One thing that has struck me since taking the reins here is that the time was, serendipitously enough, perfect for combining the SGB Sports and SGB Outdoor brands. So many shops are enjoying a crossover of the two, in small but significant ways. After all, even a specialist running shop could benefit from trail running shoes, and with that comes the potential to upsell all manner of more 'outdoorsy' gear, even down to flasks and hats.

Carnation Powerstep

A simple, off-the-shelf solution for runners with basic over-pronation problems, the Carnation Powerstep is available from many Lloyds Pharmacy stores in the UK.
Pronation is when the foot rolls inward, and I know from personal experience this can have a knock-on effect and cause all sorts of niggles and injuries in the knees.

Major global golf brand Srixon Sports Europe has relocated its full European logistics operation to the UK from Belgium.

This years Winmau World Masters coverage was riveting with a televised 9-Dart 501 checkout from John Boy Walton, two maximum 170 checkouts from John Walton and Darryl Fitton, and a single dart average of thirty-one plus for the Men’s televised stage matches, and to top it all an unseeded 2007 Men’s Winmau World Master in Scotland’s Robert Thornton.

As part of the preparation and upskilling of the workforce for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government has endorsed SkillsActive to proceed to the next stage in creating a National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure. The skills academy will apparently revolutionise the sport and active leisure industry by providing one single and coherent approach to all skills training in the sector.

From January 27th to 30th, ispo will once again confirm its international success as the ultimate forum for those in the business of sport. As expected, the winter show will include a strong focus on ski and board – with the latest hardware and apparel innovations all being showcased.

Buying group STAG has created a new role within the company to better serve its growing membership – a Members Co-ordinator, starting December 2007. The position has been filled by an internal promotion, with Maureen Gilchrist rising to take on the challenge. Members will know Maureen as Mo, and welcome her appointment after two years in Credit Control for the Buying Group.

Butterfly Skills is a new and inclusive table tennis initiative for teaching table tennis launched by James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

A new flagship store should be symbolic of the best a retailer can offer; showcasing its brand, its best products and most importantly its customer experience. Today’s customers want shopping solutions and new ideas provided for them, but in my opinion, the store offers a proficient but somewhat predictable shopping experience.

New CEO for Odlo
CEO Patrik Wettstein and Odlo have reportedly gone their separate ways because of different ideas about the company's future strategic direction. The new CEO is the old one: Odd Lofterod. The head of the supervisory board and the son of the brand founder takes over again the operative business.

I knew I was on to something special when the Editor said ‘First USA and then back to the UK’ And as this was to be published in the December issue, I wanted to give the content a Christmas flavour. So what better than to start off with a Quiz? The Questions are in the panel and the answers will be found (or maybe not found) when you read the story.

If Brand visibility helps sales, then stockists of Slazenger cricket bats,  clothing and equipment must surely be happy with the firm’s performance in 2007 and prospects for 2008.

Maru Swimwear launches a new SS08 collection on January 1, in over 400 UK sports shops, as well as a range of online retailers and health clubs.

The new Cyclone jacket, offering all the quality and functionality of a specialist outdoor garment, is being launched by Prostar for the sports and leisure markets.

"A revolutionary device just the size of a mobile phone has proven to be highly successful in instantly relieving pain, strengthening muscles and substantially speeding up the healing process for countless sufferers. The Woosie Superstim Pro was launched in Ireland 18 months ago and is now available for the UK from supplier East Coast International (www.eastcoastinternational.ie.).

Footwear specialists HI-TEC have announced a major new technology for waterproofing their shoes. The company states that it makes a shoe as breathable and lightweight after treatment as it was before; not only that, but the shoe apparently repels dirt and water – so no matter how wet the terrain, the boot actually remains dry.

Vango, the leading outdoor and accessories specialist has announced that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is to endorse its Mountain and Lightweight range of products.

A new line of urban and snowsports wear has launched and is the brainchild of Nottingham-based top snowboarder Philippa Lacey. Mieego offers a range of British-made apparel where materials are also sourced in the UK. The style is innovative with each design being a combination of original photography, illustration and graphics influenced by people, music, sport and art. Mieego is passionate about bringing inspiration to the world of fashion.

Leading outdoor performance footwear manufacturer brasher has officially launched an Online Retail Agreement with its customers. The groundbreaking agreement outlines criteria such as brand positioning, online representation and website standards.

Outdoor apparel specialists The North Face have announced changes to their Europe, Middle East and Asia organisational structure.

Supported by performance fabric supplier W L Gore & Associates (UK) Ltd, the “Polar Quest” team, a joint Royal Navy & Royal Marines expedition successfully achieved their aim earlier this year. The team entered the record books as the first Royal Marine Team to walk 2,800kms unsupported to the South Pole and became members of an elite group of only 8 Britons to have completed the overland ski journey to and from the Pole.

Following an assessment by an independent body, Highlander has been awarded ISO-9001-2000 certification. This certification has only been achieved by about five per cent of UK businesses and this prestigious award is supported by the government and recognized worldwide.

The North Face has announced its 2008 sponsorship of Dynamic Adventure Racing, a series of five adventure races for individuals, pairs and teams. The events will be held throughout the year at locations across the South of England and are suitable for all levels, from novices who already enjoy mountain biking or running to experienced adventure racers. 

Global lifestyle and environmentally focussed brand Patagonia Footwear has appointed Matt Hill as their new Sales and Technical Representative working out the Wolverine head office in Bristol. Matt will work alongside Duncan Holme, Patagonia Footwear’s European Sales and Marketing Manager and Guy Russell, UK Sales Manager.

In 2006 the European Outdoor Group became a member of FESI (Federation of European Sporting Industries) with the aim of ensuring that the outdoor sector had a voice within the European government lobbying system in Brussels.

• Specially designed to give the protection you require in a wide range of outdoor conditions
• Windproof/Waterproof/Breathable
• Concealed fully lined & adjustable hood with tear release closing chin guard

New this season, Musto introduces the Munro Jacket, Breeks and Trousers, all made from an innovative GORE-TEX Performance Shell fabric. The Jacket is available in two colours: Pro Tweed and Light Green, each with matching legwear.

The Explorer (SRP £35) rucsac is very versatile pack, its size tolerant size system makes it ideal for all kinds of uses from the first time backpacker, Scouts and Guides to a flexible load lugger for travel.

Outdoor is synonymous with year-round sports – and lifestyle – and what better time to be involved in the outdoor market than now, when embracing the environment is a key global issue. This growing sector has a natural home at ispo, taking place in Munich’s prestigious, highly accessible and green-friendly exhibition centre – what’s more the vibrant city offers a host of outdoor activities itself, all within easy reach.

Following last year’s successful premiere this successful forum now covers 1,700 square meters in the heart of hall A6 with a programme that includes:

What’s the core product for New Balance?

We’re an authentic running brand. From 1906, as a brand in Boston that made orthotics for shoes, we were about making elements of footwear that made your shoes fit better so you could go about your day in more comfort.

As the official supplier to the England Netball Team, ASICS leads the market in performance netball footwear. Even if you’re a recreational netball player, ASICS’ new range of netball-specific shoes boasts technologies for guaranteed optimal court performance no matter your level.

Ventura's newest arrival is the Portable Netball System from Lifetime. The world's largest manufactuer of portable basketball systems, Lifetime, have now taken their years of exprience into the sport of netball, creating a compact and durable portable system.

Harrod UK are the official suppliers of posts, nets and post protectors to England Netball.

Molten's new International Netball, which has been developed and tested by professional netball teams in Australia and New Zealand, is now available in the UK.

Fellow traders, a host of suppliers (over 80), woodworm, kangaroos, a spare bed, a walking sat-nav, a man with a ball and a glove, a somewhat chilly marquee, a secret weapon of athletes and sports stars, a shock absorbing sports bra, and some chilli con carne – plus a great deal besides (or, in fact, many great deals besides!).

Evolution Light is the new look in innovative sports underwear from ODLO.

SUNWISE sunglasses were tested and commented as 'They are Light, Comfortable and Secure' by Runner's World Magazine and were featured as 'the sunglasses for sports enthusiasts' by The Times newspaper.

The Magnetist is the testimony shoe in PUMA’s stable cushioning category and designed for the moderate overpronator. Superior engineering enhanced with quality materials, the Magnetist’s feather weight and smart geometry combine for ultimate dynamic stability. From the moment you land until the second you take off it’s naturally smooth sailing. Key USPs include:

Leading outdoor clothing accessories brand extremities has a selection of performance headwear, gloves and socks that have proved a winner with running enthusiasts and ultra athletes.

New Balance continues NBX series for SS 2008

Following its launch in AW2007,New Balance is launching the second phase of the NBX series for SS 2008. NBX is the hallmark for the very best running shoes from New Balance that are designed and engineered by the NBX development team.

Teva is back, bigger and better than ever with its most extensive collection to date. Strengthening the GO. DO. BE. philosophy for which the brand has become renowned, Teva’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection is set to be the best yet.

While we kit ourselves out in the latest gear – brand new trainers, sports performance clothes and top-of-the-range iPod, we all forget to protect one of the most important things... our eyes! Running in sunglasses can be impractical, not to mention annoying, but early morning sun can be the brightest and most harmful, and blindness from the glare can be dangerous, especially for road runners – therefore high quality shades are a must.

It’s a complicated world full of brash promises, brave new products and baffling hi-tech formulations – yet more and more of us are realising that sometimes, to get results, you really just need to go back to basics and back to tried and tested products that have passed the test of time.

The most important factor when running is to have the best structure and cushioning in the shoe to suit the runner's needs. Introducing the ASICS GEL-3000, an all-new addition to the structured cushioning range which provides outstanding support and comfort.

I’ve been in court this month. Nothing I’ve done wrong, just there supporting my octogenarian father for a driving offence. I collected the old boy and as we drove into the town centre you’d have thought I was 17 again on a provisional licence. He kept telling me to change lanes, not let people cut in, it was clear to go when it clearly wasn’t and insisted it was my road when I gave way to a juggernaut. “A Smart car does not argue with a lorry of that size” I said, then added more calmly, “Who’s up for this driving offence anyway?” A little mean I confess but we drove on in silence after that.