Hitting new heights When it comes to cutting-edge design, Glasgow is still tops

Based in Glasgow, One Foot Taller is a product and interior design company, specialising in furniture and lighting.

The firm caters to both corporate clients – such as Marks & Spencer and Habitat – as well as private customers (often in collaboration with fellow Glaswegian designers Timorous Beasties). It will also produce sculptural pieces on a one-off basis. Its influence is set to extend beyond your living room, too, as One Foot Taller’s designers also teach at the Glasgow School of Art. Employing new and traditional processes, One Foot Taller prides itself on employing mainly UK manufacturers.

Choose from the spaceship-like Ethel floor lamp (from £45) and the aptly named Undulate bench (from £380), or bring out the child within you with jelly seats (from £360).

One Foot Taller, 256 High Street, Glasgow, 0800 075 1659; http://onefoottaller.com

Get a headstart in 2008 by picking up a new interest at the best expos

THE FRANCE SHOW 08
When? 18-20 January
Where? Olympia Grand Hall, London, +44 (0)90 7015 4443; www.thefranceshow.com
Why? Find out everything you might want to known about French food, wine, culture, fashion, art, property and lifestyle at this show dedicated to our Gallic neighbours.

THE COLLINS STEWART LONDON BOAT SHOW
When? 11-20 January
Where? Excel, 1 Western
Gateway, London, +44 (0)870 060 0246; www.londonboatshow.com
Why? New boats, classic boats and old boats, plus a Royal Navy destroyer – everything you might need to put the wind in your sails.

MCN LONDON MOTORCYCLE SHOW
When? 31 January-3 February
Where? Excel London,+44 (0)1733 468 000; www.londonmotorcycleshow.com
Why? Live action stunts, try-ride sessions, and the chance to buy every biking accessory that you could possibly imagine.

THE CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME SHOW
When? 17-20 January
Where? Manchester Central, Peters field,Manchester,08701 288 288; www.caravanshows.com/manchester
Why? The final word on touring caravans, motorhomes, plus ahall full of accessories, from satnav to old-fashioned compasses.

THE HEALTH AND VITALITY SHOW
When? 26-27 January,
Where? RDS Dublin, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, +353 (0)1 661 2956; www.healthandvitalityshow.com
Why? Stick to those resolutions at Ireland’s largest health and well-being event, which has a beauty stage, strength and fitness arena plus a good food stage.