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Industry 4 News
his months hot talking point within the retail trade was undoubtedly the implications of this years budget. Aside from the usual fuel and cigarette rises and the usual party political gesturing (although Osborne’s Wallace and Gromit jibe was very good!), this appeared to be a budget good for business and the retail trade in general.
With growth expected to be forecast at 0.8% in 2012 and 2% in 2013 there are signs of a recovery underway. For the retail trade, the welcome news of the tax threshold increasing to £9205 and plans for it to increase to £10000 in 2013 should hopefully encourage consumer spending.
There was also the carrot approach for business with a reduction in corporate tax to 22% in April 2014 and a more imminent fall to 24% this April. Although these measures are not guaranteed to get consumers flocking to the shops, it does show that the Government is finally taking steps to stimulate growth.
The OIA conference in Malham was a great opportunity to further acquaint myself with the outdoor industry and I had a fantastic time in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Aside from the wit of Cameron McNeish at the after dinner speech and the wine generously sponsored by ISPO, the highlight was undoubtedly the associations plans for “Britain on Foot’ (see p.10). These exciting plans should hopefully see the industry have real influence on the national agenda and also help improve the health of the nation.
Be lucky Alex Fordham editor, SGB Outdoor ISSN 1757-7276
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Inside this month: Industry: News, Twitter Trade Talk, OIA Conference Buying: Travel Bags & Backpacks Showcase, Spearfishing Features: Q&A with LED Lenser UK Marketing Manager Paresh Ruparelia, GTrek
See page 18
www.sgboutdoor.co.uk 3
afordham@datateam.co.uk
Products 22 Reviews
gearweare.com review the latest outdoor products to hit the market
24 First Look SGB’s product first look
Karrimor appoint James Cracknell as Brand Ambassador- Highlander takes on new Buying Manager- Silva appoints new CEO- Whitby website launch
6 News Twitter Trade Talk 10 OIA Conference Outdoor industry to ‘Never Walk Alone’? Buying
12 Spearfishing Guide to Spearfishing
14 Travel Bag & Backpacks Showcase Packing a Punch
Features 18 Cover Story
Q&A with LED Lenser UK Marketing Manager Paresh Ruparelia
20 Launch Pad The ultimate outdoor ‘boys toy’?
March 2012 www .sgboutdoor
.co.uk
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