What a month it’s been for the outdoor trade, what with the Outdoor Trade Show recently at Stoneleigh, which I thought was a well-organised and fascinating show; one of those places where decisionmakers go to check out what they will be buying, and people like me can go and learn.

A recent report from Dundee University made national news headlines when it revealed “Cheap trainers still protect feet” [BBC news web site].News reports actually dumbed-down the information in the report, as SGB – Sports and Outdoor can now reveal.

This year’s STAG Buying Show is set to surpass all previous expectations according to the organisers, and takes place at Heythrop Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Oxfordshire on 18th and19th October.

The UK continues its renewed love affair with the ispo trade shows, with the number of retail visitors increasing steadily as Brits recognise the quality, direction and sheer inspiration to be gained. The shows have moved with the times, thoroughly reflecting the modern business arena – embracing the fusion between function, fashion, sporting heritage, sporty style.

The Gilbert Synergie ball in use at the Rugby World Cup has received the thumbs up from players and administrators alike.
The ball was specifically designed to deliver the same kicking performance as the Xact ball used in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, whilst offering improved handling.

The updated 2008 British Equestrian Directory (BED) provides instant access to thousands of essential contacts across the UK equestrian community.

While politicians and activists have fallen over themselves in recent times to expound the relevancy of green issues, it has been the sport industry that has led the way in terms of actionable steps forward. In response to this raft of environmental campaigns being undertaken by sports brands and organisations, the Environmental Concern in Sport Award, in association with SweetSpot has been added to the categories for the Sport Industry Awards 2008.

Sportswear producer ODLO has signed a multi-year sponsoring agreement with the multiple Olympic champion in the biathlon, Ole Einar Bjørndalen. Bjørndalen is the most successful biathlete of all time with five gold medals as well as three silver and one bronze at Winter Olympics, together with a large number of World Cup victories. Now sportswear manufacturer ODLO has concluded a multi-year agreement with the top Norwegian athlete.

Out of Europe’s leading golf trade exhibition – Golf Europe 2007 in Munich – came a new idea that the makers claim will change the face of kit maintenance across virtually all sports.

Trion:Z announces the introduction of their industry leading Ionic/Magnetic therapy products from Japan to the two major buying groups in the United Kingdom.

With the success of the Mega 5000 and Club Gold hockey shinguards Dita have introduced the Mega 6000.

Two significant changes have been announced for Accell Fitness UK. Current Managing Director Stephen Bolton has decided to step down from the role but he will stay with the group as an advisor to the Accell Fitness Division BV, owner of Accell Fitness United Kingdom.

Hilly, the leading UK running accessory brand has teamed up with BodyGuard Security, the country’s foremost personal alarm specialist, to test launch a range of personal alarms to runners, particularly women, through independent running specialists.

Aquacise, the aquatic aerobic workout programme, has chosen Aqua Sphere, the swimming equipment experts, as its official retail partner. The exciting new partnership provides the platform to give the highest quality branded teaching kit to all newly qualified Aquacise instructors and to offer them the opportunity to provide an essential product pack to end users to help them get even more out of their exercise session.

Intersport Austria still wants to expand

“The Intersport-group could increase its turnover in the countries Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary of 2% because of a very good summer season”, declared Intersport Austria’s President Gabriele Fenninger. 140 connected retailers in 286 locations made altogether 656.3 million Euro in the business year 2006/07 (per end of August).

Alastair Langdon MBE, Managing Director of GELERT Ltd and Group Companies, has announced today he will be standing down as Managing Director and appointing Mick Welden as his successor. Alastair will remain as Chairman of the Group and maintain an active role in the management team.

An agreement has been reached between Timberland and Edinburgh-based outdoor distributor Anatom Ltd to transfer SmartWool brand distribution rights in the UK and Eire to Timberland. Under the agreement, Timberland will assume the rights to SmartWool product distribution in the UK and Eire as of January 1, 2008.

His Royal Highness The Prince ofWales has agreed to be the President of the Sherpa Heritage Museum. Led by Pertemba Sherpa, with Sir Chris Bonington as its Patron, and supported by Doug Scott CBE and Maggie Burgess, the project is raising funds to preserve the last traditional Sherpa home in Nepal, by restoring it in the form of a ‘living’ museum.

The North Face has announced two new appointments to its EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) organisational structure.
Timo Schmidt-Eisenhart has joined the company as The North Face Sales Director EMEA, where he will lead and direct The North Face sales team and help position the brand for long term growth.

Ardblair will no longer be continuing as the UK and Eire distributors of GoLite products. The circumstances surrounding this development are presently the subject of a lawsuit Ardblair filed in the United States.Ardblair ceased being distributors as of September 1st, 2007.

Snugpak, the leading UK sleeping bag manufacturer has appointed Nick Anderson as its South West agent, to cover the area from mid-Wales. A well known face in the outdoor industry, Nick has a blue chip background in sales for over 25 years, with the last 15 years spent in the outdoor trade working with Berghaus,Mountain Equipment and Haglofs.

Maglite torches have invested in a pre-Christmas UK advertising campaign worth around half a million pounds to encourage Maglite LED sales and support retailers in this key selling season.

We like challenges, especially when they involve the outdoors. So when the John Muir Trust asked us to help them maintain mountain paths in the wilds of Scotland, we couldn’t say no. Formed in 1983, the John Muir Trust exists to protect and conserve wild places in the Highlands and the Islands of Scotland, as well as to increase awareness and understanding of the value of such places.

The Outdoor Trade Show (OTS) 2007 once again proved a great success by attracting just under 900 visitors over the three open days. Exhibitors were very pleased with the quality of retail buyers who visited the show and praised the location, for its ease of access and relaxed informal atmosphere.

Outdoor specialist Vango has added more depth to its tent range with the Ultralite range, ideal for a mountain marathon or lightweight adventure! The Ultralite tent is single skin, which means it is quick and easy to pitch – ideal when the weather turns and you need to get under cover quickly.

The Outwell tent collection sees a number of new introductions including the Idaho L and XL models sleeping 6 and 8 respectively. This innovative design has two bedrooms at either side opening into a side bay, complete with wardrobe hanging bar, organiser pockets and a curtain to create a separate personal dressing area.

Wynnster has a highly innovative and comprehensive collection of tents for 2008 which now come in a striking new colourway, most have sewn in groundsheets as standard with many unique features. This is a concise collection of tents that will suit a wide range of uses from touring, to weekender, to highly specified family tents.

Snugpak, the leading UK sleeping bag manufacturer has been working hard this summer to develop a new collection of tents, which have recently been launched to the UK trade.

For nearly 40 years Vango has been engineering the Force Ten with many people having their first camping experience in an orange ‘Vango’.

Family camping gets a taste of luxury at Gelert for 2008, with their premium camping range. For those family campers who want to look the part on the campsite, look no further.

Have a good night’s sleep no matter where you are with Highlander’s latest range of down and synthetic sleeping bags.
From Summer to Winter there is a sleeping bag that you can take with you to any environment and still keep warm throughout the night.Highlander’s Down Tec range (srp from £60 - £145) is the perfect option for the more technical traveller where weight and space are at a premium.

Outwell’s sleeping bag collection has been completely revised and includes the new Cloud XL square bag and Cloud 1900, both useful additions to this everpopular range of quality bags, whilst the Comfort series sees the oversized mummy bags redesigned to unzip all the way round, enabling a left and right hand bag to be zipped together to form a doublesized bag.

Sleeper Lite

Snugpak has been at the forefront of synthetic sleeping bag design technology for the last 30 years and remains a market leader with new product designs for 2007.

New for 2007 Vango’s Starlight range of sleeping bags are perfect for adventurous campers who need peak performance kit without the peak price tag.

Wynnster has extensively developed its whole sleeping bag category for 2008 and re-introduced the incredibly popular Super Lite and Sirocco ranges.

Warmth and grip used to be considered incompatible features in a glove. Our solution: the new GORE-TEX Gloves with GORE 2-in-1 Technology. A glove with two chambers and a unique feature: an easy and convenient change between direct grip and warmth.

Gerber Legendary Blades, the leading name in premium outdoor endurance products, has released two innovative new hydration packs into the UK.

brasher has redesigned its range of walking and trekking poles to accommodate the growing needs of the premium outdoor market.

Due to be launched in store November 2007, this new innovative range of poles has been ergonomically designed using the latest materials and technology. Specifically introduced for use over a wide range of activities, from mountain trekking to low level trail walking, there’s a pole to suit every outdoor enthusiast.

Two new additions to JanSport's range of bags are to hit stores.

The duffel is available in two sizes, 39.5 and 59 litres capacity. Its carry handles convert into backpack straps, making it adaptable and comfortable for heavier loads. It features one large main compartment, compression straps to control the load and rainwelts to protect against the elements.

No matter how tough the trails, the rugged hiking boots from Allrounder by Mephisto will keep the pace.

ASICS’ running range offers top quality gear for athletes and serious recreational runners. Keen amateur athletes training a few times per week need to know their performance footwear and apparel stands up to their specific demands.

Through patent-pending Performance Shape Technology (PST), Saucony has created the Motion Sensor Bra, which it describes as 'the ultimate sports bra for active women'.

A new addition to Timex's excellent Ironman range of watches, the iControl allows the user to control their iPod from their watch wirelessly.

Supernova Control

Price: £80.00
On Shelf Feature Date: June - August

Profile

The Supernova Control has been developed for the runner who is looking to counteract the effects of over-pronation. Developed with adidas’ trademark running technology Formotion this shoe is perfect for lightmid weight runners.

Whether you're preparing for your first marathon,winding down from your last one or are always on the road, you will know proper footwear is a top priority.

Hilly’s highly popular polypropylene gloves are joined this season by three new styles, one of these being the Runners Elite Gloves.Made from MAXDRY PLUS innovative functional technology, they are highly breathable and have a towelling panel on the front of the glove to prevent chafing when wiping away sweat.

The Nike ACG - SS Dri-Fit Lung Tee will no doubt prove as popular as most other Nike running tops – after all, running gear is what Nike does best, and it has been in the market for a very long time.

With a large ACG lung logo on the front, it's a striking design, and a classic fit combines well with the contemporary splatter pattern across the logo.

ODLO, the innovative pioneer in technologically advanced sports underwear is reaping the rewards of an intensive marketing campaign in the UK and Ireland.

Training that knows no boundaries

Polar has unveiled a new innovative GPS device that allows serious athletes and adventurers to challenge their body and analyse their performance over a multitude of sports and terrains. Polar’s G3 GPS sensor has been developed to accompany their impressive heart rate monitor, the RS800, and create the most advanced training management system for any genuine athlete, triathlete or adventurer.

Sorbothane Prosole insoles are scientifically proven to absorb harmful shock waves associated with foot strike. This unique lightweight super-slim insole has a dimpled pattern to reduce shearing forces and is ideal for tight fitting sports shoes including football boots, running shoes and more.

Wraptor Stability Event

From adventure racing to trail running, the Wraptor Stability eVent offers a stable platform for a wide range of conditions. Teva’s patented Wraptor fit system locks the foot directly to the outsole for a lightweight, low-profile package which allows for independent adjustment of the forefoot and instep.

Revolve

The Revolve is the most technically advanced football ever made and is the official matchball of the Coca Cola Football League. The microfibre outer layer gives exceptional player control and feel in all weathers. Perfect shape and accuracy with unmatched power and speed delivered via exclusive Mitre cincap lining system and panel pattern.

Umbro have had their technical experts and international stars working in conjunction to create new ranges of performance apparel to kick start proceedings.

The NikeFive range includes both outdoor (Air Zoom Control II) and indoor (Air Zoom Control II Futsal) footwear to allow five-a-side footballers the best control at speed whilst providing maximum comfort and flexibility. The shoes are lightweight allowing for 360 degree ball touch and front to back flexibility when twisting and turning in limited pitch space.

adidas has unveiled the TUNiT 2, the next generation of the revolutionary TUNiT football boot. It is the most technologically advanced boot ever made by adidas and builds on the success of the amazing TUNiT 1 - the world’s first fully customisable football boot.

The TUNiT 2 boot (pronounced Tune-it) allows players to change their boots to suit their game, the pitch and the seasons.

Molten, the world’s leading manufacturer of footballs, produces a range of balls from the professional Molten ACENTEC Vantaggio, which is the match ball for most high-profile world events, to club/school balls and indoor balls.

Uhlsport launched new generation shinguards for this season incorporating 'Morphshield' technology into their Vyper range of shinguards offering unique properties of high level of protection and shock absorption combined with extreme flexibility that adapts perfectly to the leg for maximum comfort. Known as DIC, the Direct Injection Concept is both light and flexible allied to shock absorbtion benefits three times greater than regular foams.

PUMA launches the second generation of football footwear with the introduction of the v- Konstrukt II. The evolution of the v- Konstrukt is a lightweight performance proposition, which sees a dynamic approach to the product’s benefits by further fine-tuning and improving its protective features.

Swimming equipment specialists Zoggs has grown considerably in the last five years, and that is set to continue with their innovative Bondi range, developed with bra specialists Bravissimo. Jon Bruford chatted with Mark Hammersley, CEO of the Kendal Group, which includes Zoggs and Pure Lime.

For over 80 years adidas has been paramount in the world of sports using innovation and technology to develop shoes, clothing and equipment that enable you to achieve your maximum potential.

The entry level 'BLUE' Collection from Pro-Box utilises the most advanced PU and PVC materials, to bring a range of equipment that can deliver reliability and style on a budget. Suitable for home fitness training or limited club use.

Lonsdale have taken great pride in creating the ultimate speed ball. Each Ultra-Pro Speed Ball has 10 individually hand sewn panels to meet the precision and perfection that every boxer has come to expect with Lonsdale’s professional equipment.

Lonsdale’s Super Pro Range uses the finest materials available combined with the latest technology to make the Super Pro Range worthy of the original Lonsdale name.

The latest version of this classic glove Training Glove has been developed to incorporate the latest synthetic materials to deliver a more lightweight glove with increased durability? The dense layered sandwich foam provides better shock absorbency, and full padding on the back of the wrist promotes proper punching technique. The gloves also feature full moisture wicking on the inner palm.

Aqua Sphere's excellent high performance Aqua Power and Aqua Infinity swimwear for men & women delivers style with performance and is receiving critical acclaim from leading triathletes.

Maru, the UK’s most stylish active swimwear and equipment brand for men,women and children, launches its new Spring/Summer 2008 collection this month. Dazzling new designs have been added to the Aqua Sport and Aqua Leisure range, while Maru’s Aqua Classic range boasts some striking new swimwear. Children, too,will be enchanted with their new, zany collection.

Moontide’s collection for Summer 2008 is so good you will want to wear it without water!!
The Moontide collection for Spring/Summer 2008 is one of the largest and most definitive ranges to date, marking the 28th year in the ongoing success of this New Zealand brand.

So far, 2007 has been a great year for Tyr in the UK (and elsewhere in the world) with big increases in turnover across the range. This follows a record year in 2006 under the Italian ownership of Luigi Bonza Srl.

Zoggs are delighted to launch the 2008 spring summer range that includes three collections containing performance, fitness and leisure ranges.

Aqua Sphere, a leader in innovative aquatic eyewear, is launching the Vista Cross-Swim Goggle – a brand new hybrid product which offers the same wide-angle 180-degree vision, comfort and fit synonymous with Aqua Sphere’s revolutionary Seal and Seal XP products, but combines these features with a sleeker profile indicative of a competitive swimming goggle.

Launched in 2006, Elan’s ground-breaking female-specific Chicas program moves into its second year with everincreasing momentum. Passionate about developing the world’s best snowboarding products for girls, the Chicas program unites a dedicated team of female technicians, designers and team riders.

Imagine cruising down the street on the new SkateMaster Electric Skateboard. This state of the art skateboard is extremely precise and manoeuvrable, using a wireless remote control. It allows the rider to turn and ride with complete confidence in crowded environments and even at walking speed.

The first ever whey protein supplement designed especially for women has been launched by fitness nutrition experts Nutriceut Ltd.

Refine is part of Nutriceut's new Pwrtek range - the first ever range of protein supplements to be aimed at everyone who takes regular exercise, whatever their chosen sport or activity.

What are the qualities necessary to run a successful business? And closer to home, are there special qualities needed to run a successful sports business? There may be exceptions that prove the rule but when our man about the trade, JACK LYNES, met MIKE DEEGAN, C.E.O of the Outdoor Sports Group, to talk about RONHILL, it didn’t take long to convince him that the Company was not simply in a safe pair of hands but with a man whose feet were still able to give any competitors a good run for their money.

For the last two Saturdays I’ve closed the shop early and headed for France. Indulgent some may think, others consider it a mortal sin or just jolly inconvenient for those wanting to shop late in the day.