Sports Industries Federation News

FEDERATION SEEKS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Following the recent departure of Mike Johnson to the British Printing Industry Federation we are now seeking a new Chief Executive. The post is being advertised in The Sunday Times and The Times this week and details are also posted on the 'Careers' section of our website.

NEW MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT
The Federation aims to add value to membership through its member benefits
and services. Our new Accommodation and Conference Booking Service is
already proving popular, with savings of between 10 and 40 percent on normal room rates available to members. For further details e-mail Catherine@sports-life.com or visit the members area of the website at www.sports-life.com

INDUSTRY AWARDS 2001
Nominations are sought from members for two industry awards to be presented
at our inaugural INDUSTRY DINNER and AWARDS EVENING which is to be held at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in South Kensington, London on 22nd
November 2001. The awards will recognise companies - one sporting goods
company and one retailer - who have either run a specific project or have made a regular commitment to supporting sport at grass roots level. For a nomination form contact Catherine@sports-life.com and for full details of the dinner go to http://thesportslife.com/newsdocs/dinner.doc

MAJOR CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED FOR GOLF INDUSTRY
The Minister for Sport and the Chief Executive of UK Sport will be speaking
at a conference hosted by the European Golf Industry Association at Wentworth on 17th October. For further details and a registration form email egia@sportslife.org.uk

TRADE SHOW
The Federation has been approached by the NEC who are considering staging a
general sports trade show in 2002. To assist their market research it would be helpful if you could go to the following link and answer the two questions posed http://www.thesportslife.com/defaultref.asp?pageref=sbt/questions.asp

REMINDER
Please do not forget to return your annual Census Forms. The information that you supply on these forms will be used in the 2002 Membership Directory and on our website. If you do not complete the forms incorrect details may be published.

EXPORT MISSIONS 2002/2003
For details of the Federation's proposed trade missions for 2002/3 click on
http://thesportslife.com/newsdocs/bids.doc

BUSINESS SUPPORT HELPLINE PROVIDES ADDITIONAL SERVICE
As you know, our existing Business Support Helpline has experts to help you
with all areas of business law. From time to time, however, you may need the services of a Solicitor. The Helpline service can now recommend a law firm specialising in the area you need, arrange for quotations, help you negotiate favourable terms and enforce strict quality standards on your behalf. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Business Support Helpline in the usual way.

THE FEDERATION AT SALTEX
This years IOG show, SALTEX was again held at Windsor racecourse from 4 - 6
September. The Federation had its usual stand representing the Association of Play Industries (API) and the Sports and Fitness Equipment Association (SAFEA) but additionally we also supported the Register of Play Inspectors
International Ltd (RPII) and the British Rootzone and Top Dressing Manufacturers Association (BRTMA). The show was attended by 16 API members, 1 SAFEA member, 3 BRTMA members and 2 EGIA members. Visitor numbers were estimated to be down but most members reported that the quality of visitors was excellent and that it was a very successful event.

FEDERATION LOGO
All members are invited to use the Federation's new logo on stationery and promotional literature. Federation staff will be happy to provide both your association and the Federation logo in a suitable format for your use.


INDUSTRY NEWS

CHANGES TO NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
Don't forget that the main NMW rate and the NMW development rate for those
aged between 18-21 will rise on 1st October. For any information about the NMW visit the DTI website at www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw or telephone the NMW helpline on 0845 6000678.

CBI NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
Both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be addressing the CBI National Conference at the ICC, Birmingham in November. This is without doubt the premier UK business conference for all industry sectors. For information go to www.cbi.org.uk or email Catherine@sports-life.com

KEEPING FAKES OFF THE STREETS
The Anti-Counterfeiting Group's annual Autumn Conference takes place on 10
and 11 October at the Forest of Arden Hotel in Warwickshire. The theme of the conference is sustainable enforcement and, if you are interested in attending, please contact admin@a-cg.com

UNSURE ABOUT THE COMPETITION ACT?
As part of the Government's awareness campaign to help businesses unders
tand the Competition Act a range of information is available from the OFT. For details go to www.oft.gov.uk or telephone their mailing house on 0870
6060321.

FASHION INDUSTRY FORUM
Top level speakers from the US and Europe will be participating in the first Fashion Industry Forum Challenge in London on 18 October to reveal how the domestic textile and clothing supply chain can be improved. Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has been invited to open the event and BBC presenter Wendy Austin will chair the proceedings. For full details click on the following links
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/IF.doc
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/IF brochure.doc
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/IF Agenda.doc
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/IF Conf.doc
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/IF Speakers.doc

REVISION OF ECO LABELLING FOR FOOTWEAR
Work has begun on the revision of the criteria for eco-labelling of footwear. A report and draft criteria can be accessed here and any comments directed to the Ad Hoc Working Group via Catherine Gordon at the Federation. View details at
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/draftcriteria.doc and
http://www.thesportslife.com/newsdocs/footwear.doc


BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Rotanet Limited situated in Leek in Staffs manufacture a high quality, retractable, space saving, golf practice net. The product is patent protected. The company is looking to expand its sales via licensing, franchising or partnerships worldwide. Full details of the product can be seen on www.rotanet.uk.com and the company can be contacted by phone 01538 381010 or by e-mail sales@rotanet.uk.com

An Australian company is looking for a partner in the UK to expand its golf
business into Europe. Optigolf International would like to hear from established companies in the sport leisure or hotel industries would be interested to undertake local manufacturing and take care of Europe wide marketing of the product and indoor golf centre concept. For full details visit their website at www.optigolf.com.au