With gas and electricity companies currently increasing their prices to record levels consumers are being warned to expect further rises of nearly 40%. This will see the average home energy bill reaching a staggering £1,300 and over 6 million homes heading for fuel poverty.

However, it may not be all doom and gloom thanks to a recent invention launching in the UK next month called the g-save economiser, which is set to bring the cost of our gas bills tumbling down. The product is an ingenious new device from national utilities checking company gas-elec which is capable of saving households anything from 17% to 35% on gas bills. Savings are dependent on the system itself but a boiler which is in good condition and regularly serviced could result in impressive savings of around 35% when fitted with the new g-save economiser.

The g-save is a ''smart'' technology boiler economiser which effectively manages the amount of fuel a typical central heating boiler uses. In a standard domestic heating system there is a time lag between the thermostat demanding heat from the boiler and then registering that the water or room is hot enough. The thermostat ultimately cuts off this demand but, due to the heat that still has to work through the system, this time lag causes the hot water or the room to become overheated and fuel is wasted.

The g-save economiser is unique to the market in that it has two electronic timers each pulsing at different pre-set times which run twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. One timer is wired into the room thermostat whilst the other is wired into the hot water cylinder thermostat wiring. Pulse heat pulses the demand for heat so that the latent heat in the system that is still moving around is used to full effect even when the boiler is not active, thus making substantial savings on gas usage.

The unit, which works on gas, oil or LPG-fuelled installations, will retail at around £160 including VAT, postage and packing and will be available exclusively from gas-elec. With the average annual gas bill now estimated to be around £800 per annum home installing the g-save economiser unit will see the cost being recouped in less than 12 months.

The g-save economiser has been developed and patented by gas-elec (www.gas-elec.co.uk/reduce-heating-bill.html) one of the UK''s leading specialist safety and service companies and will be officially launched in the UK at the end of September.

Well metaphorically speaking anyway, we mean find someone to do all the cost-saving, bargain-hunting, donkey work for you.

We all know that when it comes to internet shopping, price comparison sites are usually the first point of call to find the cheapest deals out there. They are however often outdated, focus on a limited number of suppliers and there’s no flexibility in price.

But there’s one site that goes that step further. TipaTipa is an innovative new site where people help each other find bargains, the kind of bargains that price comparison sites can’t.

And let’s face it, in the current economic climate, with rising bills and falling property prices, we need to get smarter with how we spend our hard earned cash.

Tipatipa.co.uk works by people listing an item they’re looking for such as a TV, computer console, or even a car or a holiday, and the price that they’re prepared to pay for it. A community of bargain hunters then use their skills and expertise to find you the best deal. It could be someone who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, or a tradesman with great deals at their fingertips, or simply someone who knows how to haggle.

At the end of the listing, which can last from a matter of hours up to a week, the user can choose from the best bids, and if they’re happy with what’s been found, they can leave a discretionary tip, thanking the ‘tipper’ for their services.

Dave Dixon, TipaTipa Director said: “It seems an ideal time to launch TipaTipa, with the credit crunch, everyone is counting the pennies and trying to spend as little as possible. What TipaTipa does is take all the effort out of searching for that bargain, as the old saying goes, time is money – and that’s something people don’t have to spare at the moment.

“The internet is already awash with price comparison sites but TipaTipa is different. Often you’ll find that these sites just have headline offers that aren’t the real deal, they’re outdated and only focus on a limited number of suppliers. With TipaTipa it’s real people, searching for real bargains, in real time, like a network of personal shoppers.”

The site already has hundreds of users registered with listings ranging from DVD series, to LCD televisions, holidays and laminate tiling.

It’s free to join and create listings and all users are asked in return is to rate bids and consider leaving a discretionary tip to fellow users that help save time or money. Tips are paid through Paypal but users can also use the messaging service to agree an alternative payment.

Are you ready for a quantum leap?

Leading British footwear brand HI-TEC today launches a global first in footwear: the revolutionary ion-mask™ technology.

Held at the London Aquarium on Wednesday August 27th, HI-TEC’s global launch was hosted by the Gadget Show’s Jason Bradbury. Guests to the event witnessed a global first in footwear development; a pioneering, quantum leap in hydro management nano-technology - ion-mask™.

During a series of eye catching displays and interactive activities HI-TEC put ion-mask™ through its paces to show the exceptional benefits of this brand new technology for consumers.

Simon Bonham, HI-TEC Group Head of Marketing says; “HI-TEC discovered the potential of ion-mask™ 18 months ago when approached by creators of the technology P2i Ltd. Both teams have been working together tirelessly in the creation of a brand new page in the history books for nano-technology enhanced footwear.

“HI-TEC is absolutely delighted and truly excited to be the first brand in the world to bring this incredible technology to the attention of the global consumer. The benefits of ion-mask™ technology in HI-TEC footwear are truly groundbreaking, and just as the mobile phone changed the face of telecommunications, ion-mask™ will change how you and your footwear behave around water. There is no need for additional membranes to supplement the footwear – so your boot is as lightweight and breathable as when you first purchased it.”

Dr Ian Robins, Business Development Director of P2i, adds: “ion-mask™ surface enhancement nano-technology can treat everyday objects without altering the look, design or feel of the object such as Hi-Tec’s ion mask walking boot. The plasma process enables water repellent molecules to chemically bond to the fibres of the footwear on a sub-microscopic (nano) scale rendering the product either Waterproof (WPi) or Hydrophobic (HPi).

Materials which can be treated include leather, fabrics, metals, ceramics, glass, polymers and paper. The benefits are as transparent as the technology itself with only tiny quantities of a non-toxic chemical used at room temperature, with minimal waste making the ion-mask™ process highly efficient and environmentally friendly, compared with traditional waterproofing methods such as dip applications or membranes.”

HI-TEC is launching the ion-mask™ revolution this autumn with the introduction of their V-Lite Altitude Ultra WPi walking boot. SS09 will see this brand new technology evolved even further with a collection of Waterproof (WPi) and Hydrophobic (HPi) boots, shoes and sandals.

With Hi-Tec featuring ion-mask™ WET IS DRY.

To see the incredible technology in action please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCcE4UHrprs

For more information about HI-TEC featuring ion-mask™ please visit www.wetisdry.com

The Spires Serviced Suites in Birmingham has received a gold award for best practice by Marketing Birmingham.

Having launched in the city just over one year ago The Spires has been recognised by Marketing Birmingham as ‘gold standard’ due to its excellent customer service and first class accommodation for both business and leisure guests.

With 31 suites comprising a mix of one and two bedrooms, situated in the heart of Birmingham, close to the NEC, each apartment features separate bathroom, fully functioning kitchen with all mod cons and lounge fitted out to the highest standards with self controlled heating, digital TV, home entertainment system.

Birmingham was also the venue chosen to launch The Spires bespoke Directors Suites. The specialist one-bedroom apartments each feature their own private office, equipped with wi-fi, full sized desk, filing cabinet, USB printer (ideal for printing off your boarding card if checking in online) and a selection of stationery.

Managing Director of The Spires, Margaret Beattie comments:

“We are delighted to receive the award from Marketing Birmingham, particularly as we are the first to receive it. The Spires is all about quality and providing our clients with a comfortable stay, as close to home life as possible. Our suites are perfect for business guests, creating the perfect working environment when away from home on business or relocating because of a new job.

“Our larger suites are particularly popular with families too, as a stay with us means no more drinking a warm bottle of wine perched on the end of a bed with the TV on mute!”

Since opening in Birmingham in April 2007 The Spires has experienced a steady increase in occupancy with popular dates selling out quickly.

“We’re noticing that business and leisure guests are looking for more in their accommodation,” continues Margaret. “Freedom and quality are a must but also, with the current economic climate our customers want to reduce costs where possible – sharing a suite at The Spires is the perfect solution.”

Marketing Birmingham has developed Quality in Birmingham to help the tourism industry in Birmingham, advocating the highest standards of quality, customer care and staff development. This will help Birmingham achieve its goal of making the city and region a place where visitors can enjoy a  quality visit, serviced by quality people in a quality destination.

“The Spires is a worthy winner of the Quality in Birmingham award,” said Ivor Marsh of Marketing Birmingham. “It shows that new businesses coming to the city are as committed as we are in developing the quality of service in Birmingham and making it a world class destination.”

The Spires has serviced suites in Birmingham, Glasgow and Aberdeen. For more information and bookings visit www.thespires.co.uk or call 0845 270 0090.

Local amenity or monstrosity - readers vote.

The canals that criss-cross the country are taken for granted or ignored by many. But canals played a great part in this country''s industrial revolution, providing work for the many barge operators and cheap, reliable transport for the countries potteries, steel and coal industry.

Many were derelict soon after World War Two as road transport grew massively. Now they have become once more a place to walk the dog, sail your boat or in some cases somewhere to dump the rubbish.

A new guide to the UK canals www.canalguide.co.uk (published by the River Thames Guide Ltd) documents much of the canal network in England- this area too with nice photos and a fair amount of local details.

They are looking to complete an audit of the state of the UK canals during October and Novemeber and are asking for volunteers in this area. So, if any reader of any age, has time to email - the  The River Thames Guide are keen to hear about the safety, general appearance etc of the canal in this area.There is a prize for the best photo''s and detailed surveys from interested organisations and schools will be published with full credit given.

See more details at www.canalguide.co.uk