http://localhost/sports/index.php/site/index/ en jeff@partridgeltd.co.uk Copyright 2010 2010-07-28T15:12:36+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/progressive_or_reckless/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/progressive_or_reckless/#When:15:12:36Z With the second Budget of 2010 now established, John Bensalhia looks at what sort of impact it will have on businesses and what sort of reaction it has received So the second Budget of 2010 has been and gone. It took place on June 22 and was met with a decidedly mixed response. The term ‘harsh but fair’ was bandied about in the newspapers and the prospect of public sector job cuts was touted as one of the main trouble areas, with some 600,000 jobs to go in the future. The Office For Budget Responsibility has predicted that there will be 490,000 job losses by 2015 and 610,000 by 2016. POSITIVE In terms of small businesses, however, the reception to the Budget was more even in terms of positivity and negativity. Experts have said the Budget will actually be positive for small businesses, although some firms will not escape the after-effects. It was announced that measures would be taken to stimulate growth in the sector by reducing the small companies tax rate from 21 per cent to 20 per cent in 2011, which is said to help 850,000 small firms. Corporation tax will also be reduced, with the rate falling to 20 per cent next April from its current level of 21 per cent. Those who set up their own business will also gain from an extension in entrepreneurs’ relief on Capital Gains Tax. This will allow new entrepreneurs to set up on their own and possibly create important new businesses of tomorrow. Businesses outside the south east and London will not have to pay National Insurance contributions for the first 10 employees they take on. However, the rise in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 20 per cent has not gone down well. Businesses will be forced to put their prices up, and this will lead to a greater emphasis on undercutting the competition - not to mention the fact that smaller businesses will find it more difficult to attract customers. The VAT increase was regarded as being a start point in trying to clean up the country’s debt problems. It was also seen to be a preferable alternative to raising income tax, although the move will not help the less well off. The Federation Of Small Businesses, while generally supporting George Osborne’s policies, said the VAT increase could affect smaller retailers. National chairman John Walker said: “The increase in VAT will hurt small firms, who will have to pass the increase onto their customers, unlike big business, which can absorb the cost.” Looking at the VAT increase, the prospects can seem gloomy. Higher inflation. Cash flow problems. Greater insolvency. Higher interest rates. Ultimately? The prospect of another recession. This was argued by Simon Newark, a partner at accountants UHY Hacker Young, who said: “The VAT increase could push up prices on the high street by around two per cent, which would have a very significant impact on inflation. Higher inflation could trigger interest rate rises, risking the spectre of the 'double-dip' recession.” Newark added that banks and charities would also be affected by the VAT increase: “For businesses which cannot reclaim VAT, such as banks, it will directly hit their bottom line. Given the weak state of the banking sector and the ongoing reluctance of banks to lend to small and medium-size enterprises, a VAT hike could further reduce lending to the small business sector. Even businesses that can reclaim VAT will suffer. Higher VAT will eat into cash flow, which could push some businesses into insolvency." Steven Law, president of insolvency trade body R3, was more damning: “Retailers and restaurants, especially, will find themselves between a rock and a hard place as they struggle to work out what will damage their bottom line more: taking on the extra tax burden or suffering an inevitable fall in consumer demand if they pass the tax on.” However, another argument was put forward by the British Chambers Of Commerce. The organisation said that the VAT increase was the “least worst” option. A survey was carried out prior to the Budget that revealed more than 60 per cent of business leaders said that out of the possible tax rises, the increase in VAT would be the best option for their business. BUYING BOOST In the short-term, however, it is arguable that small businesses could see a boost in buying. This is because customers will want to buy products before the VAT increase kicks in from 2011. City retail analyst Clive Black acknowledged this, saying he predicted a “modest” increase in spending as various shoppers wanted to beat the increase in VAT. Comparison site uSwitchforbusiness conducted research into the reactions of the VAT hike. A third of small firms, according to the research, believe the increase will put off customer spending. Spokesman for uSwitchforbusiness, Jake Ridge, commented: “It will not only cost businesses money to implement, it will also make trading harder, putting consumers off spending, pushing costs up and making it harder for them to compete. SMEs will have no option but to carry on battening down the hatches.” Similarly, respondents to a survey conducted by the Forum Of Private Business were unhappy with the VAT increase. Research manager for the FPB, Tom Parry, said: “Concerns remain over the VAT increase, bank lending, the impact on job creation of the National Insurance rise, public sector cuts and areas of government support. The result of the coalition government’s first test appears to be that it has passed, but is not yet achieving top marks.” Overall the latest Budget does not seem to have been the horror story some small businesses were expecting. Even though the increase in VAT is the main bugbear, in the short-term this could prove useful for small businesses as shoppers may rush to buy goods before the hike kicks in. PROGRESSIVE Chancellor Osborne commented that: “Everyone will pay something, but the people at the bottom of the income scale will pay proportionately less than those at the top. This is a progressive Budget.” However, acting Labour leader Harriet Harman regarded the Budget as “reckless”. She added that: “This is a Tory Budget that will throw people out of work, that will hold back economic growth and will harm vital public services.” Green MP Caroline Lucas said that the Budget was full of “pointless austerity”. Speaking to some local businesses, opinions on the Budget were also mixed. Brian Dixon said that the rest of the year could prove to be quite fruitful because people would be stockpiling products. “The VAT rise will not come into effect until next January, so we have noticed that customers are starting to buy a lot more. I imagine that they will want to take advantage of the current VAT rates.” Lee Johnson said his company had also enjoyed a very successful summer so far. “It’s still only the middle of summer, but the signs so far have been very good. We have not seen any fallout as a result of the Budget. People are continuing to spend, although this may be a result of next year’s VAT increase. But on the whole, the Budget has not adversely affected our business.” Julie Horsfall-Harris did, on the other hand, express concern about the Budget, and in particular what will happen in 2011. “It’s easy to focus on the here and now, but we also need to think about what will happen early next year when businesses will be more obviously affected by the Budget. “What businesses need to do is prepare themselves in case the economy does dry up again. If they are having a successful year, they need to put some money aside in case next year is not as busy. All businesses go through peaks and troughs, so any good business needs to have both a good contingency plan and funds.” Barbara Ramsay also expressed concern about the long-term implications of the Budget and the state of the economy. “At the moment, things are ticking over. But apart from the VAT increase next year, there are the cuts that will be made in public sector jobs. And a great number of our customers are in the public sector, so if there is to be a tightening of belts in this area it could prove to be a very serious problem.” The sample of opinions shows that the best way for a business to deal with the change in the economy and the Budget is to take one day at a time. While various businesses may have experienced growth, sitting on laurels is not an option. As Barbara Ramsay pointed out, both the VAT increase and cuts in public sector jobs could prove problematic. Businesses should prepare for such an eventuality, with any profits made going into a ‘Rainy Day’ account or a marketing campaign to attract new customers. And as Ramsay says: “Any hardworking business will continue to come up with good ideas, innovations and deals. As long as you put in the right amount of preparation, dedication and hard work, you will stand a good chance of riding out these turbulent times.” Top Story 2010-07-28T15:12:36+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/amanda_beard_becomes_face_of_aqua_sphere/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/amanda_beard_becomes_face_of_aqua_sphere/#When:09:51:24Z Amanda Beard (pictured), the four-time Olympic swimmer, is finding comfort in the pool with Aqua Sphere. As the new face of the company, Beard’s endorsement comes from a lifetime of experience in the water as well as a new lifestyle that places comfort above competition. “We’re obviously extremely excited to have Amanda with us,” says Oliver Laguette, director of marketing for Aqua Sphere. “Here’s someone who’s spent over half her life training in the pool. If anyone knows what feeling comfortable in the water is, it’s her.” Beard first came to prominence as a 14-year-old when she won silver in the 100m and 200m breaststroke, and gold in the medley relay at the 1996 Olympic Games. She went on to win seven Olympic medals, eight US swimming titles and a world championship title, and held the world record in her signature event, the 200m breaststroke. Today the 28-year-old swimmer and new mother, who is currently training for the 2012 Olympic Games, works out four-five hours a day, but her priorities have shifted slightly from swimming to her 10-month-old son, Blaise Ray Brown. “My lifestyle has changed over the last year. Comfort has become a luxury,” says Beard whose time is split between swimming laps and changing nappies. “So I’ll take it wherever I can find it and Aqua Sphere’s products are absolutely the most comfortable gear I’ve ever used.” News 2010-07-27T09:51:24+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/gilbert_sign_up_dragons/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/gilbert_sign_up_dragons/#When:09:11:01Z Gilbert has agreed a major sponsorship deal with Newport Gwent Dragons. The deal will see Gilbert providing training and playing kit for the Men of Gwent for the next three seasons. The new home and away shirts were launched at the Newport base of headline sponsors Motorpoint on 14 July. The deal with the Dragons is Gilbert’s first major kit sponsorship deal in the northern hemisphere. “We are very pleased to have Gilbert on board at Rodney Parade,” says Dragons’ director, Jim McCreedy. “They are a company who have proven their reputation through providing balls for rugby’s biggest tournaments and as kit suppliers in South Africa. We are delighted to become Gilbert’s first top-flight partner in the northern hemisphere.” Gilbert sales and marketing director Richard Gray states: “Everyone at Gilbert is delighted and very proud to have been selected by the Dragons as their kit supplier. “The appointment confirms the considerable progress made by Gilbert in recent years in apparel in terms of technology, design, service and delivery. “The Gilbert team have been working hard to ensure that the reputation enjoyed by the Gilbert ball is replicated on all its products - not only for the Dragons but at every level of the game. “We wish the team every success for next season and look forward to working closely with the club in future.” News 2010-07-26T09:11:01+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/skins_takes_gradient_compression_to_a_new_level/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/skins_takes_gradient_compression_to_a_new_level/#When:15:49:12Z Skins has introduced ‘A400’, a new premium range of gradient compression clothing. Suitable for multi-sport activity, the A400 range was created using laser body mapping and motion capture to take an incredible 800,000 individual measurements and assess 400 key body-fitting points on hundreds of athletes. The use of a state of the art, multi-sensor measuring device - for the first time ever in the sporting goods industry - enabled compression to be calculated accurately on athletes in motion. This increased level of precision has not only led to new designs, but a greatly enhanced fit in Skins A400 garments, including the use of new ‘Memory MX’ stretch panels. These panels cover key muscle groups, allowing complete flexibility and lateral rotation without restriction. They consistently return to their original shape after movement, thereby retaining the dynamics required for the next physical action that the wearer takes. There are 12 individual pieces in the A400 range, including long and ¾ tights, s/s and l/s tops, racer back tops for women, plus calf tights and arm sleeves. As with the company’s existing multi-sport range, each garment uses Skins’ ‘dynamic gradient compression’, which provides precise levels of pressure in the right places for muscle support and accelerates blood flow, thereby enhancing oxygen delivery to active muscles and resulting in improved performance, greater endurance and faster recovery. The way Skins fabric achieves this is via panels that are stitched together to target specific muscles. This is in comparison to many other compression and base layers that use a basic circular knit where the fabric comes out in one uniform piece and where pressure can only be applied indiscriminately, if at all. On top of this, every Skins garment is excellent at wicking, as well as being treated with an anti-microbial wash to help prevent odour, and provides unrivalled sun safety with 50+ UV protection. Sizing-wise, the level of precision Skins applies is reflected in no less than 12 fits for the long tights and a simple sizing system specific to women’s garments that also takes into account body shape. To complement A400, Skins has also introduced RY400, a new pair of recovery tights and its first-ever recovery top. These garments supersede Skins’ popular Travel & Recovery tights, a mainstay of its range since 2005 and one of the company’s original products that was endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. A400 RRP examples: £70 for the long tights; £60.00 for l/s tops; half tights £47.50; shorts £40. Hot Products 2010-07-22T15:49:12+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/sports_directs_profits_up_49.8/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/sports_directs_profits_up_49.8/#When:10:49:46Z Sports Direct has reported a near-50 per cent increase in profits in its preliminary results for the 52 weeks to April 25. Profit before tax for the year was £102.1million, up from £68.2million in 2009. Group revenue rose 6.2 per cent to £1.45billion. The retailer said it had its strongest trading day in the company’s history on June 12, the day of the England-USA World Cup game. “The group performed strongly throughout the year, achieving excellent sales and profit performances ahead of initial expectations 12 months ago,” says Dave Forsey, Sports Direct’s chief executive. “In addition, we have made significant progress in our debt reduction programme. “I am especially pleased that over 2,000 permanent UK employees will benefit from their contribution to group success through our meeting the first year’s target for the employee bonus share scheme introduced last year. “Looking ahead, we are confident that initiatives we are taking across all areas of the group, including improved staff training and new in-store merchandising areas, put us in a strong position for the next phase of our growth. “We believe we are operationally stronger than ever.” News 2010-07-22T10:49:46+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/london_2012_housewares_range_revealed/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/london_2012_housewares_range_revealed/#When:13:41:50Z Spearmark International, recently appointed as a licensee for the London 2012 Games, has revealed its first ranges to buyers. The wide range of London 2012 products for adults and children will include lunchware, tableware and drinks bottles. There will be Olympic, Paralympic, Team GB and Paralympics GB themes and designs, with some of the merchandise also set to feature the recently unveiled Olympic mascot, Wenlock, and Paralympic mascot, Mandeville. The first products are set to hit the shelves at the end of this year. “As the London 2012 licensing programme gathers pace we are experiencing a tremendous amount of interest in available licensing opportunities,” says Simon Lilley, head of licensing and retail at the London 2012 Organising Committee. “We are very much looking forward to seeing the range of products they develop.” Hot Products 2010-07-21T13:41:50+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/fspa_social_media_seminar/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/fspa_social_media_seminar/#When:08:43:28Z The Business Benefits - Ideal for any marketing, communications and digital media employees. August 24FSPA Social Media Seminar – The Business Benefits - Ideal for any marketing, communications and digital media employees. Tuesday, August 24. – FSPA HQ - Federation House, Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire. FREE to FSPA Members or £150 to non-members. Ever keen to provide its members with informative free seminar days, the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA), which represents 17 associations across the sport, play, angling and golf sectors, has invited two highly acclaimed digital media experts to provide different insights into the customer’s perspective of various social media, and how companies operating within the sports industry can best utilise this fast-growing media to gain a competitive advantage. Session 1 - Step into Social Media – Sue Anstiss The seminar session, led by Promote PR’s social media expert Sue Anstiss, will present on the latest social media, providing practical guidance for getting started along with both improving and maximising the business benefits of utilising tools such as Twitter, Flickr, blogs, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, using various examples and case studies. Session 2 - An Insight into the Customer’s Perspective – Gavin Williams 1. What is the social web? What have we learnt from it? 2. Is access to information really changing the behaviour of consumers? 3. Social Commerce case studies: which brands are making it work and how are they doing it? a. Selling goods b. Customer service c. Building brands 4. How can organisations embrace the new tools for their competitive advantage? 5. Technological innovation and the spread of the social web, what’s next? “Transforming information production and markets.” Attendees can enjoy a sports industry networking lunch separating the two sessions. For more information, and to enquire about attending, please contact FSPA marketing manager Milly Durrant at: milly@sportsandplay.com or call 02476 414 999 x207. http://www.sportsandplay.com. Top Story 2010-07-21T08:43:28+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/new_woodworm_helmet_is_a_tough_nut/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/new_woodworm_helmet_is_a_tough_nut/#When:15:34:09Z Cricket equipment brand Woodworm has introduced a new cricket helmet for 2010/11. The Tough Nut boasts a wealth of features that make it the ideal helmet for any cricketer, including a multi-view lightweight steel faceguard and contrast colour air vents for comfort. With adjustable chin cup and retention straps, this helmet ensures a snug fit for the best head protection and is manufactured to the highest standards. With good care and the use of its storage box, this competitively priced helmet will enjoy a long and effective life The helmet, in a smart black and red design, is available in Men’s 57-63cm and Boy’s 49-56cm sizes. Woodworm is owned by Sports plc, one of Europe’s leading online sports and leisure e-tailers, who completed the purchase of the iconic cricket bat and golf company two years ago. For more information visit http://www.woodworm.tv. Hot Products 2010-07-20T15:34:09+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/mercury_active_backpack_by_workplay/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/hotproducts/mercury_active_backpack_by_workplay/#When:15:58:11Z New brand Workplay bags has launched a women-specific hydration backpack for running and cycling that is designed for comfort and fit. Not only is it a technical piece of kit designed ergonomically to fit a woman’s specific shape, but it is cute too and doubles as an active day bag. With a six litre capacity and one and half litres of removable (and washable) TPU water bag inside, pockets for mp3 players, money, keys and snacks, and all the items a woman would want, the Mercury active backpack by Workplay has all the practical features you need for active sport, travel and leisure. With its female-specific shaped shoulder straps that fit high above your bust and hold the bag in a really comfortable position for stability and good posture, the Mercury is just one of the stylish but clever bags designed for active women. contact workplay on 01793 791 020 Hot Products 2010-07-15T15:58:11+00:00 http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/polaroid_eyewear_launches_new_website/http://www.sports-insight.co.uk/index.php/content/news/polaroid_eyewear_launches_new_website/#When:09:22:32Z Polaroid Eyewear’s complete collection is now showcased online for the first time at http://www.polaroideyewear.com. The new website is the culmination of two years’ intensive work to create a sophisticated yet user-friendly site reflecting the technical excellence, innovation and creative designs people expect from Polaroid. From your first click, the products are brought to life with dynamic design and the ability to test Polaroid polarised lenses for yourself. There’s more to learn about Polaroid’s long history and some excellent examples of adverts from the Polaroid archives – all part of the brand’s heritage that makes it such a well-known and trusted choice for eyewear. Polaroideyewear.com features the latest collections across the whole Polaroid brand family, which includes sunglasses styles from Disney, Hello Kitty, Revlon and Sunmate. There are also pages explaining the importance of choosing genuine polarised lenses, such as Polaroid’s new UltraSight lens, and the health benefits they deliver by providing total UV protection and blocking potentially dangerous glare. For those that want Polaroid quality, but wear prescription glasses, there are a range of choices, including optical frames from Polaroid Eyewear and Disney Optical and reading glasses from Revlon. Stylish Suncovers (sunglasses that fit over optical frames) and Clip-Ons complete the range. “At Polaroid Eyewear we have a reputation for pioneering technology and since its inception digital media has played a central role in our global marketing,” says Jerry Dreifuss, global marketing manager at Polaroid Eyewear. “Think of our website as a window on the soul of Polaroid Eyewear - it reflects our brand values of innovation, technology and stylish design. At the same time, the website is fun, entertaining and easy for everyone to use. It brings the complete Polaroid family to a truly global audience for the first time.” Rene Thöni, project leader for the development of the new website, adds: “We put together a highly skilled team of designers, content managers and international marketers to create our new website - and the result is something very special. “It’s sophisticated, great to look at, while still simple to use and informative. “With http://www.polaroideyewear.com we believe we have created a unique website that everyone should visit whenever they want to browse information about polarisation and our brands and products.” News 2010-07-15T09:22:32+00:00