Gina Hinde Promoted to General Manager at LOFA: Supporting New Initiatives and Positive Change

Gina Hinde steps up to General Manager at LOFA, Gina joined the association in 2019 as the Marketing Manager and over the last five years her contribution has been substantial. She has worked relentlessly to gain the trust of the members and the council which has paved the way for her promotion to the current position.

The Chairman of LOFA, Steve Millington, expressed his and the council's happiness and satisfaction with Gina's commitment to the association, He added that there are significant changes happening at LOFA, and to implement them successfully, we need someone like Gina, who can spearhead the new initiatives and push them forward.

Gina has worked within the industry since 2008 and is delighted to have been offered this position. She recognises the numerous challenges the industry faces and is keen to address them with the help of LOFA's support and leadership. Gina commented, "The industry is going through a lot of changes, and I'm thrilled that LOFA is at the forefront of this evolution, committed to helping its members and the industry. I'm excited to take up this new role and move forward, bringing positive change with the support of the Chairman and council."

LOFA Sales Academy

To offer more value and resources to LOFA members, LOFA has established the LOFA Sales Academy, a sales training and personal coaching programme in collaboration with Meta-Morphose. Based in Cheltenham, Meta-Morphose have been established for 30 years training sales agents from leading blue chip corporations including Westland and Fiskars.

This programme aims to address the challenges of a constantly evolving and complex business environment.

The programme focuses on refining sales techniques and developing negotiation skills, and it is delivered in three modules throughout the year. In addition, and to ensure the training becomes an integral part of the sales approach, personalised telephone coaching is also provided.

The Sales Academy is provided free of charge to LOFA members.

LOFA feels that this training will benefit not only LOFA member companies but also the outdoor leisure industry as a whole.

This opportunity is open to member employees 30 years and under.

At the end of the programme each candidate will receive a LOFA Sales Diploma and the top performer, based on the highest scores achieved throughout the 8-month course, will be announced at SOLEX and presented with a LOFA.

Sales Academy trophy.

Nominations for this bespoke Sales Training & Personal Coaching Programme must be made to gina@lofa.com

N.B. One candidate application per member, per year only.

LOFA Welcomes Steve Millington Of Tom Chambers As Chairman And Alwyn Williams Of Zest Outdoor Living As Vice Chairman

LOFA, the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, has announced two new appointments to its board of directors. Steve Millington has been voted in as the new Chairman, and Alwyn Williams as the new Vice Chair.

The new leadership team is focused on the future of LOFA and recognises the need for change and innovation. Steve and Alwyn are committed to enhancing the organisation's benefits to its members and working towards future-proofing the association.

Steve Millington, Sales Director at Tom Chambers, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having been involved in a range of industry projects and steering groups over the course of his career. With a comprehensive understanding of all types of retailers related to the sector, including e-commerce, Steve is ideally placed to help LOFA adapt to the changing needs of its members.

Steve's journey in the garden industry began at Ward Pots in 1984, where he worked for six years before moving to Sankey Pots. There, he quickly transitioned into National Accounts and Sales Management before joining Westland in 2002 as the Northern Sales Manager. After six years with Westland, Steve moved to CPL (Coal Products Ltd), where he developed their Garden & DIY sales in a £5m division from a standing start. In 2012, he was approached by Bosmere Products and offered the role of Sales Director. During his time at Bosmere, he served on the GIMA council and became president in 2014. In 2018, Steve joined Tom Chambers and became Sales Director in 2020. He has been a part of the LOFA council for the past four years and became Vice President alongside Pravin Patel in 2023.

Meanwhile, Alwyn Williams, the Head of Business Support at Zest, a leading outdoor garden furniture and timber products specialist, has been appointed as the Vice-Chair of LOFA. He has three decades of experience in the garden industry and has worked at Zest and its parent company, P&A Group, for thirty years. He started his career in production and then moved on to the commercial side of the business in 2002, where he oversaw all aspects of new product development, procurement, sales, and distribution. Later, in 2011, as the Head of Sales and Business Development, he played a vital role in transitioning Zest from using sales agents to developing a full-time national salesforce team. Alwyn's experience has helped Zest grow into a multi-million-pound company, and he has been a key part of the brand development team, which repositioned Zest as the go-to brand for outdoor leisure in 2022.

Steve and Alwyn both have vast knowledge of the outdoor leisure industry and are eager to get started in their new roles alongside their fellow members of the LOFA council, including Hannah Brown, Luke Hopkins, Andrew Hutchison, Julian Windsor, Chris Newman, Stephen Davies, Tim Pennell, and Ben Forte. The new appointments signal a positive and exciting change for LOFA, together, they will work towards the common goal of driving innovation, improving member benefits, and securing LOFA's position as a leading authority in the outdoor leisure industry.

RED SEA ATTACKS- LOFA MEMBERS INCUR SHIPPING DELAYS AND RISING COSTS

Amidst a turbulent three years, our hopes for a calmer 2024 have been dashed. The industry now faces yet another hurdle, courtesy of Yemen Houthis. Since November, they have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea as a show of support for Hamas. As a result, major shipping companies used by LOFA members have been forced to detour around Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Suez Canal, incurring longer journeys and higher costs.

Avoiding the Suez Canal, which handles approximately 12% of global trade, will add 10-14 days and 3500 nautical miles to shipping routes. Although the situation in the Red Sea is unpredictable and adjustments may be made if security improves, shipping companies are once again increasing costs, to the detriment of supply chains. While the cost increase may not reach COVID levels, it is feared that this disruption could also drive-up oil prices, leading to higher fuel prices and inflation.

LOFA members will do their best to alleviate this situation, but they cannot sustain another massive hike in container costs. They may have no choice but to pass on these significant increases down the supply chain. Some companies are already facing resistance from customers regarding these surcharges, but it is important to understand that suppliers have limited control over pricing in rare Force Majeure events such as these.

To address the threat in the Red Sea, the US has launched an international naval operation, joined by nations like the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway, and Spain. However, some shipping companies remain wary of resuming operations immediately, concerned about container shortages and port congestion that could result from extended vessel rotations.

Regardless of the results of military intervention and a resumed Suez route, it seems likely that higher costs and delays will continue in the run up to and possibly well beyond Chinese New Year. The situation will not only impact the outdoor leisure industry but will affect all supply chains routing through the Suez Canal.

COP27 Outcomes and Reflections

COP27 was hailed as “a make-or-break moment” and an opportunity to move from ambitious targets to policy implementation. We have seen global leaders unite, but now it is time for them to deliver transformational change. Our partners at Planet Mark have shared some key takeaways and reflections from COP27.

Prior to the conclusion of negotiations, COP27 was hailed as “a make-or-break moment” and an opportunity to move from ambitious targets to policy implementation. Several key outcomes have highlighted some progress toward climate action. However, even successes that seemed difficult to imagine only a few years ago still fall short of where we need to be to guarantee a 1.5°C pathway. 

Here are Planet Mark’s key takeaways and reflections.

Loss and Damage

COP27 reached a historic agreement on a fund to provide developing countries with financial assistance for losses and damage caused by the climate crisis. Despite having the smallest carbon footprint, countries such as Pakistan, Kenya, and Barbados have experienced the most extreme impacts of climate change leaving millions displaced. After three decades, the issue finally made it into the COP27 agenda. However, there is no agreement in place as to how finance should be provided and where it should come from. Developed countries have yet to live up to their 2009 commitment to jointly mobilize $100 billion annually in climate finance. 

1.5C barely “alive”

Despite the progress on loss and damage, there has been a lack of progress during the summit on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster. The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to keep temperature rises “well below 2C” above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to keep it to 1.5C. Failure to keep 1.5C “alive” would be a death sentence for many small island states and African nations. So, COP26 in Glasgow saw countries agree to return each year to “revisit and strengthen” their 2030 climate plans by the end of 2022. But in the past year, only a small proportion have done so. The emissions-reduction plans submitted ahead of COP27 would cut less than 1% off projected global emissions in 2030. 

There was a glimpse of hope as several countries pushed for the final agreement to include a reference of the need to peak emissions in 2025 – the deadline for keeping 1.5C alive, but this was later scrapped from the final text. 

Fossil Fuels

Despite more than 80 countries supporting a proposal to phase down the use of fossil fuels, once again, the agreement finalised included the same as that in Glasgow. Fossil fuels are only mentioned once in the text – in the context of the “phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies”. Given the gravity of the climate crisis, this is still very ambiguous and weak language. 

Other notable firsts

The final agreement acknowledges the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) key finding of “tipping points” – a warning of the consequences of human-induced climate change that lead to changes that are not gradual and linear but could lead to rapidly escalating and often irreversible effects. 

Also included was a reference to “the right to a clean healthy and sustainable environment”, highlighting the clear link between global warming and health. 

Planet Mark Reflections

Net zero carbon emissions

Net zero certainly hasn’t moved forward enough at an international level at COP27, but the industry continues to show leadership with the release of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines, which provides our first end-to-end framework for what good net zero governance looks like from targets to plans, to claiming success. The UK’s net zero plan framework was also released by the Transition Plan Taskforce, which all listed companies must now submit to the FCA by the end of 2023, something that will cascade through supply chains in a really significant way. 

Andrew Griffiths, Director of Community and Partnerships at Planet Mark

Decarbonization

COP saw the announcement of the Breakthrough Agenda. An international collaboration covering 25 new priority action areas – including clarifying plans for ending the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. Elsewhere, a new report from the United Nations emphasised the importance of rapid and large-scale action to address emissions from the most energy-intensive countries. Whilst it is important to acknowledge these agreements – it is vital we shift from dialogue to action. Net zero is the goal, and the key to net zero is decarbonising not only at the company level but ensuring country-level actions are done in a timely manner. The government must prep grid, heating, and rail decarbonisation to allow businesses to reduce emissions, such as electricity, gas, and train travel. That is the big sticking point for the UK. 

Dr Rima Trofimovaite, Head of Certification at Planet Mark

Energy

Today, only 29% of global electricity generation comes from renewables, but given electricity generation represents 23% of worldwide emissions, we must move further and faster. Under the recently launched Sharm-el-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda, the initiatives for energy must meet the needs of the 733 million people still living without access to electricity. 1.5C can only be achievable with the rapid transformation of the global electricity system from coal to renewable energy. And this must be achieved with India, one of the world’s top emitters, announcing that coal will play an important role its country until at least 2040. 

COP27 and its legacy must be a time to prioritise implementation. It is a time for concerted effort across sectors, alongside international dialogue on energy markets. As businesses, we must pick up where governments have failed to act.  

Scott Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer at Planet Mark

Finance

Unlocking climate capital for developing nations represented a pivotal agenda point for COP27. From deploying mitigation and adaptation measures to ensuring the green transition is fair for developing countries – good policy and good finance must work together. At COP, we were glad to see finance sector alliances on net zero, (collectively representing more than $32T of assets) announce new members. Elsewhere, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry launched a new Energy Transition Accelerator (ETA) in a bid to finance the decommissioning of coal and the acceleration of clean energy. 

However, it is important to recognise the task ahead. In 2020, around 83 billion dollars was globally collated for climate finance. By 2023, this is expected to cross the 100-billion-dollar mark. Even if this momentum is maintained and we reach the pledge of 1 trillion dollars a year by 2030, for climate change to remain under 1.5 degrees, an estimated 1.6-3.8 trillion must be raised in climate finance, meaning current pledges are insufficient. It is crucial that there is a scaling up of finance from all sources, both private and public. 

Lilly Miller, Chief Financial Officer at Planet Mark

Governance and greenwashing

COP27 started under the shadow of Coca-Cola’s sponsorship and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg announcing she would skip the talks in Egypt, criticising the global summit as a forum for “greenwashing”. In light of this, we were encouraged to see the completion of a new set of guidelines published at COP, establishing standards for the pathway to net zero, by the International Standards Organisation. Alongside this, the UN Net Zero Group released a report outlining ten practical recommendations to bring integrity, transparency, and accountability to net zero by establishing clear standards and criteria.  
As Antonio Guterres rightly said, “We must have zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing”. We hope these recommendations, developed with participants from civil society, industry, government, and academia will keep organisations in line and close any loopholes. 

Dr Zoe Lee, Senior Strategy and Member Communications Manager

Regeneration

My fundamental hope for COP27 is that it would help create a greater appreciation of our interdependence with the natural world, allowing for decisions to be made that keep 1.5C alive. 

This year’s summit was dubbed the ‘implementation COP’ and whilst a few of the conversations have been constructive, many have not met the need to work collectively to address the urgency of the climate crisis. The work to accelerate radical reductions in carbon emissions has not achieved the desired outcome. Adaptation remains stalled by procedural affairs. The language was also weaker this time about the need for nations to update their Paris Agreement plans within a year. 

That’s not to say there has been no progress made at this year’s summit. Brazil’s incoming president has vowed to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. Young people have had a more powerful voice than ever, and an unprecedented loss and damage mechanism to compensate developing nations particularly affected by climate change has been announced. 

While progress on climate action lacks the urgency the world needs, keeping a sense of hope and optimism is essential in fixing the challenges we face. So, while the emotions of frustration, disappointment, and anger must be felt and lived, let’s not slip into doom-ism. Far better to use our emotions to find the hope that we can and will keep warming to a limit of 1.5C and ultimately ease it down. 

Given the shortfalls in policies, agreements, and tangible actions made, it is essential that we, as businesses, harness what momentum has been generated and bring the very best of people, technology, and nature to drive climate finance, climate justice, climate action and halt the destruction of our ecosystems.  

To give you a sense of what the Planet Mark community is doing to deliver action, we are proud to report we have certified the 500th company so far this year. As every company must cut carbon emissions to hold the Planet Mark, I think this gives a strong sense of optimism for the commitment of business and institutions. 

The world is demanding climate leadership. At Planet Mark, we are seeing that businesses can provide the leadership we need, and politicians will follow. We help mobilise businesses to create their own credible net zero targets and action plans as part of the UN-backed Race to Zero. If you’d like to join this race and demonstrate your commitment to net zero, get in touch to find out how we can help your journey.  

To learn more, watch Planet Mark’s COP27 Business Debrief webinar recording here.

Terminology 

Greenwashing: The Cambridge Dictionary describes greenwashing as actions by companies to “make people believe that your company is doing more to protect the environment than it really is.”

Net Zero:  The balance between the total GHG emissions released into the atmosphere and the total amount of GHG emissions removed from the atmosphere annually. Only once net zero is achieved can the next steps towards regeneration be taken by reducing global warming and removing more GHG emissions from the atmosphere than are being released. 

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Net Zero Guidelines: Set out a common path for the definition of net zero, actionable guidance on getting there as soon as possible and consistent reporting on emissions. 

Transition Plan Taskforce Disclosure Framework: Sets out a “gold standard” for companies for best practice climate transition plans. It provides a common and robust process by which organisations can be compared with one another. 

FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority regulates the financial services industry in the UK. The FCA introduced rules for listed companies and large regulated asset owners and asset managers to disclose transition plans as part of their Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)-aligned disclosures. 

Breakthrough Agenda: The Breakthrough Agenda launched at the World Leaders Summit commits countries to work together to make clean technologies and sustainable solutions the most affordable, accessible and attractive option in each emitting sector globally before 2030. 

Energy Transition Accelerator: The Energy Transition Accelerator is a public-private initiative to fund renewable energy projects through carbon offsets, with the purpose of accelerating the clean energy transition in developing countries. 

Race to Zero: The UN-backed global campaign rallying non-state actors to take rigorous and immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030 and deliver a zero-carbon world in time. This is guided by a set of procedural criteria known as the Five Ps: Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, and persuade aimed at galvanising participants on their net zero journeys. 

LOFA ASSURED - Hefty fine for Romford shop selling dangerous furniture

Be Safe – Be Sure – Be LOFA Assured 

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association is made up of the best brands in the outdoor leisure industry and the products they supply are not only of the highest quality but also safe.  

LOFA wanted to ensure that all the cushions sold by their furniture members complied with the most up-to-date safety standards so with this in mind they set up LOFA Assured, an initiative in partnership with Hertfordshire Trading Standards, that audits each LOFA member that sells cushioned furniture.

The audit requires the members to have full traceability on all cushions that they supply into the UK marketplace. Through extensive research LOFA has proven that 8 out of 10 samples on the shop floor or out in the marketplace are non-compliant with current UK regulations making the products unsafe. 

Proof of unsafe and non-compliant products is often hard to come but this story proves that nonregulated cushions are still being brought into the country and sold to an unsuspecting public. 

Hefty fine for Romford shop selling dangerous furniture

Published: Wednesday, 21 September 2022

The owners of Rattan Garden Furniture Ltd appeared in Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 6 September after Havering’s Trading Standards team received an anonymous complaint about two of their products – the ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Tokyo’ chairs. 

Trading Standards conducted test purchases of two Atlanta chairs and sent them to a laboratory for fire safety tests. The results indicated that the fabric and foam used in the chairs were unsafe. 

Subsequently, the council, supported by Essex Trading Standards, seized the ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Tokyo chairs from the company’s Essex warehouse. 

A suspension notice for the ‘Tokyo’ and ‘Atlanta’ product lines were also issued to Rattan Garden Furniture Ltd to prevent the sale of these product lines.  

Test reports for the seized chairs concluded that the fabric and foam used in the chairs were not compliant with the Fire Safety Standards for upholstered furniture (BS 5852) and therefore unsafe.

Rattan Furniture Company Ltd pleaded guilty to possessing goods that did not meet safety regulations, with the intention to sell to the public.

The company also pleaded guilty to contravening a suspension notice for continuing to advertise the Atlanta and Tokyo chairs for sale on its website after the suspension notice was issued.  

The company received a fine of £15,000 for the offences. It was also ordered to pay costs in excess of £13,000.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“In the wake of recent tragedies, it is vital that businesses follow strict fire safety rules for products to ensure their customers stay safe. There is no excuse for businesses to sell unsafe products. 

“It’s sad that we had to take action against this company, but I’m pleased with this result, and hope it encourages other companies to ensure their products meet British safety standards.” 

Mr. Brightman and Ms. Jane Rayment, the company’s Manager and Director respectively, both received an administrative caution for being in possession of goods for supply, that did not meet the requirements of the safety regulations, and contravening the suspension notice.

Don’t play cushion roulette – always buy from a LOFA member – always buy a LOFA Assured product. Don’t gamble with the safety of your loved ones. 

The LOFA Assured Swing tag means that retailers and consumers can be safe in the knowledge that these cushions have been tested to the highest standards and comply with the same fire-retardant regulations as your indoor furniture. 

The Big Give Christmas Campaign - Spread some Christmas magic

It's never to early to spread some Christmas magic and help Thrive & LOFA raise £12000 this festive season

THRIVE knows that gardening can bring positive change to people’s lives, and LOFA support their philosophy 100% so that is why they’ve pledged to help with Thrive’s first BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE!

The BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE is the UK’s biggest match funding campaign. For seven days this holiday season, donors will have their donations doubled if they support Thrive through The Big Give!

Below shows Thrive’s aims in this their first year of being a part of this fantastic opportunity.

HOW IT WORKS

LOFA have pledged £4000 to Thrive’s Pledge pot

The Big Give then find Champion Funders to, hopefully, match the LOFA pledge building a match pot of up to £6,000 for The Charity.

And this is where you come in!  Starting on Giving Tuesday, 29 November – Tuesday 6 December, this pledge pot will be used to double all public donations made to Thrive through The Big Give website.

For one week only you can donate to this great cause and help LOFA and Thrive raise much-needed funds to continue to use gardening to help people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable

Overall, Thrive is aiming to raise £12,000 all through the superpower of gardening.

LOFA is excited to be helping Thrive who have proven that social and therapeutic horticulture can have a profound impact on physical and mental well-being.

A PARTNERSHIP THAT IMPROVES LIVES

Thrive, the charity that helps people with their mental and physical health through gardening has teamed up with the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association, (LOFA) to help more people access their life-changing gardening sessions. 

Through a process called Social Therapeutic Horticulture, (STH) Thrive have proven that gardening can have a profound impact on physical and mental well-being. LOFA are committed to supporting their work by donating £5,000 each year. By working together, we can help more people living with disabilities, ill health, isolation, or disadvantage to enjoy the many benefits of gardening.

Thrive has three regional centres in Reading, London, and Birmingham, as well as outreach programmes in schools, hostels, hospitals, and care homes across the UK, they deliver social and therapeutic horticulture programmes that help people to improve their physical and mental health, communication and thinking skills. LOFA has made a commitment going forward to help charities that have a link to our industry as we, more than anyone knows the benefits of being outside in the garden.  That is why we are committed to helping Thrive transform lives across the UK.

Thrive supports and works with a wide range of people... Those who have physical or learning disabilities; those requiring mental health support needs, such as anxiety attacks. The charity also reaches out to older adults affected by dementia-related problems including stroke survivors and diabetes sufferers among others - alongside young individuals struggling socially/emotionally or with behavioural difficulties.

This is an amazing opportunity for LOFA to help people in local communities and we are really looking forward to working with Thrive. Gardening can be so beneficial for people's mental health, and it is great that LOFA can play a part in this. If you would like to find out more about the work that Thrive do, please visit their website, or better still donate.

Grow Healthy Together with LOFA & Perennial

LOFA is proud to announce its partnership with Perennial, a charity working to support and promote the health of those who work in horticulture. As part of this partnership, LOFA has pledged to donate £20,000 to help Perennial in their efforts.

One key initiative that LOFA is supporting is the “Promote Health Campaign”, which aims to provide free blood pressure and pulse checks which are vital and gives us a glimpse into our overall well-being. These checks signal early signs of an infection, prevent a misdiagnosis, detect symptomless medical problems and encourage us to make better choices, as well as detecting early signs of Hypertension, which can increase the risk of developing serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.  These checks will be provided in a LOFA sponsored health kiosk, which will be located at industry events up and down the country starting with the Landscape Show in 28/29 September 2022, Hall 3, NEC, Birmingham, and culminating at SOLEX, 10-12 July 2023. These free health checks will help contribute towards helping those who work in our industry stay healthy and safe. We are excited to be working with Perennial on this important initiative and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on those who work in horticulture.

Founded in 1839, Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping everyone who works in horticulture, including gardeners, groundskeepers, nursery and garden centre staff, landscapers, and arborists. Over the years, Perennial has helped countless people through difficult times, providing financial assistance and free advice on a wide range of issues. Today, Perennial is more important than ever, as the economic downturn has put immense financial pressure on those working in horticulture. In addition, social pressures can be equally challenging, as horticulture professionals are often low-paid and have to contend with physically demanding work. As a result, Perennial provides a much-needed lifeline for many people working in horticulture. Every year, the charity helps over 1,600 people with advice and financial assistance, and it will continue to support the horticulture community for many years to come.

LOFA is excited to be partnering with Perennial on this important campaign, it is just one of the ways that LOFA shows its commitment to helping those who work within the industry as a whole.

LOFA AND THE LANDSCAPE SHOW TEAM UP FOR AN EXCITING PARTNERSHIP.

2022 is the start of a great partnership between LOFA and the LANDSCAPE Show.

The synergy between these two shows is undeniable. They both work to promote great products and innovation within the outdoor industry. This partnership will be sure to bring a new level of excitement to both events.

The indoor-outdoor phenomenon is taking over all types of living spaces, from country homes to city apartments, and trade events dedicated to this collaboration are popping up all over the world. Garden designers, landscape architects, architects, architectural technologists, and contractors are all coming together to find market-leading products that can be used in high-end projects. This partnership between the outdoor leisure industry and the indoor living space industry is creating a new focus on architecture and technology. Thanks to weatherproof rugs, outdoor kitchens, showers on the terrace, and sofas in the garden, we can now enjoy the best of both worlds. No longer confined to our homes, we can now relax and entertain outdoors without sacrificing any of the comforts of indoor living.

For the first time in its history, the LANDSCAPE Show and LOFA (Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association) are collaborating. This partnership is a coming together of two great organisations with the common goal of championing the outdoor industry. By joining forces, we will be able to offer an even wider range of benefits and services to our visitors and members. This collaboration is an exciting step forward for both the LANDSCAPE Show and LOFA’s bespoke exhibition SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition).  We are looking forward to working together to support the continued growth and success of the landscape and outdoor leisure industries.

Be sure to check out the LOFA stand at the landscape show this year! You’ll be able to see some of the best products from some of the most innovative members of LOFA. And if you’re looking for more reasons to visit SOLEX, be sure to check out the LANDSCAPE Shows Garden Exhibit at SOLEX in July 23.

Register today for the

LANDSCAPE Show 28/29 September 22, Hall 3, NEC, Birmingham

&

SOLEX Exhibition 10-12 July 23, Hall 5, NEC, Birmingham

SOLEX 2023; The exhibition that's moving with the times

As an association, we know there are always new ways of doing things. Sometimes, we have to find new ways to get the job done and sometimes, the old ways are the best!

We were all set to hold the exhibition in May 2023 but after canvassing our exhibitors and visitors during SOLEX whilst they were all in one place at one time,  it seems that although we made provision for SOLEX to be held in May next year it turns out that the far east market has now shifted yet again and so we have been in discussion with the NEC about leaving the exhibition exactly where it is.

It suits our exhibitors, but more importantly, it suits the industry, who would have difficulty knowing what products they need to purchase before July. Spring is the main season for our visitors with sales continuing right up until the end of June.  July allows them more time to make better-informed buying decisions.

You learn by experience, and we have learned that SOLEX is a great show, the industry like it in July, the exhibitors like it in July so it turns out this show was great after all exactly where it was. 

The exhibition industry is always in motion with markets constantly shifting and it is great that SOLEX is able to be so flexible and agile to consider the needs of its exhibitors and visitor requirements.

Solex is committed to delivering an ever-growing and improving show year on year. We are constantly striving to innovate and improve our exhibition, and we believe that there is always room for improvement. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our exhibitors and visitors have the best possible experience, and we appreciate your ongoing support.

LOFA and SOLEX would like to take this opportunity to say a big “THANK YOU” to everyone that attended and visited SOLEX 22, it was wonderful to be back together again after so long. 

SOLEX  2023 is just around the corner, and we can't wait to do it all over again!

10-12 July 2023 | Hall 5 | NEC, Birmingham

AS SALES HEAT UP, CHAR-BROIL PROMOTES HIGH-PERFORMING SALES MANAGER LUKE HOPKINS

Char-Broil is delighted to announce that LUKE Hopkins, formerly Char-Broil UK National Sales Manager has been promoted to General Sales Manager for UK and Ireland

Luke has been with Char-Broil for just over a year, and during that time has helped increase distribution and build sales to unprecedented levels for the brand in the UK.

In his new role, Luke will be firing up Char-Broil’s business even further within the UK and Ireland and identifying and developing additional retail channels for the brand and its best-selling ranges.

“We’re delighted to give Luke the promotion he truly deserves,” says Ian Railton, Managing Director, Char-Broil Europe.  “He’s responsible for an impressive uplift in our UK sales and has the energy and focus that we need to help build the Char-Broil brand even further in both the UK and Ireland.”

Luke has strong knowledge and experience from within the industry, having worked previously at Landmann and the Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough. He’s now also a director of the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) working to promote brands within the UK gardening industry.

Char-Broil UK has had a very successful start to the year, with an increased number of retailers and garden centers taking on a wider selection of the brand’s innovative Gas2Coal and TRU-Infrared BBQ grills – including strong take-up of the new Performance Pro and Performance Core models, which are new for 2022. 

Char-Broil BBQ Strengthens UK Sales Team To Fire Up New Business

8th February 2022 - Due to the continued growth of the brand and a boom in sales for its highly-rated BBQ grills, Char-Broil has appointed Daniel Grundy as its new Sales Representative for UK & Ireland.  Effective immediately, Daniel's new role will be to forge new - as well as maintain and grow existing - relationships with Char-broil's key retailers within the UK and Ireland.

Daniel has strong knowledge and experience in sales after 10 years in retail within the motor industry, during which time he delivered strong sales growth figures year on year.

"We're delighted to welcome Daniel to the Char-Broil team," says Luke Hopkins, National Sales Manager for Char-broil UK: "Daniel comes with extensive sales experience and a strong set of customer service and consumer support skills."

"Daniel's main responsibility will be to support our accounts in all aspects of the sales journey, and help them in delivering a high level of customer satisfaction to the consumer.  He will be in regular contact with our accounts to ensure they have the support they require.

"We have a fantastic line-up of products for 2022 with new models across our innovative, best-selling TRU-Infrared and hybrid Gas2Coal ranges, and we look forward to working with Daniel to continue driving the success of the Char-Broil brand in the UK".

Daniel, who has a diploma in Electronic Engineering and a proven track record in exceeding sales targets even during the pandemic, adds: "I'm looking forward to contributing to the further growth of Char-Broil in the UK and to building relationships with both existing and new customers. It's an exciting time for the brand and I'm thrilled to be joining its dynamic UK team."

Daniel will be working out of the UK HQ in Witney, Oxfordshire.

New Head of Sales and Team Expansion at Hartman

FORMER LOFA SECRETARY PHIL GIBBS RECEIVES PRISON SENTENCE FOR FRAUD

On 14 October 2021 – Phil Gibbs, former LOFA Secretary was given a 27-month custodial sentence for Fraud by abuse of position – fraud act 2006 between 01/08/2013 and 31/12/2018. 

He had been made redundant in October 2018 as LOFA needed a greater marketing input, and there were some serious concerns and disciplinary actions relating to his poor financial reporting as requested by the previous Chairman Mark Osborne and Pravin Patel.

A former Secretary seconded in an interim term discovered suspicious paperwork which then prompted the launch of a full investigation. The board appointed an accountant to conduct a full forensic investigation going back several years and once the Fraud squad were involved there was an enormous amount of work carried out over many months to retrieve the facts and allow the Fraud Squad at Portsmouth to build a solid case. Phil Gibbs was calculating and conniving and had duped a professional company of auditors for over 6 years, there are suspicions his devious activity started even earlier than has been proved.

Phil Gibbs misappropriated a substantial amount of money from LOFA /SOLEX and even stole money allocated by the Board at LOFA to be donated to various charities, he was arrested in 2019 but still continued to evade the legal system until the overwhelming strength of the case was relayed to him by his council and finally led to him pleading guilty. The sentencing too was delayed by his actions before justice was finally served.

Our Chairman Pravin Patel commented – We are saddened and appalled that someone in such a position of trust could abuse the people and the organisation that had looked after him so well. We at LOFA have already ensured that the charities who were deprived of vital donations have been sent the funds allocated to them, the long fight to retrieve some of the money stolen from LOFA and SOLEX now begins.

Alexander Rose Ltd – Founder and Managing Director retires.

Borge Leth, the founder of Alexander Rose, retires after 27 years at Alexander Rose. 

Borge, a Dane, had a vision and over the years created the UK’s premium outdoor wood, weave, and metal furniture brand.  He now feels that the time has come to spend more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Borge, who will retire back home in Denmark, will remain as a consultant not only for Alexander Rose but also for the owners of the Roda Group and their two furniture factories in Bolivia and the Philippines. 

Jan Vejsholt (pictured) has been appointed as the new Managing Director at Alexander Rose, with a background of 35 years in Director roles at some of Europe’s leading modern contemporary furniture brands. 

Alexander Rose was established in 1994 and is based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. They source the highest quality materials and supply high-end furniture all over the world in a variety of traditional and contemporary designs.

Increased Freight Rates & Container Crisis

INCREASED FREIGHT RATES AND CONTAINER CRISIS

Over the past 19 months, LOFA has constantly been reporting on the operational issues faced by its members and the industry as a whole. We were hoping these issues would have lessened and we could have gained some respite however, it seems that these problems are now escalating even further.

LOFA can report that there is yet another increase in freight rates being levied at our industry, and the new FAK* rates from Asia to North Europe are now edging towards $20,000 per 40ft container, this represents a massive 1566% increase in the space of 19 months.

These increased rates will of course have a major impact on importers, retailers, and consumers. Retailers will not be able to sell stock if the retail prices have to be increased due to the jump in these shipping costs.  Importers will find themselves trapped, having to pay 16 times more for freight than last year and it would not be unlikely to expect some companies to flounder in 2022 if this situation is not resolved.

Considering many of our members have to bring in 50 plus containers in a season this is a huge amount of extra funding they are having to generate. 

Example

2021 - 50 containers @ $20,000 per 40ft Container           $1,000,000

2019 - 50 containers @ $1200 per 40ft Container               $     60,000

Extra funding                                                                        $   940,000

LOFA members have tried to absorb these costs where they can, to assist their customers, but this will no longer be possible with such a massive increase. 

The whole market is in bedlam and there are many defining factors causing this issue, price increases aside.

• Finding empty containers is exceedingly difficult. 
• Factories are producing products but are running out of storage space because there are no free containers to load the products onto.
• There is a new outbreak of Covid which is affecting the southern China Ports where there were reported to be up to 40 vessels waiting to berth last week.  
• The availability of containers at these southern Chinese ports continues to deteriorate as carriers omit calls due to a wave of Covid outbreaks in the Guangzhou province.  According to the latest data from Container xChange, the ports of Yantian, Shekou, and Nansha have been the worst hit by container shortages.
• There are far fewer empty containers arriving back to southern China as container lines skip calls, and many shippers face long delays or higher prices for equipment if these affected ports can’t be avoided. 
• At the moment there are 5 million containers currently in the wrong position in the world and 40% fewer vessels for June as a result of the Suez Canal issues. 
• When products eventually arrive in the UK there is now an issue with moving goods that have docked and cleared from the quay as inland haulage rates have reached new and unexpected heights.  

Is it the shipping lines that have colluded together and seized this opportunity to increase prices whilst the demand is strong and are now reaping the benefits for no other reason than they can?  Distributors, retailers, and consumers are now all paying excessively for this short-term profit gain, in real terms has Brexit, Covid and the high demand helped them to get away with their greed, and are they in effect operating as a cartel? Is there too much control in the hands of the shipping lines? 

In light of these ongoing difficulties LOFA has lobbied the Department of International Trade, the Home Office, local government and has also reported this price-fixing by the larger freight firms to the Competition and Markets Authority, this report is now with the CMA legal team who are deliberating on a decision. LOFA is hoping this will lead to a full investigation. 

*FAK is an acronym used in the shipping industry that stands for Freight All Kinds. According to globalnegotiator.com, they are rates applicable to all types of goods and not restricted to any particular commodity.

Suez Canal - Container Deliveries Stalled

More than 180 ships remain blocked in the Suez Canal in both directions, unable to get through one of the busiest waterways in the world, LOFA has learned that the freeing of the ship may take longer than originally thought.

A huge backlog of vessels is building up amid warnings that the salvage team could need days or even weeks, to prise out the giant container ship that’s blocking the crucial waterway.

Work to re-float the Ever Given and allow passage for oceangoing carriers hauling almost $10 billion of oil and consumer goods continued without success on Thursday. Tugs and diggers have so far failed to budge the vessel, and some experts say the crisis could drag on for several days. The Suez Canal Authority has temporarily suspended traffic along the waterway.

Many LOFA members have products on the Ever Given or held in one of the container ships behind the vessel, which means yet another setback for the outdoor leisure industry which is already dealing with issues caused by port congestion, lack of empty containers, and rising shipping costs.

The incident began on Tuesday when the Ever Given, on its way to Rotterdam from China, faced strong winds which kicked up sands along the banks of the 120-mile canal. The waterway is less than 205 meters in some places and can be difficult to navigate when there’s poor visibility. As gusts that reached as high as 46 miles an hour swept up dust around it, the crew lost control of the ship and it careered sideways into a sandy embankment, blocking nearly the entirety of the channel 

At about a quarter-mile long (400 meters) and weighing in at 200,000 tons, the sheer size of the vessel is overwhelming efforts to dig it out. The vessel will most likely have to be lightened before it can be dug out on either end. The salvors may have to lighten the ship by removing things like the ballast water, which helps keep it steady while at sea. Fuel could also be unloaded.

Container ships usually take 5-6 weeks to travel from China to UK ports, some shipping companies are now starting to divert their ships around the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, which adds about 3,500 miles to the journey and up to 12 days.

This could not have come at a worst time for LOFA Members and retailers with the Easter and May day weekends fast approaching it will mean extra delays for products arriving in the UK. 

Empowering change for a brighter future

2020 to 2030 will be the most important 10 years for our planet. What we do in this time will determine the course of humanity. If every person, association, organisation, and Government take decisive action now, we can all contribute to a flourishing society, a healthy environment, and a prosperous economy. 

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a business imperative and a critical global issue. Everyone wants to see action and people are becoming more engaged than ever in the process. It is our children and future generations that are going to suffer if we don’t all step up to the mark and start addressing these social and environmental concerns today.

Looking after the planet can realise many business benefits like better brand positioning, attracting great talent, cost savings, customer loyalty, and gaining a competitive advantage.  Future-proofing our businesses, in particular, is something that should be at the top of every to-do list, which can only have a positive impact on the world. 

LOFA has teamed up with Planet Mark, a company that cares about the planet and wants to help businesses action and power change.  Their certification recognises continuous improvement, encourages action, and helps build an empowered community of like-minded individuals to make a whole world of difference. 

LOFA first became aware of Planet Mark in 2020 at the GCA conference, where Sir Tim Smit KBE the founder of the Eden Project, gave a fantastic presentation on sustainability and what businesses could do to reduce their carbon footprints.

Some of our members have already started down this road (Alexander Rose, Lifestyle Garden @Scancom, Leisuregrow, Zest4leisure, Que Fresco, Kadai, and Ginique to name but a few) and are well on their way to reducing the effect their businesses are having on the planet. 

Planet Mark supports the Eden Project and also Cool Earth, a non-profit organisation that works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation by putting local people back in control of their forests.  Every business that joins Planet Mark protects an acre of rainforest for every year of membership, so far Planet Mark has protected hundreds of acres of rainforest in Peru, and LOFA’s involvement will protect hundreds more.

By measuring and reducing our carbon footprint with Planet Mark we can directly and measurable contribute to up to 9 Sustainable Development Goals and address 25 SDG targets

To help kick off this initiative, LOFA in conjunction with Planet Mark will be holding a Business Sustainability Essentials workshop. This workshop will outline how LOFA members can choose their organisation’s focus areas for carbon reduction and social value creation and take incremental steps forward to come up with plans to reduce carbon emissions.

BREXIT BORDER ISSUES ARE RESULTING IN MAJOR DISRUPTION FOR LOFA MEMBERS

The deal struck with the EU is proving to be not as frictionless as the industry had hoped. LOFA members are reporting of difficulties importing and exporting post Brexit, due to delays and complex paperwork requirements at the UK border.

Deliveries

Before Christmas deliveries were taking a maximum of 1 week to reach the UK, but hauliers have now increased average estimated lead times to a minimum of 3-4 weeks.  A number of the larger logistics companies are refusing to deliver to the UK unless they have full loads which can clear customs without touching bonded warehouses. This is because freight forwarded bonded warehouses are facing a backlog due to a build-up of trailers waiting to be unpacked. As a result orders can now be delayed for in excess of 2 weeks whilst they wait to be processed.

Significant business has been and will be lost because some Irish customers importing from Europe are using the ferry from Dunkirk to Rosslare, rather than using transport systems through the UK.

Borders

Borders are undermanned and there are just not enough staff to cope with the increased documentation checks. This coupled with the new systems that were triggered on the 1^st January which importers, exporters and hauliers are saying are convoluted and over- complicated, are causing issues at point of entry because of incorrect paperwork.

This is further compounded by a software update delay by the HMRC which means the current system is not up to coping with the demands needed for the new controls.

Charges

Tariff charges have increased for both imports and exports and in some cases doubled if the country of origin is outside Europe, which means sales are affected at every stage of the journey. There is a new £50 charge levied for each custom declaration plus a further tariff charge for each line item on an import document. This means that for some, drop shipping direct from Europe will no longer be viable.

Drivers and hauliers are reluctant to travel to the UK in case they have to quarantine for 14 days, Hauliers are telling us that it is chaos out there with long delays and unprecedented disruption. One company said that it has turned out to be… ”worse than the worst-case scenario they had ever imagined.”

The new regulations that have been imposed as a result Brexit are clearly forming a barrier to trade. They are not only having dire implications for our members but also the supply chain and the wider import/ export industry. As an organisation we are actively lobbying government departments and local MPs and asking them to urgently address the issues adversely impacting not only LOFA members, but also a significant proportion of other major UK industries.  

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Brexit deal was not a deal for continued and unrestricted trading. It is a deal that to date has put up logistical barriers and appears to be severing our commercial partnerships with Europe. 

Container Issues continue to escalate at UK ports

Container Issues continue to escalate at UK ports

LOFA reported two weeks ago of the congestion that is causing major problems at UK ports, this crisis is now escalating, and the situation is now being highlighted by the BBC who are reporting on the struggle and financial impact this it's having on UK businesses.

These issues at ports have led to shipping firms quadrupling their freight costs.  These delays, which mainly seem to be worse at Felixstowe, are being caused by a surge in import traffic.  

The owner of the port said that if the chaos continues, these increased shipping prices will have to be passed down the supply chain. It seems that containers are being left on the quayside because haulage companies are unable to book slots to enter the site. 

Retail outlets will suffer because they will be unable to sell what is en-route at the moment in time for Christmas which will mean there will be a knock-on effect for the outdoor leisure industry after the holidays when garden-related products start arriving ready for the S/S Season 2021. 

Hutchinson Ports UK who owns Felixstowe has said that Covid, the imbalance in UK Trade, and Brexit stockpiling have exacerbated the situation and they are working with their customers and stakeholders to try and find a solution for the current situation. 

Another problem that is facing the port is empty containers waiting to be shipped back to Asia, these are causing a backlog at ports across Europe and North America, and to add further fuel to the fire shipping companies have sharply increased freight prices in response to the congestion, some by as much as 300%.  

It is extremely worrying that big shipping lines are drastically reducing UK volumes because so much of the UK goods arrive through our ports.  Ports across the world are battling to manage these surging demands for imports but it seems that Felixstowe is struggling more than most.

Severe Disruption at UKs Three Main Container Ports

Congestion is causing severe disruptions at the UK's three main container ports. LOFA members are seeing shipping lines not being allowed to return empty containers to the ports because they have exceeded their agreed allocations. Consequently, ports are putting a block on them returning any further containers in an attempt to prevent congestion at the terminals.  In the past shipping, lines have used surrounding off quay container yards for overspill storage but this again is an issue because container yards do not operate the same hours as the ports.

Major congestion disruptions and misery at all three ports, Felixstowe, Southampton, and London are being further compounded by the added introduction of COVID 19 measures.

Right now, the situation is worsening, this crisis is expected to continue into next year, or until there is a let-up in the current volume levels, which is leading to carrier companies introducing port congestion surcharges.

This lack of space and container issues will result in price hikes coming in as early as next week.  This crisis has led to many carriers refusing bookings to the UK and even talks of UK ports being omitted on some vessel rotations. The container capacity issues in the market will inevitably lead to substantial increases in sea freight costs, and the lack of availability will also lead to delays in the delivery of containers to UK destinations. 

The situation will become worse before it gets better for logistic providers and UK importers.  It is hoped that the current backlog does not continue into Chinese New Year so that business can recover by the time we reach February 2021 and if not by the time we are all faced with the challenges that Brexit will bring.

This is troubling news for LOFA members and the industry as a whole, leisure products start to hit ports as early as December.  The UK appears to be in a particularly difficult position, the congestion and delays which appeared to impact Felixstowe initially have now spread to other ports, resulting in some vessels having to “cut and run’ before discharging containers.  The UK port issues have now led to one or two carriers unofficially communicating their refusal to take bookings to the UK from Asian locations during November. It will therefore follow that their vessels will not be calling at UK ports. 

Of course, the peak season, which has been heightened by six months of global trade being pushed into four this year, cannot be expected to continue indefinitely and is usually driven by Black Friday and Christmas sales. So, at some time, in the not too distant future, there must be some much-needed respite for UK ports and business, that said, with COVID-19 starting to peak once more, the current national lockdown and Brexit on the horizon, the next few months are still likely to be an extremely challenging time for the industry as a whole.

Coronavirus Help & Information

We recognise that the current situation surrounding COVID-19 will be a cause of major concern to everyone but we want to re assure you that we are here to help if you should need us. 

To help, please see below some useful links, online resources, guidance and information that may be useful.  

Guidance on Corona Virus

Difficulties paying HMRC

Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Insurance Support

Financial Guidance for SME’s

ACAS Employer and Employee Advice