The biggest 'Shock, Horror' news story this month is the News that Jenny Burrows has decided to resign from the BPA and will leave at the end of the year.

After 11 years in the service of the BPA, Jenny Burrows has decided that it is time for her to seek a new challenge and will be leaving the BPA at the end of December.

In December, Brian Smith, Peter Freeman & Carol Evans are set to leave the nursery trade after 110 years of service of which 90+ years have been spent with Rochingham mattresses. Brian reflects, 'This is an end of an era for us all. Partly down to age, and our parent company's decision to relocate Rochingham's manufacturing and administration from Kent to Derbyshire, will mean that we'll all leave at the end of the year.

The Baby Show in association with Bounty sponsored by Volvo, organised by Clarion Events held their final Show of 2007 at Earls Court in October. Following the launch of the ExCeL Show in March (23,337 visitors), and NEC Show in May (24,667 visitors) Earls Court brought in a further 26,000 visitors meaning the total number of parents and parents-to-be who attended the Shows reached a record 74,000 throughout the year.

Although Hardenberg&Co is a new company in the baby products industry (established in January 2007), its owners have been around for many years. Marc Hardenberg (Managing Director) has previously worked for Johnson & Johnson (Netherlands), MAM (Austria) and Jackel International (Tommee Tippee) as International Sales & Marketing Director. Julie Ebrey (Sales Director) has been in Sales throughout her career and has worked many years for MAM where she was UK Sales Director and later at V&A Marketing.

BPA Retail is increasingly providing the link between the manufacturers or distributors of baby products and the end consumer with many new retailers signing up to be part of the scheme. BPA Retail's ultimate aim is to enable the general public to make an informed choice when choosing a nursery retailer whilst offering support and whole host of benefits to its members. Since last month's BPA Baby & Child, the scheme has continued to grow in popularity as retailers seek official BPA endorsement.

Practical Parenting magazine held their annual award in October. Amongst the winners were:

Three wheeler: Maclaren MX3
Pushchair: Babies R Us i2i Maxx
Travel System: Mamas & Papas Pliko Travel Pack
Double buggy: Mamas & Papas Twin Pulse

Summer Infant has put in place a new Supply Chain structure to meet increasing consumer demand and ensure customers receive the best level of care and attention.

Cheeky Rascals have been hard at work establishing the HandySitt in the catering industry (they've even got a dedicated catering website www.handysitt.biz), and it's paying off in more ways than one!

The lucky winner of the 2007 Summer Infant Champagne draw is Dave Truscott of Southampton based independent retailer Just Kidding. Dave will receive a magnum of Moët & Chandon Champagne. The draw, which is a popular feature of the Summer Infant stand, took place on the last day of the BPA Baby & Child show.

A recent episode of Dragons Den saw £100,000 offers from Deborah Meaden and new dragon James Caan turned down. Polly Marsh and Helen Wooldridge chose to stand their ground and walk away empty handed after a thrilling den session with their ingenious Cuddledry® baby bath towel and those five inscrutable reptiles!

Bambino Mio now sell their nappies and accessories in 65 countries worldwide. As demand for their products now stems as far afield as Japan and New Zealand a new logistics warehouse has been opened in Hong Kong to serve the Asian and Australasian markets.

It is a well documented fact that shoplifting accounts for a serious dent in a company's profits. The annual loss to retailers is in the millions and as such numerous tactics are used to prevent shoplifting. So, what can you do?

It has been widely-publicised that the Companies Act 2006 is the largest piece of legislation ever passed by Parliament. It runs to 1,300 sections and 16 Schedules. Besides that, delegated legislation in the form of statutory instruments under which provisions are brought into force and regulations made will continue to expand the total of this giant.

Q - When and where were you born?
A - Croydon, Surrey - 11th November 1978

Q - Education?
A - Jumped into the deep end when we moved to Wales and chose to do secondary education in a Welsh language school, Ysgol Y Preseli. This was followed with a History degree at Cardiff University.

The Baby Products Association is proud to launch Concept 2008 - the perfect platform for inventors of products for babies and children to showcase their new ideas. Would-be inventors from all walks of life are invited to put forward their designs and prototypes.

For many people, packaging exists simply to prevent us getting to whatever it is we've bought! It feels as though the suppliers have something against us and are taking their revenge! The product comes wrapped in plastic, cardboard and shrink wrap, all of which ends up in the bin. The amount we throw away is becoming a serious problem; we cannot keep on dumping rubbish in landfill sites any longer.

When gro-group founders Rob and Ouvrielle Holmes introduced their grobag baby sleeping bag to the British nursery market in 2000, they never imagined that this would form the beginning of what is now an established global brand with a strong portfolio of practical parenting products.

America is a different place – they do things differently there! Over there, there has been a sort of recall. The product itself has not been recalled but there has been a change to the instructions and warning labels! The reason? The Bumbo seat has been used on work surfaces etc and a number of children have got out of the seat and fallen.

Baby Walkers are an all important way for toddlers to take those first, tentative steps and the Melissa & Doug collection from Flair introduces the Chomp and Clack Alligator Push Toy that will encourage all tots to get on the move!

The new DJ Babywalker comes equipped with a fun sounds and lights toy. The electronic activity toy features a light up keyboard that has notes, melodies or animal sounds. It also has manual activities, including a sound effects levers, “music book” with pages that turn, all making amusing sounds and which help the co-ordination and stimulation of baby’ senses. The toy can be removed, to reveal a useful play or food tray, then using the straps provided the toy can be fixed to a stroller bumper bar.

Top-selling Tigger Door Bouncer from The First Years has proven to be a firm favourite with parents and babies alike! Featuring well-loved Winnie the Pooh character, Tigger, this bright, colourful bouncer keeps little ones amused for hours providing indoor entertainment as well as useful exercise. Adding to the fun, as baby bounces, Tigger’s tail goes up and down while his head makes fun rattle sounds. A great way to keep baby amused without wearing mum out!

This traditional Walker and bricks from East Coast is perfect for giving confidence to toddlers when on the move, and they will enjoy playing with the different shaped and coloured bricks that all fit neatly in the Walker.

A new top of the range chair suitable from birth. Featuring a soft comfortable seat with insert pillow, in the shape of a fun bear, with squeak and rattle toys combined. The lower pocket of the bear pillow has a soft blanket for extra comfort at naptime. The electronic toy bar has five fun melodies activated by the hanging toys, accompanied by flashing lights, and the dancing bear band. Designed to entertain and develop baby’s manual co-ordination skills at the same time.

Kids II will launch a unique range of Bright Starts™ bouncers and swings in 2008 that will become staple items for babies everywhere.

Tippitoes' bouncer opened the door on a whole new baby world. Since their original doorway bouncer was first introduced many derivatives have come to the market but not one matches the smooth bouncing action of this one.

Petite Star’s range of rockers & bouncers has something for everyone… My House (mostly for boys…) Tea Party (mostly for girls…), Tranquility (neutral creams & taupes) and top of the range Green Fingers are all fantastic value, beautifully-designed products.

The award winning Lux Exerciser from Little Shield has specially designed movement controls to ensure that babies cannot travel too far and special anti-slip grips prevent the exerciser from sliding down inclines.

When customers come into the shop looking for a cloth nappy, do you just point to the stand over there or do you talk them through the pros and cons of the various types? For some time it has been good enough to stock one sort of cloth nappy. Now cloth nappies are mainstream, retailers need to offer a choice.

Bambinex recently won the Innovation award 2008 and Babycentre Best buy which is no surprise as their nappies are fast becoming the nappy must have. All the bamboo nappies and microfibre teddy nappies are available in single packs, complete and trial kits, superbly packaged for the retailer and available with full instruction guide.

The Rebecca Dresser from East Coast Nursery Ltd, awarded 'Best Buy' in the December issue of Practical Parenting, is designed to look good in any nursery, with its rattan panels, useful shelves and cupboard space, and the detachable changing unit that fits neatly and securely on the top.

OiOi® are doing it again, turning heads with another stunning new bag. This time the bag with the wow! factor is the fabulously slouchy Hobo Sack in the gorgeous Giraffe print. It stole the show at Cologne and looks set to be the bag of the season.

Every year, there are a number of really good products which are launched onto the market. There are also some not so good and some – well, it makes you wonder what the supplier was thinking of! But every new product is a result of new ideas. The result of someone sitting down and creating. This creative process and the new ideas it generates are essential for the well-being of any industry. Even the not-so-good products can spawn the idea for better things.

Sassy from Flair Plc is the infant developmental range that is fast establishing itself as a sector leader.

The range consists of teether and mealtime accessories, a fun range for bathtime and a complete collection of toys that will surprise and delight any infant from birth. Each item has been developed to enhance the senses of baby with many additional features for added value.

Anna & Boris are the additions to their Fair Trade Peppa doll range from Babyhut. These dolls are a ‘must have’ Handmade and hand knitted babies; children and adults will love to cuddle them.

gro-group® has launched an exciting new concept in safer and stylish bedding. The grobag® first duvet and grobag® first bedding set is the next step up from the bestselling grobag® baby sleeping bag range and makes it easier for children to move from a cot to a first bed.

News in the Happy Mummy Out & About range! The ever so popular BearView Mirror that allows the driver to view their rear-facing infant now has a new addition to its family which has become the new best seller – Pinky Pup! The 12” new size bear mirror are also flying off the shelves with its great retail price. The new Happy Mummy ‘Hook n Stroll’ is proven a hit with retailers and consumers.

Pumpuli is the new name for an exquisite range of beautiful baby clothing and blankets. Each item is unique as all Pumpuli products are fully hand-knitted with individual care and attention. The cotton used for Pumpuli garments is grown organically without the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. It is dyed naturally from rose petals, minerals and onion skin.

2007 has been a great year with increased sales and new accounts added.

We have introduced two new products into our existing range and look forward to introducing more products over the next year including new designs of our ever popular 2-in-1 Harness Buddy, our unique alternative to traditional reigns.

Retailers, parents and nurseries across the UK have discovered the excitement of the new Yes! SuperBaby Collection after successful trade and public exhibitions in both the UK and at K+J in Cologne during 2007. The product range consists of the Yes! SuperBaby Music Scarf, Music Armband and Nursing & Stimulation Top.

Unlike most snugs on the market the fabulous Bunker from Lodger has been designed for year round use. Incredibly versatile and made up of 2 parts (a warm fleece waterproof outer shell with a soft, plush removable inner liner), it can be used in 3 different ways - when it’s cold and damp use both parts together, use without the lining for milder conditions, and use the liner alone on warmer days.

How can you resist? Try this best-selling mild and gentle natural babycare range - everything you need including organic lavender, chamomile or mandarin bodywashes, bubblebaths, lotions, creams and biodegradable wipes.

With their range of EN 13138 compliant swimming aids for babies & children, and with experience spanning over 40 years, floaties® are at the forefront of modern product development.

High quality Bouncers, Rockers, Walkers, Activity Mats, Soft Toys, Growth Charts, Safety Gates, Potties, Baths, Changing Boxes, Cuddle Robes, High Chairs, Bibs, Feeding Trays, Travel Cots, Baby Carriers, Changing Bags and the StarWrap. "Nothing new there" some might say (actually there is but let's not spoil the punchline!).

Without doubt babies and children have accidents, whether it’s an urgent nappy change, travel sickness, a spilt drink or reflux.

The Bag-It from Sunshine Kids is the ideal solution for all families. Bag-It comes in 3 roll packs with 12 high density disposable bags on each roll. The bags are lightly scented to help control those nasty niffs that can accompany some accidents.

The 07 BPA Baby & Child Show saw the launch of Chicco's brand new top of the range, For Me Stroller, suitable from birth to 3 years of age, its contemporary styling and innovative features have meant it has quickly become a favourite with both consumers and retailers.

Celebrating 25years, 2007 saw the launch of the new fair-trade organic range of Wilkinet baby carriers. The consumer press have responded positively to the launch.Junior, Pregnancy & Baby magazine’s baby carrier review selected the Wilkinet as their Green Choice.

Konfidence have worked with leading swim schools for a number of years in designing products to keep babies warm in the water.

Konfidence offer Babywarma© wetsuits in a range of funky colours starting from 0-6 months through to 1-2 years.

An explosion of colour for little ones, Goochicoo by Izziwotnot offers a whole new world of baby stuff with style!

Oozing Charisma, our family of Goochicoo babies are bursting with fun and really bring to life the spirit of children everywhere.

Because the basis of our business is to produce an environmentally friendly alternative to the disposable nappy we feel that it's of up most importance to do everything we can to lessen the impact our products, production methods and our company as a whole has on the environment.