contents People make the difference! A sentiment the IER team have, always had, and will continue to have. O EDITORIAL


Managing Editor: Stuart Hopwood stuart@linguafrancainternational.com


SALES


Publication Manager: Steve White swhite@datateam.co.uk 01622 699197


Special Projects and Events: Linda Dorling lindaedorling@gmail.com 01256 321337


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Artwork Editor Claire Noe cnoe@datateam.co.uk 01622 607963


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n the shop fl oor, in an offi ce, on


the road, at meetings, conferences or exhibitions, the value of people, whether


employer, employee, contractor or customer, we all contribute to make that difference in our drive to succeed both personally and in our relevant businesses. As an industry, whilst we work for diff erent companies, we are basically one team, which is always evident at the various trade events. The IER team have been extremely active visiting the many events which have taken place over the past few months, including KBB, AWE Smart Home Expo, Euronics Showcase, Sirius Conference, various manufacturers product and service launches and retailers. We have been busy engaging and meeting many, gathering relevant news and views from many


CONTENTS


4 News 10 WEEE Compliance 14 Purple Pound – missed opportunities 16 Joining the digital revolution 20 BIRA 22 Retailer Case Study 26 NEW - Who’s Who 35 Product safety 38 Editor Interview with Jonathan Hartley


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sectors within our industry, so we can pass on information to assist, enlighten or simply for you to be aware of, to support your business, today, tomorrow or in the future. Imminently looming, let’s not forget the longest running trade awards event in our industry, celebrating its 32nd anniversary is the IER Awards being held on 5th July – details on page 12. With reservations already much higher than previous years, it’s well done to Linda Dorling for her tenacity and project leadership over the decades, along with her team, recognising products, but more importantly, people who make the diff erence. It’s worth noting, our next issue will be a bumper one incorporating all the accolades presented at the forthcoming 2024 IER Awards and much, much more. All the best for now from the IER team.


Stuart Hopwood Managing Editor


10


14


Summer 2024


PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE


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