Hot New Products for the Modern Conference Room

When it comes to business furniture, keeping up with the latest trends can be costly. However, these awesome new products for the conference room will improve your meeting efficiency without breaking your budget. From lecterns to modern tables, you'll love these hot new products!

First up, the B44LEC lectern. This cool modern product from Global Total Office is an excellent way to enhance your space. This unit is mobilized for ease of movement and features an angled stand for holding important notes while presenting. The integrated pencil ledge is a nice bonus feature that really comes in handy. Priced at $315.99, these office lecterns should be a staple in any contemporary conference room where productivity and style are important.

Another awesome conference room product that should be a permanent fixture in your boardroom is the B5672FPB. This modern presentation board conveniently matches the B44LEC lectern above and can be purchased as a package deal for added savings. Quite honestly the two look fantastic together and provide a truly cohesive and modern look to any space. The B5672FPB is available in 10 laminate finishes and boasts a durable mobile design. The ease of mobility and overall versatility of this product make it one of the hottest items on the market in 2013.

When it comes to modern conference room furniture, perhaps no brand offers a wider selection of products than Mayline. The 1010PC presentation stand for example offers an all in one package to a variety of virtual meeting needs. The stand is designed to support laptops, overhead projectors, and LCD projectors effectively. The front projector surface adjusts across 3 positions in 4" increments. The neutral black finish with anthracite surface ensure a matching look with nearly any decor. Priced at $265.99 this product is an excellent value and will surely improve your next meeting or presentation.

Next up, the super stylish and incredibly popular Verde conference table. This hot item from the Cherryman Industries Furniture brand is truly a hot ticket item. Available in 2 unique finishes, the Verde office table creates a modern atmosphere in any room it accompanies. The white glass painted leg inserts accent the overall table them to perfection. With three sizes available, the Verde table is perfect for nearly any sized boardroom. This typically stock product ships quickly for those in need of discount office furniture in a hurry. When it comes to modern conference tables, look to the Verde furniture collection by Cherryman. You'll definitely be impressed!

Your conference room will not be complete without quality seating. That being said it was absolutely essential to include one of the top new conference room chairs on the market for this article's last item. The 11790B office chair by Offices To Go boasts an incredible amount of style and comfort. This multi functional swivel chair offers a breathable back and attention grabbing chrome frame that's sure to garner a multitude of positive compliments. Priced at $185.99 these modern conference chairs are available with bulk discounts and include a variety of top ergonomic attributes for added versatility. Features like pneumatic seat height adjustment, a knee tilt mechanism, and twin wheel carpet casters ensure a long life of quality and comfort.

In the long run, there is no limit to the amount of cool products you can utilize in the conference room. This versatile space can be designed with any style as long as it's built for efficiency! Additional products like modern wall cabinets and even modular office tables are definitely worth considering for those creating a new conference room from scratch.

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Stock car racing fans urged to attend northern reunion

MOTORING enthusiasts from Southport and the surrounding areas are being invited to take stock of the resort's historic association with a full-throttle racing series.

Members of the Veterans' Stock Car Association said they will be holding a reunion meeting on Saturday, March 2 for people from across the north of England associated stock car racing, and urged anyone who has a connection to the resort's historic connection with the sport to get in touch.

Keith Thompson, a member of the group and a Formula One stock car driver in the late 1960s, said: “All of our previous reunions have been very well attended. However, there must still be many more out there who haven't been to, or heard about, our reunions.

"Many of the sport's top northern stars have attended at some time or other, it's a chance to renew old acquaintances, watch archive footage going back to the 1970s, and generally have a good night, and it's free."

The reunion event will be held at the Boarshurst Band Club in Greenfield, near Oldham, and starts at 8pm. For more information send an email to keith.thompson@btinternet.com or give Keith a call on 01457 865936 or 07980 149836.

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Vauxhall hots up the Zafira Tourer to offer up space and pace

IF YOU'RE the sort of person who likes sports car pace but needs MPV pace then Vauxhall might have just the thing for you.

The company has offered us hotted-up versions of its Zafira people carrier before - notably the GSi Turbo of the early noughties, and the VXR models which followed it - and the latest version, the BiTurbo, follows very much in that vein.

Closely related to the Astra and Insignia BiTurbo models, the Zafira Tourer BiTurbo uses a twin-turbocharged diesel engine which offers up no less than 195bhp, meaning that it'll shoot to sixty in 8.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 135mph.

Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s managing director, said: "Vauxhall is currently the only manufacturer to offer a sophisticated BiTurbo engine on a seven-seat MPV.

"It provides a perfect blend of high performance, impressive fuel economy and premium class quality in a seven-seat layout."

This is exactly the sort of modern day performance motor that presses all the right Life On Cars buttons. It offers not only a blend of practicality and turbocharged punch, but it's as pleasing to behold as a people mover can be and - because its a turbodiesel rather than a petrol - should be a little cheaper to run than its more extreme predecessors. Like the Skoda Octavia vRS and the sportier diesel Mondeos, it's quick in an unaffordable, unpretentious sort of way. I only hope it's as much fun to drive as the cracking Meriva Turbo I tried a couple of years ago.

If this sounds like the sort of go-faster people carrier you'd like on your driveway, go into a Vauxhall dealership with £27,685 and a big smile later this spring.

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Black Leather Executive Chairs Under $200

For the modern executive, sitting comfortably is absolutely essential. However, these higher ups didn't reach their positions by spending frivolously. Finding a bargain is important regardless of your social status and these 5 executive chairs provide just that. Enjoy these discount seating solutions all priced under $200 from the top chair manufacturers today.

Finding a comfortable chair is never a hard task when you're familiar with brands like Offices To Go. This discount office seating provider offers a host of top chair styles adored by industry professionals and consumers alike. From ergonomic desk chairs to high end leather conference chairs, OTG boasts an awesome reputation consisting of affordable quality. The 11692B adjustable mesh chair is an excellent example of their craftsmanship at work. This super cool chair is priced to sell at $169.99. The leather accents and breathable mesh back are just a few of the awesome features offered by the 11692B. Needless to say, this product was a no brainer for this article!

Another top seating solution by Offices To Go that couldn't be left out is the 11730B. This modern executive chair features a chrome frame and segmented leather upholstery. The contemporary look of this swivel chair has made it a top seller to start 2013. Look for the 11730B in many applications far beyond the executive office. This versatile chair makes a perfect addition to the conference room as well. Priced at $199.99 this product is at the top of our budget, but well worth it. The ergonomic benefits, style, and value of this great item make it an absolute winner.

Global Total Office is definitely one of the biggest and most reputable names in the seating game. This industry leader prides themselves on providing the perfect office chair for any application. Wether your needs are modern or traditional, Global offers a product sure to keep you comfortable and working efficiently all day. This much is guaranteed. In 2013 they've released a wide variety of modern chairs to go with the industries hottest new trends. However, one Global chair has stool the test of time in terms of durability, comfort, and style. The Arno executive chair is definitely worth a look by those in the market for a simplistic chair that's all business. Priced at $192.99, the Arno chair is available in 12 leather options to match the decor of any space. The loop arm design and adjustment capabilities of this chair make it not only comfortable but effective all day. Rest assured, Arno will be making a lasting impression for years to come.

Keeping it classy in the workplace doesn't have to cost a fortune. This is especially true for those who've taken advantage of the $158.99 price tag of this OFM executive chair. A long time manufacturer of discount office furniture and stylish chair, OFM is always a top solution for any office environment. The 507-LX model chair offers a high back design that's sure to impress. The luxury look accompanied by the everyday low price makes for the perfect combination of success. Ergonomic features like the instant seat height adjustment and tilt tension control add to the value of this already stellar chair. The versatile features and durable leatherette upholstery ensure good looks and comfort for years to come.

Last but not least, a chair perfect for those in love with the modern look. Flash Furniture seating is probably the most affordable product for available for the executive office. With chairs starting as low as $75 it's no wonder why this awesome brand has so many hit models on the market today. Chairs like this one offer the contemporary look and ergonomic features desired by today's executives at a price that can be appreciated by any budget. Priced at $152.99, these leather executive chairs are flying off the shelf. Attributes like the chrome frame are simply unheard of at this price point. Get yours before their gone and enjoy the benefits of a chair that should be priced nearly three times as much.




Regardless of what office chair you choose it's important to remember a few simple tips. The first is to stay within in your budget. Set a price range for your purchase and stick to it! Secondly, find a solution that works best for you. Meet with dealer or visit a showroom to discuss the benefits of ergonomics in the workplace. Utilize the features that will most improve your day to day efficiency in order to be the most productive while working. Lastly, choose a style that will compliment your executive furniture. If your office features modern desking, utilize a chair with the same attributes to enhance your current decor. Other popular seating manufacturers to consider not listed in today's article include Mayline office chairs and even RFM Preferred Seating. As a final point, make sure to shop around. With deals like these, savings are never too far away!

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British Mini Club Show 2013 at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire

COLD weather and the prospect of a long drive to Staffordshire didn't put thousands of enthusiasts off attending a celebration of one of Britain's best known classics.

Clubs from across the country helped to make this year's British Mini Club Show, held at the Staffordshire County Showground, a big success, with a 1992 Italian Job special edition model being raffled off for charity on the day.

Life On Cars took these pictures at the event:

Do you have a motoring event you'd like to share with Life On Cars? Get in touch by sending an email to david.simister@hotmail.co.uk or just leave a comment below...

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BMW M5 drifter: master or madman?

IRONICALLY, it was just after I'd renewed my membership of the Institute of Advanced Motorists that I came across this controversial clip.

Straight from the mean streets of Tblisi, this video of a BMW E34 M5 - the automotive star of Ronin and a supersaloon renowned for being one of the finest four-door entries in the company's back catalogue - has already attracted more than 14,000 hits since it was uploaded to YouTube a week or so ago. There is, if you're a petrolhead, something quite inspiring about seeing this autobahn annihilator drifting delicately from corner to corner.

It is, you've got to admit, a very skilled bit of driving, but here's the rub. All of it was filmed on public roads in and around the Georgian capital, and the roads weren't closed. Our anonymous BMW pilot was hanging the M5's tail out while other motorists were wondering what to do about it.

For that reason, it's already kicking up a bit of a stink in the motoring world, with a lot of petrolheads already pointing out that one wrong move and Mr M5 could have killed or injured another innocent road user.

So is the M5 driver talented, lucky, reckless or just plain mad? Or a bit of all those qualities? I'd love to know what you think. Without wanting to inadvertantly promote dangerous driving, have a look for yourself and see what you reckon...

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Always look on the bright side of life when you're buying a car

ANYONE remember that scene out of Monty Python's Life of Brian? You know, the one where poor Brian, in his escape from the Romans, is forced to indulge in a spot of haggling with a market trader?

That's what I always reckon buying or selling a car - admittedly, something I haven't done for a while - is like. As the guy in biblical Judea put it, you gotta haggle. Well, at least that's what I told my sister to do on her spot of car buying over Christmas.

Regular readers might recall that on this blog a couple of weeks ago I threw a couple of small car suggestions her way, and reckoned her final choice, Fiat's 500, wasn't a bad shout for someone seeking something practical, cheap to run and stylish enough to tootle around the Scottish towns she frequents. The story should have ended with her proudly clutching the keys to her very own 500 and driving into the sunset, but it didn't.

Her small car of choice was in fact Toyota's Aygo for one simple reason; Fiat's dealers wouldn't play ball and Toyota's would.

My sister strolled into showroom after showroom and, in a time-honoured tradition of car flogging going back further than anyone cares to remember, was keen to indulge in a spot of Life of Brian-esque haggling. I'd told her, in the pep talk I'd given to her earlier, that it's just plain rude for people selling or buying a motor not to indulge in a bit of price banter, but the ones she'd spoken to were having none of it. Not one she visited was prepared to move so much as a pound on the price of the 500 she wanted.

Slightly deflated, she went to Plan B - her second choice, not the rapper - and asked a Toyota showroom of her choice if they'd be prepared to talk turkey over an Aygo. They obliged, and sold her a very nice ex demonstrator in a whiter shade of pale for a whisker under eight grand.

I suppose it's just a reflection of the way we buy and sell cars - whether they're new or secondhand - that I've always thought a deal where someone's not prepared to negotiate is a deal to walk away from. Being able to ask “Can I make you an offer?” and not have someone take immediate offence is one of the most important things in automotive retail. That and asking as many questions as you like about the deal, even if the buyer/seller whinges about your enquiries becoming a sort of Spanish Inquisition.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

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Popular Training Table Collections from Mayline

As an industry leading furniture manufacturer, Mayline produces a wide variety of quality training room furniture solutions. With so many awesome solutions to choose from, this article highlights the features and benefits of each collection, in order to help consumers make and educated and informed purchasing decision.

Collection 1: Meeting Plus

This collection is an oldie but a goodie! Meeting plus tables provide a simplistic approach to training room furniture. These versatile tables also work quite well in classroom, library, and other learning atmospheres. Meeting plus training table solutions are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The updated design is built with durability and configurability in mind. Some of this collections best features include modesty panels with extra wide cable troughs, ganging capabilities, and optional power modules for technology intensive environments. Meeting plus office tables are available in finishes that match the Aberdeen casegoods furniture collection and can be purchased on the Kwik-Ship delivery program for furnishing needs in a hurry.

Collection 2: Sync

Get your training room in Sync! All jokes aside this collection is well deserving of it's name. Sync training table models feature a single handed center control mechanism for a convenient flip of the top. Tables are easily nested for compact storage and minimal assembly is required. Sync tables also offer an integrated modesty panel and include a ganging kit for easy linking of tables at no additional charge. Sync products by Mayline are an awesome value. Available in two stunning in stock finishes the modern style and design of these tables really stands out. It's safe to say that Sync gets the job done flawlessly and looks good while doing it!

Collection 3: Flip-N-Go

Mayline Flip-N-Go tables are hard to beat. This easy to use product is an excellent solution for much more than just your training room. Commonly, Flip-N-Go table models are used cohesively as modular conference tables in multi-use meeting areas and boardroom alike. Tables feature minimal assembly and an attractive black frame finish. Tables nest easily for compact storage and include locking casters as well as a built in cable trough for simplified linking. Stock finish combinations are available along with a choice of low or high pressure laminate surfaces. As with all Mayline tables, Flip-N-Go models will garner a host of compliments from visitors while promoting an efficient and professional work space.

Collection 4: Encounter

Encounter tables boast a clean and refined appearance and budget friendly prices. The Scratch resistant melamine surface, heavy gauge steel frame construction, and solid stance make it a top choice for any stationary learning space. These fixed leg training tables come standard with ganging hardware and leveling glides for a perfect fit. Using Mayline Encounter table solutions will surely enhance your work environment in a hurry. These unique modern office tables are truly here to stay!

Collection 5: T-Mate

To wrap up this article on training room furniture collections by Mayline, highlighting a classic line was only proper! The T-Mate table line is a collection that's truly stood the test of time. These fully functional office products are built to last and here to stay. The Shared leg design saves cost and provides ample knee space. This revolutionary concept is what put T-Mate on the map. Available with or without modesty panels, these popular training room tables boast a choice two standard finish combinations and include free nationwide shipping. An excellent value for any business, it's hard to pass on the good looks and quality of T-Mate products.

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Fire up the... Ford Focus 1.0 EcoBoost

JOURNALISTS have feet made of lead and a need to get absolutely everywhere as quickly as possible.

That's one of the curious conclusions I've drawn from driving the new EcoBoost version of Ford's Focus, which mates a clever, award-winning new engine with the A* student of the family hatchback class. Make no mistake; it's an intruiging take on one of Britain's selling cars, especially given that nearly a fifth of Focuses being sold are EcoBoosts.

The key ingredient is the engine, which you can also find slotted into the Fiesta, Kuga, B-Max, and, in the fullness of time, the Mondeo too. The top pub fact about this extraordinary new powerplant is that it's physically small enough to fit on a sheet of A4 paper, but thanks to direct injection and a turbo this 1.0 litre, three-cylinder motor more than punches above its weight, being not only the winner of a string of car industry awards but also being potent enough to work in the real world. Smooth, nicely revvy and equipped with 125bhp and 170nm of torque, underpowered this Focus ain't.

The Ecoboost engine works well in the Focus too, with the light weight and characterful performance complimenting the car's reputation for being the family hatch with a sense of fun - keener drivers are going to love its fluid handling in particular. It's keenly priced too, with the Zetec S version I drove weighing at a shade over £19,000, putting on a par with a similarly powerful 1.6 engine but cheaper to run and kinder to the environment.

Or is it? Ford reckons the Focus EcoBoost should be able to get you more than fifty miles for your gallon of unleaded but a quick peek at the trip computer on the particular car I drove showed the journos who'd been driving it around before me had got a shade over 36mpg, and a few minutes in Google's company revealed stories from other reviewers - and owners - who struggled to get anything like the official consumption figures.

I think the Focus EcoBoost is a great package which mates an already accomplished car to an award-winningly good engine, but on the crucial issue of fuel economy I can only conclude either a) it's not quite as frugal as you'd think or b) us car reviewers really are too hamfisted and heavy-footed for our own good.

Until Ford let me borrow one long enough to really how much fuel it sips the jury's out on an otherwise thoroughly good contender for your cash.

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Stylish Reception Desks On Sale In January

Creating a professional visitors area to be proud of is a priority for any business. This area is typically the first seen by guests and determines a lot about your business. For the start of 2013, several industry leading reception desk solutions have been discounted incredibly. That being said this article highlights several of the top models your business should consider if in need.

Station 1: Mira Reception Desk

When it comes to reception furniture solutions the Mira collection is definitely an excellent place to start. This high quality desk features a simplistic style that's easy to appreciate. Available with a wide variety of matching furniture solutions the Mira reception station is a wise and professional choice for traditionally styled visitor areas on a budget. Standard and stocked in 2 finishes. The MRSRBB station also offers 2 versatile box box file desk pedestals for added storage.

Station 2: Marque Reception Station

Finding affordable office furniture is simple when you know about manufacturers like OFM, Inc. This industry leading brand provides a host of curved reception desk styles that have dominated the market for the past 2 years. Marque stations are available in three popular finishes and feature the modern style desired by most. The cutting edge look of this curved station is hard to miss. Marque stations look awesome next to OFM beam seating solutions from the Stars, Net, and Moon seating collections.

Station 3: Verde Reception Desk

Cherryman Industries furniture is a top choice of interior designers and consumers alike. Their modular casegoods furniture is some of the absolute best around. When it comes to discount conference tables they are no slouch! Quality and craftsmanship are easy to see with a brand like Cherryman and for that reason they are an easy choice for this article. Perhaps the most popular of all Cherryman furniture collections, the Verde series has taken over the modern furniture market. This modern reception desk is available in two coffee inspired finishes and includes free nationwide shipping. Overall, the VL-644L station is an absolute value at only $1509.99.

Station 4: CSII Reception Desk

Creating a reception space that works is often about the type of business and image your are looking to highlight. The CSII Reception desk is a fine piece of Mayline Office Furniture that highlights commercial style and appeals to an industrial crowd. This two tone station is a made to order piece and will take a bit longer to get to you. For those in a hurry, this might not be the choice for you. However, if you can wait the necessary manufacturing time, this desk is truly awesome. The one of a kind look and color combinations available make the CSII reception desk an excellent value and definitely worth the wait.

Station 5: Rize Reception Station

Another popular line of OFM office furniture, the Rize series features a panel furniture inspired style that's super easy to assemble and re configure. Units like this 2 person reception desk are an excellent example of OFM's quality craftsmanship and cool products! This unit is available in two finishes and matches the rest of Rize office cubicles for your modular business furniture needs.

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Is it worth fitting winter tyres to your car?

MY EXTENDED thanks goes to the likes of MailOnline, The Daily Express and ITV News for all the “SNOW CHAOS” stories and messages not to travel unless absolutely essential over the past week. It meant all the motorways - which were covered with a light dusting of snow - were marvellously empty last weekend. Cheers!

Unless a freakishly early spring arrives between me writing these words and The Champion going to print, chances are it'll be a bit snowy where you live. Thing is, if you watched that cracking documentary Chris Packham did the other night about the winter of ‘63 you'll know this is girls' stuff compared to a real white-out, and that - in this part of Britain at least - the world didn't exactly grind to a halt enough to stop us all driving.

All of which brings me to a question I've spent the past three years trying to avoid answering. Is it worth fitting your pride and joy with winter tyres?

This debate's dusted down every time a snowflake so much as thinks of landing on the British road network, and like all great questions my own answer's a bit of a cop-out.... erm, it depends. It almost goes without saying that in these conditions winter tyres ARE safer, as evidenced by a brilliant clip on YouTube which involves a snowy bit of Swedish wilderness, two SEAT Leons, and some gung-ho Auto Express roadtesters. You can see where this one's going. By the time the one with winter tyres had stopped safely from 30mph, the one on ordinary rubber was still skidding at 25mph!

I've also had lots of press releases pointing out how brilliant winter tyres are - albeit ones signed off by Monsieur Michelin, Signor Pirelli and Herr Continental - and reckon that, if you drive a brand new motor, it's probably worth the outlay.

But when you lose your automotive cherry to a 30-year-old Mini with drum brakes you get used to driving something with the stopping capabilities of an ocean liner anyway, and when secondhand hatchbacks are your car currency the price you pay for having winter tyres is.... the price. To kit out my Rover 200 with some winter footwear would cost £250, and that's before fitting and balancing. A pricey prospect when the car itself cost £300.

Are winter tyres better than summer tyres in sort of weather? Without a shadow of doubt, but that wasn't the question. Are they worth fitting to your pride and joy? Well, it depends on what your pride and joy is.

If in doubt, buy a secondhand Land Rover.

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Can new the new Clio spark a revival for Renault in the UK?

What links the Espace, the Laguna, and the Wind? That’s right – they’re all models the French firm’s quietly dropped from the UK because they hadn’t proved a hit with buyers on this side of the Channel. 

That’s why they’ve put so much effort into the latest version of what’s been their supermini staple for more than two decades – the Clio. We’ve already looked at the potent 2.0 litre Renaultsport 200 Turbo version but chances are that it’s going to be its less manic little brother, which goes on sale at dealerships across the UK at the end of the month, that’ll be so crucial to the company’s fortunes in this country.

It’s certainly got the looks style-savvy supermini shoppers crave – check out those Alfa 156-esque rear doors, for instance, cleverly designed to disguise the fact it’s the first Clio in the model’s 22 year history that’ll be offered only as a five door.   

More importantly, depending on which version you pick it’ll be around 100kg lighter than the car it replaces, which makes it kinder on fuel (great for when you’re not belting it around like a boy racer) and quicker off the mark and more nimble (great for when you are).

Thanks to the prospect of a £10,595 starting price, fine looks and the prospect of gadgets like an in-car tablet, I reckon the new Clio might well be good enough to make it fourth time lucky for Renault.

I’m looking forward to finding out whether the new Clio goes as well as it looks.

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Fire up the... Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

PERHAPS it's a case of saving the best for last. Across the country fans of all things Volkswagen are being asked to give the new Golf a go, but in doing so they're missing out on the outgoing model's finest moments.

The sixth generation of Germany's bestseller wasn't exactly left wanting for kudos but that hasn't stopped the company from making sure it goes out with a bang rather than a whimper in the shadow of the slightly longer, roomier and sturdier new model. The Golf GTI Cabriolet covers two bits of automotive territory VW's awfully good at; the hot hatch, which it's been doing since the original Golf GTI of 1977, and the solidly-built ragtop beloved of middle class families everywhere.

Step aboard and it's business as usual for Golf lovers; detractors might call the interior dull, but Veedub fans will be delighted by the seemingly unbreakable build quality and the nice visual flourishes you get with the tartan seats and the subtle red stitching. It's also definitely a ragtop in the traditional sense- no folding metal roof here, sorry - but that's no bad thing because it a) keeps the boot free for things such as luggage and b) keeps the weight down, which means the performance familiar to fans of the GTI hatchback is still there in abundance.

All of which means you can enjoy this car's best feature - its engine, which thanks to having two litres and a turbo to call upon can muster up 208bhp. It's a fabulous bit of hardware which not makes this open-top Golf fast enough to wear the fabled GTI badge with pride but is smooth, rev-happy and happy to play along with enthusiastic driving.

But you can get this engine in the hatchback, which offers more practicality and ever so slightly sweeter handling for £3,000 less than this cabrio's £30k pricetag. Look at this car as an open-top hot hatch and you're missing the point, because it'll almost certainly seem too expensive. See it as a classy, go-faster cabrio that neatly fills the gap left by Saab's 9-3, however, and it's a very tempting prospect indeed.

Now all we need is some proper summer weather to enjoy it...

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Spotted: Ford Cortina 1600E

 

I'VE got to admit my lunch break was brightened up quite a bit when I spotted this classic Ford on one of Southport's streets.

This isn't just a Ford Cortina MK2, it's the really rather tasty 1600E version which came with walnut trimmed dashboard and door cappings, Rostyle wheels, bucket seats and sports steering wheel among other niceties. It's no longer a car you're likely to see every day, so its late Sixties slimline styling stands out even more on the rare occasion you do come across one.

The 1600E was also - and this is a great petrolhead pub fact - Jeremy Clarkson's first car...

Is this your pride and joy? If it is, I'd love to hear more about it...

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January's Top Office Chairs

Starting the year off with a bang, several key seating manufacturers have released some awesome new chairs to the market. Manufacturers like Mayline, Global, and OFM, Inc. are offering models that are currently skyrocketing in popularity. This article will highlight several of January's top seating solutions for both home and business needs.

Commute Chair

This revolutionary seating solution by Mayline is a top choice for highly active work environments. The durability and comfort of Commute seating is hard to beat. Available in a variety of styles, Commute chairs are customizable for those who prefer mesh or fully upholstered seating. Ergonomic features are not at a shortage when it comes to the Commute office chair. Attributes like adjustable arms, seat height adjustment, and heavy duty casters are just a few of the benefits this great new chair has to offer. Check out a Commute chair today. You will definitely be impressed!

Takori Chair

The latest release from Global Total Office is the new Takori chair. This two-tone office chair is perfect for modern work environments where style is important. Looking to enhance your space? The Takori is an excellent way to pull your work atmosphere together with contemporary flair. Available in a huge selection of fabric and leather textiles, these modern office chairs have become incredibly popular in the short time they've been available. Ergonomic features vary depending on the model you choose. In a nut shell, this chair can be configured to meet almost any individual need and looks great doing it!

Avenger Chair

When it comes to Big and Tall Office Chairs, products by OFM, Inc. are hard to beat. This top office furniture and seating manufacturer has long provided industry leading solutions for nearly every room of a business. From modular conference tables to stylish beam seating, OFM, Inc. is always a popular choice by designers and consumers alike. That being said, the new Avenger chair has become a hot commodity over the course of this month. With two models available, OFM has created a luxury big and tall chair that boasts class and elegance by the ton. Excellent ergonomic features and a choice of two leather options make this chair a big winner in the month of January.

G20 Chair

Another product from Global Total Office, the G20 chair! This awesome seating solution was an easy selection for this article. The comfort provided by this product is simply unmatched. The mesh back design keeps you fully functional all day long. The durability, style, and affordable price of the G20 are all what you'd expect from a manufacturer as well known and respected as Global. From discount conference tables to affordable executive desks and business seating, Global has truly made there mark in 2013.

Valore Chair

Last but not least, the Valore chair. As with most all Mayline office chairs, the Valore seating is definitely an excellent value. Priced at only $376.99, this two pack of folding office chairs is perfect for computer furniture and training room furniture applications. While most of the new office chairs highlighted in this article are designed for office desking use, the Valore is a Jack of all trades. This versatile seating solution is built to last, available in three stocked colors, and boasts modern style for days. Check out this chair today and see why the entire industry is buzzing about Valore!

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How cold is too cold for driving a convertible roof down?

IT WAS somewhere near Bala, as the road climbed ever higher into the mountains, that the temperature really started to drop.

The outside temperature gauge in my friend's Saab - a car built to cope with a harsh winter if ever there was one - had dropped its reading from a toasty five degrees to just above freezing. Thing is, where his car had a powerful heater and a plushly trimmed interior, mine has a floppy roof that goes up and down and as a result the answer to a question I'm sure you've been itching to find out. How cold is too cold for driving around with the roof down?

I was, in the noble interests of Life On Cars research, more than kitted out for the job; whereas I'd happily drive my Mazda MX-5 in the climes it was designed for in jeans and a t-shirt, last weekend I had gloves, a big coat and the heater on at full blast. Logic dictates that tackling a snowy mountain pass with the roof down should be unbearably uncomfortable but here's the truth in the (very) cold light of day - it really wasn't the hellish experience you'd think.

True, the air was very cold that afternoon but the really chilly stuff was being whipped over the Mazda's windscreen, leaving me to enjoy the warmth whirling into the interior from the heater. It's a bit like going skiing, but with the added luxuries of electric windows and a CD player. It was only when I pulled over to take a few photos that the cold caught up with me, because as soon as I got out I was no longer in a cosy car interior, I was hundreds of feet up, in the middle of nowhere in the midst of the cold snap currently engulfing most of Britain.

In fact, being the motoring masochist I am, I was actually enjoying it. There are lots of things I love about Wales, like the unpronouncably brilliant names for the villages and the Welsh cakes on offer in just about every bakery, but best of all they do roads quite unlike just about anywhere else in the UK. Coming across a set of twisty roads draped over some stunning scenery and having a couple of great cars to tackle them in is one of the best feelings in motoring.

So the answer to the question is that it's never really too cold to drop your roof down, as long as it isn't raining - or in my case, snowing - of course. Blummin' freezing but big, big fun.

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CarFest North 2013 dates and venue confirmed

AN EVENT which blends bands, fast cars and fine food in the name of raising money for charity is back on the cards for 2013, it has been confirmed today.

After the success Chris Evans enjoyed with the inagural CarFest events last September it was almost inevitable the two shows for BBC Children In Need - covering the north and south of England - would be held again, and now the show's organisers have confirmed both will be held this August.

The one petrolheads in this part of the country will be interested in is CarFest North, which has been confirmed for August 2, 3 and 4, albeit at Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire rather than the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. Meanwhile its companion event, CarFest South, will return to Laverstoke Park Farm – the home of former Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter - on August 23, 24 and 25.

The BBC Radio 2 DJ said this morning: “I can’t wait to spend the three days of CarFest North in the surroundings of one of the most respected race circuits in Europe, with such a depth of historical magic. Then two weeks later at Laverstoke Park Farm – what a summer!”

The original two events - conceived by the DJ, presenter and Ferrari nut as his perfect motoring event - raised a staggering £968,735 for BBC Children in Need.

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of Oulton Park owners MotorSport Vision, said: “We are extremely excited to have been chosen as the venue for CarFest North.

“The event allows us to show off our greatest features – a spectacular track and stunning scenery. We are certain that at Oulton Park, CarFest North will be even better than last year and help to raise even more money for BBC Children in Need."

The first release of CarFest 2013 tickets for both venues will go on sale this Thursday (January 17) at 8am via the BBC Children in Need website at www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.

To read the Life On Cars review of the 2012 CarFest North event click here.

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The return of the Corvette Stingray

HISTORY has a habit of repeating itself. Here's proof of that in automotive form; fifty years after the fabulous Corvette Sting Ray emerged, there's now a new one on the way.

Chevrolet reckons its new Corvette Stingray - don't worry grammar pedants, it became a single word back in the late Sixties - is the rightful heir to one of the best known names in the sports car business, although whether or not it'll be a hit with sports car fans on this side of the Pond is another matter. There's no doubt, however, that it shares one crucial trait with the split-window orginal, however; the latest Corvette looks, for want of a better word, stunning.

General Motors North America President Mark Reuss said: "Like the ’63 Sting Ray, the best Corvettes embodied performance leadership, delivering cutting-edge technologies, breathtaking design and awe-inspiring driving experiences.

"The all-new Corvette goes farther than ever, thanks to today’s advancements in design, technology and engineering."

The new 'Vette might still be made out of plastic in a factory in Kentucky and it might still be powered by a General Motors V8 engine but the car's makers say it'll be little bit better than its predecessor in just about every way, promising more performance, sharper handling and - wait for it - better fuel economy. GM have also said they weren't prepared to revive the Corvette Stingray unless they make a car good enough to wear the name with pride, so hopes are high it'll have the substance to match its Baywatch style.

The new Corvette goes on sale later this year in America, and odds are over here not too long after that. If it's as fun-packed and keenly priced as the Camaro Convertible Life On Cars drove last year, the Stingray should be a bit of a hit.

I'll have mine in right-hand-drive, please.

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