Woodvale Transport Festival 2013

SOMEHOW it was appropriate a replica of that great wartime symbol of British optimism – the Spitfire – stood proudly at the heart of last weekend’s Woodvale Transport Festival.

I could sense a bit of Battle of Britain spirit at Victoria Park last Saturday morning, when the elements did their best to dampen everyone’s spirits for this year’s events. I’ve seen many a show – even the bigger, most lavishly funded ones – turn into a bit of a damp squib on account of typically British summer weather, but a bit of stiff upper lip meant the show carried on. Right on cue, it brightened up as Saturday morning got into its swing.

To say I’d been looking forward to this year’s Woodvale Transport Festival is an understatement. Even though I’ve been to hundreds of different car shows for as long as I can remember Woodvale is my ‘home’ show and the one I’ve grown up with. From my days as spotty boy scout picking up litter to more recent years when I’ve displayed my own classic on the club stands, it’s always been the one show I’ve put in my diary to get along to. That’s why I convinced Classic Car Weekly to let me come home, get the camera out and immerse myself in this year’s event.

It’s because of my fondness for the rally that I left feeling both slightly sad, but more importantly, optimistic. I thought this year’s show suffered slightly, mainly because of the weather, but perhaps also because the name still links it to the airfield extravaganzas of previous years. Smaller shows can and do work – you only need to look at the classic car gatherings in Lydiate and up at Bank Hall each summer to see that – but the reactions I got from speaking to visitors last weekend was that a bit of a mixed bag.

The Woodvale Transport Festival had some great ingredients – a great venue (as the Southport Flower Show proves), keen exhibitors, a host of classic car owners, model plane owners and other enthusiasts who can’t wait to bring their toys along, organisers committed to its success, and a whole town keen to support it -- but I can’t help feeling this year’s event was an opportunity missed.

I don’t think it’s unfair to say the show’s had its ups and downs over the past few years – through, it must be said, no fault of the organisers or those who support it – but I think the show’s future as a top draw event for Southport, not an airfield just outside Formby, is a bright one.

Every cloud – even the literal one that lingered over the show for much of last weekend – has a silver lining.

Originally published in The Southport Champion, June 26, 2013

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Professional Office Interiors to Inspire Your Workplace Makeover

A well designed office space will create an excellent first impression. Using the right furniture and accent products in a cohesive nature show professionalism and class. This article highlights trendy office interiors sure to inspire your makeover project.

The Home Office

Working at home is an excellent opportunity to make your office completely your own! The perfect way to go about decorating your home office is by finding a "focal point". This can be specific color or art piece for you to orient your room around. In the example above, the focal point is the striped paintings behind the desk and the rug on the floor. The rest of the room uses muted analogous colors to showcase the focal points, creating a wonderfully balanced home office!
Now, you may be thinking "what if I can't find any furniture to go with the room?" Well, never fear! Office furniture manufacturers realize the importance of decor, and work to create furniture with variety to fit any room. In fact, most companies have lines of home computer desks specifically designed for the home office, so your room can look its very best!

The Conference Room

The conference room is perhaps one of the most important rooms in almost any office, so naturally, a makeover for one can be something of a challenge. Fortunately, furniture manufacturers have recognized this and have developed lines of conference room furniture that perfectly blend elegance with tranquility. Keeping the balance between comfort and sophistication is key when decorating a conference room, and nowhere is it more important to keep this balance than in your room's chairs. Today, conference chairs have reached the epitome of style and comfort so your guests never feel tired or stiff during those long meetings. So whether you choose to make the chairs or your conference table the focal point of the room, you can rest assured your guests will be impressed and relaxed at the same time!

The Lobby

Lobbies are typically the first room guests see when they enter an establishment, so its important to decorate with the motto "you never get a second first impression" in mind. It is important to make a room that reflects not only the characteristics of your business, but also looks as amazing as possible. The easiest way to go about this is to follow a protocol similar to home office decoration, that is, focusing more on the rest of the room, then finding furniture to accent it.
Manufacturers today have designed a vast array of lobby furniture available in all sorts of colors and shapes to beautifully accent any lobby. In the photo above, the circular arrangement of fashionable lobby seating that slightly alternate in design draws attention to the sculpture in the center, so guests have something to focus on. The arrangement is graceful, chic, and unique - a great first impression!

The Waiting Room

Waiting rooms are all about comfort, about making your guests or patients feel relaxed and entertained until you can reach them. The stylish waiting room showcased above is an exemplary illustration of a room that goes above and beyond for its guests! In this room, guests can lounge on the comfortable sofas with a good book or a magazine, or they can choose to work on a laptop at one of the convenient work tables while they wait. The room is tastefully decorated in warm orange tones and is cozy enough that a guest could take a short catnap if the wait time is a long one, and the art on the walls is unintrusive yet interesting enough to capture attention. The capacity for occupancy is high and room for improvements has been left in case the owner decides to add a television or a few end tables to enhance the decor. All in all, this stunning waiting room furniture configuration has everything it needs and the potential for more!

The Training Room

The addition of training rooms is one of the fastest growing trends in the business world today, and training room furniture goes right along with it. Training rooms are exactly what they sound like, rooms in which interns or new employees can be trained collectively in small classrooms. The best part about training room furniture is that it is extremely versatile. It isn't just for fast growing businesses. It can also fit seamlessly into libraries or classrooms as well! The designs of training room chairs are very diverse and can be elegant or simple depending on the room's needs. Not only that, they are available in scores of colors to match any decor. Most training tables have the ability to nest for easy storage, making them perfect for lounges, seminars, or cafeterias. Always accessible and ever useful, training room furniture can find a place in any institution and look good doing it!

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Popular Modern Conference Table Styles

The boardroom is constantly advancing to improve the quality of meeting efficiency and effectiveness. Advanced technology has combined with modern style to form some of the most innovative conference room table solutions on the market.

One of the hottest trends of 2013 is conference tables with metal legs and laminate tops. As the commercial stylings have been a huge hit, this look provides an industrial appeal that's sure to impress while creating more leg room than traditional table styles. Products like the 55118 from OFM are an excellent example of this modern trend put to use in the workplace. This modular conference table is available in 3 finish and frame combinations and is quite budget friendly at only $649.99.

In addition to metal legs, adding a glass top to your table will surely improve your corporate appeal! This modern look provide an excellent look while simultaneously making your space look larger. New glass conference table solutions like the GT3977 also provide a neutral canvas that's sure to match any office decor. The GT4794 is also available for larger boardroom furniture applications. When shopping for a commercial conference table with glass top, make sure to source models from reputable vendors. You'll want to ensure the glass is tempered for longevity and durability. A leader in this field, OFM conference tables are the perfect place to start your furniture search.

Creating a powered conference room is the perfect way to improve your meeting versatility and effectiveness. Industry leading powered conference table models from lines like the new TransAction series from Mayline will have your space operating at the highest levels of productivity possible. While a seemingly limitless array of power components, you'll be able to customize any of the TransAction conference table models to meet your individual needs. Want to keep it a bit more simplified? No problem! Other Mayline conference tables from lines like Aberdeen, Brighton, and Napoli office furniture are now available with basic power modules in the table surface. These basic modules provide 2 phone ports and electrical ports to hook your devices up with ease.

Now that we've covered the most popular bases, materials, and technology used in modern conference tables for sale today, it's time to cover shape! In 2013, businesses and interior design teams alike are thinking outside the box. While there's nothing wrong with traditional round conference tables, rectangular, or boat shaped models, elliptical conference table solutions have been the top sellers this year. While lines like the Lesro Industries Mystic Furniture collection, you'll be at not shortage of solutions to improve your space with. These discount conference tables for sale combine several of the trends previously mentioned including metal legs and the ability to run power directly through the table surface. If you're in search of large conference tables to compare for your boardroom, Global Industries is the brand to choose. Their top conference table with elliptical top can be purchased in any size up to 30 feet.

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Office Furniture Reviews: The Mayline Sorrento Collection

With all the popularity surrounding the cutting edge furniture that's been released in 2013, traditional wood office collections have had a tuff time holding their own. One line that has continued to excel despite the boom in modern furniture is the Mayline Sorrento collection. This full service line offers conference tables, executive workstations, cabinets and reception desks to furnish any space with luxury style.

If you're in search of wood conference tables for sale that showcase a classy look, Sorrento is the collection for you. This line of Mayline conference tables is available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of any meeting area. A birds eye maple and birds eye maple finish combination highlights the rectangular conference table while an espresso finish highlights the boat shaped version. The most popular of the group is the 8' Sorrento Conference Table with rectangular top. This model is well suited for most any sized boardroom and can be paired with the matching presentation board for a well rounded look. One thing this table could really benefit from is the ability to add power easily. While most of the Mayline Tables available in 2013 provide power options, the Sorrento does not without custom surface modifications.

Every business executive strives to provide a professional work environment while simultaneously creating a positive first impression for guests. The Sorrento line of luxury office desks is sure to do just that. The high end office furniture configurations available from this series are among the industries most popular and for good reason. They are absolutely beautiful! The birds eye maple and bourbon cherry finished typicals feature wood hutch doors and stunning inlays that portray excellent in the workplace. The espresso executive desk configurations boast glass accents that further enhance the stellar designs. Top Sorrento Office Desk models include ample storage solutions like desk side pedestals for office organizational needs. As a side tip, these units are extremely heavy! You'll want to have at least two people at your office ready to help move or install any of these wood executive desks for sale for the home or business.

The little details make the biggest difference! In the case of the Mayline Sorrento Furniture collection, you'll be at no shortage of options. Top executive cabinets for sale from this line are the perfect way to enhance your space while providing versatile organization capabilities. Products the Sorrento Buffet cabinet work perfectly in lounge, lobby, reception, and veneer conference furniture configurations.

Last but certainly not least, the Reception Desks for Sale from this popular line are amongst the most luxurious on the market. Adding a Sorrento Reception Station to your space will surely earn you positive compliments on a daily basis. Models like the SRCSLM granite top reception desk have been top sellers for the last several years. These Mayline reception desks for sale are in stock and ready for quick shipment, a nice luxury for those in need of new office furniture in a hurry! Both small reception desks and L shaped models are available from this collection to meet your individual space requirements.

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Why I'm looking forward to the Woodvale Transport Festival

A celebration of classic cars, bikes and other means of transport gets underway in the heart of Southport tomorrow (June 22).

The Woodvale Transport Festival - the newly rebranded Woodvale Rally – takes place in Victoria Park in the seaside resort, and will be welcoming enthusiasts from across the North West from 10am on both Saturday and Sunday, with admission for adults costing £5.

 I’ll be there too, donning my best Classic Car Weekly-branded jacket and taking pictures aplenty of owners proudly showing off their old Triumphs, MGs and so on. So far I’ve already been to a smorgasbord of shows for CCW, including the Bristol Classic Car Show, Manchester’s Passion for Power, the Donington Historic Festival and most recently the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, so what made me so keen to make the journey to a much smaller show, held in a park in a northern seaside resort?

 Put simply; it’s my home show, and the one I can remember going to for as long as I can remember.

One of the earliest existing photographs of me involves me standing next to an E-type at the Woodvale Rally, as a pre-pubescent car nut who wandered around the airfield with his dad. Then I spent years litter-picking with the scouts, followed by a stint of helping Mr Simister Senior with the displays at the Red Rose Land Rover Club, and then finally the day came when I could start showing off my own classics at the show. It’s also the first show of any kind where I’ve displayed my own classic, when my old Mini coughed into the venue way back in 2009.

I don’t think it’s unfair to say the show’s had its ups and downs over the past couple of years, but I can’t wait to see what the organisers are going to do with this year’s event. A change of name, a change of price, and a venue, don’t forget, that hosts one of the country’s best known flower shows.

Can’t wait!

Keep an eye out for David’s report on the Woodvale Transport Festival in Classic Car Weekly.

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Popular Office Desk Styles for 2013

The world of office furniture is always changing. Manufactures are always striving to create the next must have item to improve your work day. When it comes to desks, the latest trends have become quite apparent in 2013! This article highlights the industries most popular styles in order to help you keep your office on the cutting edge.

In 2013, glass office desks have taken over! From small computer desks to larger workstations, the use of glass makes for a modern look that's sure to impress. Those dealing with square footage limitations will benefit from glass workstations as they just seem to make any space look bigger! Manufacturers like Calico Designs Furniture are revolutionizing the way we look at desks for the home. Meanwhile, brands like Cherryman Industries Furniture offer lines like the new Verde Casegoods collection which features stylish white glass painted accents for a totally unique look. No matter the size of your space, a glass office desk is sure to bring it to life!

Saving space is always a top priority of any business. Utilizing the popular corner office desks for sale in 2013 is a great way to do just that. Wether you're in search of a modern solution to add cutting edge style to your space or want a traditional wood office furniture setup to showcase your luxury style, desks for the corner office are available to meet your needs. Brands like Global Total Office are the perfect place to start your corner desk search. Their top modular office furniture for sale like the new Zira Casegoods collection will have your space looking fantastic in no times. With an extensive offering of components, this line allows users to grown there configuration when their business needs and office size increase!

Don't think the top furniture brands have forgotten about the needs of your home office. Every year modern computer desks come out that are sure to earn your space a host of positive compliments. Having a professional office doesn't mean it has to cost you a fortune either! Top small computer desks for sale from brands like Mayline are the perfect way to get your home office furniture configuration off on the right foot. This industry favorite brand offers extensive home products from the Eastwinds collection that provide the value and professional qualities needed to get you through the work day.

The modern executive should always strive to express luxury style on a budget with their workspace. For that reason top luxury office desks for sale in 2013 have been incredibly popular. While the term luxury is often associated with being expensive, brands like Offices To Go understand the importance of sticking to a strict budget when furnishing your office! Products like a Margate Executive Furniture configuration offer consumers the quality they need at price they'll appreciate. The rich cordovan finish is sure to get the compliments flowing while the wide variety of components ensure you meet the space requirements of your workspace.

In addition to the desk styles listed above, staying current with the current industry furniture trends in 2013 will also make a big difference in your space. Using white office chairs as a neutral canvas is a nice little style tip while any office desk with metal legs provides a commercially influenced look that's also been popular. Meeting with industry professionals is a great way to get insight and product suggestions for your office makeover.

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Top Ergonomic Chair Features for Improved Office Comfort

Keeping it ergo in the workplace is just plain smart! A well thought out ergonomic office will improve your versatility, comfort, and effectiveness. That being said, any office of this nature revolves specifically around the chair. When shopping for a new chair, it's important to understand the value of top features sure and how they can benefit your space. This article defines and highlights the top ergonomic office chair features you'll need to get your ergo office started on the right foot. These features provide optimal adjustment capabilities to ensure your comfort and work quality are at their highest levels!

1.) Lumbar Support

The lumbar support offers relief for the abdominal segment of the torso, between the diaphragm and the sacrum. The lumbar region, often referred to as the lower spine is one of the most common areas for back pain. Top chairs like the Concorde Presidential Chair by Global Total Office offer adjustable lumbar supports that provide a wide range of user friendly settings. While these luxury office chairs are great for high end executives, those with lower budgets will appreciate models like the $250.99 B8701 Boss Executive Chair with excellent value! While adjustable lumbar options are nice, if faced with a limited budget you should definitely shop for a chair with a built in version. This is one feature you and your back will definitely appreciate on a daily basis.

2.) Adjustable Arms

In today's world, most top office chairs for sale are available with stocked or aftermarket arms with excellent adjustment capabilities. Width adjustable arms allow outward movement to match shoulder breadth. This ensure that your forearms are properly supported while computing throughout the day. Arms of this nature will significantly reduce the muscular effort of common problem areas like the next. In addition, some arms like those on the G20 Office Chair can even rotate in order to minimize the risk of pain. The three main types of arm adjustment are height, width, and rotation. If you find a quality office chair with all 3 you'll be on the right track to all day comfort.

3.) Tilt Lock

You've probably already guessed the definition of this useful feature! However, for those that haven't, tilt lock is ability to lock your chair in any desired reclined or forward leaning position by working. This feature is designed to accommodate your individual working posture and create a range of supportive positions. While infinite tilt lock position chairs are available, single lock models are far less expensive and still provide great support. Models like OFM 580 Office Chair provide a wide range of functions including tilt lock for as low as $299.99. As with all OFM office chairs, this popular model is made incredibly well and with your everyday needs in mind.

4.) Swivel

You won't have a hard time finding ergonomic office chairs for sale with this feature. Nearly every chair on the market offers users the ability to swivel. Believe it or not, there was actually a time when this was considered the premier feature. It just shows you how far modern ergonomics have advanced in the last few years alone. Regardless of it's common status, this feature is of great benefit to any user. Speed, efficiency, and mobility are all improved with swiveling desk chairs for the home or business. Just imagine how many times you turn in your current office chair per day. Now imagine how many times you would have had to strain your back without this feature. Without a swivel feature you'd be getting up on a regular basis for simple tasks we take for granted because of this attribute. Keep in mind that while this feature is probably already a factor on your old chair, it's benefits are not to be overlooked and appreciated. Office life would be much more difficult without the swivel chair! Unless you suffer from severe motion sickness, swivel capabilities are essential for any business chair.

5.) Synchro-Tilt Movement

This beneficial feature allows your office chairs backrest to recline at a faster pace than the seat. Simple as it is, this increases the angle between your torso and thighs, thus encouraging dynamic body movement and improved comfort. The mobility of your office chair and range of capable movements is drastically improved with a synchro-tilt chair. Models like the Cherryman Industries Respond Chair offer synchro-tilt and a variety of the other features highlighted in this post and should definitely be considered by those looking for mesh back office chairs that won't break you budget.

Additional features you should consider when shopping for computer chairs for sale online include quality casters and pneumatic seat height adjustment. These two factors will improve your mobility while simultaneously improving your posture. Most of the industries top executive chairs come standard with these features. Brands like Mayline, Global Industries, OFM and many others are definitely the best place to start your search!

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Cholmondeley Pageant of Power 2013

THE sight, sound and smell of supercars strutting their stuff at a stately home in Cheshire proved a bombardment for the senses last weekend.

It’s that wonderful time of year when the sun tries its best to break through the cloud, scores of mouthwatering motors emerge from hibernation, and enterprising petrolheads bring them all together in fields and parks across the north west. It is, if you’re really into wandering around looking at automotive exotica, entirely possible to end up at a car show every single weekend because there’s so many of them across the north west, to the point where you have to start being picky about which ones you go to!

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, however, is one I’ll always put down in my diary, because it’s a bombardment to the automotive senses. If you haven’t been – and you should, because it’s only an hour away in the car, in the greener bits of deepest Cheshire – then you’re missing out on a treat. In a nutshell, it involves taking over the grounds of a stately home, turning it into a sort of improvised racetrack and then setting off some of the world’s most exciting cars around it to see how fast they can go. Not only can you get up close to Ferraris and Bugattis and scary Group B rally cars, but you can watch them burning rubber and going flat out too.

I tried totting up the value of the various bits of automotive exotica parked up in the paddock but I lost count when I got to the trio of Le Mans-winning Bentleys – and instead just immersed myself in how stunning these bits of motoring beauty were. I’d try and listen to the loudspeakers for more information for the commentators, but every 30 seconds or so he’d be drowned out by the sound of a Ford GT40 roaring past. Then, if you trapsed past the food stalls and hunted down the rally sections, you could decide whether you’d prefer a Ford Escort RS1800 or a Group B Audi Quattro in your dream garage!

The spectacle of seeing, hearing and even smelling these incredible machines makes the Pageant of Power of what it is, and it was great that thousand of people were enjoying it alongside me, even when it was chucking it down with rain. If you managed to make it to Cholmondeley last weekend, you’ll know why I rate it as one of the best motoring events not just in the north west, but in the whole country. If you didn’t, make sure you jot the dates of next year’s event down in your diary.

It really is that good.

For more pictures and a full report from the event, check out Classic Car Weekly on Wednesday, June 19.

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Reviewing Top Contemporary Lounge Chairs at Discount Prices

The lounge are makeover is one of the most popular office interior design projects of 2013. With so many products available, it's hard to know where to shop and find the best products and budget friendly deals for your business. This article highlights and reviews the industries top contemporary lounge chairs that won't break your budget. These stylish products are a great way to get your lounge furniture project started on the right foot!

First up, this red leather lounge chair from the Flash Furniture Jet Series. If you're looking to wow your visitors, this trendy lounge chair is the perfect way to do it! Priced at $318.99, the Jet chair offers a far more impressive look than it's price point indicates. The   curved arms accent by the taught seat and back pull together to form one of the most innovative seating solutions for the waiting area. Talk about a conversation piece! The protruding metal legs and contemporary curves are a sure way to earn your business a host of positive compliments. It's no wonder why interior design teams and industry professionals love this chair!

2013 has brought with it a wide variety of OFM seating solutions for modern lounge and waiting room areas. Products like the Recoil Lounge Chair offer businesses the ability to showcase their individual style and separate themselves from the competition. With functional attributes like the unique spring back, stain resistant fabric, and heavy duty construction, this chair will undoubtedly improve your areas durability and longevity. The 400 lb. weight capacity is fully supported through the durable steel frame. The black seat and nickel back make for a two tone finish that's truly unique. Even better, matching OFM furniture is available to complete your area from a single source!

If you like leather lounge chairs it will be extremely hard not to appreciate this unique product from Cherryman! The Verde Lounge Chair offers style, comfort, and affordability that's made it a popular choice for modern office lounge furniture makeover projects in 2013. Priced at $553.99 on Cherryman's MAP policy, if you're looking for an even better deal, call your furniture provider direct. As an added bonus, this stocked product is available for quick shipment. A great feature for any business looking to meet a project deadline!

The chrome frame jumps out on the contemporary brown leather lounge chair from Flash Furniture. The next thing you'll notice is the price! At only $357.99 this cool office lounge chair is an absolute bargain. Also available in black or white leather upholstery, these modern lounge chairs boast a tufted seat and back, foam filled seat cushions for a comfortable sit, and eco friendly construction. Love the look? Add the matching leather sofas and love seat options from this popular collection. Needless to say, the Lesley collection is a real winner.

Last but certainly not least, you'll fall in love with this Santa Cruz Tablet Lounge Chair by Mayline. The almond leather upholstery provides luxurious appeal to any area it graces. The versatile tablet features a chestnut finish that matches perfectly. Looking for modular lobby furniture solution for your business? No problem! The VCCMT offers heavy duty casters and brushed aluminum handle for simplified mobility. This line of office lounge chairs allows you to reconfigure your space in minutes. As with all Mayline Furniture, the new Santa Cruz lounge furniture collection is made to the highest levels of quality. Mayline has really outdone themselves with this stocked leather waiting room furniture line for professional businesses.

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Get set for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

Petrolheads can check out some of the world’s most exciting motors at a full-throttle show taking place in Cheshire this weekend.

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, which takes place on June 15 and 16, is being billed as one of the north west’s biggest motoring events and will give petrolheads the chance to see supercars and classics alike in action.

James Hall, event director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, said: “The idea behind the Pageant is simple – to create the UK’s most thrilling day out and to ensure admission prices are incredible value for visitors.

“With some of the world’s most famous, most beautiful and loudest cars, from all areas of motorsport, this year’s Pageant will be bigger, better and louder, consolidating its reputation as a must-attend event.”

Relive the highlights of last year's event by clicking here and here.

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5 Top Leather Executive Chairs Under $250

Creating a stylish executive office can be quite expensive! Luckily, you'll be able to save a ton of money with the professional seating solutions highlighted here. Rest assured, these 5 executive chairs under $250 are from the best manufacturers in the business. With excellent ergonomic qualities and modern style, these chairs will get your office makeover project started on the right foot!

First up, this discount leather executive chair from Offices To Go. The simplistic style and well rounded good looks make the 2700 model chair a true value. Priced at $196.99, you'll also be able to use this chair for executive style in the boardroom. The loop arms and thick padded seating surfaces make for a comfortable site. Ergonomic features such as pneumatic seat height adjustment and tilt tension adjustment come standard. The scuff resistant arched molded base with twin wheel carpet casters makes for excellent durability and improved mobility. Want to know the best part? This versatile chair is typically in stock for quick shipment. An excellent attribute for anyone looking for new office chairs in a hurry!

Second on the list is the Europa Chair from Eurotech Seating. If you love modern style, this European inspired chair will be an instant favorite. The contemporary design is highlighted by a chrome frame and unique back that provide a luxury look that won't break your budget. At $199.99, these Eurotech Chairs are at the top of our price range but well worth every penny! The LE811 forms the perfect combination of style and value. Ergonomic features like tilt tension control make this chair fully functional for any workplace environment. In addition to the standard features, the Europa is available with zip on arm covers for an enhanced look that takes this chair over the top!

Did you know that OFM Office Chairs are a favorite of industry professionals and interior design teams? You do now! This reputable manufacturer prides themselves on making quality products at affordable prices. The OFM Stimulus Chair is an excellent example of their superior craftsmanship at work. This line of chairs includes mid back, high back, and matching office guest chairs for sale well within our allotted price range. The 516-LX highlighted here is the most luxurious at $199.99. With standard efficiency improving features like 360 degree swivel, body supporting design, and tension control, you'll be able to easily adjust to meet your individual seating style.

The white leather office chairs trend is sweeping the nation! Combine that with the ability to recline and you've got yourself a top seller! This white leather reclining office chair by Flash Furniture is all about style and comfort. The even better part, this awesome product is only $144.99. Standard features like a padded headrest, dual wheel carpet casters, and heavy duty nylon base, this chair is built to last! Not to encourage workplace napping, but take one seat in this chair and it's the perfect recipe for rest. As an added bonus, this line of office recliners is made from eco friendly materials which helps reduce our overall carbon footprint. Green products also improve office air quality which never hurts.

Last but certainly not least, the 11655B Offices To Go Chair in black leather. At $79.99 this the most affordable model on the list. You'll be hard pressed to find a better chair for the money. The simple design makes this the perfect black leather office seating solution for both home and business environments. The 11655B chair also works great accenting modern conference furniture configurations where style is important. Looking for ergo features? No problem! This excellent product offers seat depth adjustment capabilities as well as thick soft cushions and an armless design for increased elbow room. The scuff resistant base and hinged back angle make these durable office chairs a winner for any business.

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Motorway pubs could prove the saviour of a Lancashire motoring landmark

SHERLOCK Holmes might have called it a two pipe problem. For me, a clash between two of my favourite things – real cars and real ale – is a two pint problem.

Until very recently I could enjoy both, but knowing the clear boundary between them. Most of my motoring life, particularly on still, summer evenings like the ones we’ve been having lately, involved a classic car of some sort, a quiet pub in the West Lancashire countryside and a refreshing, but legal, shandy. Similarly, if I wanted to be happy in the haze of a drunken hour, Merseyrail’s finest and a plethora of town centre pubs were my oyster.

That’s why new plans by JD Wetherspoon to start opening pubs at motorway service stations didn’t leave me angry or overjoyed. The idea, like a hangover, hurts my head slightly. On the one hand you can take the view of an old mate of mine who argued vociferously that allowing any pub, anywhere, to have a car park is encouraging driving while smashed.

Motorway service stations are essentially big car parks, albeit ones with overpriced coffee shops attached. What’s more, unlike even the quietest of country pubs they cannot be reached by public transport (National Express coaches don’t count).

The Daily Mail reader in me, therefore, thinks motorway service stations are a menace that’ll fuel a drink-driving epidemic. But then I remembered all those visits to Forton Services on the M6, gazed at the Gerry Anderson-esque architecture of the old restaurant tower and wondered which idiot it was who decided Britain’s motorists would no longer benefit from it. It’s a wonderful bit of Sixties architecture – and, on account of it being a listed building, it seems the powers that be agree with me – and I always feel slightly sad when I see it lingering above the Lancashire countryside, unloved and unused.

The idea of it being a family-friendly pub/restaurant job, albeit one festooned with signs warning the designated drivers not to fill up on John Smiths as well as unleaded, appeals more than seeing it not being used at all.

Last year, I put it to JD Wetherspoon that if they’re serious about opening a pub in Ormskirk, they should name it The Harold Wilson (and if they do, you heard it here first). Now I’m going to stick my neck out and suggest that if they’re going to throw caution to the wind and start opening pubs on the motorway, they might as well bring a Lancastrian landmark familiar to drivers across the North West back to life.

Well, the idea made sense at the pub anyway.

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5 Cool Office Chairs Any Dad Will Love!

Father's day is less than a week away. By now, dad is probably tired of ties and coffee mugs. That being said, all the hard working dads out there deserve a comfortable office chair! The super cool models highlighted here will keep dad sitting pretty while showing him just how much you care. Enjoy!

Is you dad a big guy? If so there's no better chair our there then the OFM 810-LX Avenger Chair in black leather. This new line of Big and Tall chairs is designed around comfort and efficiency. With support capabilities up to 500 pounds, you'll be hard pressed to find a more durable chair for dad! With features like a 5" thick extra wide padded seat, 28" base, and gas lift seat height adjustability, this chair is a real winner. The even better news, this line of OFM Office Chairs is typically in stock for quick shipment!

Who doesn't like to kick back and relax every once in awhile! Treat dad with ability to recline at work when he's ready for a short break. This reclining office chair is super comfortable, stylish, and affordable. The 680 model chair is offered in black or burgundy vinyl  and is a great way to relieve stress in the workplace. Let's be honest, most every dad on the planet will appreciate a stress reliever. Additional ergonomic benefits include a 4" thick seat with padded headrest, fully functional swivel base, and padded arm rests. The Power Rest Recliner even allows users to lock-in to 5 different positions for added comfort.


While the Concorde Office Chair is a bit pricey for the average Father's Day gift, that doesn't mean it's not incredibly cool. Commonly considered the most comfortable chair on the market, this line of luxury office seating is built to impress in every way. The Concorde chair is available in extensive leather upholstery options and can even be purchased in a massage version for superior comfort. If your dad had good taste, he will definitely appreciate this chair! With it's aircraft seating technology, the Concorde is truly top of the line. Fabric upholstered models are available, but kids will probably still need a bit of help from mom to swing this gift for Father's Day!

This retro brown leather office chair from Woodstock Marketing has dad written all over it. The Hendrix chair, inspired by the blues icon offers a polished chrome frame and contemporary look that's sure to impress. The supple brown upholstery enhances the old school feel without straying to far from the popular modern style we all love. Priced at $289.99, this chair is an excellent value that any dad will take note of!

Last but certainly not least, every dad will love the Presideo Lounge Chair and ottoman set by Flash Furniture. The combination of wood and leather form the perfect gift for any dad. The Presideo features button tufted surfaces, thickly padded curved armrest cushions, swivel seat, and black metal base. The Italian leather upholstery offers luxury that's hard to top. Needless to say, this unique line of leather lounge chairs has plenty of wow factor!

No matter what gift you decide to go with, it's the thought that counts. Most dads just want to feel loved and appreciated on Father's day! With the leather office chairs highlighted in this article you'll be at no shortage of awesome gift inspirations to highlights your home or business office furniture configuration. Not to mention, you'll keep dad comfortable which is never a bad idea.

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7 Secret Office Furniture Shopping Tips for Increased Savings

We all love a good deal! Regardless of what we're shopping for, perceived value is incredibly important. Nobody wants to pay top dollar when coupons are out there for the taking! When it comes to the world of office furniture these same principles remain true. The best part is, with the awesome shopping tips in this article a good deal is no longer hard to find!

Tip 1: Bulk Discounts

All too often shoppers walk right through the checkout process with multiple items loaded in the cart. When in a hurry, forgetting to inquire about bulk discount savings is a common occurrence. This is most typically seen with new office chairs and similar products purchased in multiples. If you've got 3 or more items loaded in a shopping cart, take a moment to call about bulk pricing. You'll be surprised at just how much money you can save.

Tip 2: Free Shipping

Paying for shipping online is just plain silly! Did you know that most leading manufacturers like Mayline Furniture include free shipping for dealers? If you see a shipping charge on an furniture purchase there's definitely a chance it's just a hidden way for dealers to make additional profit. This isn't always the case, but to be on the safe side, make sure you seek out legitimate free shipping office furniture providers for the absolute best value possible.

Tip 3: Mark Up

Recent studies show that consumers feel they've received a better deal when they get big discounts off of a marked up product. Several top office furniture providers have taken this principle to heart! Instead of offering products at everyday low prices, dealers are marking up prices and offering specials galore! The benefit is that if you don't ask or seek out a deal, you might just end up paying more than you have to. On the flip side, if you find a coupon, the dealer makes what they wanted to originally but you feel like you've gotten a real bargain. No matter what, mark up is occurring. Arm yourself with this knowledge going into the shopping process. Make sure you find a trustworthy dealer like OfficeFurnitureDeals.com that believes in customer honesty and affordable prices from the start.

Tip 4: Coupons

If you see an area during checkout to enter a coupon code stop! Open up a new screen in your browser and search active coupon codes for the respective company. It sounds obvious, but all too often checkout is completed quickly and savings are not maximized! Sites like tjoos.com and RetailMeNot.com are great places to start your coupon hunt.

Tip 5: It Never Hurts to Ask

Online shoppers tend to avoid calling dealers to steer clear of a sales pitch, automated system, or any number of factors that take up valuable time. However, time spent building a decent rapport with your dealer of choice can save you money. Take a "It Never Hurts to Ask" mentality when shopping for office desks for sale online along with any other items you might be considering for the home or business. Additionally, a quick phone call will provide you with insight as to what kind of company your dealing with. Preparing yourself in advance with a short call can save you the trouble of a customer service nightmare down the road. If a company seems helpful and friendly, you'll probably also end up with an additional discount of some sort!

Tip 6: Be Nice

Online companies are always more likely to provide you with better service when your nice. Being respectful and kind to your furniture company goes a long way. A quick call to say thank you for a job well done or positive company review speaks volumes. Your furniture provider will often reciprocate with coupons, specials, sale alerts, and closeout specials for added savings.

Tip 7: Newsletter Sign Up

We all hate junk mail! However, if you plan on shopping for office products on a regular basis for your company, the company newsletter is the best place to find out about the latest deals. Commonly, dealers will list items like new conference tables and other top products here when on sale. You can't beat the product suggestions found in the newsletter! Any reputable dealer should put out a monthly message without rocking your inbox with tons of nonsense. If they spam you up, simply request a removal. Let's say your shopping for new reception desks for your business and looking to make a first time purchase with a new dealer. Call your dealer for a copy of the most recent newsletter and see if any are listed. Inquire about active coupons and get a feel for just what type of company your dealing with. Use this simple tip and you can never go wrong!

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The Lamborghini Gallardo has cost me dearly in the pub bragging stakes

“WHAT’S the most powerful car you’ve ever driven?”

There is, in the days when top speed is considered a bit un-PC, still a certain validity about asking what’s the highest amount of bhp you’ve ever handled from one engine. Well, at least there is if you’re two petrolheads and it comes down to pub bragging rights! If you’ve ever wondered what those strange three letters – bhp – stand for, then wonder no more.

The standard way we Brits measure power goes back way beyond the dawn of motoring itself, and hails from the days when James Watt needed to show the world how brilliant his steam engine was. One horsepower – which was always measured at the steam engine’s brake, hence the b in bhp – was equivalent to the work one pit pony could do. It’s a measure which migrated from steam to petrol and, as a result, has obsessed Top Gear presenters ever since.

Naturally, I’ve got my most powerful car to date clearly jotted down in my mental notebook – the Jaguar XKR-S Convertible, which I drove last year. Its 5.0 litre, supercharged V8 churns out no less than 542bhp. Which, in pony terms, means it's enough to keep a discount supermarket supplier in business for several months.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been enough to stop me getting outhorsepowered by my mate. He was treated to one of those ‘try a supercar for a day’ presents for his birthday and, as a result, got given a Lamborghini Gallardo to play with for a morning. I’ve been outgunned – by eight piffling brake horse power – and he hasn’t let me live it down since.

There are, of course, less childish ways to express a car’s oomph. If you want to be intelligent about it there’s the issue of power-to-weight ratio, which is why said mate is hard at work cramming no less than 170bhp into an old Rover Metro, which in theory, should give it the same sort of punch – if not cornering prowess – as a Porsche Boxster. Then there’s the mysterious world of torque, which would take the next three weeks of motoring columns to explain properly but is why so many not-that-powerful turbodiesel cars are so good at overtaking.

Raw power, however, has a certain mine’s-got-more-than-yours childish appeal which still appeals to petrolheads (and probably explains why I like TVRs so much). The best thing about horsepower, however, is that you don’t need to be a motoring journalist to outgun Yours Truly.

All you need to do is get given a certain birthday present, turn up at your nearest racing circuit, and have a blast!

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How to Improve Workplace Versatility with Office Furniture

Creating the perfect office space for your business is no easy task. You'll need to consider factors like efficiency, ergonomics, and style to ensure a user friendly work environment. During this process, maximizing your square footage will be essential. Finding products geared towards functionality is also must. The good news is, all of these things are very possible. When combined, these attributes will surely improve the versatility of any office space while simultaneously improving your business.

In order to improve office versatility, you'll need to acquire modular office furniture for every space. The idea of using furniture for a single purpose is an old school mind set that's becoming a thing of the past. In the modern office, all products are designed with modularity in mind. This unique attribute is an excellent way to save your business money, time, and space.

One area where modular products will help maximize versatility is the conference room. Using modular conference tables makes for easily reconfigurable spaces to meet the needs of any particular meeting. Commonly, modular training tables are used in place of traditional conference tables as they offer mobility and increased user friendliness. Typically, a flip top training room tables layout will cost about the same as a name brand wood conference table but can offer far more benefits. Tables can be easily nested and stored along walls when not in use. This makes for easy to clean spaces designed with the needs of your office in mind. That's what office versatility is all about.

The ability to combine one area to serve two office purposes is also key. While this sounds good in theory, knowing the modular products lines capable of this is great! Arming yourself with product knowledge when shopping for your business office furniture is essential. Collections like the Bungee Table line from Global Total Office along with the Flip N Go table series from Mayline are truly excellent ways to improve your workplace versatility on a budget. These value priced office tables offer ease of use and excellent ergo benefits that should not be overlooked when considering a modern training room furniture or conference room makeover project!

The use of ergonomic products in the workplace is at an all time high. In 2013, products like ergonomic monitor mounts have been selling like hot cakes! Why you ask? These simple products provide priceless versatility. Models like the Edge Monitor Arm by ESI offer a limitless range of adjustment capabilities while freeing up valuable desk space. Additional products you'll want to consider when looking to improve office functionality include the Orion Tablet Mount for only $149.99, along with the popular Solstice LED desk lamp which also charges mobile devices! The range of ergonomic office furniture and accessories is broad. Asking industry professionals for helpful product suggestions will provide excellent insight into what products will most improve your office versatility.

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Why the Honda Civic won me over

IT WAS in the wee small hours, long after you’d gone to bed, that a humdrum diesel hatchback stole my heart.

You would’ve found your petrolhead friend in unfortunate surroundings at precisely 00:32am the other Sunday night. A long drive across the country which had already started late was going from bad to worse, because while part of the M62 being closed off for overnight roadworks didn’t frustrate me a subsequent decision by another motorist to have a crash on the Highways Agency’s preferred alternative meant being diverted off the diversion, and what should have been a quick blast over the Pennines had turned into an agonisingly long crawl through Bradford city centre and then around Leeds at stupid ‘o’ clock.

Desperately needing to stay sharp and still the best part of 100 miles away from my destination, I pulled into what must qualify as Britain’s loneliest service station, somewhere near Pontefract. It was somewhere I’d suggest as a shooting location for anyone thinking of a filming a Brit adaptation of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, because it was just one semi-shut petrol station in a sea of unlit blackness, with a single, bored cashier and the distant rumble of a passing lorry every ten minutes to break up the inherent creepiness of my late night calling point.

Caffeine-crammed energy drink aside, I had just one weapon to hand should the road-horror-movie-in-the-making have got real. Fortunately, it was a good one; the 2.2 diesel version of Honda’s Civic.

Having driven one last year, I already knew the Civic had improved in quite a few crucial areas over the old one – namely, the redesign of the rear doors to stop people banging their heads as they got in and out – but at the expense of its wonderfully daring design being watered down a bit. A good car, then, but not as good as a Ford Focus. That was, however, until it decided to stop being a good car and start being a brilliant one, by using its turbocharged diesel whallop to devour the darkness over the rest of that journey.

Honda have always been good with engines but the 2.2 turbodiesel is, if munching through motorway miles is what you’re after, an absolute gem. Not only is it quiet, economical and smooth enough to win it friends in austerity-obsessed 2013 but it has so much mid-range whallop on offer that it makes easy work of overtaking just about anything.

With it being 1am on a quiet, unlit motorway, there wasn’t much call for being frustrated by the Civic’s chief niggle – the spoiler cutting right across your rear view – but the Blade Runner vibe of the digital dashboard, the build quality and the comfort completely won me over.

No, it wouldn’t be as much fun as a Focus on a windy country lane but in the freakishly early hours of the morning, when all you want to do is get home quickly and quietly, I know which one I’d rather have.

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