http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk Independent Electrical Retailer - the leading trade magazine for the electrical industry en Tue, 22 May 2012 13:06:31 GMT Tue, 22 May 2012 13:06:31 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss PFPS version 2.45 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/images/rss.gif http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1912/Independent_Business_Awards_2012:_The_Finalists_.html The Independent Business Awards celebrate this year their 20th anniversary. Launched in 1993, the Awards have been annually conducted by The Independent Electrical Retailer magazine.  They have the longest heritage of any awards in the electrical industry, and are acknowledged as the most prestigious awards event. The Awards are also unique – they are the only awards programme in which the achievements of electrical products manufacturers are determined by independent retailers. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1912 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1679 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1938/Sony_restructures_its_European_business.html Consumer electronics manufacturer plans major changes to its structure and operations Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1938 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1844 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1937/Home-tek_Europe_launches_retailer_recruitment_drive.html Home-tek Europe has launched a drive to sign-up independent electrical retailers, as part of its business growth strategy. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1937 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1781 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1936/Product_innovations_will_put_value_back_into_the_industry.html Increasing pressure on margins, growing competition from online retailers, and a stormy global economic climate – these are just some of the challenges faced by manufacturers and retailers. Yet the message from this year’s IFA Global Press Conference, held in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is that innovation and imaginative sales strategies can help bring some much needed value into the market. “The most important objective for our industry is to move from a destruction of values to value orientation,” said Rainer Hecker, chairman of the supervisory board, gfu, the German consumer electronics industry corporation. Hecker noted that innovations like OLED flat displays and more energy efficient products were attracting consumers and adding value. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1936 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1935 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1933/Zanussi_launches_QUADRO_range.html Zanussi unveils a new built-in range of domestic appliances Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1933 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1928/Convergence_is_the_name_of_the_game.html Electronic gadgets are combining diverse technologies and crossing the boundaries of work and play. Anna Ryland reports. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1928 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1927/Being_resourceful.html I recently attended the retra annual conference in Newcastle and listened to the many excellent presentations by manufacturers and marketing experts, and over the two days I spoke with like minded independent electrical retailers. What became apparent to me was that many of us are seeking to use our resources to the best advantage given the difficult trading conditions in order to grow our businesses. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1927 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1926/Smart_energy.html The government wants all UK homes to have new energy meters within the next seven years as the first step towards an integrated ‘smart grid’. This is to help ensure that our growing demand for energy can be met by future supply. This month Douglas Herbison, AMDEA’s chief executive, explores the options open to energy suppliers and consumers if ‘smart grid’ becomes a reality. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1926 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1925/Cool_intelligence.html The refrigeration market is growing again, as busy consumers look for appliances that will save them time and money, but will also look cool in their kitchens. Anna Ryland reports. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1925 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1923/Mixing_business_with_leisure.html Workable margins and a steady footfall are top priorities for independents but market intelligence and business knowledge gained through the industry networking deserves a large tick in the box. Not surprisingly it was great to listen and chat with many colleagues at the recent retra conference in Gateshead. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1923 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1922/Defending_the_high_street.html In response to the fast changing nature of retail, independents need to adapt their product mix to maximise sales in growth areas and learn to use the web as an effective marketing tool, argued the speakers at retra’s 70th anniversary conference in Gateshead. Richard Stevenson reports. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1922 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1917/Cameras_go_pro.html Consumer cameras are moving further towards the pro market, with Compact System Cameras being the big success story of the past year, while the camcorder sector continues to struggle. Libby Plummer reports. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1917 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1915/Staying_a_step_ahead_of_the_game.html Hughes Electrical has developed a symbiotic business model in which each part of the company makes an important contribution to the overall business. Robert Hughes,    MD of Hughes Electrical which won the Best Regional Multiple title in the IBA 2011,   told Anna Ryland how he has managed to grow the company at a time when the industry is losing money and the independent sector keeps contracting. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1915 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1914/Hundred_years_in_business.html What makes Belling special? On the eve of the brand’s centenary celebrations, Belling chief executive, Denver Hewlett told Anna Ryland what gives the brand its staying power and a unique place in the UK market.  Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1914 http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1913/Euronics_members_and_suppliers_give_a_show_of_support.html Buying and marketing group Euronics has heralded the inaugural Euronics Showcase a success, with more than 94% of members represented. Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT http://www.independentelectricalretailer.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/1913