In what is probably one of the biggest news stories for the sports goods business to date, Mike Ashley announced plans to list his Sports World empire on the London Stock Exchange, which is expected to net him a cool £600m.

Swim4Fitness is a series of swimming programmes developed by international swimming brand Zoggs. Swimmers of all ages, proficiency and ability are able to access a range of swimming programmes complete with interactive training tips and advice through the free service www.swim4fitness.com. There are over five levels from beginner through to advanced and triathlon training.

The new HEAD brand was officially launched last month. Some of the best ski and racquet sport athletes on the planet have endorsed HEAD said the company, but in order to modernise the brand and keep it relevant among today's top athletes - both those on tour and those aspiring to be - the company has created a new positioning with more attitude, clearer differentiation and better visibility.

The Football League and its Official Technical Partner, PUMA, have unveiled a new set of awards marking the achievements of The League's leading strikers and goalkeepers - with the top marksman and keeper in each division of the Coca-Cola Football League winning a PUMA Golden Boot or PUMA Golden Glove come the end of the season.

Consumer group Which? has announced that it plans to sue retailer JJB Sports in a bid to secure refunds for fans who allegedly paid too much for football shirts.

According to the BBC, under powers granted in the Enterprise Act,Which? has the right to launch a case of this kind at the Competition appeals Tribunal. It wants people who bought shirts from JJB in 2000 and 2001 to contact them as part of the case.

Gordon Crawford, sports development manager at Active Stirling and a high performance triathlon coach of key young Scottish triathletes, including World Duathlete Champion 2006 Catriona Morrison, has chosen to endorse Aqua Sphere tri wet suits and goggles in 2007.

Premier League club Aston Villa and Nike have announced a new partnership for Nike to become the club's official sportswear partner from the 2007/8 season.

The long-term deal will see Nike supply the club's playing and replica kit in addition to a full range of branded sportswear, fan wear and accessories.

Mitre has appointed Nicki Lesirge as its new marketing manager, replacing Katrina McCreadie. Lesirge will bring a wealth of experience to the role having worked at Mitre Sports International for the previous two years.

Ispo and the German edition of Runner's World have jointly honoured the ASICS GEL-Nimbus IX for outstanding achievement in the running segment. The award follows the success of the ASICS GEL -Kinsei in the same category in 2006.

Investors purchase Sergio Tacchini

The finance group Orlando Italy took over the Italian sportswear-supplier Sergio Tacchini (Bellinzago/Novarese). In 2006, the brand made a turnover of about € 100 million. That was in opposite to debts of about € 80 million.

ODLO reported a strong and encouraging reaction from retailers, especially new customers at ispo this month.

Commenting on a highly successful show, Ian Latham, Odlo's country manager said: "Although our stand was considerably bigger than last year it still didn't seem big enough to accomodate everyone, significantly British customers whose interest in the brand has grown dramatically over the past year."

International Sports Marketing, the international firm of specialist headhunters, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Peters as chief executive from 1 March 2007.Andrew Peters is 53 and has been in the Sporting Goods industry for 30 years.He joins ISM from Puma, where he was UK managing director for the past fifteen years.

Exhibiting at ispo for the first time in fifteen years, Ronhill marked its return with a show that reflected the brand's new found popularity and appeal. Renowned formerly for its Tracksters, Ronhill was able to tell the full story, exhibiting complete ranges for men,women and children in styles, colours, technical fabrics and silhouettes responsible for the remaking of the brand.

What would you say defines Nike as a brand?

Two key things - innovation and inspiration.Nike is the brand that introduced Air technology, Shox, Dri-FIT and we are always trying to offer the consumer something different – from a square-headed driver in golf, to tinted contact lenses for sports performance. But they have to work – they can’t just be gimmicks.

According to BBC Sport, the gum shield is the most important piece of equipment a rugby player should own. A gum shield will protect the teeth and gums; reduce damage around the jaw and dramatically decrease chances of concussion.

Every mouth is different however, so every gum shield should mould to fit perfectly around the top half of a player's mouth.Retailers should advise the consumer to visit a dentist to check the fit.

Traditional rugby boots are really quite similar to football boots, but if asked what the difference is (though we’re sure you understand this! ) explain that, simply put, the rugby boot has a higher cut designed to give extra support to the ankle.More and more players prefer to use football style boots these days, especially Backs, whom favour the low cut for extra mobility.

With a growing stable of internationally proven ambassadors in Rugby and Rugby League, ASIC's Rugby Code is well rated. The likes of Andy Titterrall,Alix Popham and Gavin Evans all use ASICS at professional level.

In addition to its existing range of game-ready boots, the company has further developed its range of training boots, which incorporate ASICS technologies to reduce common rugby injuries occurred during pre-season training.

The Mako from Mitre is being re-launched in its footwear range and has, says the company, been snapped up by professionals across the board.

Offering a wider and deeper fit around the foot, the Mako has been developed specifically to accommodate a rugby player's build.Made from full grain leather this boot features a side framework attached to the lacing system, providing additional lateral support. It also benefits from advantage of FST (Foot Stability Traction).

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is the third largest commercial sporting event in the world (after the Olympics and Soccer World Cup). For Canterbury of New Zealand, 2007 is a huge year with five of the twenty teams competing wearing the brand (See top right).

With rugby popularity at an all time high, sales and demand for other rugby apparel is also strong. Particularly so with Canterbury BaseLayer, a growing product sector which Canterbury leads.

A manufacturers of compression and temperature regulatory base layers, Linebreak is launching its new spring/summer range.

A new design of tights has been introduced that offer improved support for the major muscle groups and increase the compression effect in the primary areas for even better training and recovery effect.

SPORTS has recently moved into the political arena as one political party after the other vies to obtain top spot in the news by confirming their commitment to more sporting opportunities for our young generation. Competitiveness is no longer a dirty expression and endless arguments are put forward to demand more time and space for more sport on the school curriculum. As if to emphasise the old adage that there is nothing new under the sun, on checking the brand history of ASICS to set the scene for his TRADE TALK this issue, JACK LYNES, our man about the trade, dug back to 1949….but let him tell the story in his way. And as ever, expect the odd surprise or two along the way

Never judge by appearances. We all do and we also have a tendency to judge things by what we believe them to be, rather than constantly keeping an eye out for their evolution. Such, perhaps, is the way that Uhlsport could be perceived. For some time there had been questions and comment on the UK distribution, then there is that very general view that they simply have to be on the top of the football “glove buying” list, When SGB UK went to take an exclusive look inside the company that is loudly making a new “Precision Football” statement, we had to rethink that view quite dramatically

The old adage ‘out of sight out of mind’ is ideal when thinking of one’s feet! They carry us many thousands of miles in a lifetime and playing sport & team games just increases the amount of impact they receive.

Held from February 4th to 7th 2007, ispo winter 07 can look back with pride on another new visitor record. In 17 halls covering 180, 000 square meters, the show took up the entire expanse of the New Munich Trade Fair for the first time.

A total of about 64,000 industry professionals came to the event throughout the four days, representing about 5% more than last year.

Ahead of the Olympics, ispo china has relocated to Beijing

Located in Beijing for the first time, ispo China winter 07 takes place from the 14th - 17th March 2007. The reason for the move is the stronger orientation of the fair towards winter sports said organisers.With the new venue, ispo China brings itself closer to the big skiing areas and main tourist centres, as well as the home of key Chinese retailers.A plethora of international brands are headquartered in and around Beijing, creating excellent opportunities for buyers.

The LIV helmet from HEAD has an automatic thermal venting system that regulates the climate of the head regardless of how hot things are on the slopes. Instead of causing pressure indentations, a fluffy micro teddy inner lining (even on the chin strap) is said to be affectionate to the skin. This super-light in-mould helmet is not only safe and comfortable it is also highly fashionable.

Spearmark’s EZ-Freeze drink bottles are proving to be a huge hit with stockists and consumers alike. The durable poly-carbonate bottles come complete with an integral non-toxic gel filled freezer stick that, when frozen, keeps drinks refreshingly chilled for up to four hours. Available in a variety of eye-catching designs, there’s a style to suit every sporting thirst!

With colour playing such an important role in golf today, Softspikes is delighted to announce the addition of four striking new colour styles to its successful Pulsar range of cleats. These limited edition cleats are available now in Pink/Salmon, Blue/Indigo, Red/White and Yellow/Black.

A new capsule collection of swimwear and apparel inspired by a woman’s need for rest and relaxation has been created by Speedo. Called Mind.Body.Speedo, the range includes pieces designed for freedom and self-indulgence at the spa, pool or gym.

The collection’s swimwear features the trade marked Sculpture fabric, which sculpts, contours and cocoons the body, flattering natural shape and providing solid support for freedom of movement in and out of the water. Discreet, a seam free bust and tummy control offer further support.

This year looks set to be another exciting one for hockey retailers and the game as a whole, Mercian’s UK sales manager Simon Mason told SGB UK.With England hosting the men's and women's European Nations Cups in the summer, the inaugural Great Britain Super League in April and May, and the possibility of a European Club competition similar to the football Champion's League, opportunities for spectators and enthusiasts to enjoy he game have never been greater he said. "This brings with it interest, increased participation and increased sales from new and renewed involvement."

Thankfully there is a safety net in place in our society for those who genuinely fall out of work or cannot work, but this week I was approached to conspire with one of those who are “working” the system and have no intention of seeking gainful employment - some people have no shame. I’m used to people shoving sponsorship forms under my nose because they think I owe them, having once bought earplugs or a verruca sock from me, but when a Job Centre form got thrust at me this week with the line, “Just sign this to say I’ve been looking for a job and all that rubbish” I recoiled.