Voice of the
How long will it take for this Government to realise that they are doing their best to ruin what little hope we in the Tool industry had of an economic recovery? Let’s start with the trimming of employees in the Public Sector. There is a case for a rationalisation in the number of people filling none jobs, e.g. None Smoking Adviser circa £32,000 pa. (Derbyshire County Council). However it would appear that instead of cutting these unnecessary jobs, there has been a reduction in important areas such as housing, road repairs, plus other projects that have a significant knock on effect on the use and purchase of tools. It is amazing how many of the “Big Money” Council Executives are ensuring their own position by removing the people at the sharp end.
If you add to this the projected 20% downturn in the DIY Market, the Tool Trade is in for a rough ride over the coming years. I know from experience, when a new Government is elected, their first move is to load all the bad news in the first year, thus allowing them to announce
“Good News “ in the build up to the next election. However this Government do not appear to realise that these drastic cuts plus lack of support could mean that many smaller manufacturing companies will not survive. It is obvious to anyone in manufacturing, that for the last thirty years politicians have not supported British Companies. The courting of the City Of London by politicians (who it would appear were looking for additional work and reward from the Bankers) was at odds with what this country required. The deregulation of the banks by previous governments and their subsequent behaviour is at the heart of the present problem and yet the banks have escaped with very little punishment for the situation they have created. It was the City who received the support of the government that should have been given to Manufacturing Companies in the past. We can look to Germany as an example of good practice. Mercedes Benz have had serious financial problems in the past, however with German Banks and Government support they are still regarded as the epitome of German manufacturing quality and are admired worldwide I think it is a sad reflection on how the UK has neglected it manufacturing base, that if you ask forty to sixty year olds about our status as a country, they can see no sign of optimism for the future. I hope the government realises that the moral of British people is at a very low point. They need to withdraw some of these punitive measures, give serious consideration to what is left of our manufacturing base and start our economy moving in the right direction again.
Product News
New Autumn/Winter Catalogue From Toolstream Toolstream has launched its new, better than ever, Autumn/Winter catalogue, featuring over 5,000 products and over 100 new Gardening, Lighting, Automotive, Decorating and Craft tools. All are available for next day delivery, giving you the tools you want, exactly when your customers need them. In addition, you’ll find low prices and massive margins - perfect for maximising sales this season. Toolstream’s range of outdoor garden power tools has also been extended with the launch of the powerful 2400W Electric Chainsaw from GMC – a welcome addition to Toolstream’s comprehensive range of gardening products. Over 30 exciting new additions have been added to the Task range, including the 24 piece Dynamo Torch Display Box and the 12 Pack Foam Roller & Tray Display Box. Bar coded and packed in simple, eye-catching boxes, Task offers unbeatable value for money with no fuss or gimmicks - there’s no better way to open up value to your customers.
Reply No. 33 4 ToolBUSINESS+HIRE
www.toolbusiness.co.uk
Industry
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