Chairmans Message

Welcome to www.shedshifters.co.uk  the dedicated website of the Industrial Agents Society. 

Here we are at last, twenty twelve – the Olympic Year ... the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ... and the 36^th year of the Industrial Agents Society.

It’s fair to say that there’s a level of promise and expectation in the air and we all hope that this translates in to a productive and yielding industrial market for 2012.  There is no doubt that the last two years have been challenging for everyone, and yet deals have continued to complete and most agents I speak to are encouraged by the signs, however small, of the appetite of funds and developers to keep the market moving forward.  Admittedly, the days of broad scale speculative development across the UK aren’t likely to return in the immediate future, but the shortage of good quality existing warehouse space is incentivising the front runners to build again, and those that do must be congratulated for being at the head of the game.

The IAS appreciates that the budgets of our members remain limited and as such we will continue to tailor events accordingly for 2012.  Our members’ favourites such as the Summer BBQ, Thirsty Thursday / Wet Wednesday, Football Challenge and the Annual Dinner will all be taking place, as well as the hugely successful IAS Awards.  In addition, and in-keeping with this being the Olympic year, an exciting new event is being planned – a grand Cycle Ride, which is being organised by Tom Clews.  For those of you who prefer a more sedentary pace (!), Nick Treadaway is arranging a Pub Olympic Event.  Please contact Tom or Nick for further information.  For details of these and other events, keep an eye on the IAS website Calendar section on this site at http://www.shedshifters.co.uk/calendar

The IAS will be supporting another worthy charity throughout the year.  Regeneration is a small UK charity for people affected by ataxia; a condition which is a symptom of a group of degenerative neurological disorders including stroke, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.  You will read more about Regeneration in the Charity section soon or go to www.regenataxia.org.uk

Finally, the IAS would like to thank all our sponsors and members who have, and continue to contribute to the Society.  Your help and support is gratefully received and we look forward to working with you throughout 2012 and beyond.

Ruth Tytherley

Chairman

IAS Charitable Cause...

Regeneration – The IAS Chosen Charity for 2012.

Regeneration was established in 1994.  It is a voluntary organisation solely dedicated to supporting people and their families affected by ataxia.

Ataxia is a general term meaning ‘lack of coordination’. It is the main symptom of a group of degenerative neurological disorders collectively called the ‘cerebellar ataxias’. Ataxia can also be a symptom of many other conditions, such as cerebral palsy, stroke or multiple sclerosis.

Regeneration’s other objectives are to raise awareness and understanding of the ataxias and to fund and support essential research into developing effective treatments, and management strategies. Ultimately its vision and target is to find a cure.

There is currently no cure for most ataxias. Many people with ataxia will slowly become dependent on other members of their family and carers for all of their day to day needs. Ataxia is a devastating condition and life-limiting in so many ways. It not only affects those people who have the disorder, it will also have a major impact on the lives of the person’s family, friends and carers.

Each of the trustees has a close family member affected by ataxia. All the administrative and fundraising tasks are undertaken by the trustees working with people that have ataxia and their families and friends. No salaries or fees are paid. All administrative costs are met by grants that Regeneration receive specifically for that reason. This means that every penny donated to Regeneration is used exclusively for the purpose of which it was intended – to fund research, to help  provide care, information and support services and to help people with ataxia to have the best possible quality of life.

For more information go to http://www.regenataxia.org.uk