The Industry has quickly got into the swing of things this year, with everybody talking about Harrogate and the return of the UK pavilion in Cologne. Our news pages are packed this month, telling stories of expansion, distribution agreements and brand success in the UK and abroad – a sure sign that economic recovery is now in sight.

After a particularly testing 2009, it is hoped that this year will be one of economic recovery. Product innovation together with a steady stream of consumers wanting only the best for baby will ensure future prosperity for all. Yes times have been tough, but as an Industry we have weathered the storm and thankfully, the worst of it seems to be over.

It’s December already and as 2009 draws to a close, this month’s issue of Ni is a reflective one. Now that Peter White has moved on to pastures new, Chairman of the BPA Andrew Ratcliffe tells Nursery Industry what the Association is doing to move things forward for the Industry. Meanwhile in Ni Education , we ask eight key Industry players to tell us all about the highs and lows of the year before bringing you a 2009 Product Review.  All this in addition to News, Editor’s Choice, Ni Voice , Retail Spotlight, More than one Baby, Carriers & Slings and Changing Bags!

I found myself wondering this week where the year has gone! Since I began here in March the months have flown by - first stop was the Harrogate show, then the much anticipated Kind + Jugend, and only last month my very first Baby & Child. As sponsors of the Launchpad I naturally felt very supportive toward Baby & Child and so I was delighted when the doors opened Sunday morning and the hall soon filled with excited visitors, all keen to discover the ‘next big thing'.

September was an exciting month for the Nursery Industry team. We went to Cologne for our first ever Kind+Jugend, where we saw a whole host of exhibitors bringing a range of exciting products to market. There was a real buzz in the air as retailers worldwide came armed with their order books in the hope of lining their shelves with all the latest 'must haves'. 

The industry is gearing up for Kind +Jugend, taking place from 17th - 20th September in Cologne. We have prepared a handy show preview to take with you on your travels, boasting an exclusive interview with Markus Oster, Vice President of Business Unit Communications, Art and Fashion, Koelnmesse and packed with stand and product information.

It's been a busy few weeks here in the Nursery Industry office with a number of manufacturers and distributors calling to talk about the latest must-haves for readers. In four product features, we bring you Safety in the Home, Branded and Licensed Goods, Furniture and Pushchairs & Accessories.

The July issue of Nursery Industry is bursting with news, views, products and advice to help you improve your business at every level. With this in mind, I have a fantastic feature for you in NI Voice, as Mediamann's enigmatic Managing Director Ian Mullard looks at what retailers can do to boost brand awareness and generate sales.

I can hardly believe it is June already and I am three months into my role as Editor of Nursery Industry. We have been working closely with the BPA and I am delighted to announce that Ni is to sponsor the Launchpad at BPA Baby & Child 2009. The show takes place from 11th - 13th October at ExCel, London and promises a range of exciting exhibitors. For some pre-show analysis, check out Peter White's article, and more on the Launchpad.

Following 18 months of government lobbying, the VAT reduction for children's car seat bases was confirmed in the Budget on 22nd April. As the only VAT reduction in the entire Budget, congratulations must go to the BPA for bringing about this major change in government legislation. For more on this story, please turn to page 13.

Hello,

Putting together my first issue of Nursery Industry has been a challenging, but ultimately rewarding experience and I am looking forward to taking the magazine forward into 2009 and beyond. Having talked extensively with manufacturers, suppliers and retailers at the Harrogate Nursery Fair, I couldn't wait until May to bring you the review - check it out now on page 17! On page 10 we bring you Editor's Choice, highlighting good new products, while over on page 20 we find out what retailers can do to support Nursery Education at home. What's more, in the first of a series of interviews with retailers across the UK, we talk to Sally Starley, founder of Tiny Tots in Ashford Kent.

If you're exhibiting at Harrogate this year, and the figures show that being a resilient sort of industry, the halls are full again, you're no doubt feeling rushed off your feet. It's bad enough most years, but in 2009 it's even more important that good manufacturers sell their socks off with brilliant displays, exotic offerings and an irresistible patter that makes retailers want to spend more time with them.