newsletter

director: margaret haynes editor: john haynes w: www.ofas.org.uk issue 63 (winter 2011/12)

wood you go green?

A review of green procurement policies and practices in the office furniture sector

opening comment
Although it is not yet Christmas, by the time you read this 2011 will be over and not too many businesses will mourn its passing. It has been a difficult year but it is encouraging to see that the industry has largely survived, possibly shaken but not stirred. New Year is a time for facing the future with a Bondlike spirit of adventure and eternal optimism, so roll on 2012. We at ofas are grateful to all of you who have continued to support us despite financial constraints, and we believe and hope that we have delivered a worthwhile and costeffective service. Ever keen to improve we have recently introduced just one class of membership, opening up access to entries in the ofasNewsletter to all of our members. This current edition also sees the introduction of a regular feature articles from FIRA and Workplace Law keeping you all up to date with vital information relating to the office furniture trade. And look out for even more editorial content in future editions. If you have any suggestions for features you would like to see introduced, please let ue know. Next year sees the welcome return of Design Prima at the Business Design Centre (see Whats On), with the strong possibility of another industry based show later in the year. This news, together with the continuing success of Clerkenwell Design Week, should give a much-needed boost to trade and we wish these initiatives and our readers every success in 2012.

ithin the office furniture procurement process, are issues of sustainability taken seriously? Are our customer sectors adopting green procurement policies and practices or simply paying lip service to these issues? What is driving purchasing decisions and are there differences between the public and private sectors? These were the main questions driving Martyn Wraggs MBA dissertation project, under the supervision of Dr Fiona Lettice, at Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia. the use of hazardous substances in the production process, formaldehyde emissions and management of the originating forest. If these can be safely managed, the use of wood in furniture should be promoted. However, there is little overall global control or governmental legislation on the use of sustainable woods, and illegal import of woods, for example, from Indonesia to the UK (Pamden (2007) rose from 1.88m over 2006 to 1.68m for just the first 4 months of 2007). Environmental continues on page 12...

Office Furniture - Many different materials are used in the production of office furniture, as can be seen in Figure 1 (McCabe et al. 2009). The environmental impact stems mainly from the production and treatment of the raw material used in the manufacture process, rather than from the production of the furniture itself. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) guidelines state that for wood and wood-based products, the environmental impact should be mitigated by careful management of

contents...
product news company news contracts 02 17 21 situations vacant personnel services 24 25 25

margaret haynes, director, ofas

www.ofas.org.uk

product news
Coming soon! Dynamic Office Seating Ltds biggest ever brochure. Large stocks, competitive pricing, next day delivery and new to Dynamic for 2012; an upholstery service. The sprint pictured below is just one of the many new chairs added to the range. Please dont hesitate to call for a brochure. t - 01604 586 930

The Steelco Balanz executive visitor range remains a best seller. Available in fabric, vinyl or full leather hide the chair is a firm favourite amongst dealers. Steelco delivers nationwide to a lead time of seven to 10 days and has no minimum orders. Call the sales team for further details. t - 01536 418 341

Happy New Year from Wilkhahn! The start of 2012 will see the launch of Wilkhahns new stunning conferencing chair, Graph, designed by Jehs + Laub. See the website for more details. w - www.wilkhahn.com t - 020 7324 2900

Who says you cant have it all ? The WAVE range of ergonomic seating from HH Solutions offers all the functionality expected in a 24/7 ergonomic chair without burning a hole in your pocket. A five year warranty and the option to try before you buy; why wouldnt you ? w - www.ergonomics4work.com t - 01889 279749 / 01785 811037 e - [email protected]

Mesh Office Seating (UK) Ltd has launched an exciting new range of lightweight guest seating. The Lii four-legged guest chair provides a sleek nesting solution for the design-led or space conscious environment, while the cantilever guest chair is the perfect pull-up chair for meetings, reception areas etc. Lightweight versatility. w - www.officechairs.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 0845 652 0693

Ergonomic S o l u t i o n s s t o c k s Vi s i d e c Freestanding Monitor Supports for multi-display working. Easy setup without drilling, clamping or risk of surface damage. Variants include Double Horizontal, Double Vertical, and Quad configurations. Quality design and easy adjustment make Visidec Freestanding the solution for office, dealer room, control centre, and other multiple display working. w - www.ergonomic-solutions.net/ products/visidec e - [email protected] t - 01372 728 872

AFI Group Ltd, manufacturer of desking, seating and storage, introduces its exciting new range of stools. Choose from an assortment of shapes with legs, castors or glides and a range of accompanying coffee tables, all at an unbeatable price. Contact AFI for an information pack. t - 01763 241 007

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The new Panel bench system from Alchemy has been received with great interest by both the design and build/furniture dealer markets. With multiple finish options, configurations and competitive pricing, the Panel bench offers a stylish new alternative for todays office environment. e - [email protected] t - 01424 839 100

New for January 2012 Dams is pleased to announce the launch of Momento and Adapt desking ranges now available in white, budget desk mounted screens and a wide range of new and exciting seating solutions. All products are stocked and available for immediate despatch. For more information contact sales. t - 0151 548 7111

FOREG electronically operated mobile shelving moves at the touch of a button to give rapid, easy access to materials stored. Accessories such as frames for all types of filing, pull-out reference shelves and drawers together with lockable sliding and hinged doors make it ideal for every type of environment. w - www.ecospace.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01869 278 002

Active Office Seatings standard range includes a comprehensive choice of options for every occasion including operators, executive, reception, breakout and conference. Active Office Seating is pleased to announce its new dealership Commercial Interiors based in Northern Ireland. Should you require any further information please contact the sales department: t - 01268 779 991 Fuse, by sixteen3, is a flexible and functional seating solution well suited to a range of commercial spaces. Available with a high or low back, and as straight or curved units, a variety of seating arrangements can be created to complement any reception, breakout or informal meeting area. w - www.sixteen3.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01925 850 500

New patented system DOM P r e m i u m H T, an innovative high security key adapted for storage and furniture which requires special protection. The DOM Premium HT is available for Ronis DOMs full range of cam locks. This new solution offers to your furniture the added value of security with anti-drilling and anticopy protection. t - 0800 988 4348 KI UKs new Unite SE Bench and Desk System combined with its long-established expertise in storage and its many new seating programmes provides a total workplace solution. This holistic approach to workplace transformation means KI can work with its customers to develop flexible furnishing solutions, enabling staff to communicate and collaborate more freely and respond more easily to changing business needs. In parallel KIs constantly evolving storage products integrate with the latest office technologies to facilitate significantly more efficient data and information storage, retrieval and dissemination. With sustainability at the heart of everything KI does all the latest collections for KI UK are manufactured in its UK and European factories to KIs Environmental Management Scheme and to the highest recognised global standards. KIs aim is that the aesthetics and performance of its products will enhance and protect the long term quality of the workplace. t - 020 7404 7441

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Visit us at stand D92

LEE & P L U M P TO N L E E PLUMPTON

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MEMBER

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Benes Parcs goes beyond traditional ideas of break out by delivering useable spaces to work, meet and collaborate away from your desk. Responding to issues around privacy, acoustics, technology and ergonomics, the Causeways are part of the Parcs portfolio and ideal for informal and open meeting and working. w - www.bene.co.uk t - 020 7689 1234 A new electronic combination lock is available from Elite Lockers Ltd. Very user friendly and easy to personalise for varying user applications. Simple four digit user code and master codes or up to 10 digit codes if required. Fits all lockers and comes complete with number plate holder. t - 0161 620 4787

Cambridge Park announces the publication of its new fully comprehensive and very superior price list and specification guide for the coming 12 months. Send your email request for your hard copy to: e - [email protected] t - 020 8540 9513

Euro-Fit Systems continues to hold large stocks of table legs, table bases, and table frames for many office furniture options. The table frame system offers a variety of leg sizes, styles and finishes, as well as options to fit corner, continual or straight worktops. t - 01482 714 488

Custom made power, voice and data units are the speciality of the Southamptonbased Switchcraft; manufacturer building the Powercom range of products. Numerous mounting options for both desktop and under desk units. Earthing to IEE 543. Any type of supply lead both power and data. RCD, MCB or RCBO protection. e - [email protected] t - 023 8033 1286 f - 023 8063 1763

Polish manufacturer Balma has launched a new overview catalogue for dealers which includes images of a wide range of products now available in wider choice of finishes and colours. This includes the new Simplic desking range which is proving extremely popular due to its contemporary design at a competitive price. For further details and to receive copies contact Alan Dunt. e - [email protected] t - 0845 9000 102

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Dynamic Office Seating Unit1 Dallington Fields Business Park Northampton NN5 7QN t: 01604 586930 f: 01604 591313 e: [email protected] w: www.dynamicofficeseating.co.uk

dynamic advert.indd 1

02/12/2011 14:25

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BPF has added a new series of soft close access plates to its cable and wire management product range. Available in square and rectangular profiles, they come with a brush lined opening and an anodised aluminium finish. View BPFs full selection of grommets, snakes and cradles online. w - www.bpfittings.co.uk t - 01295 264 800 With its network of manufacturing and sales operations worldwide, Bachmann can provide you with the correct connections, wherever the project is located. Early 2012 will see the launch of Desk 2, a sleek new desktop module. Watch this space for further launches of innovative below floor, power management and control systems. Bachmann, its electric! Contact Jon Holding, Sales and Marketing Director. t - 0114 245 5755 m - 07854 530 084 De Raat Security is part of the Safe International Group, one of Europes leading suppliers of secure and fire resistant storage. These products offer an opportunity to add additional products to your customers bringing sales and margin. De Raats experienced sales staff are always on hand to help and advise. t - 01691 626 900

Office furniture distributor Teknik Office Ltd launches new ranges of quality office desking and storage for the UK market in conjunction with a major European manufacturer. Tekniks Collections include Mura - contemporary white office desk and storage system with walnut accents and Perfect design-led cherry with grey accents. Both suitable for modern offices or the home study. Both ranges are held in stock in the UK for next day delivery. To become a Teknik re-seller contact: w - www.teknikoffice.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01234 328 804

MAINE wins their largest export order to the Middle East Maine are providing filing & storage for the prestigious Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi, designed by Aedas and to be completed early 2012. Maines flexible Mainestream range has been specified in white and includes over 800 tambour-fronted cupboard units, in addition to standard cupboards, bookcases, coat cupboards and over 500 drawer units. Mainestream is a modular range, so Aedas specified the same height for all the units to give a cohesive look to the design; all the units have sloping tops for a stylish and uncluttered workplace. The Al Bahr Towers will be the offices for the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), formed to assist the government in achieving continuous financial success and wealth protection, whilst sustaining prosperity. This is the largest order that Maine have secured in the Middle East and with the market in Abu Dhabi growing they are looking forward to continuing their success.

maine storage&filing
T: 01908 271688 [email protected] www.maine.co.uk

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FIRA Certified Workstations from 48.00!

SC18 Double Door Cupboard with 4 shelves 99.00

CONSULTANCY | DESIGN | MANUFACTURE

RCM120 Rectangular Workstation 50.00

MP Full Height Mobile Pedestal 55.00

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Double strut cantilever legs

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Metal to metal fixings

25mm panel legs with 25mm modesty panel

Call 0845 000 9000 Fax 0845 500 9010

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RCM100-6 RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION 1000mm x 600mm x 730mm 48.00

RCM120 RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION 1200mm x 800mm x 730mm 50.00

RCM140 RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION 1400mm x 800mm x 730mm 56.00

RCM160 RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION 1600mm x 800mm x 730mm 59.00

CMP 2 DRAWER CONTRACT MOBILE PEDESTAL 404mm x 510mm x 595mm 49.00

MP FULL HEIGHT MOBILE PEDESTAL 438mm x 600mm x 680mm 55.00

RCM120/PAN PANEL ENDED RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION

RCM140/PAN PANEL ENDED RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION

RCM160/PAN PANEL ENDED RECTANGULAR WORKSTATION

BC730 BOOKCASE WITH 1 SHELF 730mm x 800mm x 360mm 49.00

1200mm x 800mm x 730mm 48.00

1400mm x 800mm x 730mm 54.00

1600mm x 800mm x 730mm 57.00

BC12 BOOKCASE WITH 2 SHELVES 1200mm x 800mm x 360mm 65.00

BC18 BOOKCASE WITH 4 SHELVES 1800mm x 800mm x 360mm 79.00

SC730 DOUBLE DOOR CUPBOARD WITH 1 SHELF 730mm x 800mm x 450mm 59.00

SC12 DOUBLE DOOR CUPBOARD WITH 2 SHELVES 1200mm x 800mm x 450mm 75.00

SC18 DOUBLE DOOR CUPBOARD WITH 4 SHELVES 1800mm x 800mm x 450mm 99.00

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www.ofas.org.uk
New AERO range from ABL. AERO Flip is a unique design power module with smooth easy action, available in a range of colours. AERO Arm a stylish fully functional gas arm available in white and silver. See the advert on the back cover for more details. w - www.accessorybits.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 0800 082 1444

Northern Italian manufacturer Quadrifoglio is pleased to introduce its Zeta-X range. A prestigious and beautifully finished range of boardroom tables, executive desks and storage in a three-finish soft- and post-formed wood veneer. Three different leg styles are available. All items, including those in wood veneer, are constantly stocked in Italy. The average delivery time to the UK varies from seven to 10 working days. For further details on the Quadrifoglio product portfolio contact Federico Chizzali. Four sales agents in the UK. e - [email protected] t - 0039 349 3922124

Magnus Olesen has seen recent success with its elegant and outstanding Inferno range of swivel meeting chairs. Available in two back heights, with and without arms, glides or castors, the Inferno chair has a unique flexible back movement and can also have the option of a tilt action and an auto return. The slim profile adds to any environment whilst still maintaining a high degree of comfort and support. w - www.scandiafurniture.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 07738 627 522

The Chiro Plus is proven to be a popular 24hr chair. With stylish looks and ergonomic design for optimum comfort, the chair is now approved by UK Chiropractor Dr Bateman. Available in black, blue and wine colour, a cantilever version and an optional multi-position headrest. Visit the Dynamic website for more information. w - www.dynamicofficeseating.co.uk t - 01604 586930

TC is proud to launch its 2012 Seating, Furniture & Essentials brochures showcasing the complete ranges, including new Beam & Bench desking. TC also offers a comprehensive Marketing Service including brochure overprinting, image discs and bespoke promotion design. Contact the sales & marketing teams now to discuss your requirements. t - 01454 207 370

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Find a job - pages 24 & 26

Anco Storage Equipments new eighth Edition catalogue is out now. It is a retail-priced catalogue with generous trade discounts. All products are held in stock and delivered within five days. Anco provides blank versions of the catalogue for you own use. e - [email protected] t - 01403 785 985

Some dates for your diary - page 27

Win a store voucher - page 27

Bachmann International Built on the best connections

Europes leading manufacturer of power and data solutions for the office furniture market is pleased to announce the launch of their UK based subsidiary, Bachmann Electrical Engineering Ltd. We make the connections that ensure power and data are available exactly where they are needed. Our systems are flexible and with our state-of-the-art technology, combined with the highest design, we exceed our customers expectations. We are proud to announce that Jon Holding is heading up our new UK operation and is very much looking forward to introducing old and new customers to the benefits and added value that Bachmann can provide. We are looking forward to welcoming you! Jon Holding Sales and Marketing Director Phone: 0114 2455755 Mobile: 07854 530084

Bachmann Electrical Engineering Limited BM London WC1N 3XX [email protected] bachmann.com

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Figure 1: Share of materials used in furniture production (by value). (Mc Cabe et al., 2009) As the majority of wood used in furniture is treated in some format, attention must be paid to the surface treatment of wood. In addition to solid wood, wood-based particle, MDF, plywood and fibreboard panels are produced and widely used. Predominantly these panels are used in many manufacturing establishments and contribute to the finished article such as cupboards, tables and desks etc. Most of these panels are essentially produced under heat and pressure with the addition of an adhesive, to glue fibres, particles or sheets of wood respectively. The environmental and health impacts of these products are linked to forestry practices and the substances used as glues and finishing such as formaldehyde resins, melamine, epoxy, polyurethane resins, ethylene vinyl acetate, and so on.

...continued from page 1

labeling has been introduced to combat some of these issues, so that producers can demonstrate that the wood comes from sustainable sources. Hornes (2009) review of 36 mandatory and voluntary labelling schemes found that the system was weak due to high levels of bureaucracy, complexity, rigidity, delays in setting criteria and the lack of star ratings. There is also confusion between different labeling schemes and what they certify. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the worlds forests and plays a key role in certifying and labelling timber and paper products to encourage more environmentally sound purchasing practices, including within the office furniture sector. The MBA project used a questionnaire survey to ask public and private sector organisations to rate their understanding and use of sustainability as a factor in their office furniture procurement policies and practices. Eighty six questionnaires (47 from public sector and 39 from private sector organisations) were received from architects (13 questionnaires), schools (13 questionnaires), contractors (10 questionnaires), commercial (23 questionnaires), health service (11 questionnaires) and government organisations (16 questionnaires). The key findings from this study are: Commitment to Green Procurement - The responses showed that there is strong agreement that sustainable development should be a consideration by organisations, with a slightly higher agreement to this statement by public sector organisations (90.7% agree overall; 93.6% for public sector and 87.2% for private sector organisations). There was also strong support for government legislation on environmental issues such as sustainable procurement (54.7% agree, but 18.6% disagree). Again, the public sector is more supportive than the private sector (57.4% and 51.3%). For the question as to whether organisations should implement their own sustainable procurement criteria and practices, there was strong agreement to this (83.7% overall; 87.2% public sector

and 79.4% private sector organisations), but the private sector was a bit more cautious than the public sector because of the possible cost implications of more green procurement. Both sectors saw sustainability as being important to promote a good image in the market (81.4% overall; 83% public sector and 79.5% private sector organisations). So generally, there is strong support for sustainable business practices, including green procurement. Sensitivity to Cost - 77.9% of organisations said they had a sustainable procurement policy, and 20.9% had had one for more than 5 years. But, when asked if all organisations should have one regardless of the cost implications, a different picture emerges. Collectively, 57% agree, 22% disagree and 21% are unsure. As expected, the private sector is more sensitive to the cost implications, where 43.6% agree and 28.2% disagree, compared to 68.1% agree and 17.1% disagree in the public sector. Key Purchasing Criteria - We asked the organisations to rank their purchasing criteria. For both public and private sector organisations, the quality of the product and then price, followed by delivery were the most important criteria, as can be seen in Figure 2. For the private sector, sustainability of the product was ranked fifth after company reputation. For the public sector, sustainability ranked fourth. Accreditation certificates (such as ISO 14000) were ranked 6th by both sectors. However, when asked if sustainability should be high on their organisations decision making criteria, 68.7% agreed. There is therefore a gap between which criteria our respondents think should be influencing decision making and the actual purchasing criteria being used in practice. International Labelling Schemes - a surprisingly low number of organisations were familiar with international labeling schemes for sustainable materials for office furniture (such as the German Blaue Engel/Blue Angel scheme which considers the whole life cycle of the product and only certifies furniture where more than 50% of it is wood; and the Thai Green Label scheme which only certifies products that have a

Figure 2: Importance of different purchasing criteria for office furniture procurement.Accreditation How important is it to customers that their suppliers have achieved regulatory business standards and accreditation? The answer to this question is very different depending on which sector. In the public sector, 72.3% agree that it is important for their suppliers to have some form of accreditation (such as ISO 14001). In the private sector, only 48.7% agree with this statement. The procurement process in the public sector is influenced by mandates and EU directives, whereas the private sector is self regulatory.

minimal detrimental impact on the environment in comparison to other similar products). Just 13.9% of respondents were familiar with labeling schemes and 67.4% were not at all familiar with them. There was very little difference between the public and private sectors in response to this question. We also asked whether a labeling scheme more specific to office furniture would influence the purchasing decision. Across both sectors only 4.7% agreed, 52.3% were not sure and 43% disagreed. So, even if a comprehensive labeling scheme existed, it would not necessarily be widely considered in the purchasing decision. Call for Action - The research and analysis was based on a relatively small number of customers within the office furniture market, but we would expect that these findings are fairly representative of the general procurement policies and practices across the sector. Although there is increasing recognition of the importance of sustainability and the need for green procurement, more consideration of these issues is required in both the public and private sectors. With an increasing focus on costs and margins in the private sector and spending cuts within the public sector, future organisations will inevitably be driven by price rather than by sustainable criteria. Future Research - The topic is emotive and further research is needed to better understand how to use marketing and government support and legislation to encourage more procurement decisions, to include sustainability criteria. Future research should also consider the differences between sustainable procurement and best value procurement in the office furniture market, balancing the visible costs with the more hidden costs of environmental negligence.

References * Horne R (2009) Limits to Labels: the role of eco-labels in the assessment of product sustainability and routes to sustainable consumption. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 33 (2) pp 175-182 * Mc Cabe S, Clement S and Ocha A (2009) Sustainable Procurement Guidelines for Office Furniture. Local Government for Sustainability, United Nations Environmental Programme, pp 1-31 * Pamden D (2007) Chop illegal timber imports. Cabinet Maker, Issue 5549, August, p10

Martyn Wragg is Marketing Director of Millar West Office Furniture, offering a full range of standard and bespoke designs, as well as a comprehensive range of Laboratory and Food Technology furniture. For more information on this project, please contact Martyn at [email protected]

www.ofas.org.uk We are pleased to announce to our readers that future issues of the Newsletter will include regular columns from two leading UK organisations. The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), the worlds leading independent furniture technology centre, and Workplace Law, the association for employers and managers, specialising in employment law, health and safety and premises management. This will offer essential information on market statistics, changing standards for furniture and related product and matters of health and safety legislation and workplace law.

2011 Statistical Digest gives vital steer to UK furniture industry

FIRA has published its Statistical Digest for the furniture industry, an essential read for anyone operating in the furniture sector. The results show that, from 2009 to 2010, the total number of furniture manufacturers declined by 3% to 6,205, whilst the total turnover in manufacturing sales increased by 3.6% to just over 7 billion. Despite this small recovery in turnover, the figure remains substantially lower than in 2008 (8.3 billion). Analysis of company size revealed that 83% of companies turned over less than 1 million, and 56% turned over less than 250 thousand. International trade trends for 2010 showed that furniture imports totaled 4.5 billion, an increase of 0.5 billion from the previous year. The good news is that furniture exports increased to 849 thousand in 2010 compared with 754 thousand in 2009. FIRA Chief Operating Officer, Jonny Westbrooke comments: This research gives the UK furniture industry vital information, both to help it survive the difficulties of the economy and grow through innovation and intelligent marketing. The data provide essential background for decision-making in the furniture industry, building on the previous 17 annual Statistical Digest reports. The Digest is a distillation of information sourced from government bodies including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), HM Revenue and Customs and the Communities and Local Government web sites. It covers time series data for the period 2007 to 2010 and includes national economic trends such as consumer spend, credit and housing; all of which will have an influence on furniture sales. The structure of the UK furniture manufacturing industry, its size and number of employees; manufacturers turnover, imports and exports; and trading relationships with the rest of the world, as well as an analysis of trade gaps, are also included. Turnover and international trade figures are presented for the industry as a whole and also broken down into a series of sub sectors comprising office and shop furniture, kitchen furniture, mattresses, and other furniture. Data within each of these sub sectors is presented in more depth which enables trade figures to be shown for a range of contract, office and domestic products. Other key facts from the new report include: The trade gap continued to grow wider reaching 3.6 billion in 2010. During this period, the majority of imports originated from China (33%) and Italy remained a major supplier to the UK (11%). China increased its export dominance at the expense of some of the European countries. In 2010, 22% of the UKs furniture exports were to the Irish Republic. 10% and 9% were to the USA and Germany respectively. Consumer credit fell by 13 billion but borrowing on credit cards remained relatively static. Consumer expenditure increased by 8 billion, although the 2010 figure of 819 billion is still well below the total expenditure of 2007. This expenditure increase was not reflected in the purchase of furniture and home furnishings.

All data sources are referenced within the report and are publicly available to organisations wishing to undertake their own statistical analyses. To pre-order a copy of the Statistical Digest contact [email protected]. A pdf of the report can be purchased for 250 by those who are non-members of FIRA and downloaded for free by members via the FIRA website www. fira.co.uk

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Reclaiming health and safety for all

A major new review of Britains health and safety laws was published in November. Reclaiming health and safety for all: An independent review of health and safety legislation by Professor Ragnar E. Lfstedt makes 19 recommendations for the reform of health and safety, all of which have been accepted by the Government. Although Professor Lfstedt concluded in his report there was no case for radically altering current health and safety legislation, he has made some potentially far reaching recommendations. These include: exempting self-employed workers whose work activities pose no potential risk of harm to others from health and safety law; a review of all of the Health and Safety Executives (HSE) Approved Codes of Practice; the HSE undertakes a programme of sectorspecific consolidations, to be completed by April 2015; and legislation is changed to give the HSE the authority to direct all local authority health and safety inspection and enforcement activity, to help ensure that it is consistent and targeted towards the most risky workplaces. The report also recommends that a number of regulations are revoked or reviewed, including: Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981; Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007; Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR); Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; and Work at Height Regulations 2005. Simon Toseland, Head of Health and Safety at Workplace Law, agrees with the Regulations that the Government has highlighted for review, saying: The CDM Regulations have been under much scrutiny for some time by the HSE and so this is no real surprise. Personally we feel that a name change is long overdue to help draw a Clients attention. We can see a number of areas where Regulations can be condensed to b e c o m e s e c t o r - s p e c i f i c . Ta k e construction for example CDM and working at height is the principal industry where these Regulations would apply. However, the Construction union UCATT warned that the recommendation in the Lfstedt Review that self-employed workers should be exempt from health and safety laws could lead to an increase in accidents in the construction industry. Over half of workers in the construction industry are officially classified as self-employed, although the union argues that many of these workers are falsely self-employed. Meanwhile, HSE inspectors took enforcement action for serious safety failings on more than a third of construction and refurbishment projects visited during a recent initiative to improve standards on basement construction sites. More than half of the prohibition notices served dealt with real risks of workers falling from height, either into unfenced excavations or through unprotected floor openings. Employment law, health and safety and environmental management briefing from Sara Bean of Workplace Law For further information www.workplacelaw.net

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Design PRIMA
Business Design Centre, London 29 February 1 March 2012

The only exhibition where serious contract culture meets the latest in creative design.
For the first time Design PRIMA will be staged alongside the ARC Lighting Show. To visit pre-register online at designprima.com If you wish to enquire about exhibiting contact Jon Johnston at UBM 020 7921 8677 [email protected]

Co-located with

organised by

UBM interiors portfolio includes

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company news
Solutions4Office the interiors group has expanded its move division. Experienced staff recently relocated in excess of 1,200 people working to urgent deadlines minimising disruption to the clients working day. Work includes hire of crates, packing, decommission and re-commission of IT equipment and moving of large safes. w - www.solutions-4.co.uk t - 020 3551 6957 Southern Office Furniture is pleased to announce the launch of its new website early in the New Year. The website will house over 2,000 priced office furniture products which can be purchased online. Why not make this your genuine one-stop-shop for all your office, reception and conference needs. w - www.southernofficefurniture.co.uk t - 01444 230 180

The Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT) has helped set a homeless student on the path to a career in cabinet making. Tom Smith (18) hit hard times earlier this year and was made homeless. Having worked on-and-off in the industry since he was 15, Tom wanted to progress his career and recently enrolled on a furniture making course at Warwickshire College. His employer for some of the past three years - Steven James Kitchens based near Stratford upon Avon - offered to pay his college fees and provided Tom with a room for 20 a week. Tom earns 40 for two days work per week, and with high monthly costs on bus fares and living expenses, he has struggled to get by. After applying to FIT for financial support, he was granted 630 to cover 25 weeks of rent and one terms bus fare. Said Tom: I was told that I didnt qualify for income support as I work two days per week and EMA is no longer available for college students. Im really excited about training to be a cabinet maker but my personal circumstances have made it hard. Im extremely grateful to both my employer and FIT for giving me this opportunity to focus on my education and development. FIT is the furnishing trades only dedicated charity, existing to help current and former furnishing trade employees who find themselves facing unexpected financial hardship. w - www.fi-trust.co.uk e - [email protected]

Teknion is one of the leading global manufacturers of office furniture, working with some of the biggest names in finance and technology across Europe. Teknion provides high end solutions tailored for the European market, including locally designed and manufactured products. It has also aligned its manufacturing processes to numerous environmental practices, including LEED, ensuring a lower carbon footprint across all projects. Call or email to find out more. w - www.teknion.com e - [email protected] t - 020 7490 2101

Aaron Office Furniture, the largest manufacturer of office furniture in the south, would like to thank all of its dealers for their support throughout 2011. It has been a very successful year for Aaron with sales surpassing expectations. Look out for an exciting new web site for 2012. t - 01489 892 111

Suttons has recently received grant funding to help reduce its carbon emissions by reducing costs through waste disposal and more efficient lighting plus reducing heating loss. The Improve Your Resource Efficiency (IYRE) scheme has helped Suttons green credentials which extends the theme of its business renovating office furniture which has recycling at its core. Call Suttons for a free estimate and advice. w - www.suttonupholsterers.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01458 252 492 Make your workspace a space that works, with Goat Design. Goat has been making spaces work for the last decade with its extensive range of design-led furniture to suit all budgets, its sound interior design advice and space planning services. Call Goat today for a free consultation. w - www.goatdesign.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 020 7372 3338

It has been a rather hectic last quarter of 2011 for manufacturer West Sussex Office Furniture. Not only has it been the best quarter of the year for sales, but WSOF has also been working towards getting accredited for both ISO9001 and the FSC Chain of Custody program. Everyone at WSOF would like to thank their loyal partners, and wish them a prosperous 2012. t - 01243 512 215

Page 17

www.ofas.org.uk
BOF is currently going through some major changes including the unveiling of a brand new showroom in 2012. The showroom will feature the latest product ranges and design trends all in one space. www.bof.co.uk now has an all new design containing the latest products and some exciting new features. t - 01656 661 061 James Tobias Ltd who has been manufacturing Storagewall and intelligent storage solutions for over twenty years from its 36,000 sq ft factory premises in Bridgwater, Somerset, will be launching an updated website and new literature in early 2012. These developments will form part of a new marketing programme to lift the profile of the company during 2012 and beyond. t - 01278 437 300

James Tobias

The innovative British office furniture manufacturer, Staverton, is proud to announce the launch of its new website, www.staverton.co.uk. With a clean, contemporary and stylish design, the fresh website presents the entire Staverton furniture collection via an interactive product viewer that allows users to browse by range or category. Visit Staverton online today and download the latest brochures, case studies and news. w - www.staverton.co.uk / t - 020 8538 5980 Claremont Office Interiors (A&H) Ltd has raised the bar again by becoming the first office furniture dealer in Scotland to achieve a hat trick of ISO certifications. The company achieved ISO 14001, 9001 and 18001 in record time too, taking only 10 months from start to completion. t - 01224 245 400 Harnser Office Furniture would like to take this opportunity to wish all its customers a Happy New Year. Harnser would also like to remind customers that it is able to manufacture all types of bespoke items as per the images right and below. Harnser was chosen to design and build the Science Cart for a leading Educational Systems Provider, and to develop a new clothing and accessories display stand for a world class golf supplier. For more information or for advice on how Harnser can help you please contact the sales team. e - [email protected] t - 01508 532 266

Frem has moved. The move, which brings together a new state-of-theart manufacturing facility and central operations, will help to reduce costs, enhance quality and improve customer service dramatically. Located just off Junction 15A of the M1, Concept House is now home to the Frem team who are already settled in. Visit the web site for new contact details. w - www.frem.co.uk t - 01604 756567 The Office Exhibition, Dubai (15-17 May 2012) focuses on creating environments that work. It continues to provide the perfect platform for international office fit-out companies, suppliers and manufacturers to embrace the A&D and business communities in Gulf/MENA countries. Further information and UKTI funding advice is available from the BCFA. w - www.theofficeexhibition.com e - [email protected] t - 01494 896 790

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www.ofas.org.uk
As part of its continuous improvements Ergo is delighted to now be able to support its customers by providing step-bystep assembly instructions with goods dispatched. Using a smartcode reader such as I-nigma (downloadable FOC from an app store) end users can scan codes provided and link directly though to relevant assembly video for any assistance needed. t - 01235 773 373

Haworth was proud to be a gold sponsor at Worktech 2011 held at the British Library. At the Masterclasses, Haworth presented a talk regarding Living Stages: what can office environments learn from theatre design?. This talk was conducted by Jeremy Myerson from the RCA and Francois Brounais from Haworth Europe. w - www.haworthuk.com t - 020 7324 1360

Imperial Office Furniture would like to wish all its dealers a happy and successful new year, and to thank them for their contribution to a record year with turnover up 1.5m. December will see the launch of Imperials new specifier guide, a new dealers reference book to the whole Imperial portfolio including the new Universal storage, extra range items plus metal storage and seating to provide a convenient one-stop-shop. 2012 will see the continuing release of new updated Imperial brochures for Receptiv, Reunion and I bench. t - 01204 364 602 Broad Power is pleased to announce the launch of Iris, Tulip and Proteus slimline desk top power and data modules. For further information please view the interactive catalogue on the website: w - www.broadpower.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01258 841 001
BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN P24892MIMI_075.pgs 04.10.2011 09:53

Special Offer!
Office Furniture Reports from AMA Research: 35% discount for
Colebrook Bosson Saunders recently hosted an industry pool tournament at its London Bridge showroom. Players from a wide range of furniture, AV and technology companies as well as design and architectural practices took part and funds were raised for charities of each players choice. See all the photos at www.facebook.com/#!/cbsproducts
w - www.colebrookbossonsaunders.com

This Christmas ofas members can take advantage of a special discount of 35% off the list price of any of the following office furniture market reports from AMA Research Ltd. Office Furniture Market UK 2011-2015 Home Office Furniture Market UK 2008-2012 Office Furniture Dealers Market UK 2010-2014

t - 020 7940 4266

Price to OFAS members: Report: Pdf file: 395 plus VAT (Normal list price 665 plus VAT) Word document: 475 plus VAT (Normal list price 740 plus VAT) To order a report at this specially discounted price, go to the AMA website (www. amarearch.co.uk) and make sure you include the following offer code Ofas11.4 when you place your order. Alternatively email: [email protected] This offer ends on 31 January 2012 For further information about AMA Research Ltd, its reports, and the services it provides please visit www.amaresearch.co.uk or call 01242 235724.

New from BROAD POWER

Introducing the oneTouch

Taking office power systems to new levels of quality and sophistication

The oneTouch is an electronic, touch control-operated power outlet system which allows users access to power, data or communication ports at the touch of a button. The unique touch control system can be operated from either end of the unit and smoothly rotates the oneTouch from a closed position to the fully open position which reveals the power and data/ communication modules. The oneTouch rotates to a finished position above the worksurface when in the open position, limiting liquid spill ingress and allowing easier access to the power outlets. LED lights in the touch control sensors change from red in the closed position to blue in the open position, to indicate that the unit is ready for use.When the unit is closed, it sits virtually flush with the work surface. Each unit features anti-jamming detection which will automatically stop and reverse the unit if an obstruction is detected. As a modular office power system, the oneTouch can be made to customers requirements including the choice of any combination of up to 26 International socket outlets, data, voice and multimedia ports, along with a variety of colour finishes and protection devices (such as fuses and switches) Each unit is ROHS compliant and made from recyclable materials Broad Power Solutions Ltd
Unit 2, Manor Farm Business Centre, Gussage St Michael, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5HT Tel: 01258 841 001 Fax: 01258 840 048 www.broadpowersolutions.com

Optional version shown in Black (manual)

www.ofas.org.uk

contracts
OfficeSTOR has helped Health Centre quadruple its filing space. A footprint previously occupied by seven traditional four-drawer cabinets can now hold 28 cabinets. Valuable desk space has been created elsewhere as a result. Mobile storage saves space and offers cost-saving efficiencies. OfficeSTOR Making your space work better for you. t - 01480 458 443

After 13 years and various changes of corporate branding, the office was looking grubby and tired so we decided to refurbish everything and change to our new Continental colours. This involved construction of an additional conference room, the painting of the whole office, new carpeting throughout, recovering 60 office chairs and over 100 sections of partitioning. The project involved several different contractors who were all polite and trustworthy and we were happy to allow them keys for weekend access. John co-ordinated the whole project with no hitches and without his help the task would have been too involved for us to manage in addition to our day to day working. I would recommend John and Blueline without any hesitation! Lynne Lloyd, Office Manager, Continental Automotive, Basildon (September 2011) t - 01279 669 470

ofas 6th annual golf day and dinner

Tuesday 15 May 2012 Calcot Park Golf Club Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire. RG31 7RN 1.3 miles from the M4 junction 12 http://www.calcotpark.com/

New venue for 2012, Calcot Park Golf Club

Scottish-based TeamFFE Limited has recently completed an installation of fixed and loose furniture at one of the UKs most secure psychiatric hospitals. The project saw TeamFFE providing the furniture supplier with both project management and installation services, completing the project successfully and on schedule. e - [email protected] Stableford format. Enter your team of four players. No team? no problem! We can match you up with other golfing enthusiasts Weve been warned to button down the hatches today 130 mph gales in Scotland probable structural damage schools closed not to mention blizzards. Thank heavens were Sassenachs! What better time to contemplate Spring and a good sociable round of golf followed by a hearty meal with friends? We can almost guarantee good weather; we order it very early to avoid disappointment. Why dont you book early too? There can be few better ways to reward staff and entertain customers and this event has become a highlight of the industry calendar. From the time you are greeted with bacon butties, throughout the day to the final prize giving, you will find challenges to entertain you - whatever your skill level.

Aquila Business Products will go into the New Year looking forward to completing four major education projects. With an order value in excess of 2 million these contracts will enhance Aquilas reputation and confirm its position as a leading supplier of FF&E for the education sector. Aquilas policy of continually vetting suppliers to maintain a solid supply chain and being totally transparent in its presentation to the client continues to pay dividends. w - www.aquila-web.co.uk e - [email protected] t - 01909 482 316

This is a hugely popular event. Contact Alan or Margaret today to reserve your places
Price: 67.50 + VAT per person Tel: 01344 779 438 Dinner only: 22.00 + VAT e-mail: [email protected]

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reception

m e e t iwww.ofas.org.ukr o j e c t ng | p

Have YOU heard about an important new showroom collaboration in Clerkenwell?

Make the newly refurbished Planet Partitioning showroom at 104 -110 Goswell Rd, Clerkenwell, London part of your next circuit and discover a major new destination for architects, designers, specifier and dealers alike. View stunning bespoke furniture from Clarke Rendall in conjuction with Planets creative range of partitioning and storage solutions with seating by Koehl. Call our support team now on 020 7781 2162 to arrange a viewing appointment.

Bringing furniture design to life

Head Office: 01908 391600 | London: 020 7781 2162 | [email protected] | www.clarkerendall.com

Comp

esign D titive e

PRICE COMPETITIVE DESIGN OFFICE FURNITURE FROM ITALY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM STOCK FAST WEEKLY DELIVERIES TO THE UK

www.quadrifoglio.com [email protected]

www.ofas.org.uk

situations vacant
Brava would like to hear from talented people in the office and contract furniture field, particularly interested in: design and presentation skills sales professionals with experience in both trade and direct selling Brava has traded for over 30 years; its manufacturing facility is based in North Yorkshire, and the company has just launched several office furniture ranges. Bravas manufacturing capabilities include veneer work, bespoke, commercial and contract work Forward your CV with covering letter (no employment agencies will be responded to): Head Office & Factory Abbey Works Askrigg Leyburn North Yorkshire, DL8 3JT Albion Chairs is looking for a commission-only sales agent whose product knowledge encapsulates bad back and other specialised areas of expertise; whose customer knowledge includes the office furniture reseller and bad back retailer alike and geographically can concentrate on London and the South East. Please contact [email protected] t - 01494 464 656 Sales Executive International Furniture manufacturer seeks ambitious sales individual to join its UK team. Based London and Home Counties, ideal candidate will already have a proven track record and prior knowledge of Systems Furniture. In the first instance please send you CV to: [email protected]

More opportunities on page 26

Dataflex introduces two new sales directors
Dataflex International is pleased to announce some major restructuring of its UK Business commencing 2012 and welcome two sales directors, Pam Garrie and Gary Sewell with appointments seen as key components in rapid expansion of the company. Gary has considerable technical experience with the office furniture and logistics industry driving business strategies, and Pam has twenty years experience in ergonomic and office environments, with development in new business opportunities through product development and placement.

Pamela Garrie

Gary Sewell

Dataflex UK Ltd.
88 Wood St London EC2V 7RS T. +44 8000 305045 (free) F. +44 8000 305062 E. [email protected] Company reg. number 3119522 VAT no. GB666191514

www.ofas.org.uk

personnel
James Tobias L t d , t h e UKs largest manufacturer of Storagewall and intelligent storage solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Groombridge as Head of Sales and Business Development. Barry has considerable sales and marketing experience gained within the office furniture industry and is looking forward to lifting the profile of the company and taking it to even higher levels of success in the future. t - 01278 437 300

services
Plus Finance works with office furniture and fitout companies to offer the client a costeffective and Taxefficient method of financing a project. Plus Finances leasing package allows your clients to have the interiors solution they really want, rather than downgrading to the one they feel they can afford. e - [email protected] t - 01494 783773 Severn Business Interiors specialises in office fit-out and office furniture. SBI offers a complete design package which enables it to provide its clients with a fresh design for a realistic budget. SBI can provide all your internal construction and fit out requirements, from major items like demountable partitioning, suspended ceilings, raised floors, carpeting and electrical work and data cabling to installing audio visual equipment and fitting blinds. t - 01905 621 691

James Tobias

John Curmi, a purchasing consultant with 20 years experience in office furniture (mainly with Steelcase) and a member of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, specialises in reducing the costs of dealing with your suppliers. If you wish to discuss the possibilities in more detail, please contact him. e - [email protected] t - 020 8944 9025 m - 07818 426 635 JSA Consultancy Services offers independent, specialist advice and guidance on office furniture markets at home and abroad; marketing strategies for product sectors and channels of distribution; targeted keyman recruitment. Subscribe at www.jsacs. com to the new JSA UK Office Furniture Market Forecasts and monthly League Tables of the top 50 UK Manufacturers and Dealers. w - www.jsacs.com e - [email protected] t - 020 7269 7986

Moving offices? Buying new office furniture? What will you do with your good quality used office furniture? WantDontWant is a broker and helps its clients to achieve the best possible prices. Everyone wins! w - www.wantdontwant.com t - 020 7529 8180

www.ofas.org.uk

welcome
New contributors to the ofasNewsletter... Plus Finance is the UKs only specialist leasing company in the office furniture and interiors market. 2 0 11 s e e s P l u s Finance celebrate 10 years as the market leader, and the aim is to maintain its position by offering a professional and innovative service to the fit-out industry. w www.plusfinance.co.uk e- [email protected] t - 01494 783773 Other new members contributing elsewhere in this issue are Teknik, James Tobias, Dynamic Office Seating and Teknion. Find out how your company can contribute: call ofas today on 01344 779 438.

TeamFFE Limited provides a full spectrum of FF&E installation, consultancy and project management services. Working across the commercial, education, health and hospitality sectors TeamFFE provides cost-effective solutions to suppliers and end-users alike. TeamFFE is Scottish-based but works with clients across the UK and Europe. e - [email protected]

Aaron Office Furniture is the largest manufacturer of office furniture in the south. With over 20 years of experience in the office furniture industry Aaron is able to produce and manufacture standard and bespoke items quickly, efficiently and competitively priced. Please contact the sales team for a price list. t - 01489 892 111

Bachmann, having just launched in the UK, bring with them a wealth of experience in the worldwide provision of power, data and AV solutions. Bachmann exploits every possibility offered by professional engineering and modern design to deliver elegant, yet highly functional facility products to the UK office furniture market. Contact Jon Holding, Sales and Marketing Director. t - 0114 245 5755 m - 07854 530 084

Page 25

www.ofas.org.uk CONSULTANCY . SEARCH . SELECTION . DATABASE

Pine Tree Recruitment Limited

Pine Tree are a specialist Recruitment Consultancy who service the Office Furniture, Interiors, A&D, Fit-Out and Design & Build Markets throughout the UK. Working with our portfolio of leading clients we are consistently retained to find exceptional sales candidates for the market place. A selection of our current vacancies includes: Ref No 12364: Leisure & Contract Seating Manufacturer Sales Director Excellent Basic & Comms Flexible Location Ref No 12372: Commercial Interiors Group BDM Furniture/Fit-Out Excellent Basic & Bonus Scotland - Glasgow Ref No 12376: Leading Italian Office Furniture Manufacturer 35K Basic & Comms London & M25 Corridor Ref No 12378: StorageWall Manufacturer Dealer Manager 35k Basic & Comms North West & Scotland Ref No 12353: Office Seating Manufacturer A&D/Dealer Sales 50K Basic & Comms London & South East Ref No 12372: Commercial Fit-Out/ Interiors Group Head of Sales 45K Basic & Bonus Manchester & North-West For more information please contact us on or visit our website at: - www.pine-tree.co.uk T 0121 222 241 E [email protected]

We are the preferred Office Interiors Recruitment Company

IMPORTANT EMPLOYER UPDATE!

If you are an employer in office furniture (particularly if you are a manufacturer) and you are looking to replace an employee or have a vacancy through continued growth and recent business success, please contact us as soon as possible and to avoid disappointment, as we genuinely have many registered candidates that would be able to have a very positive impact on your business ~ remember, in recruitment timing is everything! Experienced candidates consistently required with the following skills, experience and capabilities to fill a variety of vacancies: Business Development Managers A&D Sales Office/Administration/Sales-Support Design Managers (latest AutoCad skills) Telesales/Internal Sales End-User Sales For information on all of our Candidates working within the Office Interiors industries, plus our current discounted fees for all new clients/employers, plus Candidates looking for a new position within Office Furniture, please contact;

Telephone: 01375 484 044 Email: [email protected] Page 26

Mobile: 07971 051377 Website: www.paulwellsconsultants.com

www.ofas.org.uk

competition
What a very happy lot you are! In our last issue we offered three prizes of store vouchers for the senders of the best pet irritations humourous or hardhitting. Not a single moan was received so we miseries here are off to M & S to stock up our undies drawers. And just to prove were worth it, here are a few little offerings of our own: Middle lane road hogs *** bad grammar from BBC journalists *** cling film *** tax cheats *** dogs that foul the pavements *** caravans aaargh dont get us started on that one *** but most of all, people who are beautiful, talented and good-natured its just not fair! So look what you missed out on the opportunity to purge your soul AND win a prize.

whats on?
Interiors UK 2012 NEC, Birmingham 22 25 January 2012 http://www.interiorsuk.com/ Designs of the Year 2012 Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD 8 February 15 July 2012 http://designmuseum.org/

So back to the tried and tested route:

Solve the dingbats to reveal well-known phrases: -

Design Prima & Arc Lighting The Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, N1 0QH, 29 February 1 March 2012 www.designprima.com Clerkenwell Design Week Multiple venues 22 24 May 2012 www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com The Design Museum has welcomed over five million visitors since it opened in 1989, in Shad Thames, London in a converted banana warehouse. In 2014 the museum will relocate to the former Commonwealth Institute on Londons Kensington High Street. This much loved modern landmark from the 1960s, a grade 2* listed building, has stood vacant for the past decade. It will be carefully remodelled for museum use by John Pawson. It will offer three times more exhibition space, vastly improved learning facilities and a dedicated space in which to display the museums Collection. To get involved visit http:// newdesignmuseum.tumblr.com/

e-mail your answers by 31 January 2012 to [email protected]. The first correct or nearest correct solution drawn will win a 50 store voucher. DESIGN PRIMA - 29 February 1 March 2012 at The Business Design Centre, London N1 the only exhibition where serious contract culture meets the latest in creative design Design PRIMA remains the only design-led, single venue, business-to-business trade show and, for the first time this year, it will run alongside The ARC Show, the architectural, retail and commercial lighting exhibition, bringing added benefit to exhibitors and visitors alike. This has been made possible by a unique collaboration between UBM and Design Prima. Highlights of Design PRIMA 2012 will include a seminar programme run in conjunction with The ARC Show. The two day programme will include high profile speakers from the world of architecture and design. Another first for Design PRIMA 2012 will be the introduction of new product design awards run in partnership with Building Design magazine. For further information about visiting or exhibiting visit www. designprima.com or www.thearcshow.com

Independent information and advice on office and contract furniture

The information in this newsletter is supplied in good faith but its accuracy is not guaranteed and no warranty or representation is made in that regard. Inclusion in the ofasNewsletter does not necessarily represent an ofas recommendation.

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