There might be a chill economic wind blowing, yet the new product announcements and press conference invitations keep coming. It doesn't surprise me. This is my third UK recession, with the previous two also characterised by rock steady support for new product development. In fact, as production activity dips, designers are freed from their obligation to support their overworked manufacturing colleagues and can focus all their effort on innovation.

Buyers Laboratory Inc has presented the Fall 2008 Pick of the Year Award to Océ. Award winners in Océ's portfolio are the TDS700 wide-format monochrome MFP and both the Océ CS173 and Océ CS193 segment 2/3 business colour MFPs. BLI's award for Outstanding Wide-Format Monochrome MFP was the 36in TDS700 with optional TC4 scanner. BLI's wide-format test specialist, Joe Tischner, said: "This Océ wide-format printer was obviously designed with the end user in mind."

Konica Minolta Business Solutions has launched an Information Management Services division to provide an outsourced print solution service for corporate and public sector customers. The service lets customers with print room facilities and large fleets of print devices outsource management to Konica Minolta.

Premier Paper Group has opened a new stock holding branch in Langley, Berkshire. The sales office and warehouse unit accommodates the new West London branch of Premier Paper Group's paper merchanting division, Premier Beswick.

Fellowes is urging businesses to support European Data Protection Day and the launch of the Personal Information Promise by the Information Commissioner's Office. Fellowes Europe's president, Andrea Davis, said: "Various public and private institutions, both large and small, are not doing enough to protect the data they process on behalf of others, and are putting those individuals at risk."

Drawing on the conclusions from MBD's report on UK Stationery Distribution Market Development, for the period 2009 to 2013 the UK market for stationery distribution is expected to be restricted in the short term, largely reflecting the economic downturn evident during 2008, which has in turn reduced business investment and demand for stationery products.

All twelve members of Duraweld's Customer Services Team have successfully completed the Selling and Negotiating training course run by West End Training of York, part-funded by the governments' Train to Gain skills initiative.Principal of West End Training, Mike Prescott, said: "It's great to see companies like Duraweld continuing to train in the current climate and taking full advantage of Train to Gain funding."

Media Paper Management has added a Responsible Mail interactive tool to its interactive customer website. The tool keeps customers informed of important environmental changes which can impact their business and costs.

Howard Smith Paper has started tests with customers to demonstrate the key features and benefits of its ON Business and Offset uncoated papers. ON is produced with Eucalyptus tree fibres which give strength, opacity and bulk, improving on-press stability at high speeds. The company states a low absorbency level offers punchy prints using significantly less ink.

With a mix of major brands and new names exhibiting at the Stationery and Office Products Show (SOPX) this year, the event promises to be a great buying and networking opportunity for dealers and retailers alike. Set to take place 7 and 8 April at the Business Design Centre in London, the show will help visitors source new products and suppliers, a process which can be crucial to increasing sales in a competitive market.

Specialist supplier of ICT cleaning products, AF International, will showcase a new range of environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions, packaged specifically for small offices, home workstations and mobile workers. Products are targeted at the retail market and visitors to the stand will be offered a free sample pack containing cleaning wipes and cloths.

As key suppliers to the education sector, retail and wholesale outlets and promotional and business gift areas, Geometrix offers a range of desktop equipment.

Five new multi-function laser products have been added to Philips' dedicated business range. The LaserMFD 6020, 6020W 6050, 6050W and 6080 are the first laser multi-function products from Philips and represent the perfect tool for small businesses.

Cathedral will be launching several new products at SOPX including a range of notepads and project books and the company's new Peel ‘N Stik notes and tabs. Having worked closely with USA company, Carolina Pad, Cathedral will highlight a variety of up to date designs and fashions.

WJC aims to lead a green revolution in the marking industry by showcasing, in conjunction with Colop/Reiner distributor Ludwig, a range of Colop Green-Line self inking stamps made from up to 80 per cent post consumer recycled products.

Pinpoint Consumer Electronics will showcase the CleanDr and SkipDr ranges at SOPX, including the SkipDr Classic, Deluxe and Premier. Described as essential tools for today's disc-based media, office equipment and electronic products, they offer a safe and effective method for disc repair, disc cleaning or playback optimisation on CDs, DVDs and Data Discs.

Parker, Sharpie, Waterman and Dymo are the latest stationery brands to sign up for the Stationery and Office Products Show. Some companies will be exhibiting for the first time and many will use the event to launch new lines on to the UK market.

Westcoast will be attending SOPX for the first time this year, in partnership with cleaning products manufacturer, Durable. The show will provide an opportunity to discuss changes in the company's offering.

To celebrate the fact that Ultratape shipped more than 24 million rolls of adhesive tape in the UK last year, Bruce Douglas is giving away two bottles of 12-year Old Glenlivet single malt Scottish whisky.

The decision to exhibit again at this year's SOPX was an easy one for Beta Distribution, according to the company's marketing manager, Dave Green. He explained: "Last years' exhibition proved that the industry is looking for alternatives to traditional EOS and stationery wholesalers. We initiated key relationships with both customers and buying groups which have developed into ongoing partnerships.

Pouch detection and speed adjustment technology are just two of the design advantages of Fellowes new Voyager A3 laminator, which has been added to the company's portfolio of binding and laminating equipment. Other additions include a new line of thermal binding machines featuring a HeatShield safety barrier for ultimate user protection.

CPU Holders 4U has launched a new lockable PC security cage targeted specifically at schools and education centres, where computers are vulnerable to damage or theft. Designed to offer a simple and affordable solution to security issues, the CPU-66 enables users to protect a large number of systems and leave them accessible without having to spend a fortune.

IT distributor, Westcoast, believes its portfolio of consumables and PC peripherals, PCs, notebooks, servers, storage, printers and software products could be the differentiator that some businesses need in today's economic climate.

Mail order consumables company, Ansa, claims its recycled printer cartridges and toners could help customers save both the environment and money.

Fellowes has extended its Earth Series with the introduction of a new monitor riser and laptop riser. Designed with the conscientious consumer in mind, these environmentally responsible and ergonomic products are made from 100 per cent recycled materials and are 100 per cent recyclable.

Velcro has launched a cable management range, developed specifically to tidy unsightly wires and electrical equipment around the home, office, classroom and garden.

Renz has enhanced its equipment offering for document presentation and binding with the addition of three new machines aimed at the low volume (SoHo) user. This is a rapidly expanding area where continued growth put pressure on Renz to develop its entry level range.

An increasing risk of identity fraud and tighter security requirements for business means a reliable, powerful shredder is now an office essential. Fellowes' Intellishred PS-79Ci is ideal for small office home office (SoHo) use with features designed to make shredding quick, safe and hassle-free. Jam proof technology helps prevent over-loading and ensures maximum productivity. The system works by measuring paper thickness and preventing too much paper from being inserted and by powering through would-be jams caused by mis-fed paper.

Muratec Europe (UK) has introduced the compact MFX-C3400 A3 colour printer with multifunction features for copy, print, scan and fax, as standard.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper has expanded its jetscript range with 18 different LeisureArt inkjet paper grades for the creative sector.

Mailroom manufacturer Neopost, has launched an integrated solution to fold and frank mail. The Insert ‘n Frank system is ideal for any size business. It works by connecting a folder inserter to a franking machine creating an efficient and secure mail flow.

Eastman Kodak claims to provide affordable and effortless printing, copying and scanning with its new ESP 7 and ESP 9 All-in-One (AiO) printers. Director of inkjet systems, Europe, Kodak, Eric Bradamante, said: "We are focused on providing innovative and intuitive printing solutions that deliver quality results and the lowest total ink replacement cost in the industry. These printers allow consumers to print up to twice as many photos and documents for their money as similar consumer inkjet printers."

Logistics company, Bedfords Transport, has expanded its value added services. As a result of major contract wins, Bedfords will handle more warehousing and logistics including a fulfilment element.

A new ECO energy rating system has been introduced by Riello UPS to help IT managers select the most efficient UPS for their installation. Higher operating efficiency means lower running costs, power consumption and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Mobile Bluetooth printer, the Printstik from Planon, is now compatible with all smartphones running Windows Mobile. The driver for the Windows Mobile operating system is available to download free on-line.

Pentel's 2009 product catalogue is now accessible on-line using page-turning software to help navigate through the site and make searching for products simple and effective.

Manufacturer of pen tablets, interactive pen displays and interface devices, Wacom introduces the PL-900 19in LCD with a digital pen enabling users to write, annotate and navigate with the pen on the screen. Ideal for interactive presentations or lectures the PL-900 interactive pen display can also be used to control and operate complex user interfaces.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) has launched the bizhub PRO C65hc digital colour system using High Chroma toner technology to simulate the colour palate of an RGB monitor using CYMK print processes.

Staples UK is installing new business card technology, capable of producing 200 business cards, cut and boxed, in just a few minutes.

Voice and data solution provider, Spitfire, has completed interoperability testing and accreditation for its SIP trunking service with the Panasonic range of phone systems, including the KX-NCP (network communications platform).

Océ has boosted its field service output with satellite tracking over the web. During trials of the Masternaut Three X vehicle tracking service, Océ achieved 15 per cent increased productivity and now plans to utilise the mobile resource management tool on a permanent basis.

An e-marketing initiative run by Avery has won recognition at the OPI European Awards. Avery's European email marketing programme was recognised in the category of on-line initiatives and was commended for its innovative approach, professionalism and proven business success.

Educational furniture manufacturer, KI, now carries Greenguard certification on many of its products, helping facility managers contribute to a building's overall LEED sustainability rating.

Canon UK's i-SENSYS MF9170 has won the Buyers Laboratory Pick of the Year award for outstanding small workgroup colour multifunction printer.

Office furniture specialist, JS Online, reports a growing trend towards fixing existing office furniture instead of buying new designs.