http://localhost/sports/index.php/site/index/ en jeff@partridgeltd.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-02-08T17:00:38+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/helly_hansen_launches_new_trail_running_shoe/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/helly_hansen_launches_new_trail_running_shoe/#When:17:00:38Z Helly Hansen has launched its latest trail running shoe. For those wanting fast and strong footwear for trail adventures in all weather conditions, the new Pace Trail HTXP (SRP £100) is a must. This durable, waterproof trail runner features a flexible fit, while its unrivalled outsole keeps feet firmly rooted on a variety of different terrains. Helly Grip rubber soles and Helly Wear rubber on the heel protects feet from stone and debris, while C-Zone silicone gel cushioning has been placed on the heel and forefoot for maximum comfort. A mesh upper ensures breathability for when feet are working their hardest. Pace Trail HTXP features: Upper • Synthetic and mesh for support and breathability. • HellyWear Protection. • HellyTech Performance. • Infinity fit for exceptional comfort. Midsole • C-Zone for shock absorption and a high energy return rate. Outsole • Helly Grip. • Helly Wear. Product News 2012-02-08T17:00:38+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/nike_explores_waterless_dyeing_with_new_partnership/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/nike_explores_waterless_dyeing_with_new_partnership/#When:16:36:16Z Brand agrees deal with DyeCoo Textile Systems to use its potentially revolutionary manufacturing technologyNike has agreed a deal with DyeCoo Textile Systems to explore the use of the company’s waterless textile dyeing machines in the production of the brand’s apparel. By using recycled carbon dioxide DyeCoo’s technology eliminates the use of water in the textile dyeing process. "Waterless dyeing is a significant step in our journey to serve both the athlete and the planet, and this partnership reinforces Nike’s long-term strategy and commitment to innovation and sustainability," says Eric Sprunk, Nike’s vice president of merchandising and product. "We believe this technology has the potential to revolutionise textile manufacturing, and we want to collaborate with progressive dye houses, textile manufacturers and consumer apparel brands to scale this technology and push it throughout the industry." Nike says it’s been exploring waterless dyeing technology for the past eight years and expects to showcase apparel using textiles dyed without water at events later this year, with an eye towards scaling the technology for larger production volumes. "We’re very excited to be partnering with Nike to help drive this together and believe the benefits and impacts of this technology are significant," says Reinier Mommaal, CEO of Netherlands-based DyeCoo. “There is no water consumption, a reduction in energy use, no auxiliary chemicals required, no need for drying and the process is twice as fast. “The technology can also improve the quality of the dyed fabric, allows for greater control over the dyeing process, enables new dye capabilities and transforms fabric dyeing so that it can take place just about anywhere. “We hope more industry leaders will join us in leveraging this innovative technology in the near future." Conventional textile dyeing requires substantial amounts of water. On average, an estimated 100-150 litres of water is needed to process one kg of textile materials. Industry analysts estimate that more than 39 million tons of polyester will be dyed annually by 2015. Nike says it expects DyeCoo’s technology to have a particularly positive impact in Asia, where much of the world’s textile dyeing occurs. As this technology is brought to scale, large amounts of water used in conventional textile dyeing will no longer be needed, nor will the commensurate use of fossil fuel generated energy be required to heat such large sums of water. The removal of water from the textile dyeing process also eliminates the risk of effluent discharge, a known environmental hazard. The CO2 used in DyeCoo’s dyeing process is also reclaimed and reused. Top Story 2012-02-08T16:36:16+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/sports_insight_feb_2012_digital_issue/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/sports_insight_feb_2012_digital_issue/#When:11:46:27Z Click here to download the February issue. Stories inside include: COVER STORIES MY SPORTING LIFE Grainne Murphy, Ireland’s golden girl of swimming COUNTRY MANAGERS An innovative alternative to local distributors and subsidiaries? JOINED UP RETAILING How to boosts sales with effective customer relationship management REGULARS NEWS Latest headlines, key dates and events KIT STOP Essential stock for your shop FOCUS ON Quotemykit.com TALKING SHOP Andy Rayner, manager of Runners Need in Spitalfields, London MOVERS & SHAKERS Alistair Mcpherson, executive director of sales at Ralawise FSPA FOCUS The latest news from the Federation of Sports and Play Associations RISE OF THE CLOUD Is 2012 the year your business embraces cloud computing? TESTING TIMES Assessing changes to your website before they go live is crucial to boosting its performance and profitability UNDER THE COUNTER A sideways look at the world of independent retailing IN SEASON Hockey Technology Swimming FEATURES SHOE BUSINESS The NPD Group reveals the latest consumer trends in the sports footwear sector PARALYMPIC PURSUITS What are the issues facing manufacturers that cater for disabled sports people? Is this a growing or still a specialist market? BACK TO THE FUTURE Don’t ignore the trend for vintage and retro in the sports retail market News 2012-02-08T11:46:27+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/new_us_distributor_for_unicorn_darts/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/new_us_distributor_for_unicorn_darts/#When:09:45:17Z Unicorn has appointed Escalade Sports of Evansville, Indiana as US distributor of the Unicorn Darts dartboards and dart accessory line. Escalade owns brands such as Stiga, Goalrilla basketball systems and Accudart. Of the agreement, Edward Lowy (pictured), managing director of Unicorn Products, said: “Unicorn has been delivering innovative, quality darts equipment to the US market for over 60 years. “We are delighted to team up with Escalade to continue to provide seamless and peerless customer service to the US market.” Dave Fetherman, vice president, sales and marketing for Escalade, added: “We are really looking forward to growing our darting category with the Unicorn line. “We know how important quality and service are and we look forward to delivering both to our customers.” News 2012-02-08T09:45:17+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/liam_burns_appointed_chairman_of_the_federation_of_sports_and_play_associat/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/liam_burns_appointed_chairman_of_the_federation_of_sports_and_play_associat/#When:15:42:54Z The Federation of Sports and Play Associations has appointed Liam Burns (pictured) as chairman of the national trade body. Retiring chairman Dr Bruno Broughton has stepped down after a sterling four years’ service. New Balance’s business development manager (EMEA), Burns has been on the FSPA board of directors for two years. He was elected to the chairman’s position having played an integral role in the Federation’s recent progress. The organisation, which was founded in 1909, has enhanced its profile and standing within the industry during the past two years, building strategic partnerships and ongoing relationships with key bodies in UK sport and play, while continuing to play a vital role in representing the industry to government. Burns brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked at New Balance for over five years. Speaking of his appointment, FSPA managing director Jane Montgomery said: “This is a great appointment for the FSPA. “Liam is highly regarded by the FSPA board, staff and his peers within the industry and the organisation is thrilled to welcome him as chair given the leadership qualities he will bring to the position in the coming years.” Burns added: “I am delighted to take over as chairman of the Federation on the eve of what will be a monumental year for British sport. “I would like to thank Bruno for his excellent stewardship of the board and the Federation over the past four years and I look forward to working with Bruno, the Board, the excellent FSPA team and members during 2012.” News 2012-02-07T15:42:54+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/john_steele_appointed_youth_sport_trust_chief_executive/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/john_steele_appointed_youth_sport_trust_chief_executive/#When:14:15:39Z John Steele (pictured) is the new chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust. Steele, who has led sporting bodies such as UK Sport and the Rugby Football Union, says: “It is an absolute privilege to be appointed chief executive of the Youth Sport Trust. “I have often looked on with admiration at the work of the Youth Sport Trust and a large part of my motivation for joining the organisation is its exceptional record of delivery and expertise. “I passionately believe that sport has a crucial part to play in the development of young people and I look forward to taking up this new challenge. “Leading an organisation that is playing such an important role within this country's sporting landscape is an honour. “In this, the Olympic and Paralympic year, we simply must ensure that every young person has the opportunity to take part in more PE and sport. “We have seen such dramatic improvements in school sport over the last decade and 2012 has to be a catalyst to drive these improvements further. “Whilst understanding the tough economic position the country is in, if we are to capitalise on this sporting moment it is critical that there is the investment and infrastructure in place to support those young people who are inspired by sport.” 2012 promises to be an important year for the Youth Sport Trust. The Sainsbury’s School Games, which the Youth Sport Trust has been commissioned by Sport England to deliver, will see young people up and down the country taking part in local competitions and regional festivals, as well as 1,600 competitors taking part in a flagship national event at the Olympic Park in May. In addition, the Youth Sport Trust’s partnership with Lloyds TSB for National School Sport Week is growing stronger. The event is set to be bigger than ever this summer, with schools getting the chance to stage their own games and capture the excitement of London 2012. A new addition this year is World Sport Day, which takes place on June 25, the first day of National School Sport Week. News 2012-02-07T14:15:39+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/helly_hansen_launches_new_training_collection/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/helly_hansen_launches_new_training_collection/#When:14:46:44Z Helly Hansen has expanded its popular training collection with the Pace Series. Featuring the best in Scandinavian design, the collection comprises tank tops, t-shirts, jerseys, shorts and tights for men and women. All kit in the range is made with HH Cool - Helly Hansen’s most advanced fabric for high intensity workouts. LIFA technology pulls sweat away from the skin and through the fabric to its polyester exterior where the sweat evaporates, ensuring that overheating and unsightly sweat patches are a thing of the past. Each shirt features HH Cool Grid on the back, while the LIFA grid-like structure enables air to flow freely between the skin and the garment, creating a cooling sensation and increased evaporation of sweat. The men and women’s New Pace Stripe SS is a performance packed, athletic t-shirt made with advanced dry fibres and air circulation features. The men’s Pace Tights and women’s Pace ≤ Tights minimise chafing with strategically placed seams for added support. Men and women’s New Pace Stripe SS feature: • LIFA Stay Dry Technology. • HH Cool Technology. • HH Cool Grid. • Flat-lock stitching. • SRP £40. Pace Tights and Women’s Pace ≤ Tights feature: • Stretch polyester fabric. • Strategically placed seams for support and comfort. • Waist adjustment cord. • Zippered back pocket. • Reflectivity. • SRP Pace Tights £50. • SRP Women’s Pace ≤ Tights £45. Product News 2012-02-06T14:46:44+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/grays_becomes_official_equipment_and_clothing_supplier_the_international_go/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/grays_becomes_official_equipment_and_clothing_supplier_the_international_go/#When:14:31:20Z “Grays is perfectly placed to support the exciting future programme of FIH events around the world," says sales and marketing director Richard GrayGrays has agreed a deal to become the official equipment and clothing supplier to the FIH, the international governing body for hockey. “Everyone at Grays is delighted and proud to have secured this contract with the FIH,” says Richard Gray, the company’s sales and marketing director. “Grays is the world’s leading hockey brand with an unrivalled distribution network around the globe, and as such is perfectly placed to support the exciting future programme of FIH events around the world. “We have worked hard to develop a teamwear collection that is particularly suited to the sport of hockey. “This is supported by our experienced back-up staff, who are also responsible for the delivery of the extensive Gilbert rugby and netball and Gray-Nicolls cricket teamwear programmes.” FIH president Leandro Negre added: “We are pleased to welcome Grays to the FIH family. “I am confident they will provide FIH events with a professional look and feel and will continue with their tradition of maintaining the highest standards.” Top Story 2012-02-06T14:31:20+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/arena_renews_national_swimming_league_sponsorship_agreement/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/arena_renews_national_swimming_league_sponsorship_agreement/#When:13:59:43Z Arena has announced its continued support of the UK’s National Swimming League by extending its sponsorship of the competition for a further three years. With over 400 participant clubs and 16,000 swimmers, The National Swimming League pits clubs from all over England and Wales in regional and national competitions. “Our continuation as title sponsor of The National Swimming League is a signal of Arena’s belief in the initiative, as well as our commitment to swimming in the UK in general,” says Luca Belogi, Arena’s director of international business development. “TNSL represents the bedrock of swimming in the UK, one of our most important markets, and to be able to support the sport at the local level gives us both great satisfaction and exposure. “Having the Arena flag flying over the pool for this year’s and future TNSL competitions is a strategic investment for Arena in one of Europe and the world’s leading swimming countries and we look forward to three more fruitful years with our partners in The National Swimming League.” Adds Digby Gunson, managing director of Solo Sport, the official Arena distributor in the UK: “Following a very successful and exciting three years of being involved in the national league, Arena’s ongoing commitment to this grass roots initiative gives the brand a great opportunity to continue building its profile in the UK, while it simultaneously gains exposure through connections to champions such as Fran Halsall and Hannah Miley. “The National Arena Swimming League is a unique event where young, aspiring swimmers can compete alongside or against GB swimming champions and is at the heart of UK swimming. “The whole team at Solo Sports is looking forward to continuing support and involvement in promoting one of the most exciting swim competition in the UK.” News 2012-02-06T13:59:43+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/ispo_munich_attracts_close_to_80000_people/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/ispo_munich_attracts_close_to_80000_people/#When:13:39:21Z Nearly 80,000 people made the trip to Munich to visit ISPO this year. And while attendance was down on 2011, exhibitor levels were up - 2,344 exhibitors from 51 countries were in Munich during January-February, compared to 2,267 last year. “The strongest increase for the trade show originated in particular from the Russian Federation, the USA, Turkey, Canada and China,” says Klaus Dittrich, chairman and CEO of Messe München International, the organiser of ISPO MUNICH. “This clearly shows how important ISPO MUNICH is for emerging markets.” Tom Foley, general manager of INTERSPORT UK and Ireland, added: “ISPO has been and remains the global key event for brands and retailers to meet. “It is the trend barometer with which the entire sports business community measures advances, ideas and innovations.” News 2012-02-06T13:39:21+00:00