Appliances (AMDEA) launched the Time to Change initiative which aims to encourage the public to replace the 15.4 million outdated domestic appliances that are still in use in households across the UK.

Alphason Designs Ltd has decided to offer a lifetime guarantee on all its products. Already offering a 3-year warranty, Alphason is further strengthening customer confidence in its products, which are independently tested by FIRA and conforms to all European standards.

Ofcom is consulting the public on a proposal from British Sky Broadcasting Ltd (Sky) and National Grid Wireless Ltd (NGW) to replace Sky's free-to-air channels with pay TV services on the digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform.

Samsung's consumer electronics division has reached the number one position in the UK CE market for total sales of consumer electronics during the quarter, April to June 2007, with a total market brand share of 16.5%, according to GfK figures.

Conservative proposals to ban below-cost selling, bringing the UK in line with other European countries, has been warmly welcomed by retra. The Quality of Life Policy Group's report Blueprint for a Green Economy made the recommendation as part of plans to curb supermarket dominance and support market diversity.

Peter Mann, an independent electrical retailer who owns seven Sony Centres in the South East, has been appointed new retra president.
Steve Holton has joined Electrolux Major Appliances in the newly created role of product & brand director. Steve has a 22-year record in the white goods industry, having worked for Hoover Candy, BSH and GDA.

The recently launched Time to Change campaign fits perfectly into the current climate of environment-induced changes and political imperatives. Not many people will question the need to replace the estimated 15.4 million outdated domestic appliances which inhabit our homes and garages.

To celebrate the refurbishment of its Wigmore Street showroom, Gaggeanu invited its famous ambassador – the chef and restaurateur, Raymond Blanc. Using the latest additions to the Gaggenau range of appliances, including the BX280 double oven with a 206 litre capacity, Raymond produced highly succulent results.

Russell Hobbs has joined forces with Marco Pierre White, the celebrity chef and three Michelin star winner, to develop a range of professional quality products that will bring confidence to amateur cooks.

Helping to raise awareness of the needs of allergy sufferers Bionaire, the leader in air treatment, has teamed up with Dr Chris Steele, the resident health expert on ITV's This Morning and Health Journalist of the Year 2007. Together they aim to promote the benefits of air purifiers during Indoor Allergy Week which will take place between 19 and 23 November.

Russell Hobbs' latest iron – the Precision Heat Iron - features four colour-coded heat select buttons and has been given the Good Housekeeping Institute Seal of Approval for its performance. The iron features temperature control technology, designed to accurately maintain the correct temperature.

Hot on the heels of the successful launch of the Steam Direct Drive washing machines in 2006, LG has made two additions to the range. The Steam Direct Drive is the first range of washing machines that use steam to clean garments. The Dual Spray system sprays hot steam and water onto fabrics, in order to improve wash performance and eliminate allergens.

Dyson has upped its offerings for pet owners with the introduction of a handheld which incorporates a motorised brushbar, designed to pick up pet hair quickly and easily.

Sharp has expanded its popular Aquos range of LCDs with the introduction of two series of full HD panels. The XL2 Series features 100Hz processing along with a trio of HDMI sockets, along with Sharp's distinctive piano black lacquer finish. Models are available in 42, 46 and 52in screen sizes.

The HD1000 from Sanyo is the world's smallest and lightest full HD digital camcorder, says the manufacturer. Joining Sanyo's popular Xacti range of camcorders, the palm-sized HD1000 weighs just 268g and measures 272cm2.

Roberts Radio has introduced its first Wi-Fi Internet radio and media player. The new gadget enables users to listen to the thousands of radio stations from all over the world, which are now available online.

Maytag has extended its 60 Series laundry range to include a new washing machine and tumble dryer with a striking minimalist fascia. Designed for easy programming, the MAF2002AES displays information on a single line on the screen, controlled by a jog dial.

Smeg has branched out into the fires sector for the first time with the launch of three ranges of flueless gas fires. The three ranges are brand extensions of Smeg's popular retro-style FAB, Classic and Linear product collections.

In September this year, AMDEA met with the representatives of Defra to discuss their proposals for a revision of the Energy Labelling Directive and methods of making the energy efficiency labelling system work better for the consumer. This is an issue which has been under consideration for some time in Brussels and the other European capitals.

Market trends

According to figures from GfK, the built-in oven and hob market has grown by almost 48% in volume since the end of 2001, making it the biggest single category accounting for 52% of all cooking sales worth over 1.3m units per year. This is good news for the retailer as the market continues to stay strong.

Until recently, if you wanted steam cooking the only options were a dedicated steam oven or a combination oven that allows the user to use them as a normal oven or steam only.

Encouraged by buoyant sales of Colourange, Britannia has launched the Couture collection with three patterned designs that can be applied to its Dynasty model.

Hotpoint has introduced a new concept in cooking - 48cm high single ovens. These ovens fit into a smaller area to free up space in the kitchen but still provide the same 58-litre capacity as a standard 60cm model.

There are few appliances which better reflect the recent lifestyle changes in British society than the booming market of coffee makers. In just over a decade the British, especially the urban dwellers, have made a transition from quiet and private tea drinkers to the café society.

Satellite navigation systems have rapidly become part of our daily lives. The latest generation of satnav products boast features such as digital cameras, mp3 players and Bluetooth enabling technology. Despite this wave of innovation over the past five years, consumer groups and driver organisations say the main challenges facing the industry are satnav theft and the provision of guidance on effective usage to consumers.

As long as sports, film and music stars continue to present themselves as role models – and keep taking pride in their appearance – the male grooming market in particular will go from strength to strength.

First, a word of caution but also of encouragement from the leading retail analyst Dr Tim Denison, director of knowledge management at SPSL: “There is certain inevitability in the toughening conditions confronting retailers, but there is no industry sector more irrepressible in this country than retailing.

Comet's parent Kesa has reported a fall in profits and not surprisingly warned that the next few months could be tough. Main rivals DSG and John Lewis have expressed similar concerns.