming to create a top tier of retail locations providing the best PURE in-store experience.

Bigger, broader and even better – that’s what visitors to this year’s IFA electronics and appliances show can expect, say the show’s organisers.

IFA – which runs 2-7 September in Berlin – is already fully booked, and the show will have two new temporary halls to provide additional exhibition space. There are plans to build a new permanent hall for 2014. “IFA is the leading trade fair for consumer electronics and home appliances; it’s the festival of global brands,” said Rainer Hecker, chairman of the supervisory board, gfu, which organises IFA. Rainer was speaking at the IFA Global Press Event in Spain, and he added that smart TV, 3D, HD and tablet devices are some of the major themes at this year’s IFA.

Electrolux has just opened the state of the art AEG Training Academy in Luton. It will offer a range of courses from foundation levels through to a professional level which will run throughout the year. Delegates will have access to the latest models from the AEG Neue Kollektion range.

Big Red Sales will handle nationwide sales of Bandridge and Profigold cable ranges to UK independent retailers and multiples. Bandridge is also introducing a new streamlined ordering and delivery system for its cables and connections for all stores.

Bosch is offering up to £100 cash back on its most energy efficient laundry and cooling appliances until 30 June. Included in the promotion is the Bosch Ecologixx 7 Condenser Tumble Dryer which uses 40% less energy than a standard A-rated dryer.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, has launched a new service brand to make the company’s UK-based maintenance, repair and customer care operation available to companies seeking an outsourced service solution for their appliances and heating products.

Gildas Pelliet has become managing director of Sony UK & Ireland. Having worked for Sony since 1989, Gildas brings many years of experience to the position. Gildas was MD of Sony Italy from 2006 and recently took up the role of SVP Consumer Marketing Europe.

Sony has also announced that Andy Benson, commercial director for consumer and B2B at Sony, will be taking over as the new MD of Sony Nordics from April 2011.

Beko has appointed Chris Fotheringham to the position of contract sales manager for the North of England. Bringing to Beko 18 years of experience in the kitchen industry, Chris’s previous roles include sales manager for both Electrolux and Neff.

Originally commissioned as a Royal Warrant Holders piece, the Union Jack Revival became a hotly sought after model.

Leslie Burrage, chief executive of Roberts Radio, comments: “As soon as it appeared, our phones started ringing off the hook, and a decision was made to put the radio into production. The Union Jack Revival is a limited edition and judging by the overwhelming response so far, we expect this radio to be one of our fastest sellers this year.”

Delegates of this year’s members-only conference will be able to hear from 14 suppliers, during two conference days, representing the brown goods and white goods categories, as well as the accessory market and service companies.

At its annual trade show held this year in the Midlands, LG reported good trading results in the challenging market and a fast increasing penetration of the independent channel.

Opening the event, Andy Mackay, LG commercial director, CE, Home Appliances & Home Entertainment, said that in 2010 LG made substantial progress across all its consumer electronics offerings. Commenting to IER he said: “Areas of excellence include plasma which saw an increase in unit share to 13% and Blu-Ray home cinema systems that saw unit share increase from 3% to 13%. Side by side fridge-freezers posted a 25% increase in the value of year on year sales.

Bennetts, a Norfolk-based leading independent electrical retailer, which employs about 300 staff in 14 stores across the country, including Colchester, Norwich, Martlesham Heath in Suffolk, Bangor and Farnham, has filled for administration.

Electrolux has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the companies in the ranking World’s Most Ethical Companies 2011. The ranking names 110 companies in 38 industries that surpass their industry peers.

Gecko Furniture, a TV & AV furniture manufacturer, has expanded its product range. The Reflect and Impro cabinets are now available in a gloss walnut and black finish. The Omega shaped OME1200 TV stand is also available in the gloss walnut finish.

Samsung Electronics has opened a second Samsung Academy, the Samsung Digital Appliance Academy, in partnership with Birmingham Metropolitan College.

The new Academy will train Samsung Premier Service Centre staff from across the UK and will provide engineers with the opportunity to boost their skill levels. Students in the Academy will study for a City & Guilds approved NVQ Level 2 qualification in Domestic Appliances.

Haier Europe would like to apologise to Indesit Company following the publication of an interview between Jeff Moody, sales and marketing director, Haier UK and Ireland and Anna Ryland, the Editor, in the January issue of IER.

JVC's GS-TD1 will be the world's first full HD 3D consumer camcorder available when it launches this month. It will also be joined by a model that can convert 2D video to 3D.

First announced at the Las Vegas-based CES tech show, the GS-TD1 boasts dual 3.32-megapixel CMOS sensors that enable it to take full HD 3D videos by processing two 1920x1080i images simultaneously. The camcorder also sports a 3.5in screen that can display 3D images without the need for glasses, using the same Parallax barrier technology used by the Nintendo 3DS.

The GE side-by-side fridge freezer dedicated to Prince William and Kate Middleton was created in response to the feedback from GE’s UK fans on Facebook who were asked for the design they would most like to see on one of GE’s newly launched customisable American style fridge freezers.

Alphason has launched a new range of Viewsmart brackets with improved functionality, PoS material and better margins.

The 11-strong range provides the customer with a wide variety of solutions, including flat to wall, tilt and swivel and multi-action options. The new models are very easy to install as they feature spirit level and unique cable management solutions.

Having trained over 2,500 retailers during the past three years, the retailers association has confirmed that its training will continue in 2011.

George Morton, the owner of Top Level Solutions and the provider of retra’s training, says that retailers attend his training courses because they are “completely different” from any sales training that has been done before. “I cover body language – such as how sales staff should stand when they are talking to women, men or couples – or the way in which they shake hands with the customer.“

Beko has appointed Ragip Balcioglu as managing director. Ragip has fourteen years of experience working at Beko and was previously the sales director of the company. Ragip began his Beko career at Arçelik in Turkey, the owner of the Beko and Leisure brands. In 1996 he relocated to Beko Plc as trading manager for the UK business.

BSH Customer Service is introducing an advanced training course, ‘Customer360’, initially for its directly-employed engineers to further improve their customer service skills. BSH won the TEQ Award (Total Excellence & Quality) award for Best Customer Service in the UK white goods industry in 2009 and 2010.

Speaking at Sony’s annual trade show in Scotland, Mohit Parasher, Sony’s new managing director, and Andy Benson, commercial director, identified the last stage of the digital switchover, 3DTV and ‘connected television’ as three main market opportunities in 2011 and called retailers to prepare their stores to be able to take advantage of them.

WE ARE IN SEARCH of Independent Electronic Retailers to take part in this positive, knowledge packed, intimate look into the world of electronic gadgets. Specifically, we are looking for a shop front in which to base the series and big, outlandish, electronics experts to be our ‘gadget team’.

The Gadget Shop for Sky One is a real shop front offering all the best and latest electronic gadgets and toys.  You can walk in and get some advice or buy a great new piece of kit or have something repaired…but this gadget shop is a little bit different, “out back” we have built a specialist electronics warehouse/workshop and testing centre…where any bespoke gizmo can be created.

A recent survey, commissioned by Varta and carried out by OnePoll, revealed that almost a quarter of Brits have more than 10 electronic gadget chargers in their homes. The survey also discovered that almost three quarters of people find all these chargers lying around compromise home safety.

Vogel’s has begun 2011 by introducing new product and pricing initiatives to prove its support for the independent channel.

The new Original Black Series range of mounts provides basic functionality with the quality of design and engineering expected of Vogel’s. Featuring 15 mounts compatible with screens from 14 to 65in, the Original Black Series has been designed and priced to allow independents to successfully compete with cheap imports from China, without compromising on the quality and reliability of the products they sell.

Sith Lord Darth Vader took to the stage at the Las Vegas-based CES tech show to announce that the Star Wars saga will finally be making its Blu-ray debut in September 2011 and is now available to pre-order on Amazon.

Uwe Hanneck has stepped down as CEO of BSH UK after nearly 40 years heading up Neff and the BSH Group. During his career Uwe has chaired many industry bodies, including REPIC, AMDEA and KBB NTG (a government funded industry-training initiative), and has become one of the industry’s most highly respected figureheads.

The organisers of the Independent Business Awards are calling independent dealers, who would like to bring to the industry’s attention their professional achievements, to nominate their companies for the Best Independent Retailer Awards.

The preparations for this year’s Independent Business Awards are gathering momentum. The Awards, which are in their nineteenth year, have the longest heritage of any awards in the electrical industry. They are also unique since they are the only awards programme that recognises the achievements of electrical goods manufacturers as determined and voted for by the independent electrical sector.

The February 2011 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine declared AEG L84950A3 as the overall winner of Tried and Tested Washing Machines. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Verdict on the AEG washing machine includes the following: highest performance score overall, high marks for its low water consumption and most efficient spinner.

D&G’s provides product protection for major domestic appliances, consumer electronics products and central heating systems, and the company handles warranty services for over 150 major UK and international brands.

The recent growth is largely due to a very strong performance by D&G Repair Plus One product. This allows customers to buy a plan that protects them for the immediate breakdown and any subsequent breakdowns of their appliances over the following year.

The Confederation of British Industry forecast a 2.0% growth rate for the UK economy in 2011 and expects that in 2012 the economy will be recovering slightly faster at 2.4%.

Despite many risks to the outlook, and a forecast of particularly fragile growth at the beginning of 2011, the UK recovery is expected to be maintained and the CBI still considers the risk of a double dip back into recession to be low.

After 27 years with Sony Europe, Steve Dowdle, managing director of Sony UK and passionate champion of the industry’s interests, such as retail credit, has decided to take early retirement to pursue family business interests. Steve has made an outstanding contribution to the Sony organisation and the electronics industry. He will be missed not only by the employees of Sony UK but also by the many dealers he has worked with over the years, as well as his colleagues in Europe and Japan.

Acoustic Energy has unveiled a new dealer promotion for the spring period. Customers buying any full size AE loudspeaker or loudspeaker package (from the Neo range upwards) will be able to claim a set of AE’s What Hi-Fi Sound & Vision 5-Star award winning Bluetooth loudspeakers worth £99 free. This promotion aims to drive customers into stores and off-set the expected sales downturn following the VAT rise in January.

Sales on the high street are continuing their upward trend, with strong year-on-year growth in the first half of December, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Growth is expected to slacken slightly in January, however. The survey showed that for December, 67% of retailers said that sales were higher than a year ago. This means there have now been six months of strong sales figures in a row since July.

The Whirlpool Corporation is one of the longest standing partners of Habitat for Humanity, an organisation that supports building projects for disadvantaged families worldwide. The Corporation has helped around 10,000 families, and over 500 Whirlpool employees have volunteered and participated in the house building projects.

Following on from the success of its Voluntary Retailer Initiative (VRI) on TVs earlier this year, the Energy Saving Trust is now launching its second VRI scheme which focuses on IT equipment – laptops, PC, monitors, and printers. The aim of the scheme is to ask retailers to commit to promote the most energy efficient products and to remove the least efficient models from their range.

Armour Home, AV manufacturer and distributor, has announced its plans to consolidate its two businesses, Armour Home and Alphason, into one to “ensure a sound platform for future growth”.

The Alphason brand which accounts for £20+million of the £50+-million group and the most significant part of the new entity, will continue to operate from its production facility in Wigan.

“In a year that has probably been worse than last year, our moving annual turnover is almost exactly the same and this is with fewer members; and with cost savings and streamlining we have managed to reduce the members costs as well as maintaining profit in the company,“ said CIH Chairman Robin Millwood of the Euronics Group’s past trading year at the annual CIH suppliers lunch in London.

More than 100 members of staff at Indesit Company pledged their support for this year’s BBC Children in Need campaign on Friday night. Manning the phones at the company’s Peterborough-based call centre, the team took thousands of donations from across the UK during the live telethon.

Wishing to make healthy cooking at home simple, Sharp has developed its Steamwave, a space-saving countertop steam oven, with built-in microwave and grill functionality.

Sharp’s Steamwave has 18 pre-programmed menu options taking the guesswork out of cooking and allowing consumers to easily cook foods such as rice, pasta, mixed vegetables, fish and gratin.

The latest collection of kettles and toasters from De’Longhi was inspired by the company’s Italian heritage, and in particular its roots in the region of Venice, world famous for its glass manufacturing.

Launched in time for the Christmas season, the Brillante collection, is to add sparkle and glamour to the kitchen.

To increase sales of its Viewsmart range of accessories Alphason is offering its independent retailers a store makeover.

The latest retailer to receive an ‘Alphason Makeover’ is Martin Dawes with its 4,000sq ft showroom in the Warrington Gemini Retail Park. As well as displaying a variety of Alphason’s Viewsmart PoS material around the showroom, a new counter and a display panel has been built sporting the manufacturer’s colours – black and cerise – together with the Martin Dawes branding.

At the outset of Christmas season and at the time when many people suffer from insufficient amount of natural light, PURE launched Twilight – a combined dawn simulator lamp and digital radio.

Offering mood lighting, built-in natural sounds and lullabies as well as a reading light and four independent alarms, Twilight helps its users to get a good night’s sleep and easies them out of bed revitalised and refreshed.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) welcomed a new guide designed to help local business leaders to identify and address any decline in the health of their high street. “Healthy High Street? A healthcheck for high streets and town centres” was launched by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). The BRC, which originally proposed high street health monitoring, assisted with the development of the document.

Steve Norman, commercial director of rental company Boxclever has become the new president of retra, the radio, electrical and television retailer’s association. Mr Norman has succeeded Shaun Barrett, a director of Canterbury-based Barrett’s Digital World.

Retra has welcomed Freeview’s move to include retra members on a new section of the digital terrestrial platform’s website.

From next month, Freeview’s website will include a ‘find a retailer’ section, which will include the retra logo and give consumers the opportunity to locate their local independent retailer. The retailer’s association stepped in after complaints from members of Freeview’s failure to mention independents on its website and in TV advertising for Freeview HD.

ShopJimmy, the North American refurbishing and recycling company has launched its UK operation in Whitney Oxfordshire. Founded in 2007 by Jimmy Vosika, the company’s CEO and ‘Director of Partology’, ShopJimmy US (ShopJimmy.com) has established partnerships with TV repair businesses and technicians across North America gradually outgrowing its 20,000 ft. warehouse in Minnesota.

As an incentive to sell more of its Energy Saving Trust Recommended radios, Pure is giving away whale and dolphin spotting cruises together with other prizes to participating dealers throughout October to December 2010.

Sony UK is offering customers ‘VAT Back’ across its product range in a move to help the nation save money on Christmas presents.

Customers who purchase Sony’s products will pay the full price of the item in-store and then have time until 31 January 2011 to claim the VAT cash back from Sony on purchases made between 28 October and 24 December. The scheme includes 3D televisions and Blu-ray products, full HD AVC Handycams and selected digital cameras, e-Readers, VAIO netbooks and iPod docks.

Showcasing the entire collection of its Green Generation appliances in London and imaginatively illustrating their ecological benefits, Whirlpool demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection.

Opening the presentation Silvia Del Vitto, european senior brand manager at Whirlpool, stressed that the company’s holistic environmental strategy takes into account the environmental impact of its products throughout all their lifecycle, from design to production, to their use by the consumers and final disposal.

JVC has just showcased its three new 3D-ready D-ILA projectors which will be available in late November. All three models have record-breaking native contrast ratios, with the top model delivering a 100,000:1 native contrast ratio.

AT the annual CIH show in Birmingham, PURE unveiled its ‘PURE Select’ retail partner programme, which will create a top tier of retail locations in the UK providing the best possible PURE in-store experience.

PURE Select retail partners will be expected to offer customers a high level of product knowledge and the opportunity to view market leading products as well as the ability to receive demonstrations of digital radio and internet audio in-store.

January 2011’s VAT increase to 20% is likely to have a relatively small impact on retailers, according to the KPMG/Synovate Retail Think Tank (RTT). Postponing the VAT rise until January 2011 provides valuable time for retailers to plan pre- and post-Christmas promotional strategies, which could provide a positive short term impact on margins.

The business was founded by Harry and Edward Marsh in 1930 in the then Sturminster Newton Bus Depot, where it sold cars, bicycles, electric lighting, electric bells, gramophones and wireless receivers, as well as changing batteries. Today, Sarah Palmer, Edward’s granddaughter, runs the business, which has stores in Sherborne and Sturminster Newton, with her husband Ross.

The latest line of Smeg’s cooking appliances created by the renowned Australian designer Marc Newson clearly reflects his unmistakable style. It is expressed in the soft lines of the products and their user friendly features. The range, including ovens, gas hobs and induction hobs, is characterized by the use of bold colours combined with stainless steel or glass.

Gecko Furniture UK, a new arrival on the UK AV furniture market, wishes to work with the independent sector believing that it has the right product offer for them.

Gecko TV cabinets feature contemporary gloss finishes and many intelligent features designed to improve the performance of the AV equipment, increase user convenience and offer retailers great product versatility.

For the second year running, BSH Customer Service has won the Total Excellence and Quality (TEQ) customer service award for its Bosch, Siemens, Gaggenau and Neff home appliance brands.

In the annual independent survey, administered and coordinated by Domestic & General, of over 420,000 customers who had an engineer’s visit in the past 12 months, an impressive 95.2% rated BSH Customer Service as excellent or good in the white goods manufacturers’ category. As a result, BSH took first place once again in 2010, beating its own record score of 94.5% achieved when winning the award in 2009.

The owner of a 56-year-old appliance has won the Time to Change www.t2c.org.uk/ UK’s oldest fridge competition organised by Amdea. The winner, Edmund Garrod from High Wycombe, whose mother bought the appliance in 1954, was presented with a brand new, ultra efficient model, which should save him well over £60 a year on his electricity bill and significantly reduce his household carbon emissions.

PURE has once again teamed up with legendary guitar amp manufacturer Marshall to offer a new version of the EVOKE-1S Marshall DAB radio.

Coated in black vinyl, the radio is styled to look like a Marshall amp, complete with solid wood construction, brass-effect control panel and a black metallic speaker grille. Along with a full range hi-fi speaker, the new EVOKE features a bass reflex port, while the optional, matching S-1 standalone speaker offers stereo output and richer bass.

Pure has launched a compelling proposition for music lovers who often wish they could identify and buy that perfect tune they have just heard on the radio. Pure now has a mechanism for them to do this – the FlowSongs service. This is an innovative music service that allows the user to identify (tag) tracks playing on any radio station and buy them directly from any PURE radio with Flow technology built-in, including Sensia, EVOKE Flow, AVANTI Flow, Oasis Flow and Siesta Flow.

Giving retailers plenty of time to plan for Christmas, Roberts recently showcased a wide range of product offers for the festive season, including two new sound systems, new colours and finishes for its classic models, better environmental performance from some its favourites and two new analogues.

Fast evolution of consumer electronics can leave consumers confused with the choice of new products on the market and manufacturers’ claims about their superiority and unique benefits. In addition to this, the ongoing digital switchover process confronts consumers with a wide choice of TV equipment and accessories and expects them to understand the industry’s jargon. In this situation impartial advice is essential for both consumers and retailers who are confronted with their queries.

Britannia has launched a three-months vehicle tour which started in Aberdeen and will be completed on 10 September in Ireland. Designed to give retailers and consumers the opportunity to explore Britannia’s full portfolio, the vehicle has a wide selection of range cookers, hobs and cooker hoods on display.

THE digital TV switchover is on track and under budget, says David Scott, chief executive officer of Digital UK. The timetable for implementation of the switchover in Britain, announced in 2005, is progressing according to plan. By end of March 2010, 20% of households in the UK had been transferred to digital terrestrial television with an access to Freeview. By 2011, 40% of homes would have undergone the switchover and by the end of 2012, 98.5% of households will have digital terrestrial TV coverage.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances has become the exclusive UK partner of GE appliances. GDHA added the GE brand to its existing cooking and cooling brand portfolio of Stoves, Belling, New World and Lec. GE is one of the biggest companies in the world. Its consumer appliance division, worth in excess of $6bn, has a major share of the US appliance market. The brand however has struggled to consistently deliver growth in the UK.

Trade association retra has issued a warning to the government that its reticence in setting a firm date for digital radio switchover is a dangerous move.

Although good weather didn’t help Murray to win Wimbledon, it aided the recovery of a number of product sectors, including drink chillers and beer fridges, reported market analyst GfK.

PURE has invited the second year textile design students of Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design to create a limited edition version of PURE’s iconic EVOKE Mio aimed at women. Entries were submitted in three categories: innovation, commercial and packaging. The competition has produced some truly innovative designs, such as those pictured opposite.

Groupe SEB, whose portfolio of brands includes Tefal, Rowenta and Krupps, has entered the summer retail season with a host of product innovations.

Following the launch of the original desk model of Air Multiplier fan, Dyson has developed two new Dyson Air Multiplier fans: the AM02 Tower and the AM03 Pedestal. These floor standing models are designed for larger spaces as they produce a greater airflow than the previous model – the AM03 Pedestal generates 50% more airflow than the AM01 Desk fan. Both machines come with a magnetised remote control.

The latest product innovations from LG employ the power of steam either to improve cooking results (and energy consumption!), to sanitise the laundry or to deliver the benefits of steam cleaning with its floorcare.

A joint venture between AEG-Electrolux and the state-of-the-art Dalesford Organic Cookery School gives Electrolux the kind of brand exposure that every manufacturer dreams about.

The Co-operative Food has introduced electrical shop pilots in three of its larger stores. The pilots use a combination of an in-store display and ‘pods’ where customers can view an electronic catalogue of more than 2,000 products in The Co-operative electricals range. Larger products are available for delivery within 48 hours. Lines carried in-store will include white goods such as washing machines, audio, video and personal care items.

Based in the North of England, Cello Electronics which manufactures affordable LCD televisions retailed through a wide range of channels – from John Lewis to Netto, and makes own brand products for the likes of Marks & Spencer and Littlewoods, has announced its two firsts on the UK market.

PANGOO, a new and innovative Chinese brand, is establishing itself in the UK and seeking the cooperation of the independent channel as its chosen distributor. The majority of the brand's shares are owned by Tsinghua University in Beijing, which is also responsible for the technological know-how and product innovations of the company.

For the fifth consecutive year, BSH has received the Supplier of the Year Award in the white goods category from Euronics International. The coveted title was awarded at the Euronics Annual Event in Berlin.

Sony recently launched a full range of 3D hardware and content in almost 600 retail outlets around the UK.

The Finalists

The Independent Business Awards are a continuation of the Independent Marketing Awards which were annually conducted by The Independent Electrical Retailer magazine since 1993 and are acknowledged as the most prestigious awards event in our industry.

The voting for the Awards is an opportunity for you – the independent electrical dealer – to have your say about the products and initiatives of the electrical industry and to play a key role in these prestigious awards.

The voting process is very simple. Please check the nominees’ supporting statements featured below before you cast your vote using the voting form enclosed with this issue of the IER magazine. You can also vote online using the online voting mechanism which you will find on:

www.independentbusinessawards.com

Sony UK has launched a new a new initiative inviting consumers to trade in their old consumer electronics products, from televisions to cameras – whether in working condition or not – in return for money off new Sony products. The campaign will run from 29 April until 11 July, the day of the World Cup final.

At its annual key dealer event in Scotland in February 2010, Sony announced a new direction for its market strategy. The company has decided to stop chasing market share and intends to ensure that Sony products are sold only through retail channels which add value to them and are able to give customers a good shopping experience.

BSH Customer Service is offering its dealers business cards in standalone holders providing phone numbers and website addresses for various types of customer services dedicated to its three brands.

AS a new requirement for shops to collect used batteries came into force in February 2010, the British Retail Consortium said retailers recognise their responsibilities and are confident that in-store collection facilities are now in place.  However on its own that will not be enough.

ALPHASON has launched a new training scheme for its retailers to help them increase sales of accessories. The company has developed an online training micro site featuring industry training expert George Morton. The facility is interactive and users can choose to participate in the entire experience in one sitting, or focus on specific areas that are appropriate at the time.

In partnership with the European Schoolnet project, which is to be piloted in the UK, PC manufacturer Acer, will help schools in introducing a new kind of interaction between teachers and students through the use of netbooks. Acer will supply classes in the project with one netbook per student, one notebook per teacher and a server with 19in monitor for sharing all class activities.

Maggie Thomas has joined retail training specialist Beyond The Box as sales and marketing director. Maggie brings with her over 20 years’ experience acquired with Philips Consumer Lifestyle and LG Consumer Electronics where she has managed in house trainers, in-store consultants and field marketing teams.

Responding to the requirements of modern living, Miele has introduced to the market its first high performance cordless vacuum cleaner. The Miele Hybrid S4812 offers both a cord and cordless option, seamlessly switching between the two power supplies.

Sony has just extended its Vaio range of notebooks by introducing the E series, the unique feature of which is its ease of use, and the W Eco series that is designed to be kinder to the environment.

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.

The process of selecting the nominations for the Independent Business Awards has just begun. The Awards, which recognise excellence of electrical retailing and manufacturing, conducted annually since 1993 by IER magazine, are acknowledged as the most prestigious awards event in our industry.

Ten British fledgling tech companies were invited to exhibit at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, after winning a competition run by the UK Trade & Investment – the government body promoting British business in international markets.

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.

Although we all wish to hear that the end of the financial recovery is round the corner, economic gurus tell us that with unemployment between 2.3 and 2.5 million, the country is still in recession. Yet, there are encouraging signs on the horizon that 2010 is going to be a better year for the industry.

TV is set to enter the third dimension in 2010 with several brands, including LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Sony, unveiling 3D TVs at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The 3D panels will be hitting shops from April onwards, and will also be joined by an array of 3D-capable Blu-ray players.

Duracell’s latest range of torches, Duracell Daylite, incorporates the company’s patented TrueBeam Optic technology. It captures 100% of light produced by the LED bulb, creating a light that is twenty times brighter than a regular LED torch, says the manufacturer. Duracell Daylite also has a 3:1 focus ratio from spot to flood without the quality of light deteriorating or any black spots.

The Dyson City DC26 is a compact but powerful cylinder cleaner designed for smaller homes. With this product Dyson has responded to the societal trend showing that as homes get smaller, space becomes a premium. According to recent research,  2.3 million homes in England are smaller than 50m².

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.

The last year proved to be very difficult for CIH which, in line with rest of the industry, had no control over many external economic factors, such as reduction of credit limits which has caused some members to retire early, said Robin Millwood, chairman of the buying group, speaking at the annual CIH Suppliers Luncheon. “It seems like CIH has become a property company with now having 20 first charges on members’ properties and many of these members have been solid supporters of CIH for years and have never missed a payment, but payment records and credibility do not appear to account for anything in today’s difficult trading environment.”

Electrolux, together with its brands AEG-Electrolux and Zanussi, has been ranked by the Brand Emissions Leadership project as emission leader in its sector in the first annual ranking of brands sold in the UK and their ambitions to cut carbon.

Indesit Company, energy supplier npower and RLtec, the smart grid technology company, are about to begin a UK trial of fridges fitted with grid-balancing technology.

The dynamic demand technology, developed by RLtec and Indesit research teams, helps to maintain the balance between supply and demand across the national electricity grid. Through 2010, up to 3,000 UK npower customers will be supplied with Indesit Company dynamic demand fridges and fridge freezers, free of charge, in what will be world’s first residential test of the technology.

Recent research published by Defra shows that some of the top selling household appliances may not be performing in accordance with claimed standards printed on the labels. Defra tested 24 of the best selling washing machines, 24 ovens and 265 different light bulbs. These tests were not full legal compliance testing, but simply a snapshot, testing individual appliances against their energy labelling.

Big tax rises will harm customers and damage recovery, warned the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Reacting to the Pre-Budget Report BRC chief executive Stephen Robertson said that substantial cuts in public spending must be the main route to bringing public finances under control, not tax rises which would damage demand, stifle recovery and undermine consumer confidence.

Fisher & Paykel Appliances has appointed Stuart Broadhurst as managing director and chief executive officer of the company. Since September 2009 Stuart was acting CEO of Fisher & Paykel when former CEO John Bongard announced his retirement. He commenced his employment with Fisher & Paykel Appliances in 1988 and has extensive experience in every aspect of the company’s operations.

The Annual EEIBA powerBall, held in London’s Grosvenor House hotel, has helped to raise an impressive sum of £225,000 this year – to the tunes of the 1970s music.

Miele recently opened its experiential showroom in Cavendish Place, Central London.   The Miele Gallery London offers visitors a hands-on experience of a range of working cooking, cleaning and laundry appliances. Visitors can also test a washing machine programme on a favourite garment, and even put a Miele vacuum cleaner through its paces to test its performance.