DIYWEEK.net

Less than a week after it was revealed that Burnham-on-Sea's DIY shop IM Tools was up for sale, another DIY store has said it is in danger of closing down if a new owner cannot be found.

The owner of Home Hardware and DIY - which is independent and not affliated with the Home Hardware chain - has run the store for 23 years, and has said that unless a new owner for the shop can be found by Spring 2019, the business will be forced to close down. Speaking to a local website, store owner Phil Hemming said: “I am making a heartfelt appeal for a young entrepreneur to carry on my business or I will be forced to close down in March 2019.

“I took the business on 23 years ago when I was made redundant and have successfully increased the turnover over these years despite competition from Proper Job and, more recently, B&M.”

The store, which has been running for more than 25 years, has a reputation for “taking [the customer] back to a time when customer service and satisfaction came above all else.”

The lease for the business is up for renewal next March and as Mr Hemming will be, by then, 67 years of age, he has said he is “reluctant to sign up a further 15 year lease” as he would like to retire.

He added: “I can produce audited figures for the past few years to any interested parties to prove the business is wholly viable. There is scope for increase sales as I do not do any internet business and I feel a younger person would have the enthusiasm to carry the business forward.”

Any prospective buyers for the business are asked to contact Home Hardware and DIY on 01278 789770.