Solutions to Consider When Shopping for Small Conference Tables

We all know that space is at a premium. Maximizing your available space creates more potential for you business. One very commonly misused space is the conference room. This area is used typically used on a daily basis for meetings and lectures. Getting the most out of a smaller conference space is absolutely essential. The being said, these conference and boardroom tables will work perfectly in smaller work spaces and won't break your budget.

Table 1: 6' Brighton Conference Table by Mayline

 

This professional laminate table is designed specifically for small boardroom and conference spaces. The BTCT6 is just one of the popular pieces of Modern Mayline furniture available from the incredibly popular Brighton furniture collection. The BTCT6 is available in two stunning laminate finishes including cherry and mocha. The racetrack surface and contemporary leg design enhance the look of any space.

Table 2: Global Conference Table

The GCT5RX is perfect for smaller spaces. Starting as small as 5' in length this affordable solution can be yours for only $356.99. Now that's impressive. The GCT5RX modern conference table is offered in 14 laminate finishes and is manufactured by one of the most respected names in the office furniture industry, Global Total Office.

Table 3: OFM Mesh Base Conference Table

For those in search of modern style, the T3672MB by OFM, Inc. is it. This contemporary boardroom furniture solution boasts a mar proof high pressure laminate surface, adjustable leveling glides, and was designed an built for the needs of commercial businesses. The T3672MB table comfortable sits 6 people and the racetrack design offers extra elbow room. The T-molded edge banding will protect the product from bangs and scuffs, and not to mention, this table is incredibly easy to assemble!

Table 4: Cherryman VL-868 Round Verde Table

The VL-868 is perfect for even the smallest of rooms. This 42" round conference table features a contemporary style that's hard to miss. Available in two coffee inspired finish including latte and espresso, this modern boardroom solution is a real winner. As an added bonus, this unique product is available with a host of matching Verde casegoods and Cherryman Industries Products to match.

Table 5: 8' Mystic Table

Lesro Industries reception furniture has been well known for years. Now, they have taken the conference arena by storm with the new Mystic furniture collection. This 8' solution is offered in 6 rich finishes and features metal legs for an added contemporary touch. The Elliptical surface is a real hit and so is the price. Mystic products are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs and taste of any space. Choose from mobilized versions on casters and even matching office chairs to accompany your space. When it comes to small conference tables these new products by Lesro are a real value and should be considered by anyone in the market.

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A motoring idea you'll warm to in this winter weather

HERE'S an idea you'll warm to. Why don't we fit cars with proper boilers and thermostats?

T'was a cold and frosty morning when the thought struck me. Faced with needing to take a car rather than the bus into work, I unlocked the garage and started up a stone cold Mazda MX-5 which immediately fogged up the moment I dared to exhale breath while sat inside. I was one of the lucky ones; elsewhere, the good people of Southport were scraping the ice of their windscreens.

Here's the rub. Almost every car I've driven on a cold morning, even shiny brand new ones, still require the efforts of some cheap de-icer before you can set off, and then a good few minutes before the icy chill of winter leaves the interior. Nor can you do the old trick of warming the car up while you sit indoors with a cuppa - not only is it illegal, but you might as well stick a sign on your pride ‘n' joy with “STEAL ME” writ large all over it.

With the exception of a wonderful January weekend in Wales, when I donned gloves and a woolly hat so I could enjoy the crisp mountain air in the MX-5 with the roof down, driving first thing in the morning at this time of year is no fun. Unless of course, you run a recently-made Range Rover. A car which comes with a little gas heater and a time-adjustable thermostat, just like your house does.

In the same way I've always wondered why houses aren't fitted with electric windows, it perplexes me why proper thermostats which you can preset to come on when you want - which have been around for ages - don't come as standard on more cars. If you know you're going to setting off at eight every morning, wouldn't it be great to preset a proper heating system to come on fifteen minutes earlier, so your pride and joy is all toasty once you step inside and the engine isn't having to cough into life at minus four?

Don't get me wrong - there's all sorts of aftermarket preheating systems you can fit to your motor - but I'm just amazed the car industry at large didn't cotton onto the whole winter-is-cold thing years ago.

It's one motoring gadget you wouldn't give a frosty reception.

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Fire up the... Kia Sportage

THIS is where the smart money in motoring goes. The hard-earned you used to blow on family hatchbacks now goes on trendy, pint-sized off roaders.

It's why the Nissan Qashqai's such a big seller and the Skoda Yeti earns its plaudits; they might not have the mountain climbing ability of a more hardcore 4x4 but they offer their rugged image with the load-lugging practicality of an estate car and friendly hatchback handling in the same package.

Kia's offering in this keenly-contested territory, the Sportage, has one thing immediately in its favour - that it's such a cleanly styled car. To my mind, the company's stylists have been little too liberal with the chrome detailing, meaning it looks more at home on Sunset Boulevard than Lord Street, but not one of the Sportage's onlookers thought it was anything other than a handsome bit of kit. Whip the badges off this thing and you'd swear it was an Audi or Mercedes off roader.

But what isn't at all Mercedes about is the price. True, the 2.0 CRDi 4X4 version I tested was a £22,000 car but this was the range-topper with all the bells and whistles; you can, if you're happy to settle for the 1.6 GDI version, get the Sportage's looks and faintly ridiculous amounts of head and legroom for nearer £17,000. More importantly, it doesn't feel like a cheap car, with the same attention to interior detail which impressed in the Hyundai i30 being used to good effect here. It's also a smooth, refined sort of drive, and while you're never going to get the fluidity of a lower, lighter Focus or Megane if you really thrash it into a corner, the torquey nature of the 2.0 litre diesel in particular makes it perfect for towing caravans in particular.

The Sportage is one of the best entries in a hard-fought corner of the car marketplace. To my mind, only the Skoda Yeti offers a more polished package, but then the Kia pulls out its trump card - a seven year warranty to the Skoda's three.

Your call...

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Woodvale Rally organisers bid to bring 2013 event back to RAF base

By Natasha Young, The Southport Champion

ORGANISERS of the Woodvale Rally are hopeful that it can return to its RAF airfield home next year, amid fears that having to find a new location could spell the end for the event.

Earlier this year the annual two-day festival of aircraft and motoring displays and demonstrations, as well as camping and family attractions, was forced to make a last minute move to Southport’s Victoria Park after asbestos was discovered at the RAF Woodvale site.

The 2011 Woodvale Rally at its traditional home at RAF Woodvale

As the dates for the August event were moved back to July, and the new venue meant that some of the attractions such as flying displays could no longer take place or had to be scaled back, the team behind the rally remained determined to put on a good show.

However, the event brought a financial blow for organisers as it only took around a third of its usual takings on the gate, and the loss of some popular attractions is thought to have put some regular visitors off.
Rally manager Peter Wood has now confirmed to the Champion that they are waiting for a report to by the Ministry of Defence to arrive any day, which will determine whether or not asbestos-hit RAF Woodvale is now safe to be used for such an event.

If the report, which is being put together after Southport MP John Pugh raised the issue in parliament, confirms the airfield is safe, Mr Wood said they will aim to take the rally back to the site.

"The thing is the who event is built around RAF Woodvale, and we need a runway," said Mr Wood.

"We hope we can go back because if we can’t get back it could be the end of the Woodvale Rally."

The 2012 Woodvale Rally at Victoria Park in Southport 

Since this summer’s Victoria Park event, Mr Wood said other locations such as Leisure Lakes and the Riverside Caravan Park have been considered for 2013, when the rally will be in its 42nd year, however organisers are keen to maintain the character and all the popular features of the event.

He added: "The only other site we could use is Leisure Lakes , but it’s not the same and it wouldn’t be the Woodvale Rally.

"Victoria Park was a nice site but the problem was we couldn’t have the model aircraft so people didn’t go."

As the organisers continue to secure the future of the Woodvale Rally, they are still getting preparations underway for a 2013 show by booking stalls and attractions.

"We’ve got to keep the ball rolling in the hope we can get Woodvale," said Mr Wood.

"People have been coming to the event from all over for 40 years. They love it."

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Popular Space Saving Reception Desk Styles for Your Business

Reception, lounge, and waiting room areas are typically the first areas seen by visitors when they walk in the door of nearly all businesses. First impressions are incredibly important and having a well designed space is essential. When space is at a premium and it's hard to find quality reception furniture to meet the needs of your work environment, knowing these 3 key reception desk styles will help you to maximize you furnishing capabilities.

Style 1: Rectangular

The first and most common style of reception desk is the rectangular. In regards to space saving styles this form of desk is typically the smallest and therefore the most budget friendly and square footage friendly. Rectangular reception desks typically consist of a single unit. A variety of finishes like cherry, mahogany, and maple are commonly available from most manufacturers and stations average to be around 6' wide. These popular reception stations work well for single person applications and can be found for as little as $400. Top styles are manufactured by companies like Mayline, Cherryman Industries, and OFM, Inc.

Style 2: Curved

 

Probably the most popular style of reception desk on the market are those witch curved front. The modern look of units like the 55293 marque reception station make it popular in contemporary lounge environments where budgets are important. Curved reception desk solutions like these are available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of any space and these particular units can even be added on to later. This awesome attribute allows you to grow your desk with your needs, a priceless commodity in the modern office furniture world.

Style 3: L Shaped

Commonly, factors like desk storage and ADA compliance are important in reception furniture applications. L shaped reception desks offer the ability to meet these needs without sacrificing too much precious space. Often, L shaped reception desk models are able to be worked with 2 employees and are commonly seen in businesses throughout the country. As with all Mayline furniture, L shaped reception desks from this manufacturer are always recommended an incredibly well made. Other popular models are available including the new Verde reception desk by Cherryman Industries and styles from Offices To Go that are very budget friendly.

As not every business is at a space disadvantage, small reception desks are not always needed. Additional desk styles are available for those businesses with more space. Modern reception desks and box shaped reception desk options are typically utilized in larger work environments where multiple employees are needed to handle the flow of calls and visitors. When it comes to reception furniture in general, working with a designer is always a help. For those on a strict budget it's best to keep it simple as a common rule. Using modular desks and products that can grow with you needs will always save you money and time in the long run. Most importantly, it's essential to remember that whatever you're needs, by doing a little research and homework a solution is never too far away.

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Protecting youngsters is just the start for Ford's MyKey system

A SAFETY feature fitted to Fords in the States will be arriving from across the Atlantic next month in a bid to prevent younger drivers being involved in accidents.

The MyKey system, which will be fitted as standard on most models in the Fiesta range from next month, allows parents to alter the car's settings to make it safer when their children borrow it, and includes the option to restrict the top speed, to limit how loud the stereo system is, or to disable the audio altogether if seatbelts aren't being used.

I reckon, however, that MyKey could be used for all sorts of things beyond merely protecting youngsters from themselves. Here’s some of my own suggestions for extending the system:

Parent Mode: As per the normal MyKey system, but with an additional, disabled set of pedals in the passenger footwell for those moments when you never know whether your loved one is going to brake or not.

Audi Mode: Uses a form of radar-guided cruise control to automatically reduce all motorway following gaps to three feet. Minimum speed set to 90mph.

Tiff Mode: Switches all traction control systems off.

Gangster Lean Mode: Automatically maximises driver’s seat recline and darkens the windows. Maximum speed reduced to 8mph. Stereo preset to loudest volume.

Alfa Mode: Redirects all electronics so as to be operable by the passenger window switch alone.

Hire Car Mode: Doubles maximum speed, rev limit and optimum cornering speed. Only available on fleet cars sold to Avis, Hertz, etc.

Bond Mode: Activates the machine guns and nail dispensers

Roger Moore Mode: As per the Bond Mode, but with added eyebrows.

IKEA mode: Quadruples boot space.

TVR Mode: Automatically blanks off every interior button and reorganises them in an order completely incomprehensible to all human beings. Except, perhaps, TVR owners.

Feel free to add your own suggestions…

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It might be a van with windows, but I'm a convert

JUST call me Jean-Jaques and pass me a beret. This week, I've fallen for that most French of motoring institutions.

I know that the small-van-with-windows format is offered by all sorts of manufacturers these days - Ford with its Tourneo, Fiat with the Doblo and so on - but really it's the Gallic trio of Citroen, Renault and Peugeot who've made it a hit with motorists on this side of the Channel. Now, thanks to a week with a Partner as my partner, I can see why.

I've entrusted it with a several missions, including a trip to the tip to get rid of a few bits of household clutter simply too big for the Rover 214 to deal with, but the assignment on which it's impressed me most was conveying a carload of petrolheads to the NEC in Birmingham for last weekend's Footman James Classic Motor Show. Normally, this would be a job given to either my Rover or my mate's turbodiesel Saab 93, but it seemed almost rude not to use the big Pug instead.

Each and every one of us - a group of car enthusiasts who'd usually value the small, the sporty and the quick - left impressed by the Partner's almost ruthless approach to practical, family-friendly motoring. Up front, I loved the way it disguised its considerable bulk with its sweet handling, my turbo nutter, Saab-owning pal liked its mid range punch, and everyone else seemed slightly lost with the vast amounts of head and legroom.
In fact, the only real gripes were the popout windows in the sliding rear doors, which left them with a slightly stuffy feel on the long trip.

Admittedly, the boxy shape - especially in the delightfully Seventies shade of brown the car I've just tested came in - isn't going to keep you awake at night, and nor is it going to thrill you on the Buttertubs Pass, but I'm a small-vans-with-windows convert, because these things do the job they're designed to do brilliantly and unpretentiously.

Now, what's the going rate for a secondhand one?

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What will happen to the Mini that time forgot?

IT'S like Indiana Jones meets The Italian Job. This story is so intruiging, I thought it needed bringing out of the classic car forums and onto these pages.

It begins deep underground, in a network of tunnels beneath one of Britain's biggest car factories, the former British Leyland plant at Longbridge. For years, a rather battered old Mini has sat down there, lonely and unloved, gathering dust for decades. It's been stripped of almost all of its useful bits and the roof's been bent in like a banana, but this Clubman version, not a million miles from the Seventies Minis you see above, is quite unlike any other. The Mini which nobody wanted is the last ever Mini to leave the factory.

How did it end up down there? Well, the story goes that when this Mini was being made, it fell off the production line at the factory, and rather than repair it the Longbridge workers ran it around the factory for a few miles and took whatever bits were useful off it to use on other cars.

When it was no longer deemed useful it was bundled off into the tunnel, which had been built in the 1940s to protect the factory workers - who were busy making ammunition rather than cars for a change - from the Luftwaffe. The Clubman that never was stayed in the tunnel right through the bitterest days of British Leyland, right through Austin Rover's tenure, remained unloved when BMW took over the reins and even remained ignored when MG Rover finally went bust in 2005. It's only now that a Mini enthusiast has had the tenacity to fish it out, and it's caused a bit of a fuore in the process.

Should the crumpled old heap, which had its roof stoved in after an unfortunate encounter with a shipping container, stay in that tunnel for posterity's sake? Should it be moved to a museum somewhere? Or should the car's saviour restore the old girl back to her former glory, even though for all sorts of boring legal reasons it can't actually be used on the road?

For what it's worth, I reckon it should come out, but I can't see many museums wanting to take on an exhibit that can't even be moved on its own wheels.

It'd take many of thousands of pounds to mend it properly and keep it original, but if someone's up for the exhaustion and expense then they've got my backing. It'd be great to see one last Mini - the Mini that time forgot - rev up its little A-Series engine in anger.

It's too good to be left abandoned in a tunnel forever.

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Southport motoring quiz raises £126 for the National Autistic Society

From The Southport Champion, November 21, 2012

A full-throttle fundraiser organised by one of The Champion's reporters managed to rev up more than £100 for charity last weekend.

The Petrolhead Pub Quiz, organised by our motoring correspondent David Simister, managed to raise a total of £126 for he National Autistic Society when dozens of car and bike enthusiasts took part in a motoring-themed quiz at the Cheshire Lines Inn, in Southport, last Sunday night (November 18).

David told The Champion: “It really was a great night, and not only did we a raise a lot of money for a very good cause but a lot of people came up to me afterwards and told how much they'd enjoyed the event.

"With several members of my family living with autistic spectrum disorders, it's long been a cause that's close to my heart and so it only seemed natural to use my passion for all things automotive to help raise funds for the National Autistic Society."

Several teams took part in the quiz and answered questions on everything from motoring-related music to driving and motorsport, with a team from the Alfa Owners North West taking the top prize on the night.

Rebecca Bohling, Head of Supporter Fundraising at the National Autistic Society, said: "We're so grateful to all the people who came together to make the pub quiz such a success. Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition that affects around one in one hundred people in the UK.

"Thanks to the fantastic support of fundraisers like David, the NAS is able to provide vital support and services to people with autism, their families and carers."

If you'd like to find out more about the quiz, and for an in-depth look at motoring news and events from across the region, check out David's blog at www.lifeoncars.blogspot.com

UPDATE: An earlier version of this article credited the winning team as "Alfa Romeo Owners Club" rather than Alfa Owners North West. This has since been amended.

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Fire up the... Peugeot 208

PEUGEOT'S back on the ball, if the new 208 is anything to go by.

The French firm's built up a fine reputation for building feisty hatchbacks with a sense of fun - as anyone familiar with the 205, 306 and 106 will surely testify - but to my mind at least the more recent models, particularly the 207, never really caught the imagination in the same way. Deep down, I reckon that's why Peugeot's pulled out all the stops to get it right with its latest supermini contender.

For starters, it looks good, with a sharply-sculpted shape and carefully chosen proportions which at a stroke render the old 207 a bit blobby and comparision. It's the same story on the inside too, with interior fabrics and plastics which owe plenty to its big brother, the 508 saloon. The main thing which strikes you is the unusual way the controls are laid out - you look over the steering wheel to see the dials, rather than through it - but it's as intuitive as it is innovative. Same story goes for the tablet-style computer sitting atop the centre console, although I suspect having an actual iPad dock there instead might have been a smarter move.

But the best thing about the 208 by far is the way it drives. You'd expect that the 1.6 Feline version I tried wouldn't be lacking in pace - at £16,895, it's holding the warm hatch fort until the eagerly-anticipated GTi version arrives - but where it really shines is in the fluidity of its handling and in its natural agility in the sort of low-speed urban darting in and around town.

For the past three years I've always argued the Fiesta is the best of the superminis but the 208 is now a better looking, more entertaining and technologically superior package to Ford's finest. After a couple of years in the hatchback wilderness, Peugeot's got its mojo back and produced one of the best cars I've driven all year.

Now all they need is for the 208 GTi to be an absolute belter.

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5 Black Friday Office Deals You Don't Want to Miss!

While most will be shopping for big screen televisions and other popular electronics on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, those who are in need of new office furniture and office chairs will not be disappointed. Whether you prefer shopping online or in stores, these 5 awesome Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are definitely worth a look!

Deal 1: Flash Furniture Desk Chair

This awesome little desk chair is perfect for contemporary home and business use. The LF-214-BLK-GG chair will be on sale for only $49.99. Now that's a steal! When it comes to affordable desk chairs, Flash Furniture knows there stuff. This chair features a tractor designed seat and high density polymer construction, making it an excellent value that should not be passed up!

Deal 2: Mayline Home Computer Desk

For only $86.99 (yes you read it right) this small home computer desk solution can be yours. The Mayline 946 desk features a slide-out keyboard tray with mouse platform. The CPU platform mounts left or right and the entire unit is totally mobile on 5 casters, two locking. Enjoy these small office desks in your choice of two attractive finishes.

Deal 3: Brighton 6' Conference Table

There is a common misconception that conference tables have to be expensive. Well, this deal should put that to rest! For only $205.99 this Brighton series laminate conference table can accompany your boardroom. This awesome piece of modern boardroom furniture boasts a racetrack table shape and unique leg design that add to the contemporary flair.

Deal 4: Verde Reception Desk

This modern reception desk is perfect for luxury work environments. The VL-816 reception station by Cherryman Industries is available in espresso and latte finishes and is also available as a larger, L shaped unit. The VL-816 is an industry favorite and is truly an excellent value.

Deal 5: Small LCD TV Mount by ESI

We had to give in to the traditional Black Friday deals a bit with this product but for good reason, it's a fantastic deal. The ESI TV-0L mount is only $69.99. For those unfamiliar with ESI, they are THE name in office ergonomics, their modern ergonomic office accessories are the absolute best. This small TV mount works perfectly in executive work spaces or even home office environments. Enjoy!

Hopefully you have enjoyed these Black Friday and Cyber Monday office furniture deals as much as we have. In addition to the products listed, several coupons are also available for limited time use at OfficeFurnitureDeals.com. 

Coupon Code 1: FP3400
Receive $25 Off and Free Shipping On Any Purchase of $499 or More

Coupon Code 2: FP3900
Receive $50 Off and Free Shipping On Any Purchase of $999 or More

Coupon Code 3: FP4000
Receive $100 Off and Free Shipping On Any Purchase of $1999 or More

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The Footman James Classic Motor Show was enormous but enjoyable

CLASSIC cars in industrial quantities. That's what you would have got if you'd joined me and thousands of others at the NEC last weekend.

Anyone familiar with the Footman James Classic Motor Show will know it's a big deal - it is, arguably, the only show that caters for fans of all things a bit old and oily on a national scale - but this year the organisers, freed from the constraints of having to share a gig with Top Gear Live, really pulled out the stops to make it bigger and bolder than ever before. It was massive.

Simply getting in is quite unlike any other show I've been to. You park up and get on a bus, which takes you to an elevator, followed by a Heathrow Airport-style moving walkway that seems to go on forever, which leads on to a labyrinth of corridors which in turn brings you to the back of the queue for tickets. This, I think, is deliberate; it's to prepare you for the sheer amount of walking the show itself involves.

Last weekend was a giddying array of just about every vaguely old vehicle ever made - yes, there were Hillman Imps and Ford Anglias at one end and Astons and Ferraris at the other, but if you're the sort of person who lies awake at night dreaming of owning a Vauxhall Nova then you were well catered for too. But our party must have walked miles checking out the seemingly endless sea of classic cars. If anything, it was slightly overwhelming. I stopped taking photos after the 175th click out of sympathy for my camera, but one classic car buff I spoke to had taken hundreds of shots.

I emerged seven hours later with cream-crackered feet and weighed down with bags of freebies, and with the prospect of the long drive back from Birmingham to look forward to. If I'd known just how big it was going to be I would've made a weekend of it - one day for the cars, another for the autojumble - because just the one day is nowhere near enough to take it all in.

It's great to think that even in an age when Britain's turned its back on national motorshows, with the motor makers favouring Frankfurt and Geneva instead, we can still put on an automotive extravaganza on this sort of scale. I'll just make sure I bring comfier shoes next time.

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Life On Cars raises £126 for the National Autistic Society

ANYONE who attended the motoring-themed pub quiz held in Southport this evening will appreciate why I've put a picture of Nigel Mansell with this article.

Despite the best efforts of a technical problem with a microphone and a slightly pissed Nigel Mansell fan, dozens of people took part in the event, with the total raised on the night for the National Autistic Society coming to a whopping £126.

It's only second motoring event Life On Cars has organised directly, after the not-entirely-successful Mini display and Italian Job cinema screening two years ago, but thanks to a great turnout at the Cheshire Lines Inn in Southport and some very generous contributions from the region's petrolheads, the night was a great success.

Congratulations to the winners, the Alfa Romeo Owners team, and the runners-up, Six Dons and A Ginger.

Best of all, not only was a lot of money raised for a very good cause, but quite a few people came up to me afterwards and said, despite the minor setbacks, that they really enjoyed it and had a great night out.

Should I do another one in the future, perhaps?

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Footman James Classic Motor Show 2012

THOUSANDS of motoring fans will be making the trip to Birmingham this weekend to check out one of the nation's biggest classic car shows.

The  Footman James Classic Motor Show, held at the National Exhibition Centre, attracts scores of traders, clubs and enthusiasts from all corners of the country to see classic cars and bikes of all ages, in a show guaranteed to have something for just about everyone.
  
Life On Cars took these pictures at the event:

 

The show continues tomorrow (November 18). For more information visit the show's website.

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Product Reviews: Global G20 Chairs

Have you had a chance to see the new G20 chairs by Global Total Office? These are the hottest new chairs on the market and for good reason! These modern mesh chairs feature a wide array of useful ergonomic features and benefits. In today's post we will review the G20 to share with out readers the value of this awesome seating solution.

First Impressions:

At first glance it's easy to see that this super cool office chair has a totally modern look. The mesh back design and standard polished aluminum frame really pop. Looking deeper adjustable arms and a synchro tilt mechanism are standard. Probably the most noticeable feature of the G20 office chair is the curved back accents that match the base. This design feature really pulls the chair together and to be honest, we love it! Our overall first impression is overwhelmingly positive and it's easy to see that this is not just another mesh chair!





Taking a Seat:

The G20 practically begs you to take a seat. Once drawn in you are welcomed with a breathable mesh back and contoured seat. The adjustable arms and seat depth adjustment capabilities allow for a customized fit. The dual wheel carpet casters provide efficient mobility. Whether for home or professional business applications, this modern desk chair provides an absolutely perfect fit.








Ergonomics:

The term ergonomic is an industry buzzword that we have all heard relentlessly. Almost every chair on the market today is labeled as ergonomic to increase sales. However, the G20 truly deserves the title. These new office chairs feature an automatic lumbar tension mechanism that naturally adjusts to your posture giving the spine even support while in an upright or reclined position. The synchro mechanism has been designed to smoothly tilt the seat, but also gently recline and slide without lifting the seat. This helps to keep your feet planted on the floor and provides added support.





Price:

For the money, the G20 mesh chair is an excellent value. The 6007 model is typically sold for $504.99 with free shipping. Compared to other mesh chairs of the same caliber this is quite budget friendly. For those in need of a leather seat, the 6007L model is available for a moderate up charge. Frames are standard in polished aluminum. However, a black nylon base is also available at no charge. Hard floor casters are optional but by no mean necessary. The variety of stylish fabrics available for this chair also add to the value. The virtually unlimited selection of Global textiles will allow users to design their chair to match their space perfectly.



Eco Friendly:

The G20 chair is Greenguard Childred & School Certified. Both models are level 2 certified and ANSI-BIFMA compliant. Obviously these are features that really make a difference for those looking to go eco friendly with their business. It just goes to show you how much Global cares about our environment and overall indoor air quality. The G20 does not cost a penny more for these respectable attributes but the long term benefits are priceless. Global is committed to reducing our overall carbon footprint and it's just one more reason to love all their luxury office furniture and modern office chairs for the home and business.

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Aintree motorsport club honoured in competition

AN AINTREE organisation which helps to keep the town's connections with motor racing alive has been praised in a national motorsport competition.

Aintree Circuit Club was named as one of six motorsport organisations which reached the finals of the MSA Club of the Year 2012 competition, after their work in organising motoring events in the north west, notably the Ormskirk MotorFest, was praised by the judges at the Motorsport Industry Association.

Mike Ashcroft, the club's chairman, said: "The club is delighted to receive this reward from the MIA and came very close to winning at our first attempt.

”Our motorsport display in Ormskirk alongside the themed market certainly attracted a lot of attention and promoted the sport and motoring in a very positive way as well as providing something different for visitors to the town centre."

The overall winner was the South of Scotland Car Club, but Aintree Circuit Club has been presented with £100 for reaching the finals of the contest.

The club, which has organised the Ormskirk MotorFest for the past two years, helps to promote Aintree's historic connections with motor racing, including the five occasions when the town's circuit hosted the British Grand Prix.

MIA spokesperson Helen Jones said: ”We received a number of entry forms from MSA clubs who took part, and due to the high standard of applications, this initially proved difficult for our judges to decide upon an overall winner.

“The judges were so impressed with the quality of the top six, that they feel all should be publicly commended.”

To find out more about the club, visit their website at www.aintree.org.uk or call 0151 525 9314.

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Fire up the... Land Rover Defender X-Tech

NEVER meet your heroes, the saying goes. That's why I approached the latest version of what's an off-roading icon with just more than a touch of trepidation.

The Land Rover Defender needs little introduction because everyone in Britain is familiar with its boxy shape; it has, after all, been with us since the days of Spandau Ballet and Michael Foot vying to be Prime Minister.

Despite a series of calls to replace it with something a bit more modern and friendlier to the environment it's soldiered on regardless, doing useful duties for people like farmers and the British Army. It's also at this point I have to declare an interest; not only am I faithful follower of all things Solihull and a longstanding 4X4 fan, but my parents, for the best part of a decade, owned a Defender.

This X-Tech is Land Rover's attempt to give that old recipe a bit of 2012 street cred, which explains the snazzy silver paintwork, the black alloy wheels and the mean grille. It's not a paintjob you'd particularly want to scratch if you actually went off road, but I suspect most of the X-Tech's buyers will be more swayed by the style than a burning desire to utilise its reputation as motoring's mountain goat. Which I can understand because the X-Tech is a seriously mean looking bit of kit.

I know that not venturing into the undergrowth in a Defender is a bit like slipping on a set of stout walking boots to pop to the shops but I did get to try the X-Tech in its more likely natural environment; on the road, where it's rubbish. I know it's a high rise off-roader that's been around for nearly 30 years but if you're more used to modern 4X4s then you'll find the roly-poly handling, the wind noise, the noisy but not especially fast performance, the lack of elbow room and the dated switchgear hard work. It's also, at £27,000, not especially cheap either.

But without venturing off-road to see how the X-Tech performs as Land Rover intended this is only the half the story - consider it unfinished business. If, however, you're like most 4X4 owners and don't intend on scaling anything tougher than a kerb in a supermarket car park then it's a bit of a mixed bag. It's a seriously cool, no-nonsense machine that doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't, but it's not for everyone.

The X-Tech's far from perfect but I couldn't help but enjoy it.

As published in The Champion on November 14, 2012

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Ormskirk MotorFest 2013 event confirmed for August 25

PLANS to bring hundreds of cars and bikes to West Lancashire for a motorsport spectacular have got into gear after a 2013 Ormskirk MotorFest was confirmed this week.

Aintree Circuit Club and West Lancashire Borough Council have both confirmed that following the success of the motoring event in bringing thousands of people into the market town a 2013 event will take place in the town centre and at Coronation Park on Sunday, August 25.

Mike Ashcroft, chairman of Aintree Circuit Club, told Life On Cars: "We're delighted that we've been able to get the council to ratify next year's event and to agree the date, which means we've got a head start on making the 2013 MotorFest a big success.

"The extra months of preparation we've got will help to make it an even better event than the first two MotorFests, because we can improve on what we offer visitors and we can attract an even higher quality of entries, and get some great racing cars and bikes onto the streets of Ormskirk."

The 2011 and 2012 MotorFest events helped to give Ormskirk its two best ever trading days, with this year's event bringing 15,000 people into the town centre to see more than 300 classic cars and bikes and to witness the spectacle of F1 cars taking to the town's one-way system as part of a series of parades around the town.

West Lancashire Borough Council also confirmed to Life On Cars that a date had been given the green light, and that it was keen to make the 2013 event a success.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: "The council is delighted to confirm that we will be working with Aintree Circuit Club on MotorFest 2013. The event will be held on Sunday, 25 August.

"The first two Motorfests were hugely successful and more than 15,000 people visited Ormskirk. We are confident the 2013 event will also be a fantastic event. We are talking to the Circuit Club about exciting plans for MotorFest 2013 but at this stage it is too early to talk about the details."

The council also said it is seeking sponsorship to help make the 2013 MotorFest a success. Any organisations, companies or individuals who are interested in sponsoring the Motorfest should contact the Council’s Technical Services Manager Colin Brady on 01695 585125.

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Popular Waiting Room Seating Styles for Your Business

With thousands of seating solutions available it's easier to shop, design, and decorate your space if you have a style in mind. When it comes to waiting room furniture their are several popular options available. From modern beam seating to wood side chairs with traditional style it's important to find a look that meets your individual business needs.

The most common form of waiting room seating is wood guest chairs. Wood guest seating offers a traditional look that warms a space and provides a professional appearance. This type of chair is commonly used by law firms and upscale businesses. Deciding on a wood finish can be tricky so it's important to get swatches and plan accordingly. Shop for chairs from a full service dealer so that you can enhance your space with a cohesive look. Nothing looks worse than having three clashing wood finishes throughout the waiting room. Most quality furniture manufacturers offer entire collections to meet the needs of any space and include a variety of wood reception desks and office tables to match your new chairs.

Another excellent type of waiting room chair that's become increasingly popular over the past few years is beam seating. This style is exactly what it claims to be. A metal beam supports a section of chairs to complete a modern, durable, and affordable look that really pops. Beam seating manufacturers like OFM, Inc. offer a variety of collections for both indoor and outdoor use and allow for custom configurations and modularity. As for the price, you will be quite pleased. This form of waiting room seating is an exceptional value and should be considered by any business looking to create a contemporary space.

The third style of waiting room seating is sectional furniture. This style includes a variety of sofas, lounge chairs, love seats, and modular seating commonly used to provide a homey look. Often, this type of seating is seen in healthcare environments as a variety of antimicrobial upholstery options are typically available. Another common name for this type of seating is business lounge furniture. Overall, this is probably the most versatile type of seating for guest areas as it is very easy to find. Whether you're in search of a modern or more traditional look several packages designed for office use are available online to meet your individual needs.

In the long run, shopping for any type of office furniture can be fun and easy if you do your homework. When it comes to waiting room furniture in general, manufacturers like Mayline, Global Total Office, and OFM, Inc. provide affordable solutions to meet the needs of any space. Working with a professional furniture company or interior design team is also an excellent place to start and will ensure a well rounded space with a matching and visitor friendly appearance. If you don't have the budget for a designer, try to shop from one manufacturer. Avoid mix and match pieces and never hesitate to call a dealer for suggestions. You might just be surprised by what you can design yourself with a little product knowledge and creativity!

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Rover to the rescue in the Lake District

THE glamorous motoring missions don't usually get thrown the Rover's way.

While the MX-5 gets tasked with tackling the tricky mountain roads and the MG gets to strut its stuff at shows, my 1995 214SEi is usually doing the dowdier jobs, trundling to the shops and taking bits of unwanted furniture to the tip.

Yet on a weekend away in the wilds of Cumbria, it's more than proved its worth.

Having decided to spend a night away with a few friends in a camping pod near Ullswater (well worth a try, by the way) I pointed the Rover's square-rigged nose north up the M6 for the dash up to Cumbria. When I tried exactly the same journey in the MGB earlier this year it was genuinely hard work - not only was it slurping a gallon of premium unleaded every 25 miles, but it was noisy, heavy and, thanks to a firing problem, not all that fast either. The MX-5's motorway manners are far better but its tiny boot meant it was a no-no for the camping trip, and, still haunted my memories of a hairy moment with it on the wet Cumbrian roads this time last year, I decided its tail-happy sense of fun and country lanes covered in mud and wet leaves made no good mix.

Not that taking the £300 Rover was a bad bet, because what it lacked in excitement it made up for in comfort, its parsimonious take on drinking petrol and its sheer determination to plod on, no matter what I threw at it. I threw it at mountain roads. I forced it up steep hills. I caked it in mud. I loaded it up with clothes, clobber and camping gear. Not once did it complain.

I knew it wouldn't - this being the same Rover that refused to be beaten by snow in Grasmere, the Evo Triangle in North Wales or the enduring feat of getting to Norfolk in back in baking sunshine - but by far its finest hour was last night, when a mate's much newer, much heavier Mondeo Estate got stuck in the mud on a boggy campsite. Even though there was a Land Rover Defender parked nearby, nobody was around to drive it, so it was down to an ancient, front-drive Rover to tow the stricken Mondeo out.

Even though the Rover's clutch gave off a distinctly evil smell and the tow rope eventually snapped under the strain, the £300 hatch eventually managed to free an estate car weighing nearly twice as much and save the day. We toasted our success of a few pints of the local brew in the campsite pub later that night, but we couldn't have done it without the plucky little Rover which refuses to give up.

Great car.

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