You all checked out
www.ukvc.co.uk?
Chase are really busy at the training centre. And it mainly used to be Ant who came on here, he's now an independent NVQ assessor I think and does bits and bobs for a few centre's, and then himself too. As far as I'm aware. Not spoken to him or Chase for a bit myself. I keep in touch with Marg at the centre from time-to-time and every time I call they've done something else, and have something new, and govern something else or have been awarded something or other. They've really moved on now. I think they'll be with us for a very long time.
As for Big Smudge. I not long spoken to him and there have been some movement within CornerTape for their benefit. And as far as I can tell they too are doing pretty good through these tough times. Their gear is available in more places than ever and they're getting lots of good feedback on it. Though as for their sponsorship, I'm not too sure it was ever right for the forum or them, though they said they'd give it a go and it helped get them what they wanted - some feedback and a bit of coverage online. I think there's a chance they might not renew - Andy (Big Smudge) is chatting with their new MD about online marketing and I think they have it covered to be honest; their website it certainly looking a lot smarter anyhow.
Thanks to all for using the sponsors as and when you can. There's no doubt that many of them go out of their way to help the forum and its members, and they do give us the best prices they can - some seasonal offers aside, of which you get to buy too if you need the stuff. And supporting them, really does support the forum. And it's cool to think we've hit a stage where we don't just accept random sponsors and we can be really picky with who we give out business to.
We've said this every year since 2006, but we've been right, you have to agree: 2009 is set to be a busy year for me forum-wise (all forums even) and we have some cool things in store - all to help the average tradesman. And I'm sure this year will only bring us more good things to the
community.
Just keep checking in on the sponsors from time-to-time as they don't all find time to post their offers on the forums, and we don't get to post them ourselves all the time if we're busy too. We always welcome links to our sponsors websites and web pages, certainly if it's going to spark discussion.
Anyway - enough waffling. And thanks again to all the members who use them, and a bigger thanks to the sponsors for giving us some cool deals and a huge range of everything we (you more so than me) need.