And, of course, I was there to see the Gold, Silver and Highly Commended Awards being handed out. Some of the winners were obvious to those of us guessing from the various shortlists; some were more difficult, but all of them were well deserved. It won't be long before the M&B Gold Award logos start appearing on the various products but to give you a head start, the winners are listed on page 8.

2007 saw many products of interest being introduced and many old favourites increasing in popularity. There were many innovations and a number of products who deserve to be rewarded. In our last issue we highlighted several of these products. We have consulted a number of people throughout the industry and choose four products which we think deserve the title of Product of the Year.

With less than three months to go, the Harrogate Show is almost sold out. All the stands in Halls A, B, C and M are sold out and the last few in Hall Q are under offer. However, it is possible to expand the exhibition area but it is only viable if there is sufficient interest. It is therefore important for any supplier out there who might be thinking of exhibiting to contact Robert on 01902 671974 and at least express their interest! Don't be one of those who decide at the last minute only to find there's no room!

Research shows that the average parent will lift their child into his or her car seat 7,664 times over three-and-a-half years, lifting a total weight of 92 tons! Fortunately, the launch of the Bébé Confort Axiss car seat means mums and dads don't need to be weight lifters any more. The Axiss car seat rotates 90 degrees on its base, enabling a child to be easily placed into, or lifted out of, the seat from the car's side door making it easier for parents to lift, avoiding awkward movements and that extra arm power!

At this time of year companies set their marketing budgets for the year ahead and when doing so should consider sponsorship amongst the many different opportunities available.

Bambino Mio are set to unveil a new advertising strategy at the beginning of 2008. Already the company have moved from solely classified advertising to full page advertising within a number of magazines during 2007. This year, Bambino Mio will reach new parents by advertising in new and existing national titles, websites and other niche media.

Close Baby Carrier, the product designed and promoted by baby carrying mentor Claire Scott, is attracting waiting lists more akin to a ‘must have' designer bag. Since Close Baby Carrier's appearance on Channel 4 and Claire's popularity with mums, sales of the organic carrier have reached fever pitch.

For the past 12 months, Natal Hypnotherapy has been conducting an on-line survey to test the effectiveness of self-hypnosis - does it really help women to have a positive pregnancy and birth experience? It's a common perception that giving birth equals pain, however, this survey shows that this is not the case.

Bambino Mio have recently designed a new range of Point of Sale material. The new range has been designed to seize the attention of the consumer once they enter a store and to keep them better informed about Bambino Mio's award winning cotton nappy system. Window banners, posters, official stockist stickers, mobiles and shelf wobblers are the items available.

Tomy is teaming up with Prima Baby to launch a national search for ‘Daddy Idol' to front its advertising campaign - a gorgeous new Dad to be the ‘face' of their brand new, stylish Freestyle carrier range. Up for grabs is a real money-can't-buy prize - the chance to star in the 2008 national print advertising campaign for the award winning Tomy Freestyle Carrier range, launched this Autumn.

Chorion Ltd, the UK-based owner and manager of classic and contemporary literary-based brands with worldwide appeal, have announced the acquisition of The Copyrights Group Ltd, a leading independent licensing business, for an undisclosed sum.

Eric White, Chief Executive East Coast Nursery Ltd, was thrilled to hear that Mandy Thomson was the first winner of the 'Agent of the Year Award' at the Baby and Child Fair, as she has been a successful Agent for East Coast Nursery Ltd for fifteen years: "The fact that the retailers voted for this award meant so much to Mandy as she cares passionately about her work, and is always totally professional".

Dorel UK Ltd has announced the appointment of Jan McNulty. She joins the Dorel team as National Account Manager from Halfords, where she was a Buyer and Product Manager for two and a half years. After a very successful year in which sales of both its car seat and pushchair ranges have increased significantly, Dorel wants to ensure that customers continue to enjoy a high level of service.

At a glittering Awards night, over 700 industry representatives were dolled in their finery at the London Hilton. All products at the awards were tested and rated by mums before their feedback decided which brands won the Gold, Silver and Highly Commended Awards.

Q - When and where were you born? 

A - Wrexham, North Wales. 

Q - Education?       

A - St Josephs RC High, Wrexham.

There have been a number of articles in this magazine over the last year or so which make comparisons between agents and representatives. I believe they are heavily biased towards representatives, the most recent of them even more so. Therefore, I welcome this opportunity to try to redress the balance.

Throughout the festive season the vast majority of us will seek information and advice from the omnipresent Internet. When we look for presents most of us will identify and compare products even if we don't actually buy them online.  It is now part of our daily lives and has become a prime channel for communication and of course for sales. It was only a couple of years ago that I can remember the debate over Internet sales and the killing of the high street and of course now we have seen most nursery retailers incorporate this channel into the heart of their marketing and sales process.

Have you seen this week's Heat magazine? The one where the Very Famous Person shows off her new baby with the picturesque nursery in the background. Or did you see the picture of that footballer in the tabloids with the latest addition to his family in that expensive pushchair? Whatever your personal thoughts about celebrities, they sell magazines and newspapers. But do they help sell baby goods?

On the face of it, a trade show is simple. Those who have products to sell pay for a stand and display what they have to offer. Those who are interested in buying come and see what's on offer and, if they like what they see, place orders.

Pushchairs are the mainstay of any nursery retailer. It is usually the search for the perfect set of wheels that brings customers into the shop in the first place and if the sale is made, not only is that a significant part of the day's takings but the goodwill it engenders can open the way for a lot more sales to that customer and her friends.

Chicco's new top of the range, For Me Stroller, suitable from birth to 3 years of age, has contemporary styling and innovative features meaning it has quickly become a favourite with both consumers and retailers. It features a comfortable seat unit which can be used rear or forward facing and the fact that the whole seat unit turns round very simply, with no need to adjust harness or hood, makes the whole process quick and easy.

New model with a stylish, contemporary chassis and wheels. Suitable from birth to 15kgs max / 3 years. Light and compact when folded. The comfortable padded seat and backrest can be fully reclined with one hand and has 5 positions. It comes with a matching fleece foot muff featuring "soft cot" style hood and pockets for extra warmth and protection. It can be zipped apart to form a leg cover. Comfort is further enhanced with a two-position leg rest, detachable folding hood and rain cover.

The award winning Powertwin enables twins (with the use of 2 Rebel car seats) and babies of different ages. The rear seat can recline (3 positions) completely and is suitable from birth, and the front seat (2 positions) reclines slightly and is suitable from 3 months+. The Jané Powertwin was created for adventurous mums and dads with a longing to explore together with their babies in a new territory which was traditionally unfit for the conventional pushchairs. It is adaptable for twins, new-born and toddler or 2 toddlers.

The Jané CARRERA Aniversario model is the latest creation of the philosophy that Jané has consolidated over its 75 years of experience. Each piece is Jané each part breathes luxury and perfection down to the last detail, with pure aesthetics, Avant-garde design, top-of-the range materials, Quality of Life, Simplicity multi-purpose; it all adds up to the new Carrera Aniversario.

Family firms are far from dead, as Cam consistently proves. Founded 40 years ago by Franco Rho, who introduced his brothers to the company, it is now run by them and their children. All of them are involved in various departments and they are keeping the company young and vibrant, pushing forward with new ideas and projects, whilst adhering rigidly to having everything produced in-house and stamped with a big ‘Made in Italy.'

Concord has come up with the perfect Travel System solution for parents with more get-up-and-go than storage space.  The Scout carrycot forms part of the Neo travel system, and simply clicks into place on the chassis.  It is a carrycot that's sturdy, safe and secure when in use but which folds to tiny proportions ( 44 x 27 x 48cm) when it's time to put it away.

The new 'Ip-op' is the latest addition to the 'New Generation' range of luxury prams and pushchairs from Bébécar. Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, the Ip-op has self-lubricating wheels to ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for babies and toddlers, and when folded, the chassis is very compact.

The new fully-featured 3D fold pushchair from Graco, the Cleo, offers a stylish and practical choice for all parents-to-be.

Since the addition of the much anticipated Toro to the Micralite range, demand amongst consumers has grown dramatically.

The Combi Caterpillar Tandem is the ideal solution for families with two small children. The rear seat folds flat for newborns while the reclineable front seat is suitable for use from 6 months.

Maclaren, the creator of lightweight, umbrella-fold buggies and from-birth travel systems, have announced an unprecedented new Lifetime warranty. Unique in the buggy industry, the programme is being introduced with Maclaren 2008 Collection Buggys and will be offered in 2008 as a complimentary upgrade to the statutory Warranty. 

Co-ordination has been a key feature for decorating the nursery for a number of years now with a number of parents decking out the baby's room in one perfectly co-ordinating set from a matching range of designer furniture, bedding and soft furnishing.

Following a successful toy box offer in the summer Boori are offering consumers a free toy box valued at £199 with all orders for 3 items of nursery furniture including a cot-bed during January 2008.

With over 8 years experience in the nursery trade baroo was formed by Andy Payne, specialising in toddler bedding. Now in their third year of trading, baroo has grown, offering a wide range of designs in toddler bedding with some great new ideas up and coming for 2008!

These natural Rubber wood seats have colourful legs that match the comical, cartoon animal face chair back and will encourage even the most energetic tot to sit at the table for tea!  There are four to choose from, all instantly recognisable characters from the farmyard such as a cow, sheep, pig and duck. Each has a cheeky expression to add humour to the playroom.

gro-group®, provider of innovative and practical parenting solutions, has been announced as Platinum sponsor of the SIDS 10th International Conference 2008, hosted by the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID).

The latest range of co-ordinating nursery furniture to be launched by East Coast Nursery Ltd, the Havana, consists of a Cot Bed, a Dresser and a Wardrobe. Made in solid pine with a birch effect finish, all of the furniture items including the shelves are solid wood, unlike other ranges on the market that use MDF.

The Arm's Reach® Universal Co-Sleeper® Bassinet is a pioneering baby cot that creates a safe, dedicated environment for baby, and also converts to several additional uses-a free-standing bassinet, changing table, play pen, and travel cot.  This flexibility is unprecedented in the UK and is as exciting as it is cost-effective.

Baby carriers can sometimes be a secondary consideration for many new parents, but this can only be an opportunity for retailers, increasing the opportunity of making a sale as they explain the pros and cons of the various types.

The recent launch of our fair-trade organic range of Wilkinets was met with a fantastic response from parents, retailers and the consumer press. Junior, Pregnancy & Baby magazine's baby carrier review selected the Wilkinet as their Green Choice carrier in 2007.

The new I-GO from Cybex is the ultimate Baby Carrier. Developed with the help of paediatricians, the I-GO is designed so that the baby is carried horizontally for the first four months, giving crucial support to the still developing spinal column, and then from approximately four months to one year old the baby can be carried vertically, either facing the parent or facing forward.

The Baby and All Bag^TM by Debra Clare carries all your essentials and the baby too!  As well as having plenty of room for all mum's and baby's essentials, this changing bag doubles as a baby carrier. Simple to convert from shoulder bag to carrier without even needing to take it off. With 3 carrying positions, a simple hip support, a hands free hip carrier and a full front carrier what more could a busy parent ask for.

Awarded Silver in the 2007 Practical Pre-School Awards Childcare Category and 5 out of 5 stars by Mother & Baby Magazine, the unique Hippychick Hipseat child carrier is indispensable for active parents. Also featured on BBC's Street Doctor the Hipseat is specifically designed to address one of the root causes of adult back pain, the seat provides a firm shelf for the child to sit on and supports their increasingly heavy weight from underneath.

Close Baby Carrier, the product designed and promoted by baby carrying mentor Claire Scott, has released details of an exclusive new range for 2008 to coincide with the UK tour by Continuum Concept author Jean Liedloff.  :  "Bringing Up Baby has without question captured the attention of parents and sales of Close Baby Carrier has been phenomenal, said Claire Scott.  "This tour will build on what we have achieved through Channel 4."

Following a successful launch into the UK market in 2007, Infantino is looking forward to great things ahead in 2008 with refreshed best sellers and significant new launches this spring. Infantino will maintain their position of offering the most comprehensive range of soft infant carriers available from any UK supplier with a carefully structured range based on core principles of choice, quality and great value-for-money.

January is the time that thoughts turn to holidays. If you're spending a couple of thousand on a holiday, then a few pounds extra on making life easier with baby isn't a great deal and many parents would welcome the extra things which make their life easier - if they know about them! Products that are light in weight and fold up small can be a godsend and spending a few pounds on suitable equipment can make all the difference between a relaxing holiday and one where mum is continually stressed looking after baby.

With experience and heritage spanning over 35 years, Quality Products International (Europe) Ltd's floaties® range are at the forefront of modern product development.

The Arc 3 Cot is a part of the new LittleLife range of travel cots; designed to be a safe, practical solution to the problem of heavy, bulky cots for families on the move. Combining soft, ultralight materials with the strength of the spacious geodesic frame design, the Arc 3 provides the child with a comfortable environment in which to sleep or play. The dimensions of the cot are 125cm diameter x 75cm high, and the design makes maximum use of the space for the child.

If you're planning a holiday this year, you simply cannot leave home without these three basic travel items for you and your family:

This year's fair is sold out with over 200 toy, games and hobby companies exhibiting. Of course many of these stands are not of interest to the nursery retailer, but some such as Flair, Hippychick, John Crane and others too numerous to mention are definitely brands which sell well in a nursery environment.

Fiesta Crafts have come up with some great toys for babies this year including another terrific toy set for tots - Wacky Stackys!

Great Gizmos will be catering for toddlers at Toy Fair with their fabulous EuroTrike and Zebra ride-on ranges.

The adorable new Woodlands collection by TOLO® Baby from John Crane Ltd will be wowing buyers at Toy Fair.

2008 sees some fun and funky additions to the Sassy range from Flair with an abundance of pick me up items that are perfect for an instant purchase to tempt the discerning consumer.

Pioneering toy, Baby Sshh, has been scientifically developed to transform a crying baby to a happy baby.  A real helping hand, the toy is revolutionary: Over 80% of mothers who tried it said they'd buy it.