Home Retail Group (HRG) has said it expects profit before tax (PBT) to drop by 20-25% for the first half of 2010, with sales at Argos continuing to fall. 

Town centre vacancy rates have risen to 13% in six months, with areas in the South East and London holding up well, while the North struggles. 

Tool and equipment hire chain HSS Hire has launched an apprentice scheme to offer young people a practical post-school option and up-skill a new generation of fitters and technical engineers. 

European DIY Retail Association signs Egyptian DIY chain DARY to its Global Home Improvement Network. 

Retailers from across the country have been calling DIY Week asking for more time to enter Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010. 

The Government has launched a new National Insurance contributions (NICs) holiday scheme this week to encourage new business start-ups in certain UK regions. 

More than a third of Britons aged over 50 say their house is in need of repair, with one in seven unable to afford the cost to fix it. 

Poundland co-founder Dave Dodd launched his latest retail chain Hub last week, with the first store opening in Telford. 

Home Hardware Southwest has handed over a cheque for £2,500 to charity - the proceeds of its spring tradeshow draw and a bike ride undertaken by business development officer Paul Moston. 

The Woodthorpe Hall Group has bought the Towneley Garden Centre in Burnley out of receivership. 

122-strong gardening chain reports turnover and profit increase for 2009, showing recovery after 2008 sales drop. 

Crown Paints, Henkel and Yale among the list of big brands who have already signed up to exhibit at the 2011 Birmingham show. 

DIY chain is keen to help raise awareness of dangers and promote fire safety products, as part of government scheme this autumn. 

Sales at John Lewis increased 12.2% to £57.8m for the week ending August 28, as customers continued to spend in store and online despite looming tax increases. 

Discount supermarket chain Aldi is offering a range of cut-price DIY tools, available from September 12, 2010. 

B&Q has revealed big changes to its lighting department this week, launching 350 new designs after a £10m investment by the retailer. 

Chris Elsworthy secures investment for his Power8 Workshop in show on Monday. 

Grafton Group has revealed an operating profit of €14.8m for the six months to June 30, after making an €8.3m loss last year. 

Coatings company selected as primary paint supplier for Walmart's 3,500-plus US stores. 

One in five of all personal loans taken in the UK was used to pay solely for home improvements in the first half of 2010, according to new research from Sainsbury's Finance.