ProCook rescued by management buyout
Kitchen equipment and cookware retailer ProCook was bought out of administration as a going concern by a consortium of management and shareholders. ProCook had entered administration in early July, largely because of an overly aggressive store-expansion plan. It is believed that all 260 jobs at ProCook, along with its 39 stores, ecommerce site and catalogue, will be retained.

Multititle mailer Flying Brands saw its first-half profits shrivel by more than half, from £2.7 million last year to £1.2 million. Sales fell 5 percent, to £18.9 million. The company said that lower sales and higher costs at its Gardening Direct brand were responsible for most of the decline. Flying Brands also announced that it will terminate its licensing of the Sarah Raven`s Kitchen and Garden catalogue in October “because we could not derive enough value out of this partnership”.

Sportsman Gun Centre has acquired firearms and accessories retailer and import/export business D J Litt’s, which went into liquidation in May. With the acquisition, Sportsman Gun Centre intends to expand beyond its mail order and wholesale roots into new markets, including international. It is projecting combined sales of £20 million-£25 million for the year.

Online gifts registry Wrapit was finally put into administration, after the struggling merchant’s effort to find an investor or buyer fell through. KPGM has been charged with winding down the company.

Littlewoods Shop Direct has given its Love Label apparel brand a blog of its own. The website includes posts from six staffers as well as videos and photos designed to appeal to the label’s target audience of women aged 18-25.

The new owner of the International Direct Marketing Fair (IDMF) has folded the annual trade show. United Business Media acquired IDMF and the Ecommerce & Digital Marketing Expo from Reed Exhibitions last month. It subsequently announced that it would fold both shows into its existing exhibitions, which include Internet World.

Say thank-you to the suppliers and service providers that have been pivotal to your success by nominating them for an ECMOD Supplier of the Year Award. Sponsored by Catalogue/e-business magazine and announced at the annual ECMOD show, the awards celebrate excellence in seven key categories. You can make nominations in as many or as few categories as you wish, and there’s no cost involved. (Suppliers, you can encourage your clients to nominate you!) For details and an entry form, go to the Catalogue/e-business website at http://www.catalog-biz.com/winners.aspx.

A valuable half day module covering many facets of the print and production process features in this year’s ECMOD conference programme. Chaired by Tony Bishton from Advocus, this session will be held on 1st October, 9am -12.45pm. Our expert speakers will discuss how the latest digital processes bring personalisation up to a new and compelling level that seriously increases response. We will review environmental issues and look at how we can reduce our businesses’ impact by using greener processes and papers. We will look at the range of papers and finishes available today and how can they be exploited to add personality and differentiate brands. Nor can any session on catalogue production be complete without an exploration of the pre-press processes that can ensure near perfect colour reproduction. And we’ll also review what today’s sophisticated print management business can bring to you.

Expert speakers include Dominic Blakey from WWF Paper Sales UK, Patrick Headley from GI Direct, Laura Hall from Direct Wines and Alasdair Gibson from Mohn Media.

Be sure to book your place! It's only £145 per half day per person. Exclusive rates apply for Catalogue Exchange members, group discounts are also available. Please contact Sarah or Jenny on 01271 866112 or alternatively email sarah@ecmod.com Visit www.ecmod.com to find out more about the full conference programme.

Former MD

Former MD of mid-size multi-channel retailer with impressive record of online sales growth, IDM-qualified, looking for exciting permanent, consultancy or interim role.

For further information email: karen@ecmod.com

Interim General Management/Marketing Director

Interim General Management/Marketing Director available for assignments /consultancy. Experienced in start-ups, restructuring, international expansion, team recruitment. Specialised in B2B and customer service focused organisations.

For further information email: karen@ecmod.com

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