Harrogate Nursery Fair is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, and almost as a tribute in these credit strapped times, there are still a record number of over 160 exhibitors booked. In fact there are more European exhibitors than ever before booked in, along with some new faces from New Zealand and China.

This issue of Ni is designed with the retailer in mind. We take a look at products you'll want to start ordering soon for summer, such as holiday and swimming accessories. Plus to help you advise your customers with up to date know-how, NiTalkingPoint gives you the facts on teaching babies to swim. We've two new business writers on board in Graham Hoyle and Emma Wimhurst who have the breadth of knowledge between them to advise businesses big and small. Graham has many years of tough business management experience with the likes of Burger King, House of Fraser, Laura Ashley, M&S Simply Food, Top Shop and WH Smith. Emma set up her own successful cosmetic small firm that rapidly bloomed and is now helping other SMEs find success through her company EMpwr.

Andrew Ratcliffe, known to most of you, is the MD of one of the most successful nursery manufacturers of the last decade, Dorel (UK) Ltd, owners of Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, Bébé Comfort and Safety 1st. Back from a swift week away he's kindly agreed to talk through his business management plans for the year, in the hope that it will benefit the industry as a whole.

And finally, I have to say goodbye to you from Ni. After a year at the helm, I have decided to pursue my PR interests in the trade. No doubt I'll still bump into you at exhibitions. I am delighted to announce that Becci Knowles is my successor, and she's already started.What's more she is working full-time on Nursery Industry and will be based at the head office in Maidstone. Becci is an experienced journalist with an interest in consumer goods, and she has a young daughter, Frankie. Please make a point of saying hello to her in Harrogate, as I know she wants to meet as many of you as possible.

 So from now on all news press releases, forward features ideas and feedback should be sent directly to Becci on bknowles@datateam.co.uk. I wish you all every success in 2009!

Emma