Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

News Archive February 2020

Board changes at Travis Perkins 28 February 2020

Following its Board meeting on 27 February, the company has announced some directorate changes.


Screwfix to host digital marketing training 28 February 2020

Screwfix are partnering with Google Digital Garage to provide free online and in-person digital skills training to help people grow their business.


The future looks bright for Homebase 28 February 2020

Homebase has provided a positive 2019 report, with a promising growth plan for 2020.


NearSt receives funding boost to drive high street growth 27 February 2020

NearSt has raised £2m in seed funding to drive more footfall into bricks and mortar stores.


Mirka unites with abrasive manufacturers 27 February 2020

Mirka is joining the new European programme focused on sustainability called SEAM - Sustainable European Abrasive Manufacturers


FEDIYMA changes to HIMA 27 February 2020

After 20 years of operations, the European Federation of DIY Manufacturers (fediyma), will now be known as the Home Improvement Manufacturers Association (HIMA).


International Hardware Fair 2020 has been postponed 26 February 2020

The International Hardware Fair planned in Cologne from 1 March 2020 has been postponed to a new date in February 2021.


2019 was the year of the houseplant says GCA 26 February 2020

The category with the biggest increase in sales during last year (2019) at garden centres across the country has been announced by the Garden Centre Association


Homebase announces plant range app 26 February 2020

Homebase has become the first national home improvement and garden retailer to add its complete plant range to the SmartPlant App, giving customers the confidence to choose exactly the right plant for their home and garden. 


Get Britain Building highlights £94bn return from buying British 25 February 2020

A renewed Get Britain Building campaign is urging the government to get behind SME builders and UK manufacturers and distributors of construction products as it ramps up investment in critical infrastructure, public and commercial buildings and housing.


Home Depot announces 2019 results 25 February 2020

The Home Depot has reported fourth quarter and fiscal 2019 results.


Benjamin Moore announces new stockist 25 February 2020

Benjamin Moore has announced The Decorating Centre, Wetherby, as its latest authorised stockist. 


New sales training course from BHETA 24 February 2020

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is offering members a second one-day ‘Improving Your Sales Success’ course on Tuesday 28 April at Federation House, after the first course at the end of January was oversubscribed.   


The show must go on 24 February 2020

Despite the current uncertainty regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus), EisenWarenMesse, the International Hardware Fair Cologne, goes ahead as planned. 


Positive sales to start 2020 according to GCA 24 February 2020

Sales across traditional and non-traditional categories at garden centres across the country were up during January (2020) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.


GIMA examines consumer trends 21 February 2020

GIMA has confirmed that it will once again be partnering with leading trends intelligence agency, Scarlet Opus, to present an exclusive look at the future with the next Consumer and Design Trend Seminar (26 March 2020).


Worcester Bosch named as one of the top domestic appliances 21 February 2020

Boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch has been awarded sixth place in the YouGov Top 10 Domestic Appliance Brands, as recommended by their customers.


Homebase supports National Home improvement Month 21 February 2020

Homebase has joined forces with The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) to support National Home Improvement Month 2020.  


Scott Brothers are now partnership distributors of moisture and pest control specialists, Kontrol. 21 February 2020

Leading housewares supplier Scott Brothers are now partnership distributors of moisture and pest control specialists, Kontrol. Founded over 40 years ago, Kontrol provide simple and effective home and garden solutions designed to tackle moisture ...


Haskins to be redeveloped 19 February 2020

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill has opened its doors to customers following a £15million investment to create a new, enhanced centre.


Wales and the South Coast are DIY property sale hotspots 18 February 2020

Where is home to the largest number of potential jobs based on the biggest proportion of existing property sales?


Travis Perkins launches accountancy apprenticeship 18 February 2020

Travis Perkins has launched a new finance graduate scheme as part of its recruitment strategy and commitment to apprenticeships.


Bira offers statement to incoming Chancellor 17 February 2020

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is asking the new Chancellor of the Exchequer to honour pledges made by his predecessor.


Leekes to headline BHETA Forum 17 February 2020

BHETA’s next retailer networking forum takes place on 25 March and will feature Amanda Reed, Leekes’ Buying Controller. 


Rainy Day Trust issues statement on Coronavirus outbreak 17 February 2020

Rainy Day Trust, the charity which exists to help people who have worked in the UK’s home improvement and enhancement industry, has released a statement on the recent Coronavirus outbreak.


4Sight Vision Support receives help from The Screwfix Foundation 14 February 2020

4Sight Vision Support based in Bognor Regis, is celebrating after being awarded £4,855 worth of funding from The Screwfix Foundation4Sight Vision Support based in Bognor Regis, is celebrating after being awarded £4,855 worth of funding from The Screwfix Foundation.


National Buying Group starts the decade with new suppliers 14 February 2020

National Buying Group (NBG) is growing its roster in 2020 with the addition of 16 new suppliers. 


HTA comments on cabinet reshuffle 14 February 2020

The Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffle has seen a number of changes made within the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).


Positive six month results 13 February 2020

Dunelm Group has announced its interim results for the 26 weeks to 28 December 2019. Total like for like (LFL) revenue growth of 5.6%, which follows the first half of 2019 at 7.8%.


AkzoNobel outlines plans for 2020 13 February 2020

AkzoNobel has hosted an investor event in London, broadcast live by video webcast, to provide an update on the company’s Winning together: 15 by 20 strategy


Jewson invests in South London branches 13 February 2020

Jewson has invested £1.5 million across three branches in south London, making improvements to its sites in Mitcham, Croydon, and West Wickham


AkzoNobel announces 2019 report 12 February 2020

AkzoNobel’s full-year 2019 results have been announced, and are reported to show its "company transformation on track".


Jon Abrahamsson Ring announced as CEO of Inter IKEA Group 12 February 2020

Jon Abrahamsson Ring has been announced as the new CEO of Inter IKEA Group.


Farplants become Perennial’s latest Platinum Partner 12 February 2020

Farplants, the leading wholesale nursery co-operative, have become a Platinum partner of Perennial – the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people who work in horticulture. 


New sustainability programme from Squire’s Garden Centres 11 February 2020

Squire’s Garden Centres has signed up to The Planet Mark to help drive its sustainability efforts.


Empathy by PlantWorks appoints new sales manager 11 February 2020

PlantWorks UK, which produces biological solutions for gardening and horticulture, specialising in mycorrhizal fungi, has expanded its UK team ready for 2020.


More than 430 million DIY jobs currently need attention in Britain’s homes 10 February 2020

 

More than 430 million DIY jobs currently need attention in Britain’s homes, a new study by leading tool firm Draper Tools has found. 


Dulux reveals insight into decorators 7 February 2020

Dulux Decorator Centre has revealed an insight into the lives of professional decorators, from what they value to achieve great results and make their work days run smoothly to how they most like to unwind. 


DIY sector features prominently at Creativeworld 7 February 2020

Christmasworld, Paperworld and Creativeworld – opened the new business season with topics of current relevance to the DIY sector. 3,051 exhibitors from 74 countries presented their latest products for seasonal and festive decorations, paper, office supplies and stationery, as well as hobby, crafts and artists’ requisites, to the national and international trade. 


Bira Bira welcomes retention of Uniform Business Rates in Scotland 7 February 2020

The British Independent Retail Association (Bira) has welcomed the decision by Scottish Parliament to retain the Uniform Business Rates (UBR).


It's official - decorating makes you happy! 6 February 2020

New research from Homebase has revealed that Brits are increasingly tuning into the emotional benefits of interiors and home improvements, with one in two (54%) people stating that the physical act of decorating the home helps to increase their mood.


Christmas trading down for most retailers 6 February 2020

Sales were up for books and toys; music; computer and telecoms; and health store retailers between October and December 2019, but all other sectors have seen a drop.


Dulux Academy celebrates National Apprenticeship Week 6 February 2020

Dulux Academy is supporting National Apprenticeship Week for the fourth consecutive year with hands on sessions for more than 100 apprentices.


HTA applauds vote on business rates in Scotland 5 February 2020

A proposed amendment to scrap the Universal Business Rate across Scotland had passed in November 2019 at Stage 2 of the vote on the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill but was defeated at Stage 3 on 4 February 2020.


B&Q announce new apprenticeship scheme graduates 5 February 2020

Apprentices aged between 20 to 61 years old and are amongst the 123 apprentices to graduate from B&Q’s Retail Team Leader, Level Three apprenticeship scheme, after successfully completing the 18 month store-based course. 


Job Vacancy - Business Development Sales Manager - Barrettine Products 4 February 2020

The Opportunity: To work with a well-established brand and an experienced team. A key role in helping to develop new products and expand the existing Barrettine wood care/product range.Barrettine is looking for an experienced Business Development ...


James Donaldson group acquires Rowan Manufacturing and Smith & Frate 4 February 2020

James Donaldson & Sons Ltd (JDS), has announced the acquisition of Rowan Manufacturing Ltd (RML) and Smith & Frater Ltd (S&F) from the shareholders of the Rowan Group.


Clothing and houseplants show growth in December 4 February 2020

Clothing was a big seller at garden centres across the country during December (2019) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report.


AkzoNobel achieves Certified Top Employer UK 2020 Status 4 February 2020

AkzoNobel has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2020 in the UK. 


Squire’s Garden Centres wins ‘Best Marketing Campaign 3 February 2020

Squire’s Garden Centres has won ‘Best Marketing Campaign in the UK Horticultural Industry’ at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual awards, which were held in Bristol on 26-29 January.


DIY tape scoops 'best in show' at Glee at Spring Fair 3 February 2020

The third annual Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase Awards'  'the ‘best in show’ were selected by a panel of industry experts, with the winners being celebrated in a special awards ceremony.


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