2013 sees a brand new online look for the SDF as it launches its new website and embraces social media networking with a Facebook page and YouTube Channel.

The new-look website – at the same address: www.scottishdecorators.co.uk – has been completely re-designed to be as clear, clean and user-friendly as possible.

The navigation is simplified with a new kiosk-style format so users can instantly find the information they want.

And there is more colour and images that reflect the Federation’s visual industry.

Customers looking to contact an SDF member can access the updated search function in the  ‘Find A Decorator’ section while prospective members can review all the membership benefits and apply online through the ‘Join the SDF’ kiosk.

Members will need a username and password to access the members’ area control panel that includes important, regularly updated information on education & training, apprenticeships, law & legislation, events, and resources such as the SDF newsletter, Decorating Matters Magazine and the SDF app.

Social media

The SDF is embracing social media as a new way to engage with their members, the industry and interest groups in different ways. Users can read the latest SDF-related and industry news, find out about new products and SDF offers as well as discover the range of the SDF’s activities and how members can get involved and make a difference to the industry.

Take a look at and ‘like’ the new Facebook page – www.facebook.com/scottishdecoratorsfederation.

The SDF’s dedicated YouTube Channel will host their online videos via the Facebook page and website.

Ian Rogers, Chief Executive of the SDF, said: “After receiving a number of creative proposals, the board plumped for vibrant, Glasgow-based company Pocapoc Creative who just got what we were looking for. Our PR consultant Jenny Kumar of JK Consultancy managed the project and since their appointment in August, we’ve been working hard on our online presence to make sure it’s fit for purpose and appeals to our different audiences.

“We’re embarking on a new and exciting online journey and hope you’ll support us by giving constructive feedback and spreading the word.”

Any members wishing to contribute images for the website of interesting projects should send jpegs no larger than 1mb to info@scottishdecorators.co.uk and include the project details in the email.

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(L-R) Neil McLean, UA's Joint Group MD, Griff Rhys Jones looking the part with UA's Executive Chairman David Leggat.

Griff Rhys Jones’ brand new prime-time series kicks off tonight on BBC One at 8pm with Royal Progress.

Made by Modern TV, this new four-parter retraces the often hazardous routes people took across the country.

United Auctions feature in episode three – Highland Cattle Drove - in which the adventurous Mr Rhys Jones droves a small herd of highland cattle from Skye to Falkirk and sells them at the Stirling Agricultural Centre. Tune in on Thurs 14th June at 8pm.

Here’s the full series line-up.

Suffolk Ram Lamb sold for new record price of 90,000gns.

United Auctions’ Stirling Agricultural Centre hosted the Suffolk Sheep Society Northern Area show and sale last week (Friday, July 29th 2011).

200 pedigree Suffolk ram lambs consigned from the UK and the Republic of Ireland were forward. Buyers travelled from all over the UK, Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

The show and sale was a highly successful event with a record price of 90,000gns (£94,500) being achieved for a ram lamb consigned by Mr Dan Tynan, Beechill Farm, Doon, Mountrath, Co Laois, Republic of Ireland and purchased by Mr M A Evans, Tan-Yr-Accar, Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh, North Wales.

164 lambs sold to average £2225.43.

The Suffolk Sheep Society also held their annual dinner and prize giving at Stirling Agricultural Centre.

David Leggat MBE, executive chairman of United Auctions said: “We were pleased that this very important event has moved to Stirling Agricultural Centre. The event attracted a huge crowd of customers from a wide radius, many of whom stayed at hotels and guest houses in the Stirling area.

“The central location and excellent facilities at Stirling Agricultural Centre was one of the factors in the event being staged here.

“We were elated with the outcome of the sale, the feature being a record price, which eclipsed the previous record by 15,000gns.

“The fact that 164 lambs were sold was also very satisfying.

“We already have confirmation that the event is to be staged at Stirling Agricultural Centre next year, which we are absolutely delighted about.”

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