I've just been interviewed by Lynley Oram from Which? magazine about home offices and garden offices. I'm quite certain I said ALL the wrong things. Looking forward to the March edition - I think. 

Recent garden office comparison

Good to speak to someone who has done his homework last month. In the market for a good quality and affordable garden office space he had checked out a Henley, a GBC and of course a Smart - all in the flesh.

Reporting his findings his words were: "the Smart is like a BMW, the Henley like a SEAT and the GBC is like, well....erm, a shed!"

Evidently a man of great taste and judgement, we'll be installing be installing his Smart next month.

Whilst I try to avoid being too rude about our competitors (its not so professional) it is however nice when someone else phrases it much better than I every could!

Registered Trademark

Good to be reporting that Smart Garden Offices is now a registered trademark. It's only been six years!!

Vivid green pull up the shutters

Another garden office supplier has pulled up the shutters this month. Vivid Green, who were based in Bedfordshire have issued their notice of intention to dissolve. Sad to see anyone lose their livelihood - but it does reinforce the case for the consumer to be particularly careful when choosing a garden office supplier... This hot on the heels of Ateliers receivership earlier in December.

BT Tradespace

Finally managed the BT Tradespace page presentable today. Now there's 4 hours I won't get back again http://gardenoffices.bttradespace.com/

Check out the Garden Room Guide

It's great to see our friends at The Garden Room Guide going from strength to strength this year. Woody launched the site back in 2009 and we've been an active supporter of the site since its commencement.

The site has several useful comparison features which helps those serious about buying a garden room narrow down their choices. The reviews are clear and insightful giving the reader a greater understanding of all the alternatives on the market.

We are delighted to be regularly featured on the site and look forward to continuing the association throughout 2012.

Check out Smart Garden Offices at http://www.thegardenroomguide.co.uk/category/reviews/p-q-r-s/smart-garden-offices/

Atelier call in the receivers

Whilst I'm always sorry to hear of any company going bust and to see anyone lose their livelihood, but sometimes my sympathy runs short in some situations.

I've been staggered by the apparent marketing spend of Atelier in the last few years.... So I'm not truly staggered that they appear to have called in the receivers today.

According to the credit rating agencies the creditors meeting revealed they had nett liabilities of over £435k. I'd be very surprised if it didn't turn into a pre-pack though.

I'm not totally struck by their buildings either - there is certainly merit in being modernist - but their designs were described to me as "a small branch of B & Q" which is a trifle cruel.