Michael Weedon, Deputy ceo and communications director of the British Independent Retailers Association is leaving bira at the end of June 2016.

Martin Breddy has started his new role as managing director at Squire's Garden Centres, following the retirement of Dennis Espley.

Bira members recognised Akzo Nobel's Alistair McAuley as the association's Charitable Champion of the year.

Following Simon Bicknell's switch to the position of Marketing Development Director, Toolbank has promoted Paul Maxwell to the position of Sales Director for UK and Ireland.

Alison Hobbs of Potters Cookshop, has become Independent Employee of the Year at the bira High Street Conference. The award was presented by Director of Business Development for sponsers Connect, David Payne, at the Gala Dinner on 11 May.

The overall prize was won by Simon Medlin from Wooburn Green. For the eighth year running, Dulux Trade has announced the winners of its coveted Select Decorator Awards.

Gary Gordon of cookshop Kitchen Kapers has been awarded honorary life membership by the British Independent Retailers Association (bira). The award was made at the association's annual general meeting on the day of its High Street Conference on 11 May.

Vin Vara, owner of London's Tool Shop chain, has been elected to serve as National President of the British Independent Retailers Association (bira).

Spectrum Industrial, UK supplier of signs and safety products, has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Abi Piper as sales manager for London and the South East.

A staff shake-up at Wyevale Garden Centres has seen the appointment of former Homebase exectuive Paul Emslie as the new trading and marketing director.

Nicholas Russell from Pershore College has been presented with Wyevale Nurseries' Peter Williamson Travel Award.