To celebrate our birthday, Belling has created the 100 Collection, an iconic range which combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical innovation. The 100 Collection features clean lines, a brilliant white and chrome-look fi nish to create a range of eye-catching and effortlessly stylish cooking appliances. The collection offers a choice of four freestanding ovens, four range cookers, four built-in ovens and a new-look for the legendary Baby Belling.

In this landmark year we have partnered with the Anthony Nolan Trust and will be donating a percentage of all 100 Collection sales to help the fi ght against blood cancer.

For more information go to www.belling.co.uk/centenary/anthonynolan

combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical To celebrate our birthday, Belling has created the 100 Collection, an iconic range which combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical

PROUD WINNERS

17664 Belling Centenary GCC 230x160.indd 1 21/05/2012 11:59

DESIGNER PRODUCTS“Design” is the powerful attribute common to all categories of electricals. It’s very much about looks and style, but it’s also crucial to performance, reliability and relevance to consumers’ needs

FLOORCAREThe fl oorcare category is performing well in today’s diffi cult climate, and has seen a signifi cant move away from lower-cost products towards premium products. Consumers want to be sure their vacuum cleaner will work, and will last

THE PRODUCT GALLERYFor our Jubilee issue, a red, white and blue celebration of electricals in Britain 2012

BACKCHATA special 2-minute interview for Diamond Jubilee Year

w w w. g c m a g a z i n e . c o . u kJ U N E 2 0 1 2 : J U B I L E E I S S U E

3GET CONNECTED

04 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Editorial Comment

06 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Word In and around the industry

14 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Product Gallery

18 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Designer Products Browns, whites and smalls – they all need design

25 / / / / / / / / / / George Cole Gets Connected Adapting to survive?

25 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Floorcare Where the opportunities are

31 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Growth from Knowledge GfK gives the facts & fi gures on UK fl oorcare

32 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / From the Bench Alan Bennett recalls his chariot of fi re

34 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / BackchatA special Diamond Jubilee 2-minute interview with

the head of a long-established family fi rm

p22 MIELE’S RAL EXTRACTOR RANGE

www.miele.co.uk/cooker-hoods/

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Get Connected is published by Mud Hut Publishing Ltd., Alresford House, 60 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EH.

Copyright © 2012 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway Telephone: 01420 886 33 marlinda@gcmagazine.co.uk

Magazine Advertising Sales:Brian ShillingTelephone: 01892 677741 brian@gcmagazine.co.uk

Sharon MaslenTelephone: 01892 677742 sharon@gcmagazine.co.uk

Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry HeathTelephone: 01420 886 33» terry@gcmagazine.co.uk

Creative Director: Will Dobson design@willdobson.co.uk

Advertisement Production Administration: Will Dobson Telephone: 01342 850 456 gcads@willdobson.co.uk

Production and Print: Blackmore Press, Shaftesbury, Dorsetwww.blackmore.co.uk

Subscriptions & Circulation: GCCDTelephone: 01420 88633 circulation@gcmagazine.co.uk

Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £88; Overseas £108.

Get ConnectedGreyfriar CottageWinchester RoadChawtonAltonHampshireGU34 1SB

www.gcmagazine.co.uk

JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

3GET CONNECTED

04 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Editorial Comment

06 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Word In and around the industry

14 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / The Product Gallery

18 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Designer Products Browns, whites and smalls – they all need design

25 / / / / / / / / / / George Cole Gets Connected Adapting to survive?

25 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Floorcare Where the opportunities are

31 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / Growth from Knowledge GfK gives the facts & fi gures on UK fl oorcare

32 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / From the Bench Alan Bennett recalls his chariot of fi re

34 / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / BackchatA special Diamond Jubilee 2-minute interview with

the head of a long-established family fi rm

p22 MIELE’S RAL EXTRACTOR RANGE

www.miele.co.uk/cooker-hoods/

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publisher. Get Connected is published by Mud Hut Publishing Ltd., Alresford House, 60 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EH.

Copyright © 2012 Mud Hut Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Editor in Chief: Marlinda Conway Telephone: 01420 886 33 marlinda@gcmagazine.co.uk

Magazine Advertising Sales:Brian ShillingTelephone: 01892 677741 brian@gcmagazine.co.uk

Sharon MaslenTelephone: 01892 677742 sharon@gcmagazine.co.uk

Editorial & Publishing Director: Terry HeathTelephone: 01420 886 33» terry@gcmagazine.co.uk

Creative Director: Will Dobson design@willdobson.co.uk

Advertisement Production Administration: Will Dobson Telephone: 01342 850 456 gcads@willdobson.co.uk

Production and Print: Blackmore Press, Shaftesbury, Dorsetwww.blackmore.co.uk

Subscriptions & Circulation: GCCDTelephone: 01420 88633 circulation@gcmagazine.co.uk

Annual subscription rate (inc. postage): UK £88; Overseas £108.

Get ConnectedGreyfriar CottageWinchester RoadChawtonAltonHampshireGU34 1SB

www.gcmagazine.co.uk

JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

CONTENTS

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEJUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED4

For good or ill, “live a little” is now often equated, in the British psyche, with “spend a lot at retail”. And it so happens that the rest of 2012 is full of events that could direct that spending towards electrical goods of all kinds. The “Jubilee Eff ect” sparked by the long weekend of national celebrations has already been augmented by the kick-off of the Uefa Euro 2012 competition that climaxes in the fi nal on July 1st. The Olympic Flame is already well into its progress around the UK, and the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games on 27th July will be followed by the biggest festival of world class sport seen in this country for more than half a century.

When the London Olympics closes on 12th August, the festival of world class sport takes only a brief interlude until the London Paralympic Games opening ceremony on 29th August.

Is this really an opportunity for electrical retailers? There is certainly a huge collection of “patriotic” electrical and electronic goods available to tempt Brits into marking the occasion – even if they don’t actually go for the Union Jack cooker or DAB radio that fi rst caught their attention. And GfK has recently issued fi gures predicting that the Euro 2012 competition and the London Olympics will be responsible for well over a quarter of a million extra TV sales in the UK this year. It’s a proven statistic that, in the UK, big sport sells big TVs. The eff ect of the Diamond Jubilee on the British mood will also still be there throughout the year, encouraging the propensity to “go for it” now and economise later.

As for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year, is it really something that Brits still care about in the 21st century United Kingdom? We believe it is, and that the majority of the country will see it as an occasion for some pride and ceremony. We didn’t get to choose our Queen, but even the most ardent of republicans would have to admit we were lucky to get someone who has conducted herself in the job with more dedication, probity and dignity than most of the wide boys, bullies, cowards, hypocrites, thieves, liars and cheats that we wind up with when we DO get to choose.

So even those who can’t, on principle, celebrate the offi ce of Monarch should be able, without compromising their principles too much, to join in celebrating the person who’s held that offi ce for the last 60 years of extraordinary social and technological change.

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.GCMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR YOUR FREE COPY OF GET CONNECTED MAGAZINE

Average net circulation for the 12 issues distributed between Jan-Dec 2008 is 6,228

Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry HeathEditorial & Publishing

Director

George ColeConsumer Electronics

Consultant

James McIntoshConsumer Consultant

Will DobsonCreative Director

It’s been a slow build, but as 2012 moves into its second half it will fulfi l its

potential to become one of the most remarkable years of the century.

It’s the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – by defi nition a rare event –

and the national celebrations over the extended bank holiday weekend

just past will have put the British public in the mood to shake off the

shroud of austerity for a while and live a little.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEJUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED4

For good or ill, “live a little” is now often equated, in the British psyche, with “spend a lot at retail”. And it so happens that the rest of 2012 is full of events that could direct that spending towards electrical goods of all kinds. The “Jubilee Eff ect” sparked by the long weekend of national celebrations has already been augmented by the kick-off of the Uefa Euro 2012 competition that climaxes in the fi nal on July 1st. The Olympic Flame is already well into its progress around the UK, and the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games on 27th July will be followed by the biggest festival of world class sport seen in this country for more than half a century.

When the London Olympics closes on 12th August, the festival of world class sport takes only a brief interlude until the London Paralympic Games opening ceremony on 29th August.

Is this really an opportunity for electrical retailers? There is certainly a huge collection of “patriotic” electrical and electronic goods available to tempt Brits into marking the occasion – even if they don’t actually go for the Union Jack cooker or DAB radio that fi rst caught their attention. And GfK has recently issued fi gures predicting that the Euro 2012 competition and the London Olympics will be responsible for well over a quarter of a million extra TV sales in the UK this year. It’s a proven statistic that, in the UK, big sport sells big TVs. The eff ect of the Diamond Jubilee on the British mood will also still be there throughout the year, encouraging the propensity to “go for it” now and economise later.

As for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year, is it really something that Brits still care about in the 21st century United Kingdom? We believe it is, and that the majority of the country will see it as an occasion for some pride and ceremony. We didn’t get to choose our Queen, but even the most ardent of republicans would have to admit we were lucky to get someone who has conducted herself in the job with more dedication, probity and dignity than most of the wide boys, bullies, cowards, hypocrites, thieves, liars and cheats that we wind up with when we DO get to choose.

So even those who can’t, on principle, celebrate the offi ce of Monarch should be able, without compromising their principles too much, to join in celebrating the person who’s held that offi ce for the last 60 years of extraordinary social and technological change.

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.GCMAGAZINE.CO.UK FOR YOUR FREE COPY OF GET CONNECTED MAGAZINE

Average net circulation for the 12 issues distributed between Jan-Dec 2008 is 6,228

Marlinda Conway Editor in Chief

Terry HeathEditorial & Publishing

Director

George ColeConsumer Electronics

Consultant

James McIntoshConsumer Consultant

Will DobsonCreative Director

It’s been a slow build, but as 2012 moves into its second half it will fulfi l its

potential to become one of the most remarkable years of the century.

It’s the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – by defi nition a rare event –

and the national celebrations over the extended bank holiday weekend

just past will have put the British public in the mood to shake off the

shroud of austerity for a while and live a little.

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED6

Smeg Union Jack fridge the centre of 2012 celebrations

Multiple independent retailer Coopers of Bath fl ew the Union Jack fl ag during May in celebration of the passing of the Olympic torch in front of its store. A Smeg FAB28 Union Jack fridge took pride of place in the prominent window display created for the occasion.

First dozen winners of “Portas Pilots” funding announced

T he fi rst twelve High Streets to win funding worth some £100,000 each plus mentoring and advice from

“retail guru” Mary Portas and support and advice from Grant Shapps, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, have been announced.

Communities throughout the country were invited to apply for “Portas Pilot” status by submitting a video pitch explaining why their particular High Street had the vision, the people and the energy to benefi t from funding and expert advice designed to help rejuvenation and revitalization. From the 371 applications received, the fi rst twelve to secure a share of the initial £1.2 million Government funding on off er are: Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Greater Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees and Wolverhampton.

Mary Portas, whose report on the condition of our High Streets sparked the “Portas Pilots” initiative, will also, it is reported, be making a TV programme about the twelve winners.

Minister of State Grant Shapps said the Portas Pilots competition had helped unite communities across the country in support of their High Streets. “The winners are going to get the focus and attention from Mary Portas herself and from me as the Government minister. To make towns work, they’re going to have to off er something diff erent and interesting, something that the Internet can’t provide. That’s obviously human contact – a place to go and meet, a place where there are other interesting activities other than just shopping.”

Shapps acknowledged that hard work would be needed if High Streets are to compete successfully against the Internet and out-of-town shopping centres. And the theme of hard work was taken up by British Independent Retailers’ Association deputy chairman Michael Weedon, who commented: “This is money being given to twelve out of 371 towns that applied to it. This is not going to be a magic bullet for solving this and we must remember that it’s

a pilot. This is about trying something out to achieve something and you have to be positive about this. They have to approach it positively to try and make a change.”

“Town Teams” in the winning areas will now have the opportunity to show they can follow through from their video applications and use the money and the support to implement eff ectively the recommendations in the Portas Report. Mary Portas said: “It is now clearer to me than ever that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there.” She also tweeted messages immediately following the announcement of the winners: “My heartfelt congratulations to the top 12 and their town teams. You have a huge responsibility,” she said, followed by a further message: “More importantly, to the hundreds of brilliant town teams I have met, tweeted or enjoyed on fi lm on this journey, DO NOT GIVE UP.”

A further fi fteen Portas Pilot areas will be chosen later this year. The deadline for video applications – submitted by “town teams” that

may be made up of a mix of local residents and representatives including business owners, landlords, local councillors, and MPs – is June 30th.

The director of one of the winning bids, Christina Rowe of Bedford, is reported locally as commenting: “We pulled together our ideas, many of them recognising the same challenges, and have come up with some realistic solutions which will support the Portas target of reviving the Great British High Street. In this exercise we were aiming for one pot of money which is specifi cally about High Streets, but we also succeeded in bringing together committed people from across the town who want to see Bedford thrive – and that can only help all of us.

“The town team’s key idea was to take one of the empty shops in or just off the High Street and turn it into a showcase, sales and support unit for all the other businesses on the High Street and those who aspire to be part of the High Street. We applied for just over £50,000.”

To view the video applications that made the top 12, go to Mary Portas’ website: www.maryportas.com/portaspilots.

THE WORD | THE WORD | THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWSINDUSTRY NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS

It is now clearer to me than ever

that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there.”

– Mary Portas

ifa-berlin.com

The global innovations show.

Take advantage of the opportunities at

IFA 2012 – the top CE trading platform.

Meet European sales representatives

from all of the leading international

brands. Secure your business success

with the latest innovations!

IFA-Contact: Overseas Trade Show Agencies Ltd.

Tel. +44-20-7886 3121 · jennifer.hall@otsa.net

Non-Stop to IFA 2012The new airport BER makes it possible –Lufthansa offers even more non-stop fl ightsto Berlin, now from Birmingham, London- Heathrow and Manchester.

Berlin,31Aug–5 Sep2012

GetConnected_UK_IFA2012_105x297_en.indd 1 24.04.2012 11:38:17

April retail sales a washoutThe British Retail Consortium declared UK retail sales for April a “washout” after the Offi ce for National Statistics (ONS) announced that value grew by a sluggish 0.4% in April, compared to April 2011, and volume was down 1.1% compared to the same month last year.

Volume declined 2.3% in April compared to March, which had shown growth of 2%, but the ONS said the April fi gure was affected strongly by a record fall in petrol sales. In household goods stores, the fi gures deviated from the overall retail picture, with sales volumes up by 3.6% in April 2012 compared with April 2011, the largest rise for sixteen months. The value of sales rose by 1.3% over the same period, also the largest increase for sixteen months. But average household goods prices are estimated to show defl ation of 1.6%, the largest fall in prices for more than three years.

One analyst commented that distortion from the exceptional fall in fuel sales made it diffi cult to gauge the underlying picture of what is happening at retail, but “nonetheless, stripping that out, there is still a big drop in sales, which is probably weather-related.”

“April sales were always going to struggle against a strong performance a year ago helped by better weather, a later Easter and an extra bank holiday then, but real-terms sales declines are bad news,” said British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson. “Falling infl ation offers some hope for customers but disposable incomes are still dropping and people are not spending on things that aren’t immediate needs.”

The ONS also confi rmed during May that the UK had dipped back into recession as the economy shrank by 0.3% in the fi rst quarter of the year. The fi gure was worse than last month’s initial ONS estimate for the period of 0.2%, and surprised some commentators who expected the revision to show an improvement.

There is speculation that the economy will shrink again in the second quarter of 2012, and Bank of England governor Mervyn King has said the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations may have a detrimental effect on output.

Consumers, meanwhile, remain downbeat about their fi nancial outlook, according to the headline Markit Household Finance Index, which posted 36.6 in May, down from 37.0 in the previous month and signalling the sharpest deterioration in fi nances for four months.

Markit Senior Economist Tim Moore remarked that the trend had moved into full-scale reverse after some encouraging signs earlier in the year, with mortgage holders and public sector workers feeling the greatest squeeze.

“The latest survey also gives an early indication that the UK economy continues to stutter through the second quarter,” he commented, adding that households are still “very downbeat” about their fi nancial outlook.

Falling infl ation offers some hope for customers but

disposable incomes are still dropping and people are not spending on things that aren’t immediate needs”

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED6

Smeg Union Jack fridge the centre of 2012 celebrations

Multiple independent retailer Coopers of Bath fl ew the Union Jack fl ag during May in celebration of the passing of the Olympic torch in front of its store. A Smeg FAB28 Union Jack fridge took pride of place in the prominent window display created for the occasion.

First dozen winners of “Portas Pilots” funding announced

T he fi rst twelve High Streets to win funding worth some £100,000 each plus mentoring and advice from

“retail guru” Mary Portas and support and advice from Grant Shapps, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government, have been announced.

Communities throughout the country were invited to apply for “Portas Pilot” status by submitting a video pitch explaining why their particular High Street had the vision, the people and the energy to benefi t from funding and expert advice designed to help rejuvenation and revitalization. From the 371 applications received, the fi rst twelve to secure a share of the initial £1.2 million Government funding on off er are: Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Greater Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees and Wolverhampton.

Mary Portas, whose report on the condition of our High Streets sparked the “Portas Pilots” initiative, will also, it is reported, be making a TV programme about the twelve winners.

Minister of State Grant Shapps said the Portas Pilots competition had helped unite communities across the country in support of their High Streets. “The winners are going to get the focus and attention from Mary Portas herself and from me as the Government minister. To make towns work, they’re going to have to off er something diff erent and interesting, something that the Internet can’t provide. That’s obviously human contact – a place to go and meet, a place where there are other interesting activities other than just shopping.”

Shapps acknowledged that hard work would be needed if High Streets are to compete successfully against the Internet and out-of-town shopping centres. And the theme of hard work was taken up by British Independent Retailers’ Association deputy chairman Michael Weedon, who commented: “This is money being given to twelve out of 371 towns that applied to it. This is not going to be a magic bullet for solving this and we must remember that it’s

a pilot. This is about trying something out to achieve something and you have to be positive about this. They have to approach it positively to try and make a change.”

“Town Teams” in the winning areas will now have the opportunity to show they can follow through from their video applications and use the money and the support to implement eff ectively the recommendations in the Portas Report. Mary Portas said: “It is now clearer to me than ever that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there.” She also tweeted messages immediately following the announcement of the winners: “My heartfelt congratulations to the top 12 and their town teams. You have a huge responsibility,” she said, followed by a further message: “More importantly, to the hundreds of brilliant town teams I have met, tweeted or enjoyed on fi lm on this journey, DO NOT GIVE UP.”

A further fi fteen Portas Pilot areas will be chosen later this year. The deadline for video applications – submitted by “town teams” that

may be made up of a mix of local residents and representatives including business owners, landlords, local councillors, and MPs – is June 30th.

The director of one of the winning bids, Christina Rowe of Bedford, is reported locally as commenting: “We pulled together our ideas, many of them recognising the same challenges, and have come up with some realistic solutions which will support the Portas target of reviving the Great British High Street. In this exercise we were aiming for one pot of money which is specifi cally about High Streets, but we also succeeded in bringing together committed people from across the town who want to see Bedford thrive – and that can only help all of us.

“The town team’s key idea was to take one of the empty shops in or just off the High Street and turn it into a showcase, sales and support unit for all the other businesses on the High Street and those who aspire to be part of the High Street. We applied for just over £50,000.”

To view the video applications that made the top 12, go to Mary Portas’ website: www.maryportas.com/portaspilots.

It is now clearer to me than ever

that Britain wants its town centres revitalised and the energy and accountability for that needs to rest with the people who live and do business there.”

– Mary Portas

ifa-berlin.com

The global innovations show.

Take advantage of the opportunities at

IFA 2012 – the top CE trading platform.

Meet European sales representatives

from all of the leading international

brands. Secure your business success

with the latest innovations!

IFA-Contact: Overseas Trade Show Agencies Ltd.

Tel. +44-20-7886 3121 · jennifer.hall@otsa.net

Non-Stop to IFA 2012The new airport BER makes it possible –Lufthansa offers even more non-stop fl ightsto Berlin, now from Birmingham, London- Heathrow and Manchester.

Berlin,31Aug–5 Sep2012

GetConnected_UK_IFA2012_105x297_en.indd 1 24.04.2012 11:38:17

April retail sales a washoutThe British Retail Consortium declared UK retail sales for April a “washout” after the Offi ce for National Statistics (ONS) announced that value grew by a sluggish 0.4% in April, compared to April 2011, and volume was down 1.1% compared to the same month last year.

Volume declined 2.3% in April compared to March, which had shown growth of 2%, but the ONS said the April fi gure was affected strongly by a record fall in petrol sales. In household goods stores, the fi gures deviated from the overall retail picture, with sales volumes up by 3.6% in April 2012 compared with April 2011, the largest rise for sixteen months. The value of sales rose by 1.3% over the same period, also the largest increase for sixteen months. But average household goods prices are estimated to show defl ation of 1.6%, the largest fall in prices for more than three years.

One analyst commented that distortion from the exceptional fall in fuel sales made it diffi cult to gauge the underlying picture of what is happening at retail, but “nonetheless, stripping that out, there is still a big drop in sales, which is probably weather-related.”

“April sales were always going to struggle against a strong performance a year ago helped by better weather, a later Easter and an extra bank holiday then, but real-terms sales declines are bad news,” said British Retail Consortium Director General Stephen Robertson. “Falling infl ation offers some hope for customers but disposable incomes are still dropping and people are not spending on things that aren’t immediate needs.”

The ONS also confi rmed during May that the UK had dipped back into recession as the economy shrank by 0.3% in the fi rst quarter of the year. The fi gure was worse than last month’s initial ONS estimate for the period of 0.2%, and surprised some commentators who expected the revision to show an improvement.

There is speculation that the economy will shrink again in the second quarter of 2012, and Bank of England governor Mervyn King has said the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations may have a detrimental effect on output.

Consumers, meanwhile, remain downbeat about their fi nancial outlook, according to the headline Markit Household Finance Index, which posted 36.6 in May, down from 37.0 in the previous month and signalling the sharpest deterioration in fi nances for four months.

Markit Senior Economist Tim Moore remarked that the trend had moved into full-scale reverse after some encouraging signs earlier in the year, with mortgage holders and public sector workers feeling the greatest squeeze.

“The latest survey also gives an early indication that the UK economy continues to stutter through the second quarter,” he commented, adding that households are still “very downbeat” about their fi nancial outlook.

THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWS

Falling infl ation offers some hope for customers but

disposable incomes are still dropping and people are not spending on things that aren’t immediate needs”

Panasonic 2012 losses refl ect “severe business conditions”Panasonic Corporation reported group sales down 10% to ¥7,846.2 billion for the year to 31 March 2012. Domestic sales fell 8% and overseas revenues 12% compared with F/Y 2011 “due to multiple factors,” the company said.

Panasonic cited “the concern of shortages in the electric supply caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the disruption of supply chains affected by the fl ooding in Thailand, the economic turmoil triggered by the European fi nancial crisis, and the historically high yen.”

Operating results in the fl at-panel TV and semiconductor businesses worsened signifi cantly, with intense price competition

and a decline in demand added to the above pressures.

Despite streamlining efforts for raw materials and fi xed cost reductions, the company said its operating profi t fell 86% to ¥43.7 billion from ¥305.3 billion last year. Income before taxes turned to a loss of ¥812.8 billion from a ¥178.8 billion gain, due mainly to incurring business restructuring expenses of ¥767.1 billion.

In its fi nancial forecast for 2013, Panasonic is predicting sales of ¥8,100.0 billion (vs. FY12: +3%) and an operating profi t of ¥260.0 billion (vs. FY12: +495%). Income before taxes is expected to be ¥160.0 billion (vs. FY12: -%).

Sony posts record losses for year to 31 March 2012Sony posted a net loss of ¥456.7 billion (£3.5 billion) for the full year to 31 March 2012, following a ¥259.6 billion loss in the year to March 2011, but less than the revised-up £4 billion loss forecast earlier by the company.

The continuing strength of the Yen has been a factor in the diffi culties of many Japanese companies with global markets, and Sony cited this as one of the elements contributing to its continuing losses. Two natural disasters in 2011 – the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the fl oods in Thailand – also had a severe and ongoing eff ect, causing plant and asset losses and continuing disruption to production.

Falling demand from developed markets, plus strong competition from global rivals, especially in its TV and home electronics businesses, have added to the pressure. The TV division has been in loss for eight years.

Toshiba ceases LCD TV production in JapanToshiba has announced that it has stopped manufacturing LCD TVs at its sole domestic plant in Fukaya. Falling demand and falling prices are cited as the major reasons for halting production in Japan. The company still has LCD TV manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, China, Egypt and Poland.

In common with Japanese CE giants Sony, Sharp and Panasonic, Toshiba’s TV business has been suff ering from falling global demand, a strong Yen and fi erce competition from South Korean manufacturers, but Toshiba has a powerful, longstanding presence in chip manufacturing and, as the world number 2 in manufacture of NAND fl ash chips, has been boosted by the success of Apple iPhones, which use the chips.

The company said that it is refocusing its business, and has forecast operating profi ts to rise to ¥450 billion by the year ending March 2015, more than double the ¥206.7 billion posted in the year to March 2012.

Sharp and Sony to terminate joint venture Sony and Sharp have announced that their joint venture relationship to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules will terminate, and that Sony will sell its shares (representing 7.04% of the issued shares) in Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP) to SDP.

In the event that SDP is not able to purchase or pay for the shares due to legal restrictions on acquiring its own shares, or for any other reason, Sony said that Sharp will purchase the shares.

A statement released by the two companies said that Sony will receive cash consideration equal to its original investment of 10 billion yen to be paid by SDP. Both the sale of shares and the payment of cash consideration will be completed by the end of June 2012.

Dixons Retail announces new fi nance facilityDixons Retail plc has confi rmed that it has agreed a £300 million Revolving Credit Facility with its syndicate of lending banks. The agreement effectively extends the Group’s current facility, which was due to mature next year, until 30 June 2015.

The Group has recently been posting improved results and its share price has seen substantial rises over the past six months. A few weeks ago it posted sales for the 16 weeks to 28th April 2012 up 8% in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and forecast full-year pre-tax profi ts will, at between £65 million and £70 million, be at the top end of market expectations

Dixons shares have risen 42% over the last half year.

the concern of shortages in the

electric supply caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the disruption of supply chains affected by the fl ooding in Thailand, the economic turmoil triggered by the European fi nancial crisis, and the historically high yen.”

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED8

THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWS

For more information please call Trade sales on 08445 610561

9GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

Professional ExpertiseElectrolux is the number one supplier to professional kitchens and laundries in Europe and provides equipment for around 50% of Europe’s Michelin star restaurants. With 90 years of professional expertise, no other manufacturer is better placed to develop a range of domestic appliances with features and functionalities inspired by the needs of professional chefs and now adapted for the consumer.

Inspired DesignClean, architectural lines and authentic materials were chosen to make the appliances distinctive yet adaptable to different kitchen designs. Simplifi ed graphics, premium white LED touch screens, black glass, brushed stainless steel, a new handle and a velvet-closing door give the ovens a premium look and high quality fi t, feel and fi nish.

Creative FreedomThe Electrolux Inspiration range is the perfect choice for consumers who want to be creative and express themselves. Thanks to thoughtful design and professional expertise applied

during the creation of the range, whether the consumer is cooking, cleaning, entertaining or washing, they can be confi dent that Inspiration appliances will give them outstanding results.

Introducing Electrolux Inspiration RangeDeveloped for professionals, now adapted for you

Range highlights:CombiSteam ovensProfessional results are easier than ever to achieve at home, thanks to a new, super large 72-litre CombiSteam Deluxe oven from Electrolux, inventor of the combi-steam concept for professional chefs. The brand new oven offers all of the functions expected on a top-of-the-range model, plus three programmes that use different combinations of steam and hot air: CrispSteam (25% steam), SoftSteam (50% steam) and PureSteam (100% steam), for the ultimate in cooking versatility.

Induction hobsPrecision control and speed is a must for any professional chef and the new induction hobs offer both these attributes, and more.

The Infi nitePure induction hob is the world’s fi rst fully backlit hob, offering a dramatic centrepiece for any new kitchen. This minimalist hob does away with traditional hob zones and its intelligent, intuitive controls ensure precise professional results. The hob’s sleek black rectangle is retained until the appliance is turned on.

Colour CollectionGlossy red, chocolate brown, lime green and ebony black stainless steel fridge freezers from Electrolux are designed to give any kitchen a lift. Keeping fresh food for longer is a must in the professional chef’s kitchen and the new Inspiration fridge freezers do just that. ‘TwinTech’ technology employs a single compressor to run dual cooling systems, thereby maintaining optimal humidity in the fridge while offering frost-free performance in the freezer. The fridges also offer intuitive, touch-sensitive LCD displays with white digits for temperature and function setting.

Panasonic 2012 losses refl ect “severe business conditions”Panasonic Corporation reported group sales down 10% to ¥7,846.2 billion for the year to 31 March 2012. Domestic sales fell 8% and overseas revenues 12% compared with F/Y 2011 “due to multiple factors,” the company said.

Panasonic cited “the concern of shortages in the electric supply caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the disruption of supply chains affected by the fl ooding in Thailand, the economic turmoil triggered by the European fi nancial crisis, and the historically high yen.”

Operating results in the fl at-panel TV and semiconductor businesses worsened signifi cantly, with intense price competition

and a decline in demand added to the above pressures.

Despite streamlining efforts for raw materials and fi xed cost reductions, the company said its operating profi t fell 86% to ¥43.7 billion from ¥305.3 billion last year. Income before taxes turned to a loss of ¥812.8 billion from a ¥178.8 billion gain, due mainly to incurring business restructuring expenses of ¥767.1 billion.

In its fi nancial forecast for 2013, Panasonic is predicting sales of ¥8,100.0 billion (vs. FY12: +3%) and an operating profi t of ¥260.0 billion (vs. FY12: +495%). Income before taxes is expected to be ¥160.0 billion (vs. FY12: -%).

Sony posts record losses for year to 31 March 2012Sony posted a net loss of ¥456.7 billion (£3.5 billion) for the full year to 31 March 2012, following a ¥259.6 billion loss in the year to March 2011, but less than the revised-up £4 billion loss forecast earlier by the company.

The continuing strength of the Yen has been a factor in the diffi culties of many Japanese companies with global markets, and Sony cited this as one of the elements contributing to its continuing losses. Two natural disasters in 2011 – the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the fl oods in Thailand – also had a severe and ongoing eff ect, causing plant and asset losses and continuing disruption to production.

Falling demand from developed markets, plus strong competition from global rivals, especially in its TV and home electronics businesses, have added to the pressure. The TV division has been in loss for eight years.

Toshiba ceases LCD TV production in JapanToshiba has announced that it has stopped manufacturing LCD TVs at its sole domestic plant in Fukaya. Falling demand and falling prices are cited as the major reasons for halting production in Japan. The company still has LCD TV manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, China, Egypt and Poland.

In common with Japanese CE giants Sony, Sharp and Panasonic, Toshiba’s TV business has been suff ering from falling global demand, a strong Yen and fi erce competition from South Korean manufacturers, but Toshiba has a powerful, longstanding presence in chip manufacturing and, as the world number 2 in manufacture of NAND fl ash chips, has been boosted by the success of Apple iPhones, which use the chips.

The company said that it is refocusing its business, and has forecast operating profi ts to rise to ¥450 billion by the year ending March 2015, more than double the ¥206.7 billion posted in the year to March 2012.

Sharp and Sony to terminate joint venture Sony and Sharp have announced that their joint venture relationship to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules will terminate, and that Sony will sell its shares (representing 7.04% of the issued shares) in Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP) to SDP.

In the event that SDP is not able to purchase or pay for the shares due to legal restrictions on acquiring its own shares, or for any other reason, Sony said that Sharp will purchase the shares.

A statement released by the two companies said that Sony will receive cash consideration equal to its original investment of 10 billion yen to be paid by SDP. Both the sale of shares and the payment of cash consideration will be completed by the end of June 2012.

Dixons Retail announces new fi nance facilityDixons Retail plc has confi rmed that it has agreed a £300 million Revolving Credit Facility with its syndicate of lending banks. The agreement effectively extends the Group’s current facility, which was due to mature next year, until 30 June 2015.

The Group has recently been posting improved results and its share price has seen substantial rises over the past six months. A few weeks ago it posted sales for the 16 weeks to 28th April 2012 up 8% in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, and forecast full-year pre-tax profi ts will, at between £65 million and £70 million, be at the top end of market expectations

Dixons shares have risen 42% over the last half year.

the concern of shortages in the

electric supply caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the disruption of supply chains affected by the fl ooding in Thailand, the economic turmoil triggered by the European fi nancial crisis, and the historically high yen.”

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED8

For more information please call Trade sales on 08445 610561

9GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Professional ExpertiseElectrolux is the number one supplier to professional kitchens and laundries in Europe and provides equipment for around 50% of Europe’s Michelin star restaurants. With 90 years of professional expertise, no other manufacturer is better placed to develop a range of domestic appliances with features and functionalities inspired by the needs of professional chefs and now adapted for the consumer.

Inspired DesignClean, architectural lines and authentic materials were chosen to make the appliances distinctive yet adaptable to different kitchen designs. Simplifi ed graphics, premium white LED touch screens, black glass, brushed stainless steel, a new handle and a velvet-closing door give the ovens a premium look and high quality fi t, feel and fi nish.

Creative FreedomThe Electrolux Inspiration range is the perfect choice for consumers who want to be creative and express themselves. Thanks to thoughtful design and professional expertise applied

during the creation of the range, whether the consumer is cooking, cleaning, entertaining or washing, they can be confi dent that Inspiration appliances will give them outstanding results.

Introducing Electrolux Inspiration RangeDeveloped for professionals, now adapted for you

Range highlights:CombiSteam ovensProfessional results are easier than ever to achieve at home, thanks to a new, super large 72-litre CombiSteam Deluxe oven from Electrolux, inventor of the combi-steam concept for professional chefs. The brand new oven offers all of the functions expected on a top-of-the-range model, plus three programmes that use different combinations of steam and hot air: CrispSteam (25% steam), SoftSteam (50% steam) and PureSteam (100% steam), for the ultimate in cooking versatility.

Induction hobsPrecision control and speed is a must for any professional chef and the new induction hobs offer both these attributes, and more.

The Infi nitePure induction hob is the world’s fi rst fully backlit hob, offering a dramatic centrepiece for any new kitchen. This minimalist hob does away with traditional hob zones and its intelligent, intuitive controls ensure precise professional results. The hob’s sleek black rectangle is retained until the appliance is turned on.

Colour CollectionGlossy red, chocolate brown, lime green and ebony black stainless steel fridge freezers from Electrolux are designed to give any kitchen a lift. Keeping fresh food for longer is a must in the professional chef’s kitchen and the new Inspiration fridge freezers do just that. ‘TwinTech’ technology employs a single compressor to run dual cooling systems, thereby maintaining optimal humidity in the fridge while offering frost-free performance in the freezer. The fridges also offer intuitive, touch-sensitive LCD displays with white digits for temperature and function setting.

New distribution partners for De’Longhi and KenwoodDe’Longhi and Kenwood have confi rmed their preferred UK distribution partners for 2012. The brands are no longer trading with Pik a Pak, Inman’s, which is in administration, DAD, Beam or RK Wholesale, and instead will be partnering with EPE (Department Stores and Cook shops), JEGS (Independent Electrical) and Stearn (Trade and Heating Customers).

Paul Harrison, Sales Director of De’Longhi UK, commented: “These distribution changes will enable independent retailers to either trade directly with an experienced member of the De’Longhi and Kenwood sales teams, who will assist and support retailers in driving incremental business, or via the new distribution partners that enhance De’Longhi and Kenwood’s long-term strategy to support independent retailers.”

Mainstream popularity of digital radio now established Digital radio listening has increased by 11% to a new record of 310 million hours, according to the latest Q1 2012 RAJAR fi gures.

Highlights of the quarter included:

Digital radio listening share increased

10% year on year to 29.2%

50% of all radio listeners listen to

digital radio every week

DAB digital radio listening reached

a record 200 million hours, an

increase of 15% year on year

Internet radio listening share rose

to a new record level of 3.9%

Commenting on the fi gures, Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said the mainstream popularity of digital radio is now established. “With all the exclusive music and sporting events this summer available on digital radio, including the launch of BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics Extra, and the accelerating momentum of digital radio in cars, we expect 2012 to be the year that many more people choose to go digital.”

BSH reports “record year” for revenue in 2011BSH (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH), owner of the Bosch, Neff and Siemens brands, has reported revenue up in 2011 by 6.4% to €9.654 billion. Gross profi t was down by around 1% to €3.577 billion due to “signifi cant increases in material prices,” but the company says that it is still achieving “above average profi tability.”

The emphasis on BSH’s commitment to developing “super-effi cient” appliances was a recurring theme at the presentation of its results, and was cited as a key factor in the company’s maintaining revenue growth and profi tability in a diffi cult global environment.

Western European markets delivered some mixed results, and across the region revenue suffered a slight decrease of 0.7%. BSH’s home country of Germany achieved an 8.2% uplift in revenue to € 2.062 billion, but there were diffi culties in Greece, Spain and Portugal, the countries most affected by the Eurozone crisis. The UK showed “positive developments.”

In 2011 BSH invested € 453 million in the development and production of energy-effi cient home appliances and its sites, € 50 million more than in the year before.

The company said that various products manufactured by BSH hold records for low energy consumption and thus set the benchmark for the entire industry. Since 2009, BSH has pooled these appliances in its so-called Super Effi ciency Portfolio and has the respective fi gures confi rmed by auditors every year. Compared to the previous year, sales fi gures for these home appliances in Europe went up by 12% to a total of 3.5 million units in 2011. The share of supereffi cient appliances as part of overall BSH sales in Europe thus increased to 28%.

Looking ahead, BSH was cautious about growth forecasts for 2012, pointing out that revenues for the fi rst quarter are only roughly equal to the same period in 2011. The business expects the overall revenue for 2012 “to achieve low single-digit growth rates.”

LG to bring OLED to European market in second half of 2012 LG Electronics has unveiled the world’s largest and slimmest 55-inch OLED TV and will be the fi rst company to bring OLED large-screen product to European consumers. Units will be available in the second half of this year.

The event took place at Monaco’s renowned Salle des Etoiles, with 400 dealers, journalists and special guest F1 champion Sebastian Vettel in attendance.

“In the history of television, there have been very few innovations as impactful as the coming of OLED TV,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “LG OLED TV is truly above all expectations and beyond everyone’s imagination with uncompromising picture quality and beautiful design. This year, we plan to make OLED synonymous with LG.”

AMDEA off ers advice on fl oorcareIndustry body AMDEA’s Time to Change website has launched a new section for fl oorcare products, featuring advice on energy labelling, choosing the right appliance, information on allergies/asthma and FAQs.

To promote the new section and the advances in vacuum cleaner technology, AMDEA is launching a series of online competitions and prize draws with relevant, simple multiple-choice questions based on information published on the site. The winners will choose from a range of branded vacuum cleaning products off ered by AMDEA members.

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED10

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Towie team experiences “the future of TV”TOWIE’S LAUREN GOODGER, LAUREN POPE AND CHLOE SIMS WITH SAMSUNG UK GENERAL MANAGER COLIN RODGERS AND PRC DIRECTORS JOHN AND GEORGE DIGWA

The cast of award-winning reality TV show ‘The Only Way is Essex’ – or Towie, as it is popularly known –

brought a touch of their own special kind of glamour to a V.I.P launch evening at Essex-based electrical retailer PRC during May. The exclusive event, hosted by PRC Directors George and John Digwa, was an opportunity for guests to experience the design-led, technologically-advanced 2012 collection of TVs from Samsung.

“A great evening indeed,” commented George Digwa after the event, which was also supported by the Mayor of Redbridge and by Samsung UK General Manager Colin Rodgers, who was “delighted” with the success of the evening.

Champagne and canapés may have greeted the V.I.Ps, but it was the Samsung technology that ‘wooed’ them. “It’s mind blowing,” said Digwa, who was also pleased to report that the Towie crew – Lauren Goodger, Chloe Sims, Lauren Pope, Carol Wright and twins Dino and George Georgiades – were all “very impressed” with the PRC showroom.

As one of Samsung’s largest independent retailers in the UK and having been awarded the prestigious title of Samsung Dealer of the Year, the PRC business, a former Domestic & General (D&G) Retailer of the Year which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, was specially selected to host the TV launch evening – the fi rst in the UK and perfectly timed, as Samsung is supporting the new product with a heavyweight national marketing campaign from the end of May.

George Digwa said he was “enthralled” by the amount of excitement the new Samsung Smart TV has brought to the world of home entertainment. “We’ve seen many new technologies launched over the years, but the new Samsung Smart Interaction technology is truly groundbreaking,” he commented. “With incredible features such as voice and motion control – you can operate the TV simply by speaking or with hand gestures – and face recognition technology, these products are the future of TV.”

We’re “well jel….”

I would recommend everyone to have a demonstration of these incredible products…”

...exquisite design, attention to detail and TV viewing at its ultimate best”

11 JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

New distribution partners for De’Longhi and KenwoodDe’Longhi and Kenwood have confi rmed their preferred UK distribution partners for 2012. The brands are no longer trading with Pik a Pak, Inman’s, which is in administration, DAD, Beam or RK Wholesale, and instead will be partnering with EPE (Department Stores and Cook shops), JEGS (Independent Electrical) and Stearn (Trade and Heating Customers).

Paul Harrison, Sales Director of De’Longhi UK, commented: “These distribution changes will enable independent retailers to either trade directly with an experienced member of the De’Longhi and Kenwood sales teams, who will assist and support retailers in driving incremental business, or via the new distribution partners that enhance De’Longhi and Kenwood’s long-term strategy to support independent retailers.”

Mainstream popularity of digital radio now established Digital radio listening has increased by 11% to a new record of 310 million hours, according to the latest Q1 2012 RAJAR fi gures.

Highlights of the quarter included:

Digital radio listening share increased

10% year on year to 29.2%

50% of all radio listeners listen to

digital radio every week

DAB digital radio listening reached

a record 200 million hours, an

increase of 15% year on year

Internet radio listening share rose

to a new record level of 3.9%

Commenting on the fi gures, Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, said the mainstream popularity of digital radio is now established. “With all the exclusive music and sporting events this summer available on digital radio, including the launch of BBC Radio 5 Live Olympics Extra, and the accelerating momentum of digital radio in cars, we expect 2012 to be the year that many more people choose to go digital.”

BSH reports “record year” for revenue in 2011BSH (Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH), owner of the Bosch, Neff and Siemens brands, has reported revenue up in 2011 by 6.4% to €9.654 billion. Gross profi t was down by around 1% to €3.577 billion due to “signifi cant increases in material prices,” but the company says that it is still achieving “above average profi tability.”

The emphasis on BSH’s commitment to developing “super-effi cient” appliances was a recurring theme at the presentation of its results, and was cited as a key factor in the company’s maintaining revenue growth and profi tability in a diffi cult global environment.

Western European markets delivered some mixed results, and across the region revenue suffered a slight decrease of 0.7%. BSH’s home country of Germany achieved an 8.2% uplift in revenue to € 2.062 billion, but there were diffi culties in Greece, Spain and Portugal, the countries most affected by the Eurozone crisis. The UK showed “positive developments.”

In 2011 BSH invested € 453 million in the development and production of energy-effi cient home appliances and its sites, € 50 million more than in the year before.

The company said that various products manufactured by BSH hold records for low energy consumption and thus set the benchmark for the entire industry. Since 2009, BSH has pooled these appliances in its so-called Super Effi ciency Portfolio and has the respective fi gures confi rmed by auditors every year. Compared to the previous year, sales fi gures for these home appliances in Europe went up by 12% to a total of 3.5 million units in 2011. The share of supereffi cient appliances as part of overall BSH sales in Europe thus increased to 28%.

Looking ahead, BSH was cautious about growth forecasts for 2012, pointing out that revenues for the fi rst quarter are only roughly equal to the same period in 2011. The business expects the overall revenue for 2012 “to achieve low single-digit growth rates.”

LG to bring OLED to European market in second half of 2012 LG Electronics has unveiled the world’s largest and slimmest 55-inch OLED TV and will be the fi rst company to bring OLED large-screen product to European consumers. Units will be available in the second half of this year.

The event took place at Monaco’s renowned Salle des Etoiles, with 400 dealers, journalists and special guest F1 champion Sebastian Vettel in attendance.

“In the history of television, there have been very few innovations as impactful as the coming of OLED TV,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG’s Home Entertainment Company. “LG OLED TV is truly above all expectations and beyond everyone’s imagination with uncompromising picture quality and beautiful design. This year, we plan to make OLED synonymous with LG.”

AMDEA off ers advice on fl oorcareIndustry body AMDEA’s Time to Change website has launched a new section for fl oorcare products, featuring advice on energy labelling, choosing the right appliance, information on allergies/asthma and FAQs.

To promote the new section and the advances in vacuum cleaner technology, AMDEA is launching a series of online competitions and prize draws with relevant, simple multiple-choice questions based on information published on the site. The winners will choose from a range of branded vacuum cleaning products off ered by AMDEA members.

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED10

Towie team experiences “the future of TV”TOWIE’S LAUREN GOODGER, LAUREN POPE AND CHLOE SIMS WITH SAMSUNG UK GENERAL MANAGER COLIN RODGERS AND PRC DIRECTORS JOHN AND GEORGE DIGWA

The cast of award-winning reality TV show ‘The Only Way is Essex’ – or Towie, as it is popularly known –

brought a touch of their own special kind of glamour to a V.I.P launch evening at Essex-based electrical retailer PRC during May. The exclusive event, hosted by PRC Directors George and John Digwa, was an opportunity for guests to experience the design-led, technologically-advanced 2012 collection of TVs from Samsung.

“A great evening indeed,” commented George Digwa after the event, which was also supported by the Mayor of Redbridge and by Samsung UK General Manager Colin Rodgers, who was “delighted” with the success of the evening.

Champagne and canapés may have greeted the V.I.Ps, but it was the Samsung technology that ‘wooed’ them. “It’s mind blowing,” said Digwa, who was also pleased to report that the Towie crew – Lauren Goodger, Chloe Sims, Lauren Pope, Carol Wright and twins Dino and George Georgiades – were all “very impressed” with the PRC showroom.

As one of Samsung’s largest independent retailers in the UK and having been awarded the prestigious title of Samsung Dealer of the Year, the PRC business, a former Domestic & General (D&G) Retailer of the Year which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, was specially selected to host the TV launch evening – the fi rst in the UK and perfectly timed, as Samsung is supporting the new product with a heavyweight national marketing campaign from the end of May.

George Digwa said he was “enthralled” by the amount of excitement the new Samsung Smart TV has brought to the world of home entertainment. “We’ve seen many new technologies launched over the years, but the new Samsung Smart Interaction technology is truly groundbreaking,” he commented. “With incredible features such as voice and motion control – you can operate the TV simply by speaking or with hand gestures – and face recognition technology, these products are the future of TV.”

We’re “well jel….”

I would recommend everyone to have a demonstration of these incredible products…”

...exquisite design, attention to detail and TV viewing at its ultimate best”

11 JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWS

Samsung opens fi rst UK cookery schoolSamsung UK has held the offi cial opening of its fi rst UK Cookery School, which features Jamie Oliver-endorsed Samsung kitchen appliances and will host a number of classes and courses, including ‘demonstration and dine’ evenings led by the southwest’s fi nest Michelin Starred and AA Rosette-rated chefs, many of whom make up the member base of prestigious industry networking group The Chefs’ Forum.

The initiative is in affi liation with kitchen appliance retailer Nailsea Electrical and set in an interesting church conversion on Bristol’s

Gloucester Road. 102 Cookery School will off er a variety of classes in a fun and informal atmosphere for novice and experienced cooks to learn about food, drink and gastronomy.

Ben and Pete Gilks, Directors of Nailsea Electrical and 102, said: “After expanding our business by opening a fully working showroom we have seen that the public have a genuine interest in food and the methods by which it is cooked to get the best results. We’ve been inspired by this to create a food and drink venue like no other and are very excited for the launch.”

Photo © Jon C

raig Photography

Sony Radio Awards give boost to digital radioThe Sony Radio Academy Awards created what Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, called “truly a landmark moment for digital radio” when the digital-only station BBC Radio 6 Music won the coveted UK Station of the Year Award. This is the fi rst time that this Award has been won by a digital-only station.

The station has achieved a remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction. In 2010 it was rescued from the BBC’s budget-cutting axe by vociferous public protest, and has since doubled its audience to 1.4 million.

Sony Head of Corporate Affairs Adrian Northover-Smith endorsed the importance of the accolade going to a digital-only station: “The Sony Radio Academy Awards are the UK’s most prestigious awards for radio excellence and it is fi tting at this time of accelerating digital growth that 6 Music has been recognised as the UK Station of the Year.”

Distributor BBG has recruited two new members for its consumer sales team. Phil Brown, a former Sony Centre group store manager and overall area manager for 6 stores (pictured below right), will cover the Midlands, Yorkshire & North East areas, and Tony Murney (below left), an industry veteran of 10 years, takes on responsibility for the Scotland region.

The CAI is to launch a new logo that represents a contemporary new look for the organisation. The new branding will be introduced to the market gradually with the general membership logo being released fi rst. The CAI said that old CAI

logos will still be fully accepted for some months in order that members have the time to change vehicles, stationery and allow for new membership certifi cates to be distributed.

Armour Home has added to its CI team with the appointment of Chris Janes as Sales Manager for the New Build division, reporting to Ashley Hutchinson, Armour’s Channel Director for CI Products.

Fisher & Paykel Appliances UK has announced the appointment of Peter Newitt (pictured right) to the role of Area Sales Representative covering the South East of England.

Floorcare brand Vax has been shortlisted for two ‘Birmingham Made Me’ design and innovation awards. The Vax Air – claimed to be the lightest full size multi-cyclonic upright vacuum cleaner in the world – is a fi nalist for the ‘Best Radical Design/Innovation 2012’ award and the eco-friendly Vax ev cardboard vacuum cleaner is in the running for ‘Best Design Collaboration with Education 2012’.

Maytag has launched a comprehensive and user-friendly website refl ecting the brand’s message ‘What’s Inside Matters’. The site is simple to navigate and encourages consumers to share via social media, with links to Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

A new website at www.smeguk.com has gone live after 18 months of development from a customised platform. The investment by Smeg in creating new international websites for the brand is led by the launch from the UK subsidiary and will be followed by a further 21 sites globally over the coming months.

KEF has announced a second 50-day consumer promotion as part of its ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations. The offer concentrates on the award-winning KHT 2005.3 Home Cinema System and runs until 9th July 2012. Customers purchasing the system will receive a generous £200 discount, taking the price of the product down to £600.

AEG is to celebrate “125 years of design and innovation” to commemorate its 125th birthday, which takes place this year. The company announced that it will be running a series of events and promotional giveaways to mark the occasion.

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Move over Tupperware…Philips has introduced parties similar to those thrown by brands such as Avon and Tupperware, but dedicated to ironing. The company has teamed up with party organisers Come Round to arrange the events and recruited 200 consumers throughout the UK to host offi cial Philips PerfectCare ironing parties in their own home.

Sir Richard Branson urges more support for small businessesSir Richard Branson has called on the Government to give more support to small businesses, arguing that SMEs are crucial to economic recovery. In remarks reported in The Observer, Sir Richard suggested a number of measures to help small businesses spearhead the recovery, and emphasised that banks should be encouraged to lend more.

A National Insurance “holiday” for companies taking on new staff , reduction of business rates and a lightening of the regulations burden would all, Sir Richard

suggested, help to put the UK back into sustained growth.

“To get that growth,” he said, “we need to get behind the small and medium-sized businesses that are the engines of any healthy economy. They need investment and fi nance, and that comes from the big banks. The politicians talk of encouraging lending; we need action to match that rhetoric.”

Sir Richard has since posted a blog at www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog clarifying and enlarging upon his remarks.

Haier strengthens presence in the UK TV marketChinese manufacturer Haier says it is looking to fi ll a gap in the UK TV market with a range of new and innovative products. Presenting itself as “the small screen specialist”, the company announced its fi rst “lifestyle solution” for UK households in the form of the T1000: an LED super-slim bezel TV with Full HD 1080p in 22”and 24” models and with HD Ready 720p in 26” models.

Richard Popple, National Sales Manager for Haier UK, said: “In the coming months, we will be launching products that meet and exceed the expectations of customers here in the UK.”

For retailers, Haier offers stock display plans to those who commit to featuring a range of products in their showrooms. The company also says its team of experts will support resellers by way of training, POS material and a virtual showroom on haier.com.

Kenwood calls for “hopeless” cooksKenwood is launching a UK-wide competition to fi nd the nation’s most hopeless cooks. The initiative aims to transform participants’ culinary skills before crowning the most improved cook ‘the Kenwood Chef of 2012’. The winner will take away prizes worth in excess of £4,000.

The campaign is supported by a six fi gure marketing spend including PR and advertorials in selected women’s magazines and a dedicated online section for information and registration on the revamped Kenwood website. It is being spearheaded by Silent Witness actress and self-confessed “disaster chef” Emilia Fox.

Electrolux celebrates artistic excellence at CannesElectrolux brought culinary artistry to the Opening Gala at Film Festival de Cannes, with a dining collaboration between Michelin star chefs Bruno Oger and Rasmus Kofoed. Guests Tilda Swinton and Diane Kruger enjoyed what Electrolux described as “an imaginative menu” from the two chefs – one which mixed “Cannes art de vivre with Scandinavian ingenuity.”

Bring adifferent flavourto your business

Telephone: 01344 891248 Email: john@jr-associates.co.uk

If you want to achieve success in today’s difficult economic environment thenknow-how, planning and experience are key ingredients and so are the team youhave around you. If you are missing any of these ingredients then we can help.

A Simple Approach to BusinessJR Associates can bring a different flavour to your business, with a refreshinglysimple approach. Working with energy and enthusiasm to ensure every aspect of your operation performs to the maximum.

Build a Successful & Profitable BusinessWe can assist you in: • Recruitment• Business Plans• Sales and Marketing Strategies• Pricing Policies• Training

and anything else you need, to create a successful and profitable business. We’ll then even help you sell it or merge, if that is your objective.

The Experience to Bring SuccessJR Associates is headed up by John Reddington, one of the CE markets most experienced professionals. He has an enviabletrack record and reputation, plus over 35 years experience.

Call John today and let him help you to bring a different flavour to your business.

JR Ad GC 102x145mm:Layout 1 23/8/11 15:18 Page 1

Samsung opens fi rst UK cookery schoolSamsung UK has held the offi cial opening of its fi rst UK Cookery School, which features Jamie Oliver-endorsed Samsung kitchen appliances and will host a number of classes and courses, including ‘demonstration and dine’ evenings led by the southwest’s fi nest Michelin Starred and AA Rosette-rated chefs, many of whom make up the member base of prestigious industry networking group The Chefs’ Forum.

The initiative is in affi liation with kitchen appliance retailer Nailsea Electrical and set in an interesting church conversion on Bristol’s

Gloucester Road. 102 Cookery School will off er a variety of classes in a fun and informal atmosphere for novice and experienced cooks to learn about food, drink and gastronomy.

Ben and Pete Gilks, Directors of Nailsea Electrical and 102, said: “After expanding our business by opening a fully working showroom we have seen that the public have a genuine interest in food and the methods by which it is cooked to get the best results. We’ve been inspired by this to create a food and drink venue like no other and are very excited for the launch.”

Photo © Jon C

raig Photography

Sony Radio Awards give boost to digital radioThe Sony Radio Academy Awards created what Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK, called “truly a landmark moment for digital radio” when the digital-only station BBC Radio 6 Music won the coveted UK Station of the Year Award. This is the fi rst time that this Award has been won by a digital-only station.

The station has achieved a remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction. In 2010 it was rescued from the BBC’s budget-cutting axe by vociferous public protest, and has since doubled its audience to 1.4 million.

Sony Head of Corporate Affairs Adrian Northover-Smith endorsed the importance of the accolade going to a digital-only station: “The Sony Radio Academy Awards are the UK’s most prestigious awards for radio excellence and it is fi tting at this time of accelerating digital growth that 6 Music has been recognised as the UK Station of the Year.”

logos will still be fully accepted for some months in order that members have the time to change vehicles, stationery and allow for new membership certifi cates to be distributed.

Armour Home has added to its CI team with the appointment of Chris Janes as Sales Manager for the New Build division, reporting to Ashley Hutchinson, Armour’s Channel Director for CI Products.

Fisher & Paykel Appliances UK has announced the appointment of Peter Newitt (pictured right) to the role of Area Sales Representative covering the South East of England.

Floorcare brand Vax has been shortlisted for two ‘Birmingham Made Me’ design and innovation awards. The Vax Air – claimed to be the lightest full size multi-cyclonic upright vacuum cleaner in the world – is a fi nalist for the ‘Best Radical Design/Innovation 2012’ award and the eco-friendly Vax ev cardboard vacuum cleaner is in the running for ‘Best Design Collaboration with Education 2012’.

Maytag has launched a comprehensive and user-friendly website refl ecting the brand’s message ‘What’s Inside Matters’. The site is simple to navigate and encourages consumers to share via social media, with links to Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

A new website at www.smeguk.com has gone live after 18 months of development from a customised platform. The investment by Smeg in creating new international websites for the brand is led by the launch from the UK subsidiary and will be followed by a further 21 sites globally over the coming months.

KEF has announced a second 50-day consumer promotion as part of its ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations. The offer concentrates on the award-winning KHT 2005.3 Home Cinema System and runs until 9th July 2012. Customers purchasing the system will receive a generous £200 discount, taking the price of the product down to £600.

AEG is to celebrate “125 years of design and innovation” to commemorate its 125th birthday, which takes place this year. The company announced that it will be running a series of events and promotional giveaways to mark the occasion.

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED12

Move over Tupperware…Philips has introduced parties similar to those thrown by brands such as Avon and Tupperware, but dedicated to ironing. The company has teamed up with party organisers Come Round to arrange the events and recruited 200 consumers throughout the UK to host offi cial Philips PerfectCare ironing parties in their own home.

Sir Richard Branson urges more support for small businessesSir Richard Branson has called on the Government to give more support to small businesses, arguing that SMEs are crucial to economic recovery. In remarks reported in The Observer, Sir Richard suggested a number of measures to help small businesses spearhead the recovery, and emphasised that banks should be encouraged to lend more.

A National Insurance “holiday” for companies taking on new staff , reduction of business rates and a lightening of the regulations burden would all, Sir Richard

suggested, help to put the UK back into sustained growth.

“To get that growth,” he said, “we need to get behind the small and medium-sized businesses that are the engines of any healthy economy. They need investment and fi nance, and that comes from the big banks. The politicians talk of encouraging lending; we need action to match that rhetoric.”

Sir Richard has since posted a blog at www.virgin.com/richard-branson/blog clarifying and enlarging upon his remarks.

Haier strengthens presence in the UK TV marketChinese manufacturer Haier says it is looking to fi ll a gap in the UK TV market with a range of new and innovative products. Presenting itself as “the small screen specialist”, the company announced its fi rst “lifestyle solution” for UK households in the form of the T1000: an LED super-slim bezel TV with Full HD 1080p in 22”and 24” models and with HD Ready 720p in 26” models.

Richard Popple, National Sales Manager for Haier UK, said: “In the coming months, we will be launching products that meet and exceed the expectations of customers here in the UK.”

For retailers, Haier offers stock display plans to those who commit to featuring a range of products in their showrooms. The company also says its team of experts will support resellers by way of training, POS material and a virtual showroom on haier.com.

Kenwood calls for “hopeless” cooksKenwood is launching a UK-wide competition to fi nd the nation’s most hopeless cooks. The initiative aims to transform participants’ culinary skills before crowning the most improved cook ‘the Kenwood Chef of 2012’. The winner will take away prizes worth in excess of £4,000.

The campaign is supported by a six fi gure marketing spend including PR and advertorials in selected women’s magazines and a dedicated online section for information and registration on the revamped Kenwood website. It is being spearheaded by Silent Witness actress and self-confessed “disaster chef” Emilia Fox.

Electrolux celebrates artistic excellence at CannesElectrolux brought culinary artistry to the Opening Gala at Film Festival de Cannes, with a dining collaboration between Michelin star chefs Bruno Oger and Rasmus Kofoed. Guests Tilda Swinton and Diane Kruger enjoyed what Electrolux described as “an imaginative menu” from the two chefs – one which mixed “Cannes art de vivre with Scandinavian ingenuity.”

Bring adifferent flavourto your business

Telephone: 01344 891248 Email: john@jr-associates.co.uk

If you want to achieve success in today’s difficult economic environment thenknow-how, planning and experience are key ingredients and so are the team youhave around you. If you are missing any of these ingredients then we can help.

A Simple Approach to BusinessJR Associates can bring a different flavour to your business, with a refreshinglysimple approach. Working with energy and enthusiasm to ensure every aspect of your operation performs to the maximum.

Build a Successful & Profitable BusinessWe can assist you in: • Recruitment• Business Plans• Sales and Marketing Strategies• Pricing Policies• Training

and anything else you need, to create a successful and profitable business. We’ll then even help you sell it or merge, if that is your objective.

The Experience to Bring SuccessJR Associates is headed up by John Reddington, one of the CE markets most experienced professionals. He has an enviabletrack record and reputation, plus over 35 years experience.

Call John today and let him help you to bring a different flavour to your business.

JR Ad GC 102x145mm:Layout 1 23/8/11 15:18 Page 1

THE WORD | INDUSTRY NEWS

GET CONNECTED14 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Roberts introduces Jubilee Edition RevivalsRoberts Radio has launched three Jubilee Edition versions of its bestselling Revival DAB/FM radio, in high gloss red, white and blue. The products feature easy to use rotary controls and an energy-effi cient 120 hours of battery life. RRP: £200

� RDS station name display

� Favourite station button

� Stereo line in socket for iPod/MP3 playback

www.robertsradio.co.uk

New Stoves Mini Ranges fly the flagStoves has given its popular British-made Sterling mini range collection a regal twist, adding a red, white and blue Union Jack fi nish and monochrome version of the same to the collection. The 60cm freestanding products off er range cooker styling in standard dimensions. The model pictured features:

� Choice of fuel options

� 59-litre main oven / Top oven with grill

� Fully programmable timer / Fascia cooling system

0844 248 4149 www.stoves.co.uk

Philips celebrates Summer 2012 Philips’ new AE2012 DAB+ FM radio sports a Union Jack fi nish to attract those celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee and the summer of sport. The slim and lightweight unit features a classic desktop design and has a large backlit display for easy viewing in low light.

� Quick scan functionality

� 20 presets

� Stereo headphone jack / Output power: 300 mW RMS

01293 773128 www.philips.co.uk

‘Fiery Red’ finish for Gorenje Retro fridge freezer Gorenje has added a new model to its Retro refrigeration range, fi nished in Fiery Red and boasting an A++ energy rating. The RB60299 has SuperCool fast chill and fast freeze options and comes with Gorenje’s free 5-year parts and labour guarantee.

0208 247 3980 www.gorenje.co.uk

Imagine Acoustics introduces a “world first” The new SoundScene from Imagine Acoustics is the “world’s fi rst” Apple AirPlay-enabled on-wall loudspeaker system. The ultra-slim unit hides behind a conventional picture frame or mirror and each is manufactured to the customer’s exact requirements.

¿ Drive units: BMR x 4 (side fi ring)

� Frequency response: 50Hz - 20KHz

� Amplifi er: 4 x 12.5 watts RMS

01279 501111 www.imagineacoustics.co.uk

� Net capacity: fridge 255 litres (auto defrost); freezer 26 litres

� Large vegetable crisper / Bottle storage shelves / Deep door partitioned bottle storage

� Noise level: 42 dB(A)

15GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

Pure Evoke Mio Union Jack digital radio0845 1489001www.pure.com

Sebo Felix Royale upright cleaner

01494 465 533www.sebo.co.uk Smeg Union Jack

FAB 28 refrigerator0844 557 0070www.smeguk.com

Husky Union Jack fridge01455 555397

www.husky-retail.com

Geneva Model M iPod/iPhone dock system 0843 2897195 www.sav-distibution.co.uk

Audio Pro LV2e wireless loudspeaker system0843 2897195www.sav-distibution.co.uk

Bold statement from Steel Cuisine 01926 338116www.steelcuisine.co.uk

GET CONNECTED14 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Roberts introduces Jubilee Edition RevivalsRoberts Radio has launched three Jubilee Edition versions of its bestselling Revival DAB/FM radio, in high gloss red, white and blue. The products feature easy to use rotary controls and an energy-effi cient 120 hours of battery life. RRP: £200

� RDS station name display

� Favourite station button

� Stereo line in socket for iPod/MP3 playback

www.robertsradio.co.uk

New Stoves Mini Ranges fly the flagStoves has given its popular British-made Sterling mini range collection a regal twist, adding a red, white and blue Union Jack fi nish and monochrome version of the same to the collection. The 60cm freestanding products off er range cooker styling in standard dimensions. The model pictured features:

� Choice of fuel options

� 59-litre main oven / Top oven with grill

� Fully programmable timer / Fascia cooling system

0844 248 4149 www.stoves.co.uk

Philips celebrates Summer 2012 Philips’ new AE2012 DAB+ FM radio sports a Union Jack fi nish to attract those celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee and the summer of sport. The slim and lightweight unit features a classic desktop design and has a large backlit display for easy viewing in low light.

� Quick scan functionality

� 20 presets

� Stereo headphone jack / Output power: 300 mW RMS

01293 773128 www.philips.co.uk

‘Fiery Red’ finish for Gorenje Retro fridge freezer Gorenje has added a new model to its Retro refrigeration range, fi nished in Fiery Red and boasting an A++ energy rating. The RB60299 has SuperCool fast chill and fast freeze options and comes with Gorenje’s free 5-year parts and labour guarantee.

0208 247 3980 www.gorenje.co.uk

Imagine Acoustics introduces a “world first” The new SoundScene from Imagine Acoustics is the “world’s fi rst” Apple AirPlay-enabled on-wall loudspeaker system. The ultra-slim unit hides behind a conventional picture frame or mirror and each is manufactured to the customer’s exact requirements.

¿ Drive units: BMR x 4 (side fi ring)

� Frequency response: 50Hz - 20KHz

� Amplifi er: 4 x 12.5 watts RMS

01279 501111 www.imagineacoustics.co.uk

� Net capacity: fridge 255 litres (auto defrost); freezer 26 litres

� Large vegetable crisper / Bottle storage shelves / Deep door partitioned bottle storage

� Noise level: 42 dB(A)

15GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

Pure Evoke Mio Union Jack digital radio0845 1489001www.pure.com

Sebo Felix Royale upright cleaner

01494 465 533www.sebo.co.uk

Sebo Felix Royale upright cleaner

01494 465 533www.sebo.co.uk Smeg Union Jack

FAB 28 refrigerator0844 557 0070www.smeguk.com

Husky Union Jack fridge01455 555397

www.husky-retail.com

Geneva Model M iPod/iPhone dock system 0843 2897195 www.sav-distibution.co.uk

iPhone dock system 0843 2897195 www.sav-distibution.co.uk

Audio Pro LV2e wireless loudspeaker system0843 2897195www.sav-distibution.co.uk

Bold statement from Steel Cuisine 01926 338116www.steelcuisine.co.uk

GET CONNECTED18 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Design and the future:

“If we project far enough ahead, rooms in British homes will not be designated as they are today. Kitchens and living rooms will be multiuse; consumers will need to use space more effectively; products may often have more than one use, and the output of one process, like heat from the oven, will be saved as energy to fuel other appliances”Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying, Beko PLC

DESIGN

Good design is a powerful attribute. It is responsible for defi ning, differentiating, and it is the lifeblood of brands and products, the most vital part of “the whole”. GC reports on the sovereignty of GC reports on the sovereignty of GCdesign and its dominance in the electricals industry

Whether in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics or Small Appliances, design is an area

of intense focus, both in aesthetics and technological performance; the result of which is continuous changes in trends: changes which keep the electrical industry alive by encouraging consumers to buy the next, bigger, better, best and most stylish products on the market.

Extension of choice has been achieved by democratising access to good design. In building aspirational design into more aff ordable products as well as high-end appliances, manufacturers have signifi cantly upped their

game, and design and innovative technology have trickled down to most price points.

As Baumatic Marketing Manager Rita Balestrazzi points out, appliances are now considered “fashion” for the home, so the look of a product can make or break a sale or even inspire consumers to invest in multiple appliances. And technology for the home has now become a fashion statement in itself, she believes. “Technology motivates consumers to replace their appliances more regularly so that they can keep up with the latest trends. Even fi ve years ago, appliances were, on average, only replaced every 15 years, when they reached the end of their lifespan. Now, with more aff ordable, trend-inspired products available, consumers are opting to invest in new appliances every fi ve or so years.”

“This doesn’t mean that consumers want technology for technology’s sake,” says Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying at Beko. “Rather, they are looking for features and functions that will genuinely make their lives easier.” And technology should not be the preserve of “high end, high price models,” he adds.

However, Joan Fraser, Product Development and Training Manager at Smeg, suggests that consumers in the market for a premium brand product are probably more likely to choose appliances for their “show off ” potential than for their performance and specifi cation credentials and tend to be much more likely to spend more on product that will make a strong style-statement in the home.

“Consumers are fi rst drawn to the products which most strongly appeal to them visually; after this, features and technology compete for their available budget. Often, if two brands each

Reflections on designon design

INSPIRATION FROM ELECTROLUX: “A WELL CHOSEN SPOT OF COLOUR CAN REALLY REFRESH THE LOOK OF THE KITCHEN…”

off er a product of similar specifi cation and at a similar price, then the design aesthetics become the deciding factor.”

Steve Dickson, Commercial Manager for Range Cooking at Stoves and Belling, is of the opinion that the purchasing decision is no longer purely made on design, price or size: “It’s a combination of these, along with the added benefi ts that better technology makes available,

19GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

whether this is induction appliances that off er faster, smarter, safer, greener technology, steam functions for healthier cooking, or just clever confi gurations which maximise space and make cooking easier – these are the needs that manufacturers have had to respond to.”

Bill Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at Gorenje, off ers a diff erent outlook. His belief is that it is increased competition for sales that has made manufacturers focus their attention on design – both in terms of appearance, and, technology. It is a refreshingly frank view, and one which supports his theory that today’s consumers will not settle for “second best.” And why should they, when, as he rightly points out: “Products which feature exquisite design of a very high quality are becoming available further down the marketplace, making luxury appliances far more accessible to consumers at diff erent price points.”

Colour and designIn Major Appliances, while white, black and stainless steel have retained their established style status, there has also been an upsurge in dramatic colour choices and the innovative

AMICA PLATINUM COLLECTION Built-in ovens from Amica offer retailers a chance to sell a range of cooking products at prices that won’t be undercut by online retailers.

The Platinum range includes hobs and ovens and provides style, price, functionality and margin.

Features include:

Aqualytic cleaning with water

Preset, easy to use, icon-led programmes and recipes

Steam function

Retractable controls

Telescopic racks A 2-year parts and labour guarantee is standard.

Amica also gives its retailers the chance to service Amica products themselves. The company offers above-average callout fees, and at the same time this ensures the retailer retains a personal relationship with the end customer.

www-amica-international.co.uk

GET CONNECTED18 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Design and the future:

“If we project far enough ahead, rooms in British homes will not be designated as they are today. Kitchens and living rooms will be multiuse; consumers will need to use space more effectively; products may often have more than one use, and the output of one process, like heat from the oven, will be saved as energy to fuel other appliances”Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying, Beko PLC

Whether in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics or Small Appliances, design is an area

of intense focus, both in aesthetics and technological performance; the result of which is continuous changes in trends: changes which keep the electrical industry alive by encouraging consumers to buy the next, bigger, better, best and most stylish products on the market.

Extension of choice has been achieved by democratising access to good design. In building aspirational design into more aff ordable products as well as high-end appliances, manufacturers have signifi cantly upped their

game, and design and innovative technology have trickled down to most price points.

As Baumatic Marketing Manager Rita Balestrazzi points out, appliances are now considered “fashion” for the home, so the look of a product can make or break a sale or even inspire consumers to invest in multiple appliances. And technology for the home has now become a fashion statement in itself, she believes. “Technology motivates consumers to replace their appliances more regularly so that they can keep up with the latest trends. Even fi ve years ago, appliances were, on average, only replaced every 15 years, when they reached the end of their lifespan. Now, with more aff ordable, trend-inspired products available, consumers are opting to invest in new appliances every fi ve or so years.”

“This doesn’t mean that consumers want technology for technology’s sake,” says Les Wicks, Head of Product and Buying at Beko. “Rather, they are looking for features and functions that will genuinely make their lives easier.” And technology should not be the preserve of “high end, high price models,” he adds.

However, Joan Fraser, Product Development and Training Manager at Smeg, suggests that consumers in the market for a premium brand product are probably more likely to choose appliances for their “show off ” potential than for their performance and specifi cation credentials and tend to be much more likely to spend more on product that will make a strong style-statement in the home.

“Consumers are fi rst drawn to the products which most strongly appeal to them visually; after this, features and technology compete for their available budget. Often, if two brands each

Reflections on design

INSPIRATION FROM ELECTROLUX: “A WELL CHOSEN SPOT OF COLOUR CAN REALLY REFRESH THE LOOK OF THE KITCHEN…”

off er a product of similar specifi cation and at a similar price, then the design aesthetics become the deciding factor.”

Steve Dickson, Commercial Manager for Range Cooking at Stoves and Belling, is of the opinion that the purchasing decision is no longer purely made on design, price or size: “It’s a combination of these, along with the added benefi ts that better technology makes available,

19GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

whether this is induction appliances that off er faster, smarter, safer, greener technology, steam functions for healthier cooking, or just clever confi gurations which maximise space and make cooking easier – these are the needs that manufacturers have had to respond to.”

Bill Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at Gorenje, off ers a diff erent outlook. His belief is that it is increased competition for sales that has made manufacturers focus their attention on design – both in terms of appearance, and, technology. It is a refreshingly frank view, and one which supports his theory that today’s consumers will not settle for “second best.” And why should they, when, as he rightly points out: “Products which feature exquisite design of a very high quality are becoming available further down the marketplace, making luxury appliances far more accessible to consumers at diff erent price points.”

Colour and designIn Major Appliances, while white, black and stainless steel have retained their established style status, there has also been an upsurge in dramatic colour choices and the innovative

AMICA PLATINUM COLLECTION Built-in ovens from Amica offer retailers a chance to sell a range of cooking products at prices that won’t be undercut by online retailers.

The Platinum range includes hobs and ovens and provides style, price, functionality and margin.

Features include:

Aqualytic cleaning with water

Preset, easy to use, icon-led programmes and recipes

Steam function

Retractable controls

Telescopic racks A 2-year parts and labour guarantee is standard.

Amica also gives its retailers the chance to service Amica products themselves. The company offers above-average callout fees, and at the same time this ensures the retailer retains a personal relationship with the end customer.

www-amica-international.co.uk

DESIGN

THE WHIRLPOOL ART GALLERY HOOD COLLECTION, SHOWCASED AT THE 2012 EUROCUCINA EXHIBITION

GET CONNECTED20 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

use of materials. Vibrant colour, according to Baumatic’s Balestrazzi, is “bang on trend this season.” But she highlights the fact that, for some, colour can be diffi cult to incorporate into the kitchen, “especially since many of these appliances tend to be retro in style.” In making coloured appliances more accessible for consumers, Baumatic embarked upon the marrying of glass and stainless steel to set colour hues in a more contemporary, minimalist design which Balestrazzi says will complement “even the most neutrally decorated and modern kitchens.”

Stoves and Belling’s Steve Dickson is keen to note his brands’ Colour Boutique concept, which was brought to market last year and off ers a choice of 12 colours across all size and fuel variants of the Stoves Richmond and Belling Classic range cookers. In his opinion, “colour continues to be one of the most simple but eff ective ways to achieve standout, and range cookers remain the product consumers aspire to. Put the two together and you have the ultimate designer appliance.”

Richard Treffl er, extraction category manager at Miele also remarks on colour as a means of fulfi lling consumers’ desire for making a design statement within the kitchen: “Design has become

one of the top priorities when a consumer is choosing their new cooker hood so, for 2012, Miele added to its range with the introduction of a bespoke RAL colourway system. This provides more than 200 diff erent colour choices, to create an incredible and eye-catching centrepiece.”

“The appliance industry is very fashion-led and today it is very much about colour, fi nish and the focal point of the kitchen,” says Dean McKelvie, Product Marketing Manager at Maytag and for Freestanding at Whirlpool. He comments that refrigeration products in particular come in numerous colours, materials and fi nishes, with high gloss and the combination of metals and glass now available in many design formats.

Built-in cooking, too, has succumbed to the desire for the bright and the bold. According to Jon Brennan, Commercial Manager for Built-in at GDHA, “this is an exciting category of the market at the moment because of the breadth of design choice it off ers consumers, across a full spectrum of price-points with aspirational design no longer restricted to high-end appliances.

Design and the future:

“The design and look of an appliance can only go so far in attracting the consumer. Functionality, practicality and running costs will remain big considerations”Steve Macdonald, Marketing Director, Hoover Candy

“Product innovation in the multifunction arena is continuing to shape the market,” he says. “And alongside the ongoing success of the glossy, black and stainless steel minimalist products out there, clever use of colour is also becoming more popular in the built-in sector.”

Little eye-catchersFor those who dare not be so bold as to make a dramatic statement in the kitchen with a coloured major domestic appliance, Mark Swift, Director of Marketing at Kenwood, says the display of small appliances is the way to add an element of style and colour to the room that is, for many, the true heart of the home. “Style and colour is a huge trend in the SDA market,” he remarks, highlighting the brand’s “style-led” kMix range, which was extended in 2011 with the addition of the Boutique collection, a breakfast range comprising toaster, kettle and coff ee maker in fi ve vibrant shades: magenta, blue, orange, green and yellow.

Speaking about the company’s dedication to design, Swift also notes the 2010 launch of a “groundbreaking” piece of SDA equipment – the Kenwood Cooking Chef – a kitchen machine that he says is “a refl ection of the brand’s commitment to innovation in food preparation.” The appliance incorporates an induction cooking system and went through 100,000 man hours in development and 60,000 hours of testing before it arrived in stores two years ago.

SIMPLICITY IN DESIGN FROM GORENJE

Design and the future:

“Manufacturers are aware that the market is harder and more competitive than in previous years, and they really need to impress consumers if they are to invest. For this reason, we are introducing appliances that are more eye-catching and show-stopping than ever before” Bill Miller, Sales and Marketing Director, Gorenje

DESIGN

ELECTROLUX’S NEW RANGE OF COMPACT COOKING APPLIANCES

“SEDUCTION” COMES IN THE FORM OF THE BAUMATIC SINS COOLING COLLECTION

Star quality, large capacity, great design. The coolest choice for your customers.

Beko — the best-selling cooling brand in the UK*

See our TV ad at www.beko.co.uk

Beko Four Door Fridge Freezer

Large multizone compartment forfridge and freezer storage

Bluelight technology prolongs fruitand vegetable storage life

Interactive LCD display with energysaving eco and holiday settings

Fingerprint free stainless steel doors

*GFK panelmarket Apr 2011-Mar 2012 in vol, 18.1%

Fridge Freezers December 2010

BEK0175_AdTemplates_Fridge_A4_AW3.indd 1 14/05/2012 10:06

GET CONNECTED20 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

use of materials. Vibrant colour, according to Baumatic’s Balestrazzi, is “bang on trend this season.” But she highlights the fact that, for some, colour can be diffi cult to incorporate into the kitchen, “especially since many of these appliances tend to be retro in style.” In making coloured appliances more accessible for consumers, Baumatic embarked upon the marrying of glass and stainless steel to set colour hues in a more contemporary, minimalist design which Balestrazzi says will complement “even the most neutrally decorated and modern kitchens.”

Stoves and Belling’s Steve Dickson is keen to note his brands’ Colour Boutique concept, which was brought to market last year and off ers a choice of 12 colours across all size and fuel variants of the Stoves Richmond and Belling Classic range cookers. In his opinion, “colour continues to be one of the most simple but eff ective ways to achieve standout, and range cookers remain the product consumers aspire to. Put the two together and you have the ultimate designer appliance.”

Richard Treffl er, extraction category manager at Miele also remarks on colour as a means of fulfi lling consumers’ desire for making a design statement within the kitchen: “Design has become

one of the top priorities when a consumer is choosing their new cooker hood so, for 2012, Miele added to its range with the introduction of a bespoke RAL colourway system. This provides more than 200 diff erent colour choices, to create an incredible and eye-catching centrepiece.”

“The appliance industry is very fashion-led and today it is very much about colour, fi nish and the focal point of the kitchen,” says Dean McKelvie, Product Marketing Manager at Maytag and for Freestanding at Whirlpool. He comments that refrigeration products in particular come in numerous colours, materials and fi nishes, with high gloss and the combination of metals and glass now available in many design formats.

Built-in cooking, too, has succumbed to the desire for the bright and the bold. According to Jon Brennan, Commercial Manager for Built-in at GDHA, “this is an exciting category of the market at the moment because of the breadth of design choice it off ers consumers, across a full spectrum of price-points with aspirational design no longer restricted to high-end appliances.

Design and the future:

“The design and look of an appliance can only go so far in attracting the consumer. Functionality, practicality and running costs will remain big considerations”Steve Macdonald, Marketing Director, Hoover Candy

“Product innovation in the multifunction arena is continuing to shape the market,” he says. “And alongside the ongoing success of the glossy, black and stainless steel minimalist products out there, clever use of colour is also becoming more popular in the built-in sector.”

Little eye-catchersFor those who dare not be so bold as to make a dramatic statement in the kitchen with a coloured major domestic appliance, Mark Swift, Director of Marketing at Kenwood, says the display of small appliances is the way to add an element of style and colour to the room that is, for many, the true heart of the home. “Style and colour is a huge trend in the SDA market,” he remarks, highlighting the brand’s “style-led” kMix range, which was extended in 2011 with the addition of the Boutique collection, a breakfast range comprising toaster, kettle and coff ee maker in fi ve vibrant shades: magenta, blue, orange, green and yellow.

Speaking about the company’s dedication to design, Swift also notes the 2010 launch of a “groundbreaking” piece of SDA equipment – the Kenwood Cooking Chef – a kitchen machine that he says is “a refl ection of the brand’s commitment to innovation in food preparation.” The appliance incorporates an induction cooking system and went through 100,000 man hours in development and 60,000 hours of testing before it arrived in stores two years ago.

SIMPLICITY IN DESIGN FROM GORENJE

Design and the future:

“Manufacturers are aware that the market is harder and more competitive than in previous years, and they really need to impress consumers if they are to invest. For this reason, we are introducing appliances that are more eye-catching and show-stopping than ever before” Bill Miller, Sales and Marketing Director, Gorenje

ELECTROLUX’S NEW RANGE OF COMPACT COOKING APPLIANCES

“SEDUCTION” COMES IN THE FORM OF THE BAUMATIC SINS COOLING COLLECTION

Star quality, large capacity, great design. The coolest choice for your customers.

Beko — the best-selling cooling brand in the UK*

See our TV ad at www.beko.co.uk

Beko Four Door Fridge Freezer

Large multizone compartment forfridge and freezer storage

Bluelight technology prolongs fruitand vegetable storage life

Interactive LCD display with energysaving eco and holiday settings

Fingerprint free stainless steel doors

*GFK panelmarket Apr 2011-Mar 2012 in vol, 18.1%

Fridge Freezers December 2010

BEK0175_AdTemplates_Fridge_A4_AW3.indd 1 14/05/2012 10:06

GET CONNECTED22 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Clarity and consistencyWith 42% of people saying that it is important for their home to look good for visiting guests, and 30% revealing that they “regularly” entertain friends at home (Source: Housewares Retailing Report), it’s not surprising that consumers have become more demanding of design and manufacturers have focused on the clarity of such and given attention to overall lines of consistency. This can be seen in the recent launch of the Zanussi QUADRO® collection, which off ers a simple, geometric look. Roberto Barbieri, Senior Industrial Design Manager, who heads the Zanussi design team in Porcia, Italy, says: “The challenge for the design team was to creatively translate the brand values and Zanussi personality into a visually consistent and co-ordinated range of products.

“What I hope we have achieved is a calibrated mix between easy to use, reliable products and the original and modern Zanussi brand personality. It should be a practical and expressive design, adaptable to the consumer’s lifestyle, and which becomes, not a tool, but a partner in their daily life.”

De Dietrich this year launched a new Premium Collection, which again demonstrates clarity and consistency of design, with vertical and structured lines coupled with sophisticated clear and coloured glass, chrome and stainless steel, giving the visual impression of full-blown luxury. The collection is aimed at kitchen studios and independents and comes in a choice of Black Pearl, White Pearl and a new, “trendsetting” Grey Pearl. De Dietrich Sales and Marketing Director Richard Walker is of the opinion that, “while black,

ZANUSSI FINDS AN EASIER ANGLE Pared-down geometry meets simplifi ed controlsThe new Zanussi QUADRO® range offers a simple geometric look with easy to use controls that look good and work beautifully. The range maintains the same vertical alignment, clean lines and rigorous form that Zanussi established with its award-winning QUADRO® products in 1999.

Over the years, QUADRO® has become a reference in Kitchen design trends, achieving international recognition with a Good Design Award in 2000 and again in 2004. In 2004, the Compasso D’Oro was also awarded.

For further information:08445 610561www.zanussi.co.uk

Design and the future:

“Technology is developing quicker than ever and appliances of the future are already upon us. In Q4 this year, Whirlpool will unveil the GREENKITCHEN™ 2.0, the fi rst authentic and up-to-the-minute kitchen system that links outstanding performance, high product and resource-saving effi ciency and interconnectivity”Dean McKelvie, Product Marketing Manager, Freestanding, Whirlpool

MIELE’S RAL EXTRACTOR RANGE OFFERS MORE THAN 200 COLOURS

DESIGN

…colour is being used, not only as a design statement, but as a celebration of design”

23GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

“It is defi nitely true that the fi rst visual impression can sell a product and encourage trade-up too,” agrees Whirlpool’s McKelvie. “Ensure that appliances are sited in the very best displays so your target audience can relate to the design.

“Creating the right visual impact with beautiful, colourful and well designed displays, combined with demonstration to highlight the features of

products, is always to your advantage, and a great asset which will ‘wow’ and impress your customers.”

And as good retailers are aware: demonstration and education go hand in hand. Speaking about the E-learning module for Hotpoint’s Aqualtis laundry range, Darren Peake, Senior Category Manager for Laundry and Dishwashers, adds: “Retailer training can help bring the magic in the machine to life.”

Design in CEIn Consumer Electronics, the design “inside the box” is paramount as “Smart” TV, 3D TV, sound systems and connectivity becomes the focus across ranges of devices that are bringing the PC and home entertainment together. Looks, too, are of massive importance, and the choice of blade-thin TV panels, mounts, stands, furniture

Design and the future:

“Appliances might offer new functionality and design, but they will only be bought by the average consumer if they promise to be user-friendly and cost effective to run”Rita Balestrazzi, Marketing Manager, Baumatic

MONITOR AUDIO’S ULTRATHIN SHADOW RANGE OF SPEAKERS

white and stainless steel still retain their obvious style status, the introduction of Grey Pearl appliances makes a viable alternative to current high-end colour standards, and one that we believe will enter the mainstream in the future.”

Likewise, from Electrolux comes a visually consistent and co-ordinated collection of products in the form of the new Inspiration compact range. Appliances are small enough to fi t into a 38cm niche, yet off er the same high performance features of full size models. The glory of compact appliances is fl exibility of installation. They can be positioned in line, in a column or square and teamed with standard-sized ovens, too. In recognition of the kitchen having become the ‘hub of the home’, the brand has added a 19-inch built-in LCD TV to the collection, off ering consumers the full monty in the way of an aspirational, streamlined focal point and kitchen retailers an add-on sale that complements the compact ovens, combi microwave and built-in coff ee machine in the range.

Baumatic’s Balestrazzi also comments on the draw of compact appliances as a potential design statement, but says that retailers do need to display such products in built-in banks to encourage multiple purchases.

Consumers won’t and shouldn’t have to compromise style over substance, or vice versa”

and accessories gives consumers the opportunity to say something about themselves through the style of their homes.

The colour television market may be experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its 45-year existence, but, for most manufacturers, investment in bigger, better, thinner, technology- and design-led products continues, as can be seen in the recent introduction of Samsung’s voice, motion and face recognition control LED TVs – technology which represents a “world fi rst” for the category – and in LG’s newly designed, 1mm bezel Cinema 3D and Smart TVs.

A CELEBRATION OF TIME AND DESIGN…

OFF THE WALL’S ‘MOTION’ TV STAND

GET CONNECTED22 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Clarity and consistencyWith 42% of people saying that it is important for their home to look good for visiting guests, and 30% revealing that they “regularly” entertain friends at home (Source: Housewares Retailing Report), it’s not surprising that consumers have become more demanding of design and manufacturers have focused on the clarity of such and given attention to overall lines of consistency. This can be seen in the recent launch of the Zanussi QUADRO® collection, which off ers a simple, geometric look. Roberto Barbieri, Senior Industrial Design Manager, who heads the Zanussi design team in Porcia, Italy, says: “The challenge for the design team was to creatively translate the brand values and Zanussi personality into a visually consistent and co-ordinated range of products.

“What I hope we have achieved is a calibrated mix between easy to use, reliable products and the original and modern Zanussi brand personality. It should be a practical and expressive design, adaptable to the consumer’s lifestyle, and which becomes, not a tool, but a partner in their daily life.”

De Dietrich this year launched a new Premium Collection, which again demonstrates clarity and consistency of design, with vertical and structured lines coupled with sophisticated clear and coloured glass, chrome and stainless steel, giving the visual impression of full-blown luxury. The collection is aimed at kitchen studios and independents and comes in a choice of Black Pearl, White Pearl and a new, “trendsetting” Grey Pearl. De Dietrich Sales and Marketing Director Richard Walker is of the opinion that, “while black,

ZANUSSI FINDS AN EASIER ANGLE Pared-down geometry meets simplifi ed controlsThe new Zanussi QUADRO® range offers a simple geometric look with easy to use controls that look good and work beautifully. The range maintains the same vertical alignment, clean lines and rigorous form that Zanussi established with its award-winning QUADRO® products in 1999.

Over the years, QUADRO® has become a reference in Kitchen design trends, achieving international recognition with a Good Design Award in 2000 and again in 2004. In 2004, the Compasso D’Oro was also awarded.

For further information:08445 610561www.zanussi.co.uk

Design and the future:

“Technology is developing quicker than ever and appliances of the future are already upon us. In Q4 this year, Whirlpool will unveil the GREENKITCHEN™ 2.0, the fi rst authentic and up-to-the-minute kitchen system that links outstanding performance, high product and resource-saving effi ciency and interconnectivity”Dean McKelvie, Product Marketing Manager, Freestanding, Whirlpool

MIELE’S RAL EXTRACTOR RANGE OFFERS MORE THAN 200 COLOURS

23GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

“It is defi nitely true that the fi rst visual impression can sell a product and encourage trade-up too,” agrees Whirlpool’s McKelvie. “Ensure that appliances are sited in the very best displays so your target audience can relate to the design.

“Creating the right visual impact with beautiful, colourful and well designed displays, combined with demonstration to highlight the features of

products, is always to your advantage, and a great asset which will ‘wow’ and impress your customers.”

And as good retailers are aware: demonstration and education go hand in hand. Speaking about the E-learning module for Hotpoint’s Aqualtis laundry range, Darren Peake, Senior Category Manager for Laundry and Dishwashers, adds: “Retailer training can help bring the magic in the machine to life.”

Design in CEIn Consumer Electronics, the design “inside the box” is paramount as “Smart” TV, 3D TV, sound systems and connectivity becomes the focus across ranges of devices that are bringing the PC and home entertainment together. Looks, too, are of massive importance, and the choice of blade-thin TV panels, mounts, stands, furniture

Design and the future:

“Appliances might offer new functionality and design, but they will only be bought by the average consumer if they promise to be user-friendly and cost effective to run”Rita Balestrazzi, Marketing Manager, Baumatic

MONITOR AUDIO’S ULTRATHIN SHADOW RANGE OF SPEAKERS

white and stainless steel still retain their obvious style status, the introduction of Grey Pearl appliances makes a viable alternative to current high-end colour standards, and one that we believe will enter the mainstream in the future.”

Likewise, from Electrolux comes a visually consistent and co-ordinated collection of products in the form of the new Inspiration compact range. Appliances are small enough to fi t into a 38cm niche, yet off er the same high performance features of full size models. The glory of compact appliances is fl exibility of installation. They can be positioned in line, in a column or square and teamed with standard-sized ovens, too. In recognition of the kitchen having become the ‘hub of the home’, the brand has added a 19-inch built-in LCD TV to the collection, off ering consumers the full monty in the way of an aspirational, streamlined focal point and kitchen retailers an add-on sale that complements the compact ovens, combi microwave and built-in coff ee machine in the range.

Baumatic’s Balestrazzi also comments on the draw of compact appliances as a potential design statement, but says that retailers do need to display such products in built-in banks to encourage multiple purchases.

Consumers won’t and shouldn’t have to compromise style over substance, or vice versa”

and accessories gives consumers the opportunity to say something about themselves through the style of their homes.

The colour television market may be experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its 45-year existence, but, for most manufacturers, investment in bigger, better, thinner, technology- and design-led products continues, as can be seen in the recent introduction of Samsung’s voice, motion and face recognition control LED TVs – technology which represents a “world fi rst” for the category – and in LG’s newly designed, 1mm bezel Cinema 3D and Smart TVs.

A CELEBRATION OF TIME AND DESIGN…

OFF THE WALL’S ‘MOTION’ TV STAND

DESIGN

GET CONNECTED24 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

SENNHEISER HD 25 ORIGINALS HEADPHONES Perfect for everyday listening or professional use…

HD 25 Originals headphones take Sennheiser quality and experience and combine it with a new-look design using adidas Originals’ iconic blue colour and 3-Stripes logo.

These headphones are capable of handling very high sound pressure levels, offering crystal-clear highs, deep bass and a closed-back design that keeps outside noises out.

They are the perfect headphones for everyday listening in comfort and style, but are equally effective for professional use – for example: when working in a club or studio.

HD 25 Originals feature a rotatable ear cup for one-ear listening and an extremely rugged design with a steel cable for high durability. RRP: £229.99

For further information, contact: info@sennheiser.co.uk

The mobile and IT markets are now on the rise again, as technology motivates consumers to buy the latest and greatest piece of kit, and the power of the “i” continues to set market trends. And while it is true that, as in other areas of electricals, good design can be accessed by

the CE mass market too, Neil Truckell of IOS Company, a consultant to audio company Elipson and TV stand manufacturer Off The Wall reckons that, “to retain the premium value of design, the best products are targeted to the mid or higher market where the quality of materials, fi t and fi nish is equally important. Consumers looking to present their new, slim-line TV in the best setting are now buying furniture that integrates with the TV and Soundbar for minimalist eff ect and space-saving benefi ts. Pole and glass,” he believes, “is fi nally demoted to the budget sector only.”

Truckell also comments on the form of CE products and highlights in particular audio systems from French brand Elipson – speakers

and wireless streaming electronics that come in spherical shapes to create “the ultimate in lifestyle design with high quality materials and performance to match.

“Not all audio systems and speakers have to be square or rectangular,” he adds.

Audio – especially radio – and accessories are categories where colour is being used not only as a design statement, but as a celebration of design. Look no further than the Pure Evoke Mio “Union Jack” radio to see the hallmark of a great British institution, the Royal family, and the nation’s enthusiasm for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The design also marks an era for Pure itself, as it celebrates the brand’s 10th birthday this year.

Personal styleFor consumers investing in stylish audio, equally stylish headphones are a must. And the global headphone market is “booming”, according to Dominic Feeney, Consumer Product Manager, Sennheiser UK, as products are increasingly becoming an extension of the consumer’s wardrobe – “another fashion accessory that enables them to express their personality and sometimes even their social status,” he says. “In fact, many people have several pairs of headphones in diff erent colours and designs just to match their outfi ts on any given day.”

What is clear from Sennheiser’s sales is that customers are still willing to pay a higher premium for the best sound quality, but this must be matched by good design. “Consumers

won’t and shouldn’t have to compromise style over substance, or vice versa,” says Feeney. “At Sennheiser we aim to deliver

outstanding products for a more mainstream audience, including entry level and mid range fashion-forward products. But, if it’s top quality cans your customer is looking for, they’ll need to expect to dig slightly deeper into their pockets – in the same way they’d expect to pay more for a top-of-the-range sports

car or a luxury holiday. It is, however, an investment they won’t regret.”

Technology motivates consumers to buy the latest and greatest piece of kit”

FOR THE FASHION CONSCIOUS: MONSTER ‘DIAMOND TEARS EDGE’ HEADPHONES

Design and innovative technology have trickled down to most price points”

DESIGN

2012 MEMORABILIA FROM THE PHILIPS BRAND

25GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

ADAPT AND DIE?Businesses are often told that they

must adapt or die: adapt to new

technologies or new forms of con-

sumer behaviour, the mantra goes, or you

will be replaced by someone else. But

can you adapt and actually make things

worse for your business? The recent move

by high street bookseller Waterstones

to sell Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader

caused many eyebrows to be raised, not

least because James Daunt, Waterstones’

managing director, once described Ama-

zon as a “ruthless, money-making devil.”

Also, many thought Waterstones might

join forces with Barnes & Noble, who

with Microsoft are developing their own

e-book reader, Nook. WH Smith has its own

e-book reader, Kobo.

So is Waterstones’ decision to adopt the

Kindle smart or stupid? I’m inclined to think

it’s the latter. Let’s see who gains from this

partnership. Amazon gets its Kindles into

hundreds of stores, and Waterstones also

promises to give customers tutorials on how

to use them – so Waterstones’ staff effective-

ly become Kindle sales staff. There’s also free

Wi-Fi provided in-store, so customers can

browse the Kindle website, and as the web-

site only provides a few sample pages from

each book, customers will be able to take a

physical copy from a Waterstones shelf, have

a good read and then, if they decide to buy,

purchase it from Amazon. Waterstones gets

a cut from any purchase, but unless this is at

least 50% (highly unlikely), it strikes me that

Waterstones has got a rough deal.

So should Waterstones bury its head in

the sand and ignore the rise of the e-book?

At present fewer than one in ten book sales

are e-books and Daunt thinks this could rise

to one in four by 2014, so it makes sense for

traditional booksellers to look to the future.

It also makes sense to capitalize on their

strengths – such as the ability to browse and

discover new books. But by joining forces

with Amazon, and effectively becoming a

cheerleader for the Kindle, Waterstones risks

being eaten by its online rival.

SMART TVs – WHAT NEXT?Paul Gray, director of TV Electronics Europe and Europe TV Research, says that smart TVs

or connected TVs have moved from “brave experimentation towards maturity,” with smart

TVs representing 25% of the TV market in all regions. In Europe, the fi gure is 40%. “Connected

TV is evolving,” adds Gray, and he points out that three main platforms have emerged. First,

there’s the consumer-controlled system, which provides open access to the internet. Second

is set-maker controlled-access, the TV portal used by companies such as Samsung, Toshiba

and Panasonic. Third, there is the broadcaster-controlled service, such as Hulu. I asked Gray

about the proliferation of set-maker smart TV platforms and he said that there was likely to

be some consolidation in this sector. It’ll be interesting to see whether set manufacturers can

resolve this issue or if the smart TV market remains fragmented.

George Cole pinpoints hotspots in the world of consumer electronics.

So is Waterstones’ decision to adopt the Kindle smart or stupid?”

TALK TO YOUR TV?A new generation of TVs are offering new

ways of interacting with them. Three main sys-

tems are making the running – speech recogni-

tion, gesture recognition and motion sensing (this

uses a mouse-like device). Samsung is betting on

all three with its Smart Interaction technology,

allowing viewers, for example, to adjust the TV

volume through speech. Paul Gray (see right) says

none of the technologies is yet perfect and all face

challenges. For example, it’s relatively simple to

develop a speech recognition system for TV view-

ers in North America, as there are only three main

languages, but try doing the same for Europe. As

for gesture recognition, Gray asks, “Would you feel

comfortable waving your arms in front of the TV?”

Motion sensing technology is familiar, but awk-

ward for text entry.

GRANDFATHER OF THE

COUCH POTATOIt’s ironic that, just

as set manufactur-

ers look for new

ways of control-

ling the TV, Eugene

Polley, the man who

invented the remote control

handset back in 1955, has died.

Polley’s Flash-matic used a

light beam and photo-cells on the

front of the TV to change channels, switch

the picture on or off, and adjust the volume.

And while it would be many years before

remote control handsets became standard

TV devices, there’s no doubt that Polley

was the grandfather of the couch potato.

E-mail: georgecole@gcmagazine.co.uk

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTED

GET CONNECTED24 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

SENNHEISER HD 25 ORIGINALS HEADPHONES Perfect for everyday listening or professional use…

HD 25 Originals headphones take Sennheiser quality and experience and combine it with a new-look design using adidas Originals’ iconic blue colour and 3-Stripes logo.

These headphones are capable of handling very high sound pressure levels, offering crystal-clear highs, deep bass and a closed-back design that keeps outside noises out.

They are the perfect headphones for everyday listening in comfort and style, but are equally effective for professional use – for example: when working in a club or studio.

HD 25 Originals feature a rotatable ear cup for one-ear listening and an extremely rugged design with a steel cable for high durability. RRP: £229.99

For further information, contact: info@sennheiser.co.uk

The mobile and IT markets are now on the rise again, as technology motivates consumers to buy the latest and greatest piece of kit, and the power of the “i” continues to set market trends. And while it is true that, as in other areas of electricals, good design can be accessed by

the CE mass market too, Neil Truckell of IOS Company, a consultant to audio company Elipson and TV stand manufacturer Off The Wall reckons that, “to retain the premium value of design, the best products are targeted to the mid or higher market where the quality of materials, fi t and fi nish is equally important. Consumers looking to present their new, slim-line TV in the best setting are now buying furniture that integrates with the TV and Soundbar for minimalist eff ect and space-saving benefi ts. Pole and glass,” he believes, “is fi nally demoted to the budget sector only.”

Truckell also comments on the form of CE products and highlights in particular audio systems from French brand Elipson – speakers

and wireless streaming electronics that come in spherical shapes to create “the ultimate in lifestyle design with high quality materials and performance to match.

“Not all audio systems and speakers have to be square or rectangular,” he adds.

Audio – especially radio – and accessories are categories where colour is being used not only as a design statement, but as a celebration of design. Look no further than the Pure Evoke Mio “Union Jack” radio to see the hallmark of a great British institution, the Royal family, and the nation’s enthusiasm for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The design also marks an era for Pure itself, as it celebrates the brand’s 10th birthday this year.

Personal styleFor consumers investing in stylish audio, equally stylish headphones are a must. And the global headphone market is “booming”, according to Dominic Feeney, Consumer Product Manager, Sennheiser UK, as products are increasingly becoming an extension of the consumer’s wardrobe – “another fashion accessory that enables them to express their personality and sometimes even their social status,” he says. “In fact, many people have several pairs of headphones in diff erent colours and designs just to match their outfi ts on any given day.”

What is clear from Sennheiser’s sales is that customers are still willing to pay a higher premium for the best sound quality, but this must be matched by good design. “Consumers

won’t and shouldn’t have to compromise style over substance, or vice versa,” says Feeney. “At Sennheiser we aim to deliver

outstanding products for a more mainstream audience, including entry level and mid range fashion-forward products. But, if it’s top quality cans your customer is looking for, they’ll need to expect to dig slightly deeper into their pockets – in the same way they’d expect to pay more for a top-of-the-range sports

car or a luxury holiday. It is, however, an investment they won’t regret.”

Technology motivates consumers to buy the latest and greatest piece of kit”

FOR THE FASHION CONSCIOUS: MONSTER ‘DIAMOND TEARS EDGE’ HEADPHONES

Design and innovative technology have trickled down to most price points”

2012 MEMORABILIA FROM THE PHILIPS BRAND

25GET CONNECTEDJUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012

ADAPT AND DIE?Businesses are often told that they

must adapt or die: adapt to new

technologies or new forms of con-

sumer behaviour, the mantra goes, or you

will be replaced by someone else. But

can you adapt and actually make things

worse for your business? The recent move

by high street bookseller Waterstones

to sell Amazon’s Kindle e-book reader

caused many eyebrows to be raised, not

least because James Daunt, Waterstones’

managing director, once described Ama-

zon as a “ruthless, money-making devil.”

Also, many thought Waterstones might

join forces with Barnes & Noble, who

with Microsoft are developing their own

e-book reader, Nook. WH Smith has its own

e-book reader, Kobo.

So is Waterstones’ decision to adopt the

Kindle smart or stupid? I’m inclined to think

it’s the latter. Let’s see who gains from this

partnership. Amazon gets its Kindles into

hundreds of stores, and Waterstones also

promises to give customers tutorials on how

to use them – so Waterstones’ staff effective-

ly become Kindle sales staff. There’s also free

Wi-Fi provided in-store, so customers can

browse the Kindle website, and as the web-

site only provides a few sample pages from

each book, customers will be able to take a

physical copy from a Waterstones shelf, have

a good read and then, if they decide to buy,

purchase it from Amazon. Waterstones gets

a cut from any purchase, but unless this is at

least 50% (highly unlikely), it strikes me that

Waterstones has got a rough deal.

So should Waterstones bury its head in

the sand and ignore the rise of the e-book?

At present fewer than one in ten book sales

are e-books and Daunt thinks this could rise

to one in four by 2014, so it makes sense for

traditional booksellers to look to the future.

It also makes sense to capitalize on their

strengths – such as the ability to browse and

discover new books. But by joining forces

with Amazon, and effectively becoming a

cheerleader for the Kindle, Waterstones risks

being eaten by its online rival.

SMART TVs – WHAT NEXT?Paul Gray, director of TV Electronics Europe and Europe TV Research, says that smart TVs

or connected TVs have moved from “brave experimentation towards maturity,” with smart

TVs representing 25% of the TV market in all regions. In Europe, the fi gure is 40%. “Connected

TV is evolving,” adds Gray, and he points out that three main platforms have emerged. First,

there’s the consumer-controlled system, which provides open access to the internet. Second

is set-maker controlled-access, the TV portal used by companies such as Samsung, Toshiba

and Panasonic. Third, there is the broadcaster-controlled service, such as Hulu. I asked Gray

about the proliferation of set-maker smart TV platforms and he said that there was likely to

be some consolidation in this sector. It’ll be interesting to see whether set manufacturers can

resolve this issue or if the smart TV market remains fragmented.

George Cole pinpoints hotspots in the world of consumer electronics.

So is Waterstones’ decision to adopt the Kindle smart or stupid?”

TALK TO YOUR TV?A new generation of TVs are offering new

ways of interacting with them. Three main sys-

tems are making the running – speech recogni-

tion, gesture recognition and motion sensing (this

uses a mouse-like device). Samsung is betting on

all three with its Smart Interaction technology,

allowing viewers, for example, to adjust the TV

volume through speech. Paul Gray (see right) says

none of the technologies is yet perfect and all face

challenges. For example, it’s relatively simple to

develop a speech recognition system for TV view-

ers in North America, as there are only three main

languages, but try doing the same for Europe. As

for gesture recognition, Gray asks, “Would you feel

comfortable waving your arms in front of the TV?”

Motion sensing technology is familiar, but awk-

ward for text entry.

GRANDFATHER OF THE

COUCH POTATOIt’s ironic that, just

as set manufactur-

ers look for new

ways of control-

ling the TV, Eugene

Polley, the man who

invented the remote control

handset back in 1955, has died.

Polley’s Flash-matic used a

light beam and photo-cells on the

front of the TV to change channels, switch

the picture on or off, and adjust the volume.

And while it would be many years before

remote control handsets became standard

TV devices, there’s no doubt that Polley

was the grandfather of the couch potato.

E-mail: georgecole@gcmagazine.co.uk

GEORGE COLE GETS CONNECTED

GET CONNECTED26 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

FLOORCARE

Cleanliness is next to godliness: GC looks at opportunities in the fl oorcare market as consumers move towards daily and instant cleaning in the home

partly to consumers becoming more familiar with the benefi ts of such products – cylinders tend to off er more effi cient suction and better airfl ow and are more portable and easier to manoeuvre. And as Samsung’s Nick Osborne, Product Manager for Floorcare, points out, “versatility and ease of use are key in this market, especially when so many homes feature a variety of surfaces. Consumers, therefore, look for more add-ons such as turbo-brushes, extra-length hoses or other attachments, so they have more control, can better adapt to diff erent surfaces, clean more effi ciently and extend the use of their vacuum cleaner. It’s all about making the job easier for them,” he adds.

It can also be about an additional sale for fl oorcare retailers, too, as many brands, although not all, off er such accessories as options.

At this point Dyson is keen to highlight the development of the DC39 Multifl oor with Musclehead™ fl oor tool. David Hollander, Managing Director for Great Britain & Ireland,

tight across all electrical appliances, this is certainly an opportunity for retailers, especially independents.”

Miele Floorcare Marketing Manager Victoria Blasdale comments that the total vacuum cleaner market has increased year-on-year, and this is refl ected both in cylinders and uprights, although cylinders have outperformed uprights both in volume and value. “Uprights used to be the most popular type of vacuum cleaner in Britain,” she advises. “However, for a number of years, cylinders have grown much faster than uprights. It would appear that the British market is shifting closer towards that of all other European countries, where cylinders are the cleaner of choice.”

Blasdale believes that the rise in popularity of cylinders is partly due to product improvements such as turbo-brushes and electro-brushes and

THE ELECTROLUX AIREXCEL PET WILL TRAP EVEN THE SMALLEST PARTICLES….

F igures for the fl oorcare market in the UK vary depending upon the source but there would appear to be an overall

consensus that value has outdone volume (see further information from industry analyst GfK on page 31 of this issue), and in doing so, it has thrown up particular trends and shifts in consumer needs and behaviour. Evidence certainly exists that the sector has been aff ected by the lengthy economic depression, as households drew in their horns, the housing market stumbled, construction slowed and the carpet market – which is known to have some correlation with the fl oorcare sector – took a dramatic downturn. But it is this tight economic climate in itself that has contributed widely to consumers having become more demanding of their purchases, resulting in a new-found willingness to invest in products that promise both performance and longevity. Hence, value in the market is standing up.

“What is unusual about the dynamics of the fl oorcare sector is the volume decline in the value-for-money category and, signifi cantly, the trend of more premium-end vacuum cleaners being sold,” remarks Charles Gordon, who runs website whatvacuum.com. “With margins

THE NEW AEG ERGORAPIDO® 2IN1 WITH BRUSHROLLCLEAN™ REMOVES HAIRS AND FIBRES FROM THE BRUSHROLL AT THE “TOUCH OF A BUTTON”

That which lifteth all… …Grit to fi bres, dirt to dust

APPROVED BY

PERFORMANCE. QUALITY. RELIABILITY.

Not just clean

For further information visit www.sebo.co.uk

SEBO – Professional Vacuum Cleaners for the Home

SEBO professional uprights have been world leaders for many years due to outstanding German product quality, design excellence and superb cleaning performance.

SEBO domestic vacuum cleaners are built to the same standards: That is why they routinely come top in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys and that is why, when you sell a SEBO, you can sell with confidence.

SEBO - The Vacuum Cleaner Professionals

www.sebo.co.uk 01494 465533

SEBO clean!

Made in Germany

SEBO advert Felix Royale.indd 1 17/05/2012 16:47

GET CONNECTED26 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

Cleanliness is next to godliness: GC looks at opportunities in the fl oorcare market as consumers move towards daily and instant cleaning in the home

partly to consumers becoming more familiar with the benefi ts of such products – cylinders tend to off er more effi cient suction and better airfl ow and are more portable and easier to manoeuvre. And as Samsung’s Nick Osborne, Product Manager for Floorcare, points out, “versatility and ease of use are key in this market, especially when so many homes feature a variety of surfaces. Consumers, therefore, look for more add-ons such as turbo-brushes, extra-length hoses or other attachments, so they have more control, can better adapt to diff erent surfaces, clean more effi ciently and extend the use of their vacuum cleaner. It’s all about making the job easier for them,” he adds.

It can also be about an additional sale for fl oorcare retailers, too, as many brands, although not all, off er such accessories as options.

At this point Dyson is keen to highlight the development of the DC39 Multifl oor with Musclehead™ fl oor tool. David Hollander, Managing Director for Great Britain & Ireland,

tight across all electrical appliances, this is certainly an opportunity for retailers, especially independents.”

Miele Floorcare Marketing Manager Victoria Blasdale comments that the total vacuum cleaner market has increased year-on-year, and this is refl ected both in cylinders and uprights, although cylinders have outperformed uprights both in volume and value. “Uprights used to be the most popular type of vacuum cleaner in Britain,” she advises. “However, for a number of years, cylinders have grown much faster than uprights. It would appear that the British market is shifting closer towards that of all other European countries, where cylinders are the cleaner of choice.”

Blasdale believes that the rise in popularity of cylinders is partly due to product improvements such as turbo-brushes and electro-brushes and

THE ELECTROLUX AIREXCEL PET WILL TRAP EVEN THE SMALLEST PARTICLES….

F igures for the fl oorcare market in the UK vary depending upon the source but there would appear to be an overall

consensus that value has outdone volume (see further information from industry analyst GfK on page 31 of this issue), and in doing so, it has thrown up particular trends and shifts in consumer needs and behaviour. Evidence certainly exists that the sector has been aff ected by the lengthy economic depression, as households drew in their horns, the housing market stumbled, construction slowed and the carpet market – which is known to have some correlation with the fl oorcare sector – took a dramatic downturn. But it is this tight economic climate in itself that has contributed widely to consumers having become more demanding of their purchases, resulting in a new-found willingness to invest in products that promise both performance and longevity. Hence, value in the market is standing up.

“What is unusual about the dynamics of the fl oorcare sector is the volume decline in the value-for-money category and, signifi cantly, the trend of more premium-end vacuum cleaners being sold,” remarks Charles Gordon, who runs website whatvacuum.com. “With margins

THE NEW AEG ERGORAPIDO® 2IN1 WITH BRUSHROLLCLEAN™ REMOVES HAIRS AND FIBRES FROM THE BRUSHROLL AT THE “TOUCH OF A BUTTON”

That which lifteth all… …Grit to fi bres, dirt to dust

APPROVED BY

PERFORMANCE. QUALITY. RELIABILITY.

Not just clean

For further information visit www.sebo.co.uk

SEBO – Professional Vacuum Cleaners for the Home

SEBO professional uprights have been world leaders for many years due to outstanding German product quality, design excellence and superb cleaning performance.

SEBO domestic vacuum cleaners are built to the same standards: That is why they routinely come top in reliability and customer satisfaction surveys and that is why, when you sell a SEBO, you can sell with confidence.

SEBO - The Vacuum Cleaner Professionals

www.sebo.co.uk 01494 465533

SEBO clean!

Made in Germany

SEBO advert Felix Royale.indd 1 17/05/2012 16:47

GET CONNECTED28 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

FLOORCARE

explains how the unit self-adjusts across all fl oor types: “Using air pressure, a surface recognition switch automatically retracts the brushes when it senses carpet pile, and lowers them for hard fl oors. This technology makes using a Dyson as intuitive, versatile and functional as possible in modern, multi-fl oor homes.”

That’s neat…As consumer lifestyles have evolved and demographics shifted, a growing trend towards smaller, lightweight cleaners has emerged. Miele’s Blasdale believes this is being driven by additional purchases of second and third vacuums for the home. She adds that “the rise in smaller families and smaller living spaces is also contributing to the move, plus the older generation fi nds compact cleaners more manageable.”

Electrolux also notes the trend towards compact appliances. Trade Marketing Manager for Floorcare, Susan Morris, says consumers are now looking for models that will perform to the high standard of a regular-sized vacuum cleaner, whilst being easy and convenient to store. She brings the AirExcel Lite™, Electrolux’s most compact and “extremely lightweight” upright, to our attention, commenting that “it is packed with the latest innovation in multi-cyclonic technology that separates dirt and dust from the air path, so fi lters don’t get clogged.

“Uprights are good for large expanses of carpet as they have a greater cleaning area on the head,” Morris explains. “Many models can now clean right up to the skirting board and are designed to be more manoeuvrable for awkward-shaped rooms. They also have clever accessories for cleaning stairs. On the other hand, cylinders are ideal for cleaning a wider variety of surfaces – a mix of carpets, rugs and hard fl oors – and are more likely to have better fi ltration effi ciency compared with uprights.”

Still on the subject of consumer trends, Morris points out that cleaning behaviour is going from weekly deep-cleaning to instant and daily

cleaning – i.e. “spontaneous” cleaning where and when needed. “This is why we are seeing a rise in the popularity of stick vacuums and 2-in-1 models,” she comments. Her point is shared by a number of brands. One of which, Samsung, specifi cally developed the FlexSlim hand stick appliance in response to this demand. The FlexSlim is an upright cleaner with a detachable handheld vacuum. Product Manager Nick Osborne says the product is “lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy to store. Products which allow consumers to enjoy the benefi ts of an upright and handheld in one device off er fl exibility and ease of use for various diff erent cleaning chores, whether it’s the stairs, living room or the car.”

Dyson’s David Hollander also notes the above trend: “We’re seeing Dyson Digital Slim and

handhelds being bought as complementary machines for quick tidy-ups that don’t require a full size appliance. And Dyson owners are becoming more aware of tools and accessories, such as the Groom Tool and the Dyson Car Cleaning Kit,” he remarks. Whatvacuum’s Charles Gordon adds that volume growth in the market is coming from sales of stick handheld cleaners selling close to £200. And if this is the case, it

would be fair to say that we are looking at a sector which off ers signifi cant value. It is also one which is becoming increasingly competitive.

Electrolux’s Morris says that the key to diff erentiating a brand in a competitive market is innovation. “That’s why AEG has introduced the new AEG Ergorapido® 2-in-1 with BRUSHROLLCLEAN™,” she asserts. “Its unique technology addresses a problem that no other vacuum manufacturer has been able to solve.” This new function uses a cutting blade

to remove fi bres and entwined hair from the brush-roll at the

touch of a button before sucking the off ensive debris into the dust

cup, thereby doing away with the time-consuming and annoying task

of cleaning the brush-roll by hand, and, preventing clogging.

No sweat!Morris’s earlier comment that consumers are moving from weekly deep-cleaning to instant and daily cleaning prompts Samsung’s Osborne to speak on the subject of robotic cleaners, which he rightly points out off er convenience and time-saving benefi ts, keeping dust levels low with minimal manual eff ort. Samsung’s NaviBot S, as well as off ering extra features such as auto-emptying, he says, “can be scheduled to perform a daily clean,” so the consumer doesn’t even need to be at home when cleaning takes place.

What a bonus: arriving home from work each day to spic-and-span fl oors and, as Osborne comments, a home that is “a cleaner and healthier place for the whole family.” The scheduling of daily cleaning will, of course, keep dust and allergens at constantly low levels.

Samsung anticipates that the robotic category will be a key growth area within fl oorcare as the range of features and functionality of products expands. But not all commentators are convinced that this is the case. Whatvacuum’s Gordon believes that such appliances are great for fl at/apartment dwellers, “but not so good for heavy-duty cleaning.” His opinion is that, “as the robot is a secondary cleaner, the sector looks unlikely to really take off until consumer confi dence improves.”

Allergy bustersThat allergies are becoming increasingly more common, with 15 million people (1 in 4) aff ected at some time in their lives and the number growing by 5% a year, and 5.4 million people in the UK currently receiving treatment for asthma, continues to boost the market for products aimed chiefl y at pet owners or consumers that suff er from such conditions. Asthma and allergic reactions can both be triggered by dust mites that live in carpets as well as mattresses and soft furnishings, and by household pets.

Amongst its detailed advice for suff erers, Asthma UK advises that they should vacuum all areas frequently and “use a vacuum cleaner with

CREATED FOR PET OWNERS: THE MIELE 2200W CAT AND DOG S8320

SAMSUNG NAVIBOT S ROBOTIC CLEANER: FLOORCARE OF THE FUTURE?

Money is tight, so people are carefully choosing a new vacuum cleaner which has both high

performance and longevity”

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR HOME APPLIANCE SPARE PARTS, ACCESSORIES & APPLIANCES

THE POWER BEHIND THE BRANDS

≠≠≠Access to over 500 m

ajor brands

✓ Access to over 1.5 Million spares parts & accessories✓ Over 120,000 lines in stock ready for despatch✓ Over 40 years in the industry✓ Order online 24/7✓ Free next day delivery available✓ Direct delivery available Deliver any of our stocked items direct to your customers door

t: 0844 557 3700www.connect-distribution.co.uk

Connect Distribution Services Ltd, Connect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Birmingham, B10 0HJ

GET CONNECTED28 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

explains how the unit self-adjusts across all fl oor types: “Using air pressure, a surface recognition switch automatically retracts the brushes when it senses carpet pile, and lowers them for hard fl oors. This technology makes using a Dyson as intuitive, versatile and functional as possible in modern, multi-fl oor homes.”

That’s neat…As consumer lifestyles have evolved and demographics shifted, a growing trend towards smaller, lightweight cleaners has emerged. Miele’s Blasdale believes this is being driven by additional purchases of second and third vacuums for the home. She adds that “the rise in smaller families and smaller living spaces is also contributing to the move, plus the older generation fi nds compact cleaners more manageable.”

Electrolux also notes the trend towards compact appliances. Trade Marketing Manager for Floorcare, Susan Morris, says consumers are now looking for models that will perform to the high standard of a regular-sized vacuum cleaner, whilst being easy and convenient to store. She brings the AirExcel Lite™, Electrolux’s most compact and “extremely lightweight” upright, to our attention, commenting that “it is packed with the latest innovation in multi-cyclonic technology that separates dirt and dust from the air path, so fi lters don’t get clogged.

“Uprights are good for large expanses of carpet as they have a greater cleaning area on the head,” Morris explains. “Many models can now clean right up to the skirting board and are designed to be more manoeuvrable for awkward-shaped rooms. They also have clever accessories for cleaning stairs. On the other hand, cylinders are ideal for cleaning a wider variety of surfaces – a mix of carpets, rugs and hard fl oors – and are more likely to have better fi ltration effi ciency compared with uprights.”

Still on the subject of consumer trends, Morris points out that cleaning behaviour is going from weekly deep-cleaning to instant and daily

cleaning – i.e. “spontaneous” cleaning where and when needed. “This is why we are seeing a rise in the popularity of stick vacuums and 2-in-1 models,” she comments. Her point is shared by a number of brands. One of which, Samsung, specifi cally developed the FlexSlim hand stick appliance in response to this demand. The FlexSlim is an upright cleaner with a detachable handheld vacuum. Product Manager Nick Osborne says the product is “lightweight, manoeuvrable and easy to store. Products which allow consumers to enjoy the benefi ts of an upright and handheld in one device off er fl exibility and ease of use for various diff erent cleaning chores, whether it’s the stairs, living room or the car.”

Dyson’s David Hollander also notes the above trend: “We’re seeing Dyson Digital Slim and

handhelds being bought as complementary machines for quick tidy-ups that don’t require a full size appliance. And Dyson owners are becoming more aware of tools and accessories, such as the Groom Tool and the Dyson Car Cleaning Kit,” he remarks. Whatvacuum’s Charles Gordon adds that volume growth in the market is coming from sales of stick handheld cleaners selling close to £200. And if this is the case, it

would be fair to say that we are looking at a sector which off ers signifi cant value. It is also one which is becoming increasingly competitive.

Electrolux’s Morris says that the key to diff erentiating a brand in a competitive market is innovation. “That’s why AEG has introduced the new AEG Ergorapido® 2-in-1 with BRUSHROLLCLEAN™,” she asserts. “Its unique technology addresses a problem that no other vacuum manufacturer has been able to solve.” This new function uses a cutting blade

to remove fi bres and entwined hair from the brush-roll at the

touch of a button before sucking the off ensive debris into the dust

cup, thereby doing away with the time-consuming and annoying task

of cleaning the brush-roll by hand, and, preventing clogging.

No sweat!Morris’s earlier comment that consumers are moving from weekly deep-cleaning to instant and daily cleaning prompts Samsung’s Osborne to speak on the subject of robotic cleaners, which he rightly points out off er convenience and time-saving benefi ts, keeping dust levels low with minimal manual eff ort. Samsung’s NaviBot S, as well as off ering extra features such as auto-emptying, he says, “can be scheduled to perform a daily clean,” so the consumer doesn’t even need to be at home when cleaning takes place.

What a bonus: arriving home from work each day to spic-and-span fl oors and, as Osborne comments, a home that is “a cleaner and healthier place for the whole family.” The scheduling of daily cleaning will, of course, keep dust and allergens at constantly low levels.

Samsung anticipates that the robotic category will be a key growth area within fl oorcare as the range of features and functionality of products expands. But not all commentators are convinced that this is the case. Whatvacuum’s Gordon believes that such appliances are great for fl at/apartment dwellers, “but not so good for heavy-duty cleaning.” His opinion is that, “as the robot is a secondary cleaner, the sector looks unlikely to really take off until consumer confi dence improves.”

Allergy bustersThat allergies are becoming increasingly more common, with 15 million people (1 in 4) aff ected at some time in their lives and the number growing by 5% a year, and 5.4 million people in the UK currently receiving treatment for asthma, continues to boost the market for products aimed chiefl y at pet owners or consumers that suff er from such conditions. Asthma and allergic reactions can both be triggered by dust mites that live in carpets as well as mattresses and soft furnishings, and by household pets.

Amongst its detailed advice for suff erers, Asthma UK advises that they should vacuum all areas frequently and “use a vacuum cleaner with

CREATED FOR PET OWNERS: THE MIELE 2200W CAT AND DOG S8320

SAMSUNG NAVIBOT S ROBOTIC CLEANER: FLOORCARE OF THE FUTURE?

Money is tight, so people are carefully choosing a new vacuum cleaner which has both high

performance and longevity”

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR HOME APPLIANCE SPARE PARTS, ACCESSORIES & APPLIANCES

THE POWER BEHIND THE BRANDS

≠≠≠Access to over 500 major brands

✓ Access to over 1.5 Million spares parts & accessories✓ Over 120,000 lines in stock ready for despatch✓ Over 40 years in the industry✓ Order online 24/7✓ Free next day delivery available✓ Direct delivery available Deliver any of our stocked items direct to your customers door

t: 0844 557 3700www.connect-distribution.co.uk

Connect Distribution Services Ltd, Connect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Birmingham, B10 0HJ

THE DYSON DIGITAL SLIM™ : “TWICE THE SUCTION POWER OF ANY OTHER LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS VACUUM IN USE…”

GET CONNECTED30 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

FLOORCARE

good suction and fi ltered exhaust that does not scatter dust.” The British Allergy Foundation has accredited a number of appliances from fl oorcare manufacturers such as Dyson, Sebo, Samsung and LG, and provides a ‘seal of approval’ logo which is instantly recognisable and gives a clear indication that the product has received the endorsement for reduction/removal in the allergens shown or signifi cantly reduces allergen content.

Electrolux’s Morris says “fi ltration is of key importance if a member of the household suff ers from asthma or allergies. And if a household has pets, certain fi lters such as the Arm & Hammer on the new Electrolux AirExcel Pet will trap even the smallest particles and absorb smells. HEPA (high effi ciency particulate air) fi lters, which off er the best fi ltration you can get on a domestic vacuum cleaner, are much more common than they were a few years ago, and are either fi tted as standard or come as an optional extra.”

HEPA fi lters generally trap 99.7% of particles, down to 0.3 microns (e.g. dust mite faeces and tobacco smoke), and as Morris adds: “These fi lters allow the cleaner to achieve a fi ltration

effi ciency which conforms to stringent

hospital and clinical standards.”

EC intervention…In addition to vacuum cleaners off ering superior fi ltration, those off ering high performance combined with energy effi ciency will also provide opportunities for retailers. Although industry organisation AMDEA points out that vacuum cleaners represent a very small proportion of energy usage in the home, with energy labelling for the category on the horizon, “there is likely to be an emphasis on innovations that meet this challenge.”

The European Commission is committed to introduce new regulations for vacuum cleaners from January 2013. However, despite the fact that there are long-established industry standards, there is still no consensus on how to measure energy use to feature on the label. And,

Products which allow consumers to enjoy the benefi ts of an upright and handheld in one device are proving popular”

according to AMDEA, other related labelling features still under discussion include cleanliness, dust emissions, suction and noise, “not to mention how to distinguish between carpet versus hard-fl oor performance.”

Douglas Herbison, chief executive of the organisation says: “Despite these challenges, the introduction of the new labelling seems inevitable. As the public becomes increasingly aware of the energy consumption values for a wide variety of appliances, people will come to expect detailed energy labelling for vacuum cleaners.”

Panasonic is one manufacturer who has been ahead of the game for some time in promoting its eco credentials in fl oorcare. The company’s Eco-Max range is said to off er “class-leading energy-effi cient performance” due to the incorporation of the “unique” Eco-Max Light Two

Motor System, which produces “optimum” levels of cleaning with 200 Air Watts generated from 1000W input power.

Miele has also paid attention to energy conservation and is keen to note a function of the S8 UniQ cylinder cleaner which, when parked, turns the motor off automatically, thereby doing away with standby consumption. The machine automatically switches itself back on when vacuuming resumes.

The future is in your hands Floorcare manufacturers are constantly looking at ways in which they can push the boundaries to develop innovative features that off er consumers convenience and performance, but the key to sales success, says Samsung’s Osborne, is for retailers to communicate the overall value in their customers’ investment – “the time-saving benefi ts and simplicity off ered by today’s products, and how consumers can often also benefi t from additional features if they pay a little extra. Add-on accessories which provide additional versatility and convenience are an easy way in which to increase profi ts too,” he adds.

Osborne concludes his comments by off ering retailers the reassurance that “there is still value and margin in this sector.”

DOMESTIC BLISS: A HAPPY HOUSEWIFE DEMONSTRATES THE MULTIUSE THOMAS HYGIENE 2

GLOBE Re-thinking the way we vacuum…

Introducing Hoover’s NEW manoeuvrable range of vacuum cleaners

GlobeHoover’s most manoeuvrable multi-cyclonic vacuum cleaner, the Hoover Globe, offers powerful edge-to-edge cleaning on all fl oor surfaces, including hard fl oors, in a small, easy to handle, easy to steer and manoeuvrable design.

With multi-cyclonic technology for constant high suction, Globe is ultra-agile and manoeuvrable. Featuring an extra-long hose for full stair cleaning, a pet turbo tool to remove stubborn pet hairs from upholstery and carpets, and a telescopic handle for easy storage, Globe offers impressive cleaning ability for any home.

SRP £199.99

Telescopic handle for easy storage

Extra-long hose for full stair cleaning

Ultra-agile and manoeuvrable

Full size bin capacity

Pet Turbo Tool & Wood and Laminate Tool

Hepa Filtration

5 year Guarantee

No loss of suction – powerful performance

For further details contact:sda.merchandising@hoovercandy.com

31JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

Growth from Knowledge

Premium sectors help maintain fl oor care value

The fl oorcare market is having its ups and downs, varying from category to category, but overall value has risen due to sales of premium products and of those that reside in the not so mainstream sectors, according to GfK’s Richard Allen, Account Executive, MDA

T he past year has been a testing time for the vacuum cleaners market, as the tough economic climate caused

consumers to cut back on spending. This resulted in volume sales declining by more than 5% for the year ended March 2012. The value performance was better, as a 1% increase brought the total market up to over £530 million.

This was facilitated by price infl ation and a shift towards more premium appliances, as the average selling price across the fl oorcare category rose 7% to just under £100.

The vacuum cleaner value market continues to be dominated by upright and cylinder appliances, which accounted for almost £250 million and £215 million respectively throughout the year. Bagless technology has driven growth within these segments, having become popular amongst consumers due to the ease with which canisters can be emptied and, of course, reused. Over 90% of all upright cleaners are now bagless, whilst almost two-thirds of cylinders sold this year also fall into the bagless category.

That said, the greater part of this value growth came from the smaller, high-end cleaning segments. The wet and dry category improved by £5 million throughout the year and is now worth 7% of the total fl oorcare sector, while sales of handsticks increased by over 300% as value rose to £9 million. With a challenging year ahead, the sales of these premium appliances could hold the key to sustaining value growth.

TYPE OF FLOOR CARE APPLIANCE VALUE SHARE AND % GROWTH APR ‘10 MAR ‘12

Richard Allen, Account Executive, MDA Tel: 0870 603 8124

richardp.allen@gfk.com www.gfkrt.com/uk www.twitter.co.uk/gfkrtuk

Further points Bagged appliances have fallen in value

over the year. Bagged uprights have declined 19% while bagged cylinders have dropped 5%

Following two years in ascendancy, handhelds have seen value fall by 10% year on year

The robot sector continues to take off as value has grown 20% over the year

% Growth

Over 90% of all upright cleaners

are now bagless”

THE DYSON DIGITAL SLIM™ : “TWICE THE SUCTION POWER OF ANY OTHER LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS VACUUM IN USE…”

GET CONNECTED30 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

good suction and fi ltered exhaust that does not scatter dust.” The British Allergy Foundation has accredited a number of appliances from fl oorcare manufacturers such as Dyson, Sebo, Samsung and LG, and provides a ‘seal of approval’ logo which is instantly recognisable and gives a clear indication that the product has received the endorsement for reduction/removal in the allergens shown or signifi cantly reduces allergen content.

Electrolux’s Morris says “fi ltration is of key importance if a member of the household suff ers from asthma or allergies. And if a household has pets, certain fi lters such as the Arm & Hammer on the new Electrolux AirExcel Pet will trap even the smallest particles and absorb smells. HEPA (high effi ciency particulate air) fi lters, which off er the best fi ltration you can get on a domestic vacuum cleaner, are much more common than they were a few years ago, and are either fi tted as standard or come as an optional extra.”

HEPA fi lters generally trap 99.7% of particles, down to 0.3 microns (e.g. dust mite faeces and tobacco smoke), and as Morris adds: “These fi lters allow the cleaner to achieve a fi ltration

effi ciency which conforms to stringent

hospital and clinical standards.”

EC intervention…In addition to vacuum cleaners off ering superior fi ltration, those off ering high performance combined with energy effi ciency will also provide opportunities for retailers. Although industry organisation AMDEA points out that vacuum cleaners represent a very small proportion of energy usage in the home, with energy labelling for the category on the horizon, “there is likely to be an emphasis on innovations that meet this challenge.”

The European Commission is committed to introduce new regulations for vacuum cleaners from January 2013. However, despite the fact that there are long-established industry standards, there is still no consensus on how to measure energy use to feature on the label. And,

Products which allow consumers to enjoy the benefi ts of an upright and handheld in one device are proving popular”

according to AMDEA, other related labelling features still under discussion include cleanliness, dust emissions, suction and noise, “not to mention how to distinguish between carpet versus hard-fl oor performance.”

Douglas Herbison, chief executive of the organisation says: “Despite these challenges, the introduction of the new labelling seems inevitable. As the public becomes increasingly aware of the energy consumption values for a wide variety of appliances, people will come to expect detailed energy labelling for vacuum cleaners.”

Panasonic is one manufacturer who has been ahead of the game for some time in promoting its eco credentials in fl oorcare. The company’s Eco-Max range is said to off er “class-leading energy-effi cient performance” due to the incorporation of the “unique” Eco-Max Light Two

Motor System, which produces “optimum” levels of cleaning with 200 Air Watts generated from 1000W input power.

Miele has also paid attention to energy conservation and is keen to note a function of the S8 UniQ cylinder cleaner which, when parked, turns the motor off automatically, thereby doing away with standby consumption. The machine automatically switches itself back on when vacuuming resumes.

The future is in your hands Floorcare manufacturers are constantly looking at ways in which they can push the boundaries to develop innovative features that off er consumers convenience and performance, but the key to sales success, says Samsung’s Osborne, is for retailers to communicate the overall value in their customers’ investment – “the time-saving benefi ts and simplicity off ered by today’s products, and how consumers can often also benefi t from additional features if they pay a little extra. Add-on accessories which provide additional versatility and convenience are an easy way in which to increase profi ts too,” he adds.

Osborne concludes his comments by off ering retailers the reassurance that “there is still value and margin in this sector.”

DOMESTIC BLISS: A HAPPY HOUSEWIFE DEMONSTRATES THE MULTIUSE THOMAS HYGIENE 2

GLOBE Re-thinking the way we vacuum…

Introducing Hoover’s NEW manoeuvrable range of vacuum cleaners

GlobeHoover’s most manoeuvrable multi-cyclonic vacuum cleaner, the Hoover Globe, offers powerful edge-to-edge cleaning on all fl oor surfaces, including hard fl oors, in a small, easy to handle, easy to steer and manoeuvrable design.

With multi-cyclonic technology for constant high suction, Globe is ultra-agile and manoeuvrable. Featuring an extra-long hose for full stair cleaning, a pet turbo tool to remove stubborn pet hairs from upholstery and carpets, and a telescopic handle for easy storage, Globe offers impressive cleaning ability for any home.

SRP £199.99

Telescopic handle for easy storage

Extra-long hose for full stair cleaning

Ultra-agile and manoeuvrable

Full size bin capacity

Pet Turbo Tool & Wood and Laminate Tool

Hepa Filtration

5 year Guarantee

No loss of suction – powerful performance

For further details contact:sda.merchandising@hoovercandy.com

31JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

Growth from Knowledge

GROWTH FROM KNOWLEDGE

Premium sectors help maintain fl oor care value

The fl oorcare market is having its ups and downs, varying from category to category, but overall value has risen due to sales of premium products and of those that reside in the not so mainstream sectors, according to GfK’s Richard Allen, Account Executive, MDA

T he past year has been a testing time for the vacuum cleaners market, as the tough economic climate caused

consumers to cut back on spending. This resulted in volume sales declining by more than 5% for the year ended March 2012. The value performance was better, as a 1% increase brought the total market up to over £530 million.

This was facilitated by price infl ation and a shift towards more premium appliances, as the average selling price across the fl oorcare category rose 7% to just under £100.

The vacuum cleaner value market continues to be dominated by upright and cylinder appliances, which accounted for almost £250 million and £215 million respectively throughout the year. Bagless technology has driven growth within these segments, having become popular amongst consumers due to the ease with which canisters can be emptied and, of course, reused. Over 90% of all upright cleaners are now bagless, whilst almost two-thirds of cylinders sold this year also fall into the bagless category.

That said, the greater part of this value growth came from the smaller, high-end cleaning segments. The wet and dry category improved by £5 million throughout the year and is now worth 7% of the total fl oorcare sector, while sales of handsticks increased by over 300% as value rose to £9 million. With a challenging year ahead, the sales of these premium appliances could hold the key to sustaining value growth.

TYPE OF FLOOR CARE APPLIANCE VALUE SHARE AND % GROWTH APR ‘10 MAR ‘12

Richard Allen, Account Executive, MDA Tel: 0870 603 8124

richardp.allen@gfk.com www.gfkrt.com/uk www.twitter.co.uk/gfkrtuk

Further points Bagged appliances have fallen in value

over the year. Bagged uprights have declined 19% while bagged cylinders have dropped 5%

Following two years in ascendancy, handhelds have seen value fall by 10% year on year

The robot sector continues to take off as value has grown 20% over the year

% Growth

Over 90% of all upright cleaners

are now bagless”

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED32

FROM THE BENCH

E-mail: fromthebench@gcmagazine.co.uk

Vehicles are a necessary overhead in our trade: Alan Bennett reminisces

TV servicing transport, old and new

V arious modes of transport have

been used in the TV repair industry

over the decades – donkeys’ years

ago my friend John used to do his servicing

round on a motor scooter! Lots of water has

gone under the bridge since then...

Van on fi reIn the early days of colour TV I was the sole

TV repairman for the local Co-op. I drove a

small blue van signwritten Rent a Defi ant Tel-

evision, Defi ant (as opposed to co-operative)

being the own-brand name of their sets in

those days. It may have been a Ford Thames,

and believe it or not it used to catch fi re on

almost a daily basis. I don’t know why this

was and certainly the mechanic who was

supposed to service it didn’t: he understood

better the Co-op electric milk fl oats which

were his main charge (charge!). It had no

radio so I found and fi tted one myself, com-

plete with copper rod aerial, only to have it

stolen after I parked the van at Ingate Place,

Battersea, London while attending a brilliant

Decca colour TV servicing course. I guess I

was lucky it still had four wheels on at the

end of the day.

Soon I was off to Rediffusion, a now-

defunct outfi t which piped broadcast TV

around this town by cable, and there were

six uniform red repair vans, all dispatched to

different areas at 8.30 each morning. What

service manager Sooty (?) didn’t know was

that for the fi rst hour of the day all of them

were parked in a row outside the Dug Out

Cafe in a back street near here.

AssortmentMy next employer, a medium-sized independ-

ent, ran through a wide variety of vehicles,

initially all British vans: Morris Minors, Ley-

land minivans (really too small for the job,

Could I look at a HMV Colourmaster TV? On

one occasion I was weary after driving almost

300 miles to outer Wales. As I pulled up at

the bed-and-breakfast somebody tapped on

the window: “What causes a white line on

a Bush TV?”

Of those big estate cars the worst were

Morris Marina and Hillman Hunter types. One

of the latter broke a crankshaft on the bypass

as we headed off for a weekend break, and

that was the end of both the car and the little

holiday. After that we started to use Japanese

vehicles, and as with the TVs we dealt in,

their reliability, value and build quality was

streets ahead of the British equivalents of the

day. Nissan was good, Toyota was better, and

to this day I drive a beautiful Toyota Avensis

estate car, no longer signwritten, and now

used to carry grandchildren, their bikes and

other accessories as much as for TVs and the

like. How different is this to the blue Defi ant

(in every sense!) van in which I started my

fi eld service career all those years ago, with

its DIY radio and quarterlight ventilation...

These days many independents, espe-

cially those who sell, rent and repair washing

machines etc. and perhaps use the same ve-

hicle for delivery of new stuff, have to resort

to the use of big vans: down here they also

serve – with a spotlight and roof-rack fi xed

on – in our aerial and dish erection/servicing

business, currently very busy in the throes of

digital switchover. Here again Toyota is the

top of the pops for us.

Do any readers have any vehicle remi-

niscences or recommendations? If so please

contact us at the e-mail address above.

E-mail: fromthebench@gcmagazine.co.uk

SERVICEMAN TRANSPORT IN NORTH LONDONSERVICEMAN TRANSPORT IN NORTH LONDON

but easier on the hard-pressed budget), Ford

Escorts and others. One snowy morning two

of them collided head-on in a local country

lane, interesting because they were both on

the same insurance policy. Soon after I started

there - a somewhat reckless youth - I had a

near miss in the same byway; skidding to

a halt up against a farm gate with my heart

pounding I became aware of a loud hissing in

the back of the van. Convinced that it came

from one or more broken TV picture tubes –

which would mean instant dismissal – I crept

round the back and opened the door only to

fi nd that the sound came from a suddenly-

compressed service-aid aerosol can: freezer,

switch-cleaner or whatever. Relief!

At that time the shop sales manager had

an estate car. One day when my van was in

for service I had to borrow it, initially running

empty to pick up a TV set for repair. It was a

big telly and I got the customer to help carry it

out to the car – you couldn’t do that now. Can

you imagine my embarrassment on opening

the boot, to be confronted with masses of the

most explicit pornographic magazines? I got

somebody else to take that set back after it

was mended.

Posh estate wagonThese were the 1970s, the years of ‘worker-

power’. We weren’t militant but we did win

the concession of having estate cars, with a

minimum of signwriting, for our own use as

well as for work. With our young family mine

went all over England and Wales on holiday,

but I do remember being harassed by neigh-

bours and strangers: did I have a 1A fuse?

33JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

REGISTER ONLINE FOR YOUR PERSONAL COPY OF GET CONNECTED MAGAZINE NOW!

www.gcmagazine.co.uk

GC: Still recognised as the most commercially relevant trade monthly in the electrical industry.

I’ve read the mag from cover to cover, as have all of my staff. Twice over! It’s a real breath of fresh air.

Relevant, balanced, readable features on the most important products and services, with outstanding quality of writing and design.

I always look forward to receiving my copy of Get Connected. It combines all

the latest industry news in bite-sized chunks with in-depth features on different product categories and market trends. The editorial is always relevant, well informed and thought provoking.

The editorial tackles key issues with a depth that invites the reader to think more widely around the subject, rather than just in straight lines.

JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUEGET CONNECTED32

Vehicles are a necessary overhead in our trade: Alan Bennett reminisces

TV servicing transport, old and new

V arious modes of transport have

been used in the TV repair industry

over the decades – donkeys’ years

ago my friend John used to do his servicing

round on a motor scooter! Lots of water has

gone under the bridge since then...

Van on fi reIn the early days of colour TV I was the sole

TV repairman for the local Co-op. I drove a

small blue van signwritten Rent a Defi ant Tel-

evision, Defi ant (as opposed to co-operative)

being the own-brand name of their sets in

those days. It may have been a Ford Thames,

and believe it or not it used to catch fi re on

almost a daily basis. I don’t know why this

was and certainly the mechanic who was

supposed to service it didn’t: he understood

better the Co-op electric milk fl oats which

were his main charge (charge!). It had no

radio so I found and fi tted one myself, com-

plete with copper rod aerial, only to have it

stolen after I parked the van at Ingate Place,

Battersea, London while attending a brilliant

Decca colour TV servicing course. I guess I

was lucky it still had four wheels on at the

end of the day.

Soon I was off to Rediffusion, a now-

defunct outfi t which piped broadcast TV

around this town by cable, and there were

six uniform red repair vans, all dispatched to

different areas at 8.30 each morning. What

service manager Sooty (?) didn’t know was

that for the fi rst hour of the day all of them

were parked in a row outside the Dug Out

Cafe in a back street near here.

AssortmentMy next employer, a medium-sized independ-

ent, ran through a wide variety of vehicles,

initially all British vans: Morris Minors, Ley-

land minivans (really too small for the job,

Could I look at a HMV Colourmaster TV? On

one occasion I was weary after driving almost

300 miles to outer Wales. As I pulled up at

the bed-and-breakfast somebody tapped on

the window: “What causes a white line on

a Bush TV?”

Of those big estate cars the worst were

Morris Marina and Hillman Hunter types. One

of the latter broke a crankshaft on the bypass

as we headed off for a weekend break, and

that was the end of both the car and the little

holiday. After that we started to use Japanese

vehicles, and as with the TVs we dealt in,

their reliability, value and build quality was

streets ahead of the British equivalents of the

day. Nissan was good, Toyota was better, and

to this day I drive a beautiful Toyota Avensis

estate car, no longer signwritten, and now

used to carry grandchildren, their bikes and

other accessories as much as for TVs and the

like. How different is this to the blue Defi ant

(in every sense!) van in which I started my

fi eld service career all those years ago, with

its DIY radio and quarterlight ventilation...

These days many independents, espe-

cially those who sell, rent and repair washing

machines etc. and perhaps use the same ve-

hicle for delivery of new stuff, have to resort

to the use of big vans: down here they also

serve – with a spotlight and roof-rack fi xed

on – in our aerial and dish erection/servicing

business, currently very busy in the throes of

digital switchover. Here again Toyota is the

top of the pops for us.

Do any readers have any vehicle remi-

niscences or recommendations? If so please

contact us at the e-mail address above.

SERVICEMAN TRANSPORT IN NORTH LONDON

but easier on the hard-pressed budget), Ford

Escorts and others. One snowy morning two

of them collided head-on in a local country

lane, interesting because they were both on

the same insurance policy. Soon after I started

there - a somewhat reckless youth - I had a

near miss in the same byway; skidding to

a halt up against a farm gate with my heart

pounding I became aware of a loud hissing in

the back of the van. Convinced that it came

from one or more broken TV picture tubes –

which would mean instant dismissal – I crept

round the back and opened the door only to

fi nd that the sound came from a suddenly-

compressed service-aid aerosol can: freezer,

switch-cleaner or whatever. Relief!

At that time the shop sales manager had

an estate car. One day when my van was in

for service I had to borrow it, initially running

empty to pick up a TV set for repair. It was a

big telly and I got the customer to help carry it

out to the car – you couldn’t do that now. Can

you imagine my embarrassment on opening

the boot, to be confronted with masses of the

most explicit pornographic magazines? I got

somebody else to take that set back after it

was mended.

Posh estate wagonThese were the 1970s, the years of ‘worker-

power’. We weren’t militant but we did win

the concession of having estate cars, with a

minimum of signwriting, for our own use as

well as for work. With our young family mine

went all over England and Wales on holiday,

but I do remember being harassed by neigh-

bours and strangers: did I have a 1A fuse?

33JUBILEE ISSUE JUNE 2012 GET CONNECTED

REGISTER ONLINE FOR YOUR PERSONAL COPY OF GET CONNECTED MAGAZINE NOW!

www.gcmagazine.co.uk

GC: Still recognised as the most commercially relevant trade monthly in the electrical industry.

I’ve read the mag from cover to cover, as have all of my staff. Twice over! It’s a real breath of fresh air.

Relevant, balanced, readable features on the most important products and services, with outstanding quality of writing and design.

I always look forward to receiving my copy of Get Connected. It combines all

the latest industry news in bite-sized chunks with in-depth features on different product categories and market trends. The editorial is always relevant, well informed and thought provoking.

The editorial tackles key issues with a depth that invites the reader to think more widely around the subject, rather than just in straight lines.

BACKCHAT

GET CONNECTED34 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

� She’s been head of the family � rm for 60 years, but has no plans to retire yet and worries about lining up someone ready to take over. She likes the occasional drink and has a wicked sense of humour, but takes the job extremely seriously

Why did you choose to work in the family business?It chose me, really. Uncle Edward didn’t want the job, Daddy took over and I inherited it from him

Who in your line of work would you like to spend time with?There aren’t so many of us around as there used to be, and once a year or so for a group photograph is enough for me

What makes you laugh?That speech they give one to read every year in Parliament. After 60 years, one knows that, whatever it says, it’s not going to happen

What was the greatest turning point in your life?1952 was a big year for me; and again, on June 2 1953, when Geoff rey placed that special hat on my head and I promised to stick at it for the rest of my life, I knew there was no turning back

What’s the worst lie you’ve ever told?I do try to stick to the truth, but I have to admit I sometimes say “How interesting...” when I don’t really mean it

What’s your greatest regret?Putting money on Mummy’s racing tips

What historic fi gure do you identify with most?My predecessors all seem actually to be historic fi gures, but great-great granny was the only other person ever to clock up 60 years in this job, so I identify especially with her

How would you describe yourself?GSOH, likes walking, riding, travel, cosy evenings by the fi re. WLTM sensitive, diplomatic... (Sorry! Just drifted off for a moment there!)

How do you think others see you?With all the bowing, curtseying and kneeling, mostly from a low angle (LOL!)

Pet hate? No. One loves all the corgis

Any bad habits?I’m told I’m obsessed with how far one’s

visitors have travelled to see one

What’s your favourite TV programme?The Royle Family

What surprises you? The youth of today

Favourite cuisine?Plain English cooking. A nice Dover Sole, or

perhaps salmon or venison fresh from

the garden

You have been off ered a leading role in a fi lm of your choice, what character would you like to play? If there is ever a fi lm of

Dame Helen Mirren’s life story…

You have been off ered the opportunity to rule the world for a day: what would you do fi rst? Decline the off er

Do you have any hidden talents?I’m a very good impressionist. I can do

every Prime Minister from Mr Churchill to

Mr Cameron

Who would you put into Room 101?My husband makes me embarrassed enough

to wish him there sometimes. . . but I love

him dearly

What’s your greatest achievement?Oh, come on – it’s been 60 years!

Favourite quote?“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” I believe it’s Shakespeare

Name your poisonI am partial to a gin and Dubonnet in the evening.

Mummy used to take seven parts gin to three of Dubonnet, with a twist, but I haven’t inherited her head for alcohol and prefer one part gin to three of Dubonnet

What do you daydream about?Popping out for a takeaway

Favourite holiday destination?Balmoral

What’s the best kind of punishment….Having to keep asking for one’s job back

…and who deserves it?Politicians

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?Right here

What’s your greatest fear?Having to hand over the fi rm to a successor before one’s sure he’s really ready for it

What’s your favourite piece of kit? My handbag

What motto do you live by?Dieu et Mon Droit

Tomorrow I will…….Go to work as usual.

BACKCHAT

My predecessors all seem actually to be historic fi gures, but great-great granny was

the only other person ever to clock up 60 years in this job, so I identify especially with her”

The DVR comes of age.

Ultra Slim Box is the technology evolution your customers have been waiting for. Everything you’d expect from a powerful digital TV recorder is now contained in a sliver of cool aluminium - just 14mm deep.

Introducing EchoStar’s Ultra Slim Box - the slimmest digital TV recorder in the world.

Freeview+ HD brings you 50 digital channels, plus four in HD with 5x clearer picture quality than standard definition. Never miss your favourite moments, pause or rewind live TV; all subscription free.

On demand services are provided by third parties and may be chargeable. The Freeview service is subject to coverage. An aerial upgrade may be required. The FREEVIEW+ HD words and logos are trade marks of DTV Services Ltd. All other brand and product names are, or may be trade marks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.

myechostar.comOfficial Distribution Partner - call now to order, trade enquiries also welcomed. Legacy House, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3RS.01795 429 666 sales@turbosat.com www.turbosat.com

BACKCHAT

GET CONNECTED34 JUNE 2012 JUBILEE ISSUE

� She’s been head of the family � rm for 60 years, but has no plans to retire yet and worries about lining up someone ready to take over. She likes the occasional drink and has a wicked sense of humour, but takes the job extremely seriously

Why did you choose to work in the family business?It chose me, really. Uncle Edward didn’t want the job, Daddy took over and I inherited it from him

Who in your line of work would you like to spend time with?There aren’t so many of us around as there used to be, and once a year or so for a group photograph is enough for me

What makes you laugh?That speech they give one to read every year in Parliament. After 60 years, one knows that, whatever it says, it’s not going to happen

What was the greatest turning point in your life?1952 was a big year for me; and again, on June 2 1953, when Geoff rey placed that special hat on my head and I promised to stick at it for the rest of my life, I knew there was no turning back

What’s the worst lie you’ve ever told?I do try to stick to the truth, but I have to admit I sometimes say “How interesting...” when I don’t really mean it

What’s your greatest regret?Putting money on Mummy’s racing tips

What historic fi gure do you identify with most?My predecessors all seem actually to be historic fi gures, but great-great granny was the only other person ever to clock up 60 years in this job, so I identify especially with her

How would you describe yourself?GSOH, likes walking, riding, travel, cosy evenings by the fi re. WLTM sensitive, diplomatic... (Sorry! Just drifted off for a moment there!)

How do you think others see you?With all the bowing, curtseying and kneeling, mostly from a low angle (LOL!)

Pet hate? No. One loves all the corgis

Any bad habits?I’m told I’m obsessed with how far one’s

visitors have travelled to see one

What’s your favourite TV programme?The Royle Family

What surprises you? The youth of today

Favourite cuisine?Plain English cooking. A nice Dover Sole, or

perhaps salmon or venison fresh from

the garden

You have been off ered a leading role in a fi lm of your choice, what character would you like to play? If there is ever a fi lm of

Dame Helen Mirren’s life story…

You have been off ered the opportunity to rule the world for a day: what would you do fi rst? Decline the off er

Do you have any hidden talents?I’m a very good impressionist. I can do

every Prime Minister from Mr Churchill to

Mr Cameron

Who would you put into Room 101?My husband makes me embarrassed enough

to wish him there sometimes. . . but I love

him dearly

What’s your greatest achievement?Oh, come on – it’s been 60 years!

Favourite quote?“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” I believe it’s Shakespeare

Name your poisonI am partial to a gin and Dubonnet in the evening.

Mummy used to take seven parts gin to three of Dubonnet, with a twist, but I haven’t inherited her head for alcohol and prefer one part gin to three of Dubonnet

What do you daydream about?Popping out for a takeaway

Favourite holiday destination?Balmoral

What’s the best kind of punishment….Having to keep asking for one’s job back

…and who deserves it?Politicians

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?Right here

What’s your greatest fear?Having to hand over the fi rm to a successor before one’s sure he’s really ready for it

What’s your favourite piece of kit? My handbag

What motto do you live by?Dieu et Mon Droit

Tomorrow I will…….Go to work as usual.

My predecessors all seem actually to be historic fi gures, but great-great granny was

the only other person ever to clock up 60 years in this job, so I identify especially with her”

The DVR comes of age.

Ultra Slim Box is the technology evolution your customers have been waiting for. Everything you’d expect from a powerful digital TV recorder is now contained in a sliver of cool aluminium - just 14mm deep.

Introducing EchoStar’s Ultra Slim Box - the slimmest digital TV recorder in the world.

Freeview+ HD brings you 50 digital channels, plus four in HD with 5x clearer picture quality than standard definition. Never miss your favourite moments, pause or rewind live TV; all subscription free.

On demand services are provided by third parties and may be chargeable. The Freeview service is subject to coverage. An aerial upgrade may be required. The FREEVIEW+ HD words and logos are trade marks of DTV Services Ltd. All other brand and product names are, or may be trade marks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.

myechostar.comOfficial Distribution Partner - call now to order, trade enquiries also welcomed. Legacy House, Church Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3RS.01795 429 666 sales@turbosat.com www.turbosat.com

To celebrate our birthday, Belling has created the 100 Collection, an iconic range which combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical innovation. The 100 Collection features clean lines, a brilliant white and chrome-look fi nish to create a range of eye-catching and effortlessly stylish cooking appliances. The collection offers a choice of four freestanding ovens, four range cookers, four built-in ovens and a new-look for the legendary Baby Belling.

In this landmark year we have partnered with the Anthony Nolan Trust and will be donating a percentage of all 100 Collection sales to help the fi ght against blood cancer.

For more information go to www.belling.co.uk/centenary/anthonynolan

combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical To celebrate our birthday, Belling has created the 100 Collection, an iconic range which combines our rich heritage as a great British brand with modern good looks and technical

PROUD WINNERS

17664 Belling Centenary GCC 230x160.indd 1 21/05/2012 11:59

DESIGNER PRODUCTS“Design” is the powerful attribute common to all categories of electricals. It’s very much about looks and style, but it’s also crucial to performance, reliability and relevance to consumers’ needs

FLOORCAREThe fl oorcare category is performing well in today’s diffi cult climate, and has seen a signifi cant move away from lower-cost products towards premium products. Consumers want to be sure their vacuum cleaner will work, and will last

THE PRODUCT GALLERYFor our Jubilee issue, a red, white and blue celebration of electricals in Britain 2012

BACKCHATA special 2-minute interview for Diamond Jubilee Year

w w w. g c m a g a z i n e . c o . u kJ U N E 2 0 1 2 : J U B I L E E I S S U E