If you blinked, you may have missed it but, sorry folks, Christmas has been and gone. Our DIY shop had a good run over Christmas and takings were up 33% on the previous year's December. Our yard becomes increasingly stuffed with Christmas trees that are sold to wide-eyed children and ever-paying parents. ... Read entry

Some time ago I bought a sandwich shop and later sold it on to two businessmen, who ran it for a few years. Then one day a letter turned up from a firm of solicitors to tell me that the men had done a bunk and I was liable for the rent arrears of about £5,000 and that I would continue to be liable until the end of the lease.... Read entry

'With mixed feelings' are probably the best words to describe the way suppliers used to anticipate crucial meetings with a multiple buyer.... Read entry

Shooting from the Hip is written by a number of different people in the DIY, hardware and garden market. Writing anonymously, they share their day-to-day experiences and, writing anonymously, are able to air any frustrations regardless of commercial considersations.... Read entry