Although the finishing line is finally in sight, customers are still confused with digital TV options on offer, both in terms of services and recording, reports George Cole.

By the end of the year, the UK will have completed the switchover from analogue to digital television. UK Digital, which has been managing the switchover, says the last analogue signal will be switched off on 24 October 2012, and at the time of writing, just four TV regions – London, Meridian, Tyne Tees and Northern Ireland - have yet to complete the switchover. Around 18 million UK homes now have Freeview, and Freesat sales have passed two million.

Tavistock Sound and Vision, is one of the late Michael Peters’ companies, renowned for their customer service and retailing excellence. Paul Mead, managing director of Tavistock, told Anna Ryland how during the age of the internet, a local independent can stay at the heart of its community.

Paul Mead, managing director of Tavistock Sound and Vision and Michael R. Peters is not a stranger to receiving industry awards.

Is a recession the right time to sell best in class cooking appliances?

Anna Ryland investigates.

Even the most experienced retailers admit that the current trading conditions are very tough and the Christmas season is unlikely to deliver the usual volume of cheer to the electrical stores. Can you hope, therefore, to be able to tempt customers with cooking appliances that represent the best that the industry can offer?

AV furniture manufacturer, Off the Wall, has challenged the established model of modern manufacturing. Anna Ryland went to Bradford to find out how the Made in Britain approach can prove to be a real asset.

Off the Wall is a rare breed on Britain’s manufacturing landscape. The company sources all the components locally and maintains total control over its design and production process. The ultimate goal of its founders it to change the perception of audio visual furniture from low-value add-ons to the TV panel to products that have a purpose and quality of their own.

Creating a shop window display that will attract customers to your store is a skill that every retailer should master. Lynne Swatton, sales manager at Linsar, advises on how to lure customers in...

The focal point of a shop, no matter how large or small, is its window. This is the face that the shop portrays to the outside world. This is where you reveal your identity – the very essence that makes your shop unique.

More than most industries, it seems, electrical retail needs to keep on reinventing itself to survive, and – thankfully – we have manufacturers that are renowned for their ability to innovate. In any market, there is only a very small percentage of early adopters that will kick-start a trend, so what retailers need is for a new technology to become mainstream.

Economic factors and EU regulations are increasingly forcing customers to make green choices. But they have to be convinced that long-term savings can only be achieved with larger investment now. Anna Ryland investigates

Healthy margins from accessories sales have been on offer to independents for a couple of decades, but many still seem to do little more than dip their toe in the water of this potentially business-saving sector. Are accessories manufacturers finally losing patience over what they perceive as ‘accessories apathy’? Stephen Delany reports.

There’s no escaping the fact that the economic climate is still challenging to say the least. This hasn’t meant that consumers have stopped spending, it simply means that they do more research before they part with their cash and expect more quality and longevity for their money. This is where the independent retailer can step in, offering expert knowledge of both the market and the latest products within it.

Making your website a dynamic and customer-friendly shopping destination is a complex task requiring a lot of specialist knowledge and systems integration, advises Sonu Kundi, commercial director of Cromwell Business Systems.

The Retailer of the Year survey is sponsored and administered by leading warranty provider Domestic & General and is designed to reward the very best customer service across the independent electrical retail channel in the UK. Each year, throughout the 12 months from 1 August to 31 July, approximately 250,000 ROTY survey questionnaires are posted out to consumers that have recently made a major purchase at an independent electrical retailer.

Blaine Upton, the owner of Blaines, an electrical independent business in Norfolk, won the title of the Best Large Independent, DA, in this year’s Independent Business Awards. He told Anna Ryland why running a business in a recession is like preparing for a marathon …

An espresso maker is now regarded as an essential addition to the modern kitchen. It’s time to approach coffee makers as a serious sales opportunity – especially ahead of the Christmas season, advises Anna Ryland.

A number of products can convert any 2D material into 3D while you watch. Ian Calcutt  looks at how it works and how effective it is compared to ‘real’ 3D, as well professionally remastered movie re-releases.

Even during the recession the tradition of Christmas indulgences is not going to disappear. Anna Ryland finds out how manufacturers are planning to tempt customers during this Christmas season.

Many TVs now include technology to enhance the frame rate of moving images and reduce flicker, jerkiness and blur. 100Hz and 200Hz rates are common, while some quote 400Hz, 600Hz and beyond. The Hz (Hertz) measurement is inherited from cathode ray tube TVs (CRTs) and refers to impulse-driven cycles per second. This doesn’t really apply to LCD and plasma but the notion of frames per second remains important along with any additional frames generated to modify motion handling.

Moss of Bath won the Best Customer Service title at the Independent Business Awards 2011. The cornerstone of the company’s success is not only the fast growing custom install business but also the proactive and positive attitude of Tim Moss, the company’s owner. Anna Ryland reports.

The Whirlpool Corporation will be celebrating its centenary on 11 November 2011. Anna Ryland spoke to Juliana Saldo, Whirlpool brand marketing manager, about the most significant developments in the company’s history, its guiding principles and most recent achievements that have made Whirlpool the global domestic appliance leader.

Selling financial services has become increasingly difficult for retailers over the last few years. Compressed margins and lower volume sales of major products along with an increasing propensity for manufacturers to offer promotional finance or warranties has made stand alone financial products look like a tough sell. The flip side is that in the current economic climate, finance and protection has never been more popular with consumers.

Although TVs and broadcast-tuner boxes are similar in nature and both are microprocessor-controlled, the latter always seem more temperamental and prone to glitches and breakdown. Here, then, is a run-down on what goes wrong and how to get out of trouble when it does: in the showroom, in the customer's home and at the repair bench. If in any particular case the advice given here fails to provide a solution, it may well be that the box has a serious internal fault, and thus not be viable for repair, especially as service data and non-generic parts can be very hard to get hold of ...

They are as interactive as smartphones but versatile enough to oust laptops and even small TVs as a viewing device. Ian Calcutt reports on how the tablet is poised for the big time.

John and George Digwa, the directors of Ilford-based PRC Hi Fi & Video, and winners of the Best Large Consumer Electronics Retailer title at this year’s IBA, told Anna Ryland, how they embrace change to stay at the top of the game.

The prospect of another cold winter may be the most effective incentive for customers to invest in heating products. There are plenty of highly effective solutions on offer and most of them won’t break the bank. Anna Ryland looks at the options.

The batteries market has been evolving in line with the CE products its supports. Yet, many consumers are unaware of the solutions on offer and the fact that value for money in this sector does not equal a cheap price. Anna Ryland reports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Orbitsound is a new star of the audio market. Anna Ryland met John Cameron, the company’s chief operating officer, to find out why the independent sector should get interested in Orbitsound products.

As Which? celebrates its 54th birthday this year, IER takes a close look at the breadth of the organisation’s testing expertise and its Awards programme.

Stunning aesthetics, simple ergonomics with intuitive functionality, the latest technology or the association with a famous designer’s name? Which one of these factors, separately or combined, make an appliance a designer product?

The personal audio sector has seen some decline, largely fuelled by the increasing popularity of smartphones, but there are still profits to be made, especially with add-on products and music streaming developments. Libby Plummer reports.

Analogue radio broadcasting began in the UK almost 90 years ago, and the last bastion of consumer analogue technology, is still claiming over 70% of radio listening. Television broadcasting will have gone over entirely to digital in 18 months, while TV recorders and receivers have already done so. The progress of digital radio, introduced to the UK in 1995, has been somewhat rocky for technical and financial reasons...

Changing lifestyle patterns and the popularity of cheap European travel has introduced an increasing number of Brits to the world of fine wines and stimulated their interest in storing wine at home.

Fulfilling your obligations under the Sale of Goods Act entails some serious business decisions about the type and scale of your Service & Repair operations: whether to directly employ engineers in-house; to run a team of field engineers; or to contract out to third-party companies. Whatever you provide, you need reliable service management software.

Wiltshire-based independent retailer H J Knee reports that its new electrical superstore in Trowbridge has attracted new customers from a wide area.

H J Knee was founded by Henry John Knee and the business remains family-run; Jonathan Knee, a great, great grandson of the founder, is the company’s general manager. “We are really pleased with our new store and it’s been busy everyday since we opened,” he says.

Cylinders are fast becoming the nation’s favourite style of vacuum cleaner. But there is still plenty of competition. Sarah Selzer reports

2010 was a good year for the home appliances sector as a whole and an excellent one for BSH, marking an end to the negative trend of the previous year. Many countries which saw their revenue slump in 2009 returned to their former growth,” said Dr. Kurt-Ludwig Gutberlet, chief executive officer of the BSH Group opening the annual press conference in Munich.

Every month in Good Housekeeping magazine a double page spread is devoted to the latest appliances tested by the GHI.  In February 2011, 13 washing machines were put through their paces.

Back in 1924 when the Institute was founded, after years of relying on domestic servants, ladies were faced with their own housework for the first time. Promising to make light work of household tasks, the first motor driven appliances arrived on the scene, but which ones were worth the expense?  Easing the burden of the laundry, an electric clothes washer sounded just the thing but without unbiased, expert help who would advise them? Women turned to Good Housekeeping for invaluable, honest advice on all matters household.

The modern TV set has evolved significantly in the last couple of decades, from a roughly square cathode ray tube in a box to widescreen, then flatscreen and high definition. Today’s TVs are not only defined by size and shape but the technology providing the image.

Plasma remains arguably better value at sizes beyond 40 inches and has advantages for 3D, which again works best on bigger screens.

At the end of March, the UK Government and Ofgem (the energy market regulator) published their overall strategy and timetable for the installation of 53 million so-called ‘smart meters’.

As well as making it easier for householders and small business to gauge how much energy they are using, energy suppliers will be able to read these meters remotely and offer variable tariffs.

SEBO was founded in Germany in 1976 by Claus Stein who was a chief designer at Vorwerk, an industrial vacuum cleaner company. Claus Stein intended to design a heavy duty domestic leaner – using the engineering expertise of his parent company.

Indesit Company welcomed 650 retailers at its 2011 product launch in London to preview some of its 300 new products and to announce a £10 million advertising spend to promote its flagship brand.

In a ‘period’ setting of the 1960s, 1970s and 1990s kitchens the company demonstrated the evolution of Hotpoint appliances and the brand’s continued presence in British homes, helping it to win again and again the accolade of the most trusted DA brand in the UK.

The Independent Business Awards, a continuation of the Independent Marketing Awards, have been annually conducted by The Independent Electrical Retailer magazine since 1993. They have the longest heritage of any awards in the electrical industry, and are acknowledged as the most prestigious awards event. The Awards are also unique – they are the only awards programme in which the achievements of electrical products manufacturers are determined by independent retailers.

2011 is set to be a tough year for the imaging sector, but the continuing popularity of social networking sites, the rise of pocket camcorders and the introduction of 3D will help retailers to boost profits. Libby Plummer reports.

The camera and camcorder market has seen some significant changes over the past year, largely influenced by the continued rise in social networking as well as the introduction of 3D-capable products. Firstly, this report will look at digital still cameras. Giving an overview of the current market, GfK’s Richard Gregory explains: “There is no hiding from the fact that 2011 will be a tough year for consumers as well as manufacturers and retailers. The electronics industry will need to work hard to prise any available cash from hard up customers.

Innovative technology and cool design are the perfect tools to tempt consumers to trade up, says Hayley Gilbert.

Today’s market is looking for refrigeration that offers maximum value for money – a good quality product with a combination of features. They are also demanding reliability, durability and affordability so manufacturers have stepped up to the mark with a raft of new appliances to suit all needs and budgets.

Digital TV can sometimes throw up nasty little image break-ups. Barry Street explains.

The advent of digital TV has eliminated snow, grain, sparklies and ghosting on TV pictures. But the glitches, image streaking and pixelation effects which occasionally crop up now are difficult to deal with, as are the viewers who experience them.

Steam generators are sustaining the growth of the irons market. Their market positioning and product characteristics give them the perfect fit for an independent’s product portfolio, suggests Anna Ryland.

For the majority of customers, buying an iron is a necessity not a treat. It’s likely to be a distress purchase because their current model has broken down, so they are unlikely to spend much time or consideration on purchasing a replacement. And yet with two and half hours a week – on average – spent ironing consumers shouldn’t need much convincing that buying a good iron is an essential investment.

A fully integrated IT system allows retailers to have their entire business at their fingertips, advises Sonu Kundi, commercial director, Cromwell Business Systems.

There are numerous aspects to being a successful retailer – not least attractive store design, a desirable product range, proactive and efficient staff, competitive prices and an overall great customer experience.

It’s time to upgrade your AV furniture offer to match the latest generation of super sleek televisions, says Says Alphason’s commercial director Paul McCarthy.

When flat panel technology started to take off five years ago, sales of TV stands responded accordingly. Consumers were delighted to replace their bulky heavyweight CRTs for slimline flat screen panels and wanted a TV stand which reflected this new look. Enter the traditional four poles and three glass shelves support.

Scottish electrical independent Colin M. Smith is the winner of the Best Independent Retailer Award in the Domestic Appliances, Large category in the IBA 2010. Jonathen Smith, the company owner, told Anna Ryland how important personalised service is in the age of the internet.

The legislation governing the retirement age is changing. David Regan, a solicitor in the Employment Team at Mundays Solicitors, discusses the implications of the abolition of the default retirement age.

The question of how to deal with older members of staff, particularly those who have worked for a business for a long time, is a difficult one for managers. At present, employers must follow a fairly strict retirement process which penalises them for failing to comply, but which does allow them to choose to retire an employee without the employee having any say in the matter. With effect from 6 April 2011, this process will begin to fall away and, from 1 October 2011, it will be age discrimination to dismiss someone by reason of retirement.

Convincing customers to buy green is one the biggest challenges for both manufacturers and retailers. At a time when consumer confidence is at rock bottom the eco message has to have an economic lining. Anna Ryland reports.

Going green is probably one of the most costly strategies that companies follow at present. It is however the only way forward.

Intelligent technology is starting to take the domestic appliance market by storm, says Hayley Gilbert. Good knowledge of the latest technologies is essential to selling these high value items.

In a bid to make consumers’ lives easier, appliance manufacturers have introduced a wide range of high-tech programmes and features that practically do the thinking for you. In a nutshell, intelligent appliances are those with sophisticated electronic controls, sensors that assess how much water to use or how long to wash/dry/cook for, and automatic programmes that turn themselves on or off and do everything in between.

John Campbell, the owner of J.C. Campbell Electrics, which won the Best Independent Retailer Award in the Domestic Appliances, Small category in the IBA 2010, told Anna Ryland how independents should sell what they are best at – their service.

Televisions are becoming smarter as manufacturers connect them to a variety of online services. Retailers who can guide their customers through this complex landscape and demonstrate what’s available, will be able to take advantage of this new sales opportunity, advises by Ian Calcutt.

Most of the noise concerning new TV features has been devoted to 3D in the last year but a quieter revolution has been happening, which could prove more valuable to consumers in the long term.

Wiltshire-based independent retailer H J Knee, owner of two department stores, has decided to open an electricals-only store in order to broaden his customer base and to offer them a first class buying experience.

Established in 1879 by Henry John Knee, the family-run business currently operates two department stores in Trowbridge and Malmesbury. The decision to open an electricals-only store was driven by the success of the electricals department in the Trowbridge store.

3D broadcast TV began in October last year, shortly following the advent of 3D hardware in the shape of TV sets and Blu-ray players. Initially there were few 3D discs available, but now the floodgates have opened – not only for the discs but in the cinema: 3D entertainment has become all the rage, at least amongst those who produce it. Not all 3D pictures are equal, however, especially those viewed at home.

Electronic communication, such as text messages and emails, are a modern and very effective form of database marketing, advises Sonu Kundi, commercial director, Cromwell Business Systems.

It is a fact of business life that it can cost seven to ten times as much to acquire a new customer as it does to retain an existing one. So, knowing who your customers are, where they live, when and what they have purchased from you is essential to generate repeat business.

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is where the great and good of the technology world gather each year to check out the latest products. Libby Plummer took a trip to Sin City to see what’s coming in 2011.

Held annually in Las Vegas in the Nevada desert, CES is the world’s largest technology show, and this year it was back to its pre-recession glory days. Several new records were set including 30,000 international attendees, while there were more than 158,000 CES-related tweets on Twitter during the week of the show.

In the recessionary market, product knowledge and sales skills are more important than ever. All major manufactures know that the training support they give to the retailers directly benefits their bottom line, and the range of training offered at present reflects this clearly. Anna Ryland reports.

Well planned and professionally executed retail training benefits everyone involved in the retail relationship: the customer, the retailer and the manufacturer.

Havills is the winner of the Independent Business Awards 2010 in the Consumer Electronics Small category. Martin Havills, the company owner, told Anna Ryland how he plans to secure the future of his business by providing a first class customer service to the older people’s market.

Electrical retailing is in Martin Havills’ genes. In 1959, Martin’s parents bought the retail premises in Alphington and three years later built a house over the shop where the family lived for over twenty five years. At the time Martin’s father sold televisions, vacuum cleaners, fridges and other domestic appliances.

With two more years of digital switchover process ahead of us, there is still a great deal of work for independents and plenty of sales opportunities to exploit, advises George Cole.

In 2011, the digital switchover gathers apace as three major regions – Anglia, Central and Yorkshire – switch from analogue TV to digital. It also marks the last full year of analogue transmissions, as by the end of 2012, the UK digital switchover (DSO) will have been completed. But many consumers have decided not to wait for the switchover to reach their region, and have already switched to digital TV.

Some time ago many independent retailers were disenfranchised by Sky, having failed to reach targets for turnover. For this and other reasons some shops strongly promote Freesat boxes and TVs. Recent events have not helped...

The ironing category is back on the up, largely thanks to increased sales of the higher priced steam generator products. Sarah Selzer reports.

Good news – the irons and steam generator market has bounced back. According to GfK, it was the only one of the large SDA categories to noticeably suffer during the recession, posting serious declines in sales value.

UK consumers are enthusiastically embracing online sales, and retailers with stores and online facilities are doing better than online-only retailers. Alex Greenland, technical director, Cromwell Business Systems, describes what to look for in a web supplier when taking the plunge to go online.

The multiples account for a large slice of the consumer electronics market, but the increasing complexity of products has created a knowledge gap that independents are perfectly placed to fill. The same applies to the accessories market. Stephen Delany investigates the opportunities that exist for the independent in the burgeoning market for ‘iAdd-ons’.

Linsar’s product offer and distribution strategy is targeted at the independent channel. The founders of the company tell Anna Ryland what they are doing to maintain this market focus.

Linsar, a British television company specialising in small size TV panels, is a relative newcomer to the UK market. The company strives to differentiate itself in the competitive CE market by highly specifying its products and supporting them with excellent service. Another unique feature of Linsar is its clear distribution strategy – geared at the independent channel.

Today’s cooks want more from their appliances, says Hayley Gilbert, so the independent retailer should look to the latest technology and designs to boost sales.

The effect of the current economic climate means that consumers have retreated into their homes, choosing to upgrade and refurbish rather than selling up and moving on. This is good news for the independent retailer, as it means that they can capitalise on offering the very latest appliances that not only look good but also offer a host of hi-tech features and functions.

The volume of returns is growing, resulting in greater administrative hassles and operational costs for retailers. Andrew Maszyr, development director, Cromwell Business Systems, suggests how an IT management system can make returns less of a threat to your business.

Alas, making a sale stock is not always the end of the retail process. In almost every business selling non-perishable items, there is the headache of handling returns or ‘reverse logistics’.

Shaun Barrett, whose company, Barretts Digital World in Canterbury, won the title of the Best Independent Retailer in the Consumer Electronics, Large category in this year’s Independent Business Awards, told Anna Ryland that the size of the store can be a great advantage but it has to be backed up by first class service.

Although coffee drinking has become a part of the lifestyle in Britain, many customers are still hesitant to invest in a coffee maker, confused with the options on offer, their functionality and benefits. Advice of a trusted independent is just what they need – especially in time for a bit of seasonal indulgence, suggests Anna Ryland.

Even when money is tight people are willing to indulge themselves and their nearest and dearest at Christmas. Anna Ryland reviews manufacturers’ seasonal offers.

Every year, regardless of the economic situation in the country, the Christmas season offers many opportunities for retailers. Making the best of them is not only about stocking, and preparing the store to become your best selling tool, but also following lifestyle trends to be able to offer to your customers the most sought-after products while explaining the latest technologies behind them.

Electrical independents have been performing a critical role in ensuring that the TV switchover goes smoothly for their customers. Mark Nicholson, Trade Marketing Manager, Digital UK, reviews the progress of the partnership between Digital UK and the independents.

Lutterworth Sound & Vision was the winner of the Best Customer Service title in the Independent Business Awards 2010. Ian and Sharee Jones, the owners of the company, told Anna Ryland how they built their business on customer service and what it takes to deliver a consistent level of service over 26 years.

Over the last few years retail finance at point of sale has reached rock bottom, and in many cases started digging. There has been little product innovation, most of the high street banks exited the sector completely and the remaining lenders have been hindered by credit card deals, in particular 0% balance transfers, and archaic application systems that took-up valuable time in today’s ‘instant’ society. Lenders offering buy-now-pay-later deals have backed away from the electrical sector as the risks are simply too high against the rewards in the current economic climate. Even 0% for 12-month schemes have dried up as electrical retailers footing a high interest bill for the promotion had to raise product prices to swallow the cost – making them uncompetitive. How long before electrical retailers start displaying that classic pub sign: ‘In God we trust, everybody else pays cash’?

3D television offers consumers a totally new viewing experience. However it comes with significant challenges including the cost of its hardware and software, compatibility issues and health concerns. George Cole investigates how manufacturers plan to address these issues.

A business management system can be an effective tool for managing sales commission system which should incentivise staff to sell the goods you want at the most profitable prices, advises Andrew Maszyr, development director, Cromwell Business Systems.

Winter 2009 was one of the most severe in over 40 years, which is good news for the heating sector. But there’s plenty to talk about in terms of design and product development too says Sarah Selzer.

The portable heating sector has long been driven by the need for distress purchases. This is not necessarily because a previous piece of equipment has broken down, but also because the vagaries of the British weather always seem to catch us by surprise.

Batteries are a very profitable product category for retailers and yet customers are still confused about what’s available to them. Anna Ryland reports what is being done to help both consumers and retailers to benefit from batteries.

Today, many consumers are watching TV programmes on their computer screens, and accessing internet content on their televisions. The talk is of I-TV – television that offers internet access, interactivity or (BBC) iPlayer content in the living room.

Today’s home cook wants to produce something tasty and healthy for the family. With the recent surge in consumer awareness of both the produce itself and ways of preserving and cooking it, more and more customers are looking to buy appliances that will help them create low-fat meals quickly and efficiently.

A lot of education is still required to convince customers of the benefits of induction technology. Independent dealers are well positioned to embark on this educational task and capitalise on the fast growing and lucrative market. Anna Ryland reports.

Despite the economic crisis, the personal audio sector has continued to flourish, helped by innovations such as touch screens and the increasing popularity of social networking and music streaming services. Libby Plummer reports.

A distribution system managed from a single point – an integrated IT system – has a direct impact on the productivity, efficiency and profitability of your business, advises Andrew Maszyr, Development Director, Cromwell Business Systems.

Traditionally, washing machines and tumble dryers were seldom purchased for their state-of-the-art features and high spec programming. It was more a case of replacing a worn or broken down model in a hurry. But all this has changed in recent years, thanks to the wave of high-tech laundry features that have flooded the market.

The camera and camcorder market has seen mixed fortunes in recent times, although it has fared reasonably well during the recession thanks to a number of factors including the rise in social networking and video sharing. This report will look at the Digital Still Camera (DSC) sector, comprising fixed lens models (compact cameras) and changeable lens models (D-SLR and hybrid models).

Numbers speak for themselves. Over 1,600 retailers attended Sony’s Home 2010 roadshow which ran from 1 March until 15 April in eight locations throughout the country from Weybridge in Hampshire to Stirling, as well as Dublin. The roadshow focused on this year’s most exciting technologies for consumers and the great retail opportunities for the dealers:  Freeview HD, 3DTV and TV on demand in the shape of Bravia Internet Video.

Keeping up to speed within changes in employment law is a seemingly never ending challenge.  During the next 12 months we are likely to see new legislation providing enhanced rights for agency workers together with the much anticipated Equality Bill. In March, employers with more than 250 employees will have to get to grips with the employees having a statutory right to request time off to train.   

Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the benefits of eco-efficient products. As well as messages about the environmental aspects of such technology, the exponential increase in green products has been largely fuelled by the recent economic downturn, as consumers try to save as much cash as possible.

The electrical independent Paul Taylor is well known in Spalding and the surrounding area. Every morning commuters to the town hear the company’s promise on local radio: ’If your appliance has broken down and you place an order with Paul Taylor for a new one before 10am it will be delivered and installed by the time you come back home in the evening’. With this approach he successfully wiped out most of the competition from Spalding. “When I took over Paul Taylor there were eleven electrical shops in Spalding, in one form or another, including department stores. Now there are only our shop and the Co-op,” says David.

For almost a decade, the market penetration of dishwashers in Britain remained under 30%. In other European countries, such as France, Austria and Switzerland, the levels of penetration of the appliance are over 65%. It is very significant therefore that this situation has suddenly begun to change.

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.”

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.

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.

The digital switchover reached an important milestone at the end of 2009, when the North West region began the move from analogue to digital on 4 November, with the process due to be completed on 2 December. It’s important because, it’s the first major urban region to make the change, and includes cities such as Manchester and Liverpool. Around seven million viewers in this region are estimated to be affected by the switchover. On the face of it, the digital switchover is progressing well. According to Ofcom figures for the end of September 2009, the number of households with TV sets that could receive digital TV was 89.8%, with an average of 2.4 digital capable sets per household.

Following the huge success of the 2008 Independent Marketing Awards, the eagerly awaited 2009 Awards are once again being staged in association with IER Magazine.

The awards programme has been designed to bring together the entire independent electrical industry in a celebration of the companies, innovations and people that are achieving the highest professional standards and helping to drive this dynamic industry forward.