News


ERT Awards – back for 2024 with two new categories!


The ERT Awards will return to London this October, and entries are NOW OPEN! So get writing, get creative and tell us why your store,


your staff, your product or your services should win a coveted ERT Awards trophy! And this year there are TWO NEW CATEGORIES!


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There’s Best Sustainable Independent Electrical Retailer and Best Manufacturer/Supplier Sustainability Initiative. All the other usual categories will be up for grabs again, celebrating everything from small independent retailers to individual store colleagues, and the latest product innovations and brand representatives. You can enter via the dedicated ERT Awards website, where there’s also more information about the judging criteria for all of this year’s categories: www.ertawards.co.uk.


AMDEA launches Sustainable Appliance Future roadmap at House of Commons


AMDEA has launched its manifesto ‘Roadmap to the UK’s Sustainable Appliance Future’ at a House of Commons reception. The 20-point plan was unveiled in the presence


of MPs, peers and stakeholders. AMDEA Chair, Teresa Arbuckle, and CEO, Paul Hide, were joined by representatives of the leading appliance manufacturers and senior civil servants. To ensure the continuity of supply of innovative and sustainable new products, the industry is calling for policy makers to consider and support the potential of consumers’ fridges, freezers, washing machines and other home appliances to help achieve net zero homes. There are three main areas of the manifesto: transitioning to a Net Zero Circular Economy, continuing the free-flow of appliances across borders, and safeguarding consumers. One key AMDEA recommendation is that policy makers introduce incentives to encourage households


to repair or refurbish, to extend the lifespan of their existing appliances, in preference to replacing. One solution would be to encourage more repairs through VAT reductions on spare parts and labour costs. Mr Hide said: “A more flexible Green Home Grants scheme would go a long way to help householders who need to replace appliances to choose those that can reduce their energy and water bills. “We are keen to work even closer with Government to ensure that householders are incentivised to maximise the lifespan of their current appliances, to support a sustainable circular economy.”


Other key points in AMDEA’s Roadmap include: • A recommendation that the Government takes a fresh approach to protecting consumers through effective and robust policing of online marketplaces;


• Safeguarding the ongoing availability of world-class energy and water-saving products at affordable prices for UK consumers, through internationally compatible UK regulations;


• Ensuring that eco-technology can fulfil its potential via Government collaboration with industry to provide consumers with accurate information on how to achieve cost, energy and water savings, as currently promoted through AMDEA’s Know Watt’s What campaign;


• Clear and simple consumer information labelling on appliances, avoiding unnecessary duplication or information overload.


Retailers – don’t forget your entry goes in front of our expert judging panel, so it’s important you write a great entry statement and provide any additional relevant information and images. Manufacturer winners will be decided solely by the


retailer network using a special online voting system. All of this year’s winners will be announced at the


prestigious ERT Awards ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms on Thursday 24 October 2024!


House of Lords opens inquiry into the future of the British high street


The House of Lords has launched an inquiry into the state of the British high street. The Built Environment Committee said it will discuss how high streets can be regenerated and “become more resilient and attractive”; it will look at what types of spatial design and transport connectivity could generate greater footfall, whether the Government’s vision and support is fit for purpose, and whether local authorities have the right tools to help local areas thrive. Chair, Lord Moylan, said: “High streets, which many people consider as a hub for their communities, face numerous challenges.” Between March 2020 and March 2022, 9,300


retail outlets closed in Britain, with department stores, clothing shops and banks among the highest casualties. Dame Sharon White, John Lewis Partnership boss, has been one of the industry’s biggest advocates for a review into British high streets, branding them as “looting grounds” amid the rise of shoplifting and antisocial behaviour, while Currys CEO, Alex Baldock, has also expressed concern, stating “unjustifiable” business rates for their deterioration.


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