Figa, are passionate about the beauty and richness of detail created by the fusion of Design and Art, which they feel permeates all areas of the world around us.

The company offers customer led Interior Design Schemes, or sourcing a gorgeous unique accessory, to providing inspiration from their floral design courses.

The ‘Figa Unique’ collection of furniture and accessories, features a range that has been conceived, designed and crafted at their Suffolk Studios and presents a truly individual fusion of art, design and craftsmanship. Items can also be designed and made to commission.

The company also sources ‘unique’ antiques and one off curious, the requirement being that they are always charming and forever enchanting.

To live up to their ‘unique’ status, each item of the range is either a one off or limited edition piece.

Featured here is a stunning hand painted French style console:

• This elegant reproduction two-door cabinet, has been hand painted at the Figa & Co. workshop and is a unique one off piece.

• The painting depicts a mountainous landscape to three sides, with a sky scape across the top.

• The doors are finished with small cut glass pull handles.

• Gold distressed edging and legs.

• Measures; 720H x 400D x 1200L. Priced at £1250.

Wherever possible British sourced materials are used.

To view the UNIQUE range of homeware products, please visit the Figa & Co website.

Tel: (01379) 384073

What does the prospect of crossing the finishing line after a 26-mile run do to your heart rate?

Inspire you to book a place for the 2010 Flora London Marathon and start training immediately? - or leave you feeling flabby, inadequate and wondering if you cover 26 miles in a month?

Running, jogging or walking, we’re all advised to clock up 10,000 steps a day, but if even that suggestion leaves you feeling daunted, remember you could cover a lot in half an hour on a treadmill.

Leading Home Fitness experts Accell Fitness, have plenty of inspiring choices in their treadmill collection from top international brands Tunturi, Bremshey and TrimMaster.

One of the latest additions to the Tunturi treadmill line-up is the top-notch Tunturi T40 (RRP £1599.99).

Bremshey offers numerous treadmills including the under-£1000 Bremshey Treadline Trail (RRP£999.99).

While TrimMaster’s machines are renowned as workhorses, epitomised by the T360 HR (RRP £1499.99) featured here - a great choice for anyone with their eye on a 2010 marathon.

• Large cushioned running deck for maximum comfort while training.
  Speed range 0.8-18kph.
• Six pre-set and two personalised user programmes, plus one heart rate controlled programme.

Fitness equipment distributed by Accell Fitness UK, is sold in leading department store John Lewis and specialist fitness retailers.

For stockist information call: (0115) 981 0205

For full details of Tunturi, Tunturi by MFT, Tunturi Small Fitness, Bremshey, Slam Man and BOB (Body Opponent Bag) see:

Web: http://www.accellfitness.com
For TrimMaster and Wavemaster products see:

Web: http://www.bsfitness.co.uk

For the first time ever in the UK, aspiring interior designers, or those already working in the industry, can study for a degree in interior design from home via distance learning.

The National Design Academy, in partnership with Staffordshire University, is offering the UK’s only flexible distance learning Interior Design Foundation Degree course, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) / BA (Hons).

The degree is a practical, practice-based interior design course, taught by specialist interior design practitioners through Virtual Learning Studios. The VLS is easy to use, like clicking onto a website and tutors are always available to speak to.

This unique degree is perfect for those that want a career in interior design and would like a professional qualification, but aren’t able, or don’t want, to attend a University or College full-time.

The course allows students to study whilst still working, or looking after a family; the course can be completed at a pace that suits each individual student.
A distance learning degree lets you earn while you learn.

In addition to this, there are part-time student grants available from most Local Education Authorities, which are means tested and can help to cover the cost of the course fees, books and equipment.

The National Design Academy, which is based in Nottingham, has been providing training in interior design and related courses for many years. They have a reputation, for providing students with excellent tuition and support.

Web: http://www.nda.ac.uk
Tel: (01159) 123 412

Simply Automate the leading UK Smart Home distributor offers a wide and varied range of home management solutions and has announced the dates for its latest home automation training programme in March.

From a basic introduction in Smart Home technology, to the more sophisticated applications of fully integrated Smart Home systems, the experts at Simply Automate will guide you through the maze of products and applications available.

A variety of courses are offered, each with a different slant on this exciting new technology; they combine both practical and theory modules; the courses are 1-2 days long and are held regularly throughout the year; the March programme includes the following:

X10 Training Course, 19th March 07 - Installation and configuration of X10 devices for automating lighting and appliances, installation and set up of the Harmony whole-house control system, configuration of Philips Pronto remote controls to control X10 equipment and other devices (£299.99 ex VAT).

Smart Home Technologies Training, 20th March 07 - taking your home automation one step further - Specification, installation and commissioning of additional Smart Home products to complement the basics of lighting and appliance automation. Topics covered include digital CCTV and whole house audio video systems (£199.99 ex VAT).

Don’t miss this chance to become au-fait with smart home technology!

For further details on the courses or to book your space, visit the website at:

Web:  http://www.simplyautomate.co.uk
Tel:  (08450) 644 3330

How would you like to visit a chocolate factory, and learn to make luxury chocolate?

Well now you can, and you won’t even need a golden ticket! Rococo Chocolates, makers of fine and organic chocolate are opening their factory doors and putting on some one-day courses in the art of chocolate making.

Each day will start with a brief introduction and a tour of the factory. There will then be demonstrations from Chantal Coady and her team, followed by practical sessions in teams of two.

After a light lunch there will be a chocolate tasting and slide-show. You can then finish the work you started in the morning, and return home with a goody bag! No more than 10 people will attend each course.

There are three one-day modules to choose from:

• Making the Perfect Truffle
• Making Chocolate Behave (tempering and moulding)
• Indulgent Chocolate Cakes and Puddings

Further information and dates can be found on the Rococo Chocolates website, under ‘Rococo School of Chocolate’.

Courses begin in January 2006, and cost £175 for a full day.

web: http://www.rococochocolates.com
tel: (020) 7352 5857