The end (of the recession) is nigh?
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales is predicting an increase in GDP for the third quarter, a reversal of the previous five quarters of declines. That, along with the news that retail sales for July rose 3.3 percent from last year—the steepest increase since May 2008—and increasing confidence among business owners and executives in several surveys, is leading many pundits to suggest that the UK may be about to emerge from the recession.

Pitch TV in liquidation
Pitchwell Group, the parent company of home-shopping network Pitch TV, ceased trading and fell into liquidation on 10th August. In a release, the company blamed “unreasonable steps” taken by its bank “which ultimately brought the business to a standstill”. 

Patra Silk gets kid-friendly
Patra Silk has expanded its range of silk undergarments to include items for children. The cataloguer specialises in silk apparel and underlayers for men and women.

HDN buys G&M Distribution
Home Delivery Network has acquired Scotland’s G&M Distribution. G&M has been HDN’s longtime subcontractor for two-person home deliveries in Scotland.

ECMOD2009 conference – have you booked your place?
This year's world-class multi-track conference has adopted the theme “Driving Profitability” and features over 60 top speakers from the US and UK. The conference covers all the burning issues, latest developments, new strategies and techniques for driving profitability in b2b and b2c enterprises. A full programme along with speakers and rates are available to download here. Don’t miss out!

The latest companies who have signed up to exhibit are Collect+, Express KCS, Existem Affiliate Management and Intechnica. These join a raft of specialist suppliers getting ready to wow ECMOD visitors and delegates. Exciting new features for 2009 include the International Boulevard, Catalogue Exchange Village, and a custom built Deluxe Theatre which will accommodate free seminars. Companies interested in exhibiting should call Jill on 01271 866112 without delay to avoid disappointment.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest updates: twitter.com/ecmodshow. Visiting the exhibition is entirely free of charge and you can register to do so now and be kept abreast of all the special deals exhibitors are offering during the show.

Supplier Awards entry form is now available for new categories
The entry form for the four NEW categories for Suppliers to enter in this year's Catalogue Exchange/ECMOD Supplier Awards is now available to download here. The closing date for entries is 15th September. These all-new specialist supplier awards are designed to highlight the incredible contribution that our valued supplier organisations bring to the catalogue & online trading sector.

We hope that client side executives throughout the sector will want to support this celebration by nominating those suppliers who have assisted their businesses throughout the year. Download the client nomination form here. All details must be personally completed by the nominating executive, be dated and signed and be able to be verified.

These sought after Awards will be presented at the official ECMOD HQ Hotel - The Copthorne Tara, Kensington, on 7th October. Tickets for the evening which, whilst not being fully black tie, does ask for smart evening dress are priced at £95 + vat per person or £950 + vat per table of ten for the full evening including dinner. These tickets are on sale now. There will also be tickets available for the evening’s cocktail reception & Awards presentation without dinner at £45 + vat per person. Please contact Sam or Leanne for further information on 0871 855 5545.

Don’t fear negative feedback; make it work for you
Despite the benefits of offering customer ratings and reviews, some marketers still fear posting them on their website, because of concerns regarding negative comments. But even unfavourable feedback can work to your advantage. Find out how at www.catalog-biz.com.

Coming Up in Catalogue e-business

• September issue: special focus on technology, plus the ECMOD Preview supplement, with articles from speakers Amy Africa, Katy Howell, Ernie Schell, and others
• October issue: special focus on marketing 2.0 - mobile, social media, video, and more