December

Volume 4, Issue 5 LOFA News Special Interest

Articles:

• LOFA AGM

• Chairman’s

Report

Individual

Highlights:

Chairman 2

AGM photos 4-5,7

Greenfingers 6

New Office 6

Your Council 8

Editor

Richard Plowman

Tel 01243 839593.

All comments made

are personal views

and not necessarily

LOFA policy

AGM and Christmas Special

A record breaking 54 LOFA members attended the 27

th

AGM in the archive room of the famous Goring hotel in London on 14

th December.

It was pleasing to have a full attendance of the LOFA Honorary members and it was , of course, the last AGM of the retiring Secretary Richard Plowman, who, much to his surprise,

was awarded Honorary membership. Prior to the meeting a presentation was given by Giuseppe d’Anna of Generate, the new PR agency for MADE AWARE. The accounts and Chairman’s report were presented together with details of the LOFA weekend conference in Biarritz.

There was then a presentation of a wonderful painting by Anne McCormack to Richard Plowman as his retiring gift. All of this followed by a splendid Goring Christmas Lunch. The Chairman’s report can be found on page 2/3 and photographs on pages 4 and 5, 7 .

THANK YOU…………………… AND GOODNIGHT! Since the first LOFA NEWS 4 years ago we have been hacking into the phones of :-the Council, Richard Plowman, Jimmy ,the janitor at TIC, and the bloke who opens the door at the Goring; all this to bring you all the sensational stories first and exclusively. Regretfully the best we came up with is that Chris McCormack always has garlic dough balls delivered with his Friday night Pizza and Richard Grimmer once left the tap in his downstairs toilet running all night ! At this point I would stress that the Chairman knew nothing regarding the legalities of hacking on two grounds:- 1- I thought hacking was something that happened in golf. 2- Whilst I read my e-mails, as yet I am unable to open attachments!

SERIOUSLY THOUGH

The LOFA NEWS was started as a way of keeping members informed, but much more than that, a way of giving you, the members, a social forum to exchange your views ,give LOFA your suggestions on making the association more relevant, pass on information, moans, complaints ,comments ,funny stories etc. In this respect it has been an almost total failure! I would like to thank the very few members who have joined in. However, I feel that the time has ALMOST come to stop trying to "flog a dead horse".If however you would like the "NEWS" to continue in its current format , you know what to do---CONTRIBUTE

LOFA NEWS

Chairman’s

REPORT at

the AGM “”WHAT SHOULD LOFA DO?”

“Your Council has discussed this problem on several occasions and as you would expect there has been a wide difference of opinions. The basic question to be answered is how we define "Trade" as written in the

constitution.” HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A PROFITABLE NEW YEAR.

I am sure you don’t need me to tell you that 2011 has been one of the most difficult years to date. I am fast coming to the conclusion that we shouldn't leave such a big task of running countries to politicians. They certainly have had a spectacular success rate this year! As far as LOFA is concerned again we have tried to at least maintain its position of relevance to its members and, as usual, our year has been full of successes, failures, disappointments and opportunities, some taken, some missed. Like all of you, LOFA has watched the rapid change in how a good number of our businesses have adapted to not only prosper, but more crucially survive. Not too long ago we hadn't heard of internet trading, retail buying groups, retailers sourcing, factory shops, Chinese companies setting up in the UK and I am sure you could add more to the list. It may surprise you to know that once upon a time the only criteria for membership in LOFA was that you had to be a UK based Garden Furniture MANUFACTURER. If we hadn't changed that criteria we could have bought the old Liberal party taxi to hold our meetings!

The Chairman’s report

Page 2 of 8

This leads me to the current massive problem facing LOFA as an association. What, if anything, should we do to meet the demands of modern day trading? LOFA cannot protect its members from universal trends and indeed some current members have had to adjust their trading patterns to keep up with the changing demands, sometimes of their existing markets and in some cases in finding new outlets for their products. This, dear member, is the dilemma: WHAT SHOULD LOFA DO? Your Council has discussed this problem on several occasions and as you would expect there has been a wide difference of opinions. The basic question to be answered is how we define "Trade" as written in the constitution. Is it: 1. Trading with our existing customers who then sell to consumers? or 2. Is it the "Trade” of garden furniture and barbecues in its wider sense? As an Association do we need to change and if we don’t, do we risk, as we have already seen with the passing of members such as NOVA, RECTELLA, KEWDOS, JARDINE LEISURE and SOMAGIC etc.,

LOFA getting smaller and smaller and becoming less and less relevant. So here's your chance :- it is your association and your thoughts are needed now more than ever before. You SHOULD have an opinion and it should be heard! If you have, please send it either to Phil Gibbs (new Secretary) or to me and then we can give your Council a more informed basis for discussion.

2011 SUCCESSES AND FAILURES MEMBERSHIP Whilst the overall figure is roughly the same, I am pleased to say NINE provisional members were promoted to full members at our last Council meeting. The more worrying trend is that last year I visited 21 companies that wished to join LOFA. This year my last visit to a prospective new member was in APRIL. I am sure, or at least I really hope, that this reflects a trend in the country and not in LOFA.

Continued on the next page...

LOFA NEWS Page 2 of 8

Chairman’s report continues

SOLEX Despite everything SOLEX still managed to provide members with an excellent "showcase" for their products. Some of the new show additions worked and some not, however, I am sure members would rather see LOFA trying new ideas than sitting back and resting on our laurels! Despite all the negative publicity SOLEX gets from rivals we have maintained a policy of "rising above" as it is my belief that to enter into a slanging match is ultimately self destructive. The next SOLEX will have completely finished halls and entrances. There will be some new ideas to get more and more visitors to your stands, so if you are still on the fence jump in before it's too late. CONFERENCE All I really need to say is "WOW".Those attending will know exactly what I mean. If you’ve never been, all I can say is those who have, wouldn't miss it, ask them! Next year it's in a hotel at least as splendid as Montreux, easier to reach by plane, rail, or car; on the beach and with a wonderful heated outdoor pool. If that's not enough for now it should be as spaces will be limited, get in quick!

LOFA NEWS I have really been tempted to send this around blank to emphasize just how much input we get from members. It’s supposed to be for you to give us your thoughts, opinions, complaints, interests etc. You clearly are not interested, so I will think very seriously if it's worth continuing with LOFA NEWS MADE AWARE Around 80% of all LOFA members’ furniture supplied next year will carry the Made Aware label and those of you attending the AGM will be hearing from GENERATE ( our new PR company) who have been tasked with the job of engaging public awareness of the scheme. Having heard some of their ideas I can tell you, if you are not already in it, perhaps you should think again. Those of you who are, I think you will be patting yourself on the collective backs for such foresight VIRTUAL SOLEX At the moment a massive failure, HOWEVER watch this space! FINANCE As you would expect like all investments LOFA's have taken a big hit, however we have now moved to Investec who we believe will, at least, give us the best and quickest chance of a recovery, should it happen! Once again we should all be thankful for

the foresight your Council showed when putting on our own show, SOLEX, which has rapidly replaced investments as the means of financing your association, along with another "master-stroke", investing in our property in Guildford MENTORING A new benefit for members will be a free mentoring service. We know from time to time members do not know where to go to get some helpful friendly advice about their business. Well now you can turn to us. LOFA CHARITY Recently the LOFA Council has agreed to reintroduce sponsorship of charities. The first to be supported are Happy House and Greenfingers. SECRETARY You must all know by now that Richard Plowman will be standing down. We already gave him a heartfelt standing ovation including song, union jacks and sparklers in Montreux but I am sure you will all want to add your personal thanks to Richard (and Lynne) for the fantastic 11 years he has given to LOFA. His crowning glory, I am sure you will agree, was, from an absolute "standing start", to put on in the first year a SOLEX show that went straight to number one and has stayed there ever since. I know Richard will miss LOFA, but I can assure him, not half as much as LOFA will miss him.

Anyhow, things move on and I am very pleased to welcome Phil Gibbs to his new role as LOFA secretary. He and Richard have been working since October to ensure a smooth takeover. I am sure we will all give Phil the support he needs in his new challenge. We have now established a LOFA office in Metro House in Chichester THANKS As always LOFA (and certainly its Chairman) could not function without the hard work of a few, so, we all owe a big thank-you PAUL BEVINGTON for his superb support as Vice Chairman for his unseen work checking and preparing all LOFA financials .Not one of the "glamour jobs" but one of the most essential COUNCIL- Thanks are due to all of you for giving up your time to help keep LOFA (and its Chairman) on the right tracks .Particularly those who have taken on specific tasks including BORGE LETH AND RICHARD GRIMMER for the often patience-trying work in keeping Made Aware, a most difficult project, alive and eventually seriously kicking! ALL THE PAID STAFF, RICHARD STEVE HALLAM, LYNNE, CATHERINE AND LIZ for pushing the LOFA gravy up the LOFA Mountain so successfully! Last and by no means least MEMBERS - A huge thanks to all members who have supported LOFA in what we are trying to achieve. Eric Hopper Chairman

LOFA NEWS

LOFA NEWS Page 4 of 8

CHRISTMAS LUNCH PHOTO ALBUM

THE CATAMARAN BOAT

GALA DINNER DANCE

Ben and

Gemma get

engaged

Greenfingers Charity Presentation

A cheque for £5,000 from LOFA was presented to Peter Field, trustee of Greenfingers, a charity dedicated to creating gardens at children’s hospices nationwide. To date Greenfingers has created 34 gardens. Greenfingers was launched in November 1998 by a group of volunteers drawn from all sectors of the gardening industry. Howard Barnett nominated this charity and it was selected by Council along with Happy Homes

Chairman opens new office in Chichester

A new office has been set up in Chichester in Metro House. The office has been equipped with state of the art technology and will act as a platform for the many activities now being under taken by LOFA for its members. Phil Gibbs , the new Secretary, will be based there and Catherine Harry will assist him with both LOFA and SOLEX . The Chairman cut the ribbon on the new office and said LOFA is investing in its future and will build on the initiatives such as SOLEX, Made Aware and Virtual Solex.

LOFA NEWS Page 6 of 8

LOFA NEWS

LOFA NEWS Page 6 of 8

MARY SADLER

We are sad to report that Mary Sadler wife of the former LOFA Secretary, Alan Sadler, passed away in September after struggling bravely against Cancer. At he AGM a large card was passed round for those present to send their individual messages. Mary was a lovely lady and our thoughts are with Alan

LOFA NEWS Page 7 of 8

MORE NEWS FROM THE AGM

Forthcoming EU Timber Regulations are approaching rapidly

There may be only a few months left for members importing products including timber to equip themselves to comply with the forthcoming EU Timber Regulations. All companies that are importing timber or timber products into the EU will need an adequate Due Diligence System (DDS) to comply with these regulations. These regulations will become operational on 3 March 2013. In practice their DDS will need to be in place when they order stock for the 2013 season. Depending on when this is, it may mean that work to set up a DDS needs to start early next year. These regulations are intended to ensure that no illegally harvested timber is imported into the EU. Importers must be able to demonstrate that the timber in their products has been harvested in line with the laws of the country of harvest. LOFA members can either set up their own DDS or join one offered by an authorised third party. It is not yet known who will do this. However we understand that FSC intends to. So participation in the FSC scheme should automatically ensure compliance with the EU Timber Regulations. If members which to set up their own DDS this must record five different types of information about the timber and its source. The member must then use this information to assess the level of risk that timber has been harvested illegally - arguably the most challenging aspect of the process. If there is a risk that the timber has been harvested illegally, then they must take action to ensure that in practice it is not. The penalties that will be imposed upon importers who fail to comply with the regulations are still to be decided. However they may include seizure of the timber products involved, immediate suspension of authorisation to trade, or fines.

2012 Subscriptions

LOFA subscriptions are to increase in line with inflation from £440 to £475. The subscriptions are amongst the lowest association fees in the industry. Direct Debits will be adjusted automatically with Payment by January 31

st

LOFA WEEKEND 2012 will be at the

Hotel du Palais, BIARRITZ.

October 5th to 7th , 2012 Information will be going out in January

A final farewell to Richard Plowman at the AGM The last slide shown in his final presentation was “Thank you so much it has been great” which summed up what Richard described as one of the best jobs in the world. Having been Secretary for well over a decade he said he went with a bucket load of fond memories but highlighted SOLEX as being the most important development over the years. He presented flowers to the Chairmen’s wives and Lynne, his wife, and gave a gavel to the Chairman as a small thank you. The Chairman presented him with a lovely painting by Anne McCormack and much to his surprise a certificate for honorary membership. He thanked all for their kindness over the years, saying that LOFA had now come of Age.

The Chairman is Eric Hopper,Outback UK Ltd

Vice-Chairman, Paul Bevington, Kettler Ltd., FINANCE

Chris McCormack, Leisure Plan Sales; LEGAL

Richard Grimmer, Leisuregrow FUTURE STRATEGY

Borge Leth, Alexander Rose Ltd. ENVIRONMENT

Paul Facey, Hartman UK SOLEX MARKETING

Ed Wray, BarbeSkew VIRTUAL SOLEX

Jack Whiteley, Glencrest Seatex. MEMBER BENEFITS

Stephen Davies, Southsea Deckchairs WEB SITE

John Cooper, Weber Stephens MARKETING

Y0UR COUNCIL

Howard Barnett…13 years of excellent service to LOFA Council

The Leisure and

Outdoor Furniture

Association

NEW ADDRESS PO Box 743

CHICHESTER PO19 5EE

PHONE:

01243 839593

FAX: 01243 839467

E-MAIL:

info@lofa.com

We’re on the Web! See us at:

www.lofa.com

Howard Barnett of P J

Bridgman joined Council back

in 1998 and only missed one

Council meeting in all his time

on Council. His contribution

as the Council member

responsible for shows and

exhibitions first for GLEE and

then SOLEX meant he played

a significant part in ensuring

the success of SOLEX. He

also chose the wines for

LOFA meetings and is shown

here on his epic bus trip for

Charity. He will be missed on

Council.

. In the next edition: SOLEX 2012 BIARRITZ It is your newsletter so let’s have your views. Phil Gibbs Secretary 01243 839593

LOFA TRIVIA

After 20 years of

requesting Steak and

Kidney Pie instead of

Beef Wellington

Charles Firth of JYW

had his wish come

true. I don’t think he

was disappointed.

SPECIAL FREE MONTREUX CD OF

PICTURES OF THE LOFA WEEKEND,

Contact the Secretary for your

copy. info@lofa.com

LOFA DIARY DATE Next AGM, Wednesday December 12th ,2012 The Goring Hotel

Council Election Special. John Cooper of Weber was newly elected to Council. The other four current Council Members, Paul Bevington, Borge Leth, Chris McCormack and Jack Whitely re-elected. Chairman thanked all those who had put been forward as candidates and paid tribute to Howard Barnett who was leaving Council after 13 years

John Cooper