ToolBUSINESS+HIRE A note from The Editor


Is published 10 times a year by:


Airstream Business Communications Ltd, Wiston, Coppice Way, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4NN, England, UK.


Annual subscription (UK): £30.00 Others on enquiry All Enquiries to the Airstream office: Tel: 01444 440188 Fax: 01444 414813 e-mail: info@airstream.co.uk www.toolbusiness.co.uk


Editor/Director Anne Hall


Advertising Manager Christine Williams Direct tel: 01444 450071


Editorial Manager Belinda May


Production Manager David Paddick


Circulation Manager Linda Barker


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Printing by GEMINI PRESS LIMITED


Airstream Business Communications


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Entire contents copyright ©Airstream Business Communications Ltd 2010 All rights reserved.


Reproduction in any form without written consent is strictly prohibited.


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2012 was a challenging year for the retail sector with some high street giants struggling to maintain their market share in a highly competitive market, Already in 2013 some well known names such as Jessops and HMV have hit the headlines after a difficult Christmas period. However, according to a report from SAS and Verdict Research called ‘How the UK will shop in 2013’ UK retail is predicted to grow by 1.8% in 2013 with DIY and gardening set to be retail’s strongest performing sector after a recovery from the wettest summer on record in 2012. This is good news for the tool industry but it is important that the retailer focuses on giving good customer service to compete with the challenges of the internet and interactive services. For the retailer, keeping up to date with the latest products and offering the customer knowledgeable advice is a key to success and manufacturers and suppliers need to be proactive in delivering the information they need. An important showcase for products, both those new to the market


and more, well established items, are the Trade Shows. This year promises to be a busy one, starting on Feb 6th and 7th with the Executive Hire Show in Coventry at the Ricoh Arena, rapidly followed by Totally DIY/Totally Tools which will also be at the Ricoh Arena this year, from February 10th to 12th, Last year snow was a problem for these shows, and as I sit here looking at 12 centimetres of snow outside my window, I am hoping this will all be over and done with by then! Those wishing to travel further afield may wish to visit FerraForma in Bilbao from March 12th to15th. For more


information on these shows visit www.toolbusiness.co.uk There is also an exciting new event to look forward to in May when PlantWorx 2013 opens at Stoneleigh Park in


Warwickshire. This is an exhibition dedicated to the Construction Equipment Industry and is for everyone involved in the management, purchase and operation of construction equipment. It is a biennial event and this year will take place from May 14th to 16th. ToolBUSINESS+HIRE Magazine is another important medium for showcasing a wide range of equipment available to the


industry. This month we have features on Hand Tools and Hire as well as the usual Product and Company News. Peter Brett has tried and tested four tools, a Silverline Video Inspection Camera from Toolstream, a Domino XL Jointing Genius from Festool, the F1 torch from LedLenser and a Combination Router Base from Trend. The company profile brings us up to date with changes at Cooks of Bedford. Graham Godfrey from CK Tools has written an interesting article in the Voice of the Industry feature on the subject of Innovation, adding to my earlier point about the importance of manufacturers and retailers catering to the needs of their customers. This year we will have published ToolBUSINESS+HIRE Magazine for 20 years and we look forward to continuing bringing


you all the latest news and information in the years to come. In the meantime we wish all our readers a successful and prosperous 2013.


contents


Product News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Show News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Voice of the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Handtools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Toolstream Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . 8 Trend Independent Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13


If you wish to express any opinion on any subject covered by ToolBusiness+Hire magazine you can write to: ToolBusiness+Hire c/o the Editor, Anne Hall, or e-mail (info@airstream.co.uk)


THS Member Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ledco Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hire Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Festool Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Company/Late News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ToolBusiness Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28


Toolbusiness+Hire magazine receives editorial contributions from many different sources, we endeavor to ensure all information contained in the magazine, including claims about products’ performance and any company’s market position are accurate.


However we cannot accept responsibility for any omissions or errors in material we reproduce in good faith, either in contributions from individuals or companies, or in advertising reproduced within Toolbusiness+Hire.


All information contained within this magazine is provided for general information purposes only and on the understanding that none of the content herein constitutes legal or other professional advice. The application and impact of laws can vary widely depending on the specific facts involved.


We have made every attempt to ensure that all information contained within this magazine and our associated web site has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. We provide no warranty of any kind, express or implied, as regards the information herein, and disclaim all liability and responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on information contained within this magazine. In the case of a specific problem or query, professional advice should be sought.


telephone 01444 440188


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