There's been a bit of controversy flying about in the press of late after double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington suggested that Lewis Hamilton should not win the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year award [SPOTYA!] after his historic title win in Brazil. Part of me thinks she has a point, but then I neither enjoy nor appreciate Formula 1. I don't drive, you see, so I can't possibly appreciate the difficulties Lewis Hamilton faces, nor understand any part of his skill. In fact, if I'm in need of an afternoon nap at the right time, I put on F1 qualifying or a race and I'm asleep in minutes.

TheMagicTouch has introduced some new and unique products for decoration using any of the traditional TTC transfer papers in conjunction with a colour laser printer or copier. The products are also compatible with the sublimation ink process.

Unicorn Products Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Cannan as their new Sales Agent for Scotland from January 1st 2009. Peter will be taking over from Brian Edmeades, who is retiring after being part of the Unicorn Group sales team for more than 30 years.

Reydon Sports, the country's leading independent wholesale sports traders, have scooped the leading awards from InterSport for yet another year.

When Oliver Webb holidayed in the US in 2006 he didn't think for one moment that, 18 months later, he would be about to invest a six-figure sum in promoting a new board sport to British children.

Ian Reid has been appointed as Skins' new UK Marketing Manager. Ian arrives at the Australian high-tech compression apparel firm as it prepares for a raft of new product launches and marketing initiatives in 2009.

Intersport UK has appointed Barry Mellis as its new General Manager to replace Paul Nash who left the company in August. Mellis, who spent 19 years with adidas, joined in November from New Balance Athletic Shoes Ltd, the fifth largest sports brand globally, where he was Sales Director Europe.

Aqua Sphere has responded to the rise in popularity of open water swimming by launching Aqua Skin,  an ultra light and durable hydrodynamic suit designed to provide maximum warmth and complete protection from the harsh effects of the sun and open water elements. Open water swimmers of all capabilities can train longer, harder, and more effectively wearing the Aqua Skin.  

Maru Swimwear, the UK's most stylish manufacturer of swimwear and equipment for active and leisure swimmers, reports a 5 per cent increase on sales of swim equipment year on year.  Renowned for the quality, style and technical excellence of its swimwear for men, women and children, the company now reveals that its growing swim equipment division has reached over 1/3 of total turnover.

New Balance, the global performance athletic brand has announced the appointment of Scott Saunders as the EMEA region Merchandising Manager.

The British & Irish Lions shirt is one of the most iconic symbols in world rugby and adidas has unveiled the 2009 version to be worn in South Africa next summer.

Wales coach Warren Gatland and captain Ryan Jones recently unveiled the debut kit from the WRU's new official supplier, Under Armour. The nation's new look for the coming season features ‘dragon scale grippy' technology and highlights key national symbols such as the Welsh flag.

PUMA has announced the signing of Lucy Boggis, to boost the brand's sports marketing portfolio.

Shaun Edwards, Head Coach of Wasps and a member of Wales' and the touring British Lions' 2009 coaching teams, is endorsing Mueller products through the 08/09 season and beyond.

The European super show promises much in its 69th outing, which takes place from February 1-4 next year. The show's organisers are saying on the official web site - www.ispo-winter.com - that exhibition space is sold out at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre, and they are expecting a record turnout in terms of visitor numbers.

Brintex, organiser of UK trade boardsports event Surf Shop, has announced that Surf Shop 2009 will take place Tuesday 18th - Wednesday 19th August 2009, at Westpoint, Exeter, moving earlier in the season, and to a two-day rather than three-day event.

Sporting Goods Intelligence Europe, working together with the British sporting goods industry association (FSPA), has just released the last volume of the first comprehensive study on the sporting goods market in 18 countries throughout Southern Europe.

Outdoor running innovators inov-8 have announced their first Run-Orienteer-Cycle event, iROC, which will take place on April 18th and 19th 2009.

Sports drinks in the UK have long been dominated by one brand, but now it has a serious competitor in the form of Gatorade. It's going to be very, very popular with runners,  as it sits nicely in the stomach, it doesn't leave you feeling heavy after you've necked a bottle and, the manufacturers say, it supports and replenishes precisely what your body requires during and after exercise. It even tastes nice, which makes a refreshing change from the norm. Kevin answered our questions about the drink and their plans for the future...

Good news, we know, does not sell newspapers. But as I am free to ‘tell it like it is' and cannot be bribed or coerced to do otherwise, I devote this first statement to unstinted praise of the transport system on the day that I went to see Bob Hope in Newington, Kent.

Times change, and the string vest, once synonymous with the British working class man, is not even stocked by Tesco and Asda any more. Today's base layer garments, certainly in the sporting arena at least, seem like rocket science in comparison to the dear old stringer.

Linebreak the global originator of Compression and Base Layer technology have launched their new range in stores for Xmas 08.

Zoggs has been in the UK market since 1994 after its birth in Australia in 1992.  As a brand it is sold in more than 40 countries worldwide, and enjoys the number two position in both Australia and the UK.  Peter Doyle has been with the company for four years, during a key period of its growth; he spoke to SGB about the company, product and the future..

My French lessons continue but improvement doesn't seem to and I appear to be sur un plateau. For the last couple of weeks we've been given "write a diary" as homework. The idea behind this, quite rightly, was to make us practice some French every day instead of a mad scramble to complete a worksheet an hour before the lesson which our teacher had clearly recognised we were all doing and didn't feel enough regular effort was going in.

It's that time of year when only the hardy and the well-prepared should be heading outdoor for big walks and off-track adventuring, as the weather's well and truly turned. As I write this we seem to be having some April-esque showers, though they're tempered by blue skies and seasonable temperatures.

Outdoor running innovators inov-8 have announced their first Run-Orienteer-Cycle event, iROC, which will take place on April 18th and 19th 2009.

With this year's Kendal Mountain Festival imminent the organisers are thanking sponsors from the outdoor industry for their support as without their help this event simply wouldn't happen.

Haglöfs has appointed Neil Bradley as UK Country Manager. After various sales and marketing posts, Neil joined Karrimor in 1997 as National Accounts Manager. In additional to selling in, this entailed helping create sell through via clinics, in store/on the hill training, joint promotions etc, something which he considers as crucial to the future growth of Haglöfs: "We want to work in partnership with our customers to make sure their sell through is good. We will build long term sustainable partnerships and will be putting a lot of time and effort into this process."

A major research project has been published that highlights the changing habits of the UK's outdoor consumers. The report, Shaping the Future, was commissioned by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA), and tested the views of over 10,000 individuals across the UK. The results demonstrate more people than ever are going outdoors, but that they are increasingly choosing to participate in multiple activities during one day.

The North Face has opened its fifth retail store to in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region in 2008, in Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre.

As one part of the European Footwear Alliance the European Outdoor Group (EOG) is working on behalf of the outdoor sector to try to ensure a termination of the footwear anti-dumping duties. The recent announcement from the European Commission to launch a review of the duties on Chinese and Vietnamese footwear imports is seen as disappointing.

Despite the current economic climate, brasher is one footwear manufacturer who is bucking the retail trend after announcing a record sales month for September 2008.

Big Bear recently announced it is distributing Cloudveil, a brand born from sheer determination and enthusiasm and inspired by an obsession of all things outdoors, offers an innovative outdoor apparel range with clean, functional designs combined with highly technical materials.

Lowe Alpine is continuing its long-term support of the BMC's Winter Essentials lectures with a new series of venues for this winter.

Fast approaching the age of 47, I am more qualified, knowledgeable and skilled in various disciplines now than when I was younger, even if I have to admit that I am physically less able (cue list of old and new injuries). Arguably, some physical attributes are over-rated and mindset is equally, if not more, important, depending on your game. Some sports, and I would single out paragliding in particular, demand a level of currency to stay reasonably safe.

From December 2008, Swedish outdoor specialist PRIMUS extends its range with the incredibly lightweight TiLite Set. Featuring an extremely lightweight, compact and powerful stove and pot, the TiLite Set from PRIMUS is the ideal combination for adventures that require minimal weight and packing volume. The gas stove and 0.9-litre pot weigh only 198g, thanks to the versatile material titanium - incredibly lightweight, extremely robust and easy to clean, perfect for ambitious outdoor athletes. The packing volume of the TiLite Set makes outdoor dreams come true: it offers enough space for a 230 gram LP cartridge.

Helly Hansen, the 130-year-old Norwegian performance apparel brand, wants to ensure long, cold snowy winters will continue for another 130 years and beyond. To help make this a reality Helly has launched the Ekolab R&D project, created to try out new sustainable design and manufacturing processes, discover ways to address environmental sustainability and to help reduce its impact on the planet.

The latest Result Performance range offers the ideal Christmas present with affordable and technical outerwear, what better way to show you care than to protect your loved ones from the elements. From hiking to skiing Result Performance are designed with their next outdoor adventure in mind.

European General Manager for GoLite Mark Flanagan has been tasked with the huge job of gaining a foothold for the GoLite brand this side of the pond. He explained to SGB what their plans are, what makes their product special and how things are progressing.

The European super show promises much in its 69th outing, which takes place from February 1-4 next year. The show comprises six different areas: ski, outdoor, board, performance, innovations, and style. Each area has a lot to offer visitors, with demonstrations taking place in some areas, awards, and a whole lot more.

We've been shouting about Result Performance quite a lot in SGB, partly because we think they produce good quality apparel and partly because of their business model, which means the retailer does not have to make a massive bulk order (and therefore a huge financial commitment) in advance, rather they can replenish stock as they require. When times are hard - like now! - what could be more attractive to a retailer? As Result's Myron Shafee explains, things haven't been plain sailing - but she's justifiably excited about their new lines and future of the business.