ToolBUSINESS+HIRE A note from The Editor


Is published 10 times a year by:


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Editor/Director Anne Hall


Advertising Manager Christine Williams Direct tel: 01444 450071


Editorial Manager Belinda May


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The news this month has been dominated by the death of Britain’s first, and only lady Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. As a nation this has stimulated many to look back at her legacy and reassess the impact the policies of the time had on the economy. Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister between 1979 and 1990. Her most


profound economic achievement was a comprehensive overhaul of product and labour markets encouraging competition and curbing the power of the Trade Unions. Living standards in Britain rose and for the first time the economy kept level or surpassed other advanced countries such as France, Italy, Germany and Japan. However the aim to curb public spending was less successful – it remained high compared to these countries. Figures also show that poverty and inequality rose during this time. Many of the Thatcher policies were unpopular with voters but this did not sway her


and her uncompromising politics and leadership style resulted in her nickname “The Iron Lady” The big question is, what have been the lasting affects of her legacy particularly to


industries such as ours? Some argue that this time saw lack of investment in infrastructure, skills training and innovation, which has had a detrimental effect on our whole industry base. Fewer of our young people are training as engineers and the present day government has recognised that schemes such as apprenticeships are sorely needed to fill the skills gap. The UK economy has been weak since the recession in the early 2000s and has remained largely flat since 2010. It has endured a double dip recession between 2008 and 2012 and in February of this year the UK lost its top AAA credit rating for the first time since 1978. The outlook for the future is for gradual improvement, but a bumpy ride for many regions. The general public and businesses remain cautious about spending. Across Europe conditions remain difficult but further afield there are fast growing emerging economies and there is a need for UK exports to focus on these and promote inward investment. So in conclusion it is probably true to say that Margaret Thatcher’s legacy is a mixed one for industry. Certainly the many


words written about her over the last month show the diverse opinions held by those in all walks of life. In this months magazine we are excited to introduce our new features list with a theme for each edition. This month is


Decorating with a focus on the products needed to freshen up our homes. There are also the usual features on Hire, Products and Company News. Our independent tool reviewer, Peter Brett has tested a TS254 Portable Table Saw from Metabo, a Flex WSE 7 Vario Set Wall Sander, a Fein KBB 40 Magdrill, a CTCL Midi dust extractor from Festool and last but not least, a Rotary hammer drill from Panasonic – the EY78A1 18v SDS Plus. Peter also traveled to Rhyl in North Wales to visit GE Tools who have just celebrated 25 years in business. Christine and I visited the first Toolbank Show of the season in Southampton and Christine also attended the Welsh Show


held at Chepstow Racecourse – see reports and photos later in this edition. I hope you enjoy reading all the latest news and information in the magazine and don’t forget to visit www.toolbusiness.co.uk for quick and easy links to all those important contacts.


contents


Product News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Voice of the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Metabo Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Decorating Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Festool Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Panasonic Independent Review . . . . . . . . . . 10 Beta Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Tool Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14


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 Profile – G.E. Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fein Independent Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hire Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Flex Independent Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Toolbank Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Company/Late News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 FerroForma-BricoForma 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . 27 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.


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