Wickes parent company, Travis Perkins, reacts to B&Q's new venture into the trade market, while Kingfisher's ceo Ian Cheshire explains the impact it will have on the sector. 

Big name hire firms have removed tools from their shelves after safety faults were discovered. 

New research for Homebase has found that helping households reduce their carbon footprint is a 'mass market opportunity'.
 

Nine out of ten small firms are unhappy over this year's Budget, according to a snap poll. 

Group retail profit up 64.5% in 2009, with B&Q boosted by showroom sales and successful TradePoint trial. 

Customers who bought 'toxic' sofas from Land of Leather will not receive compensation, the High Court ruled last week. 

Book your place now! Comedian Rufus Hound confirmed as compere for Product of the Year Awards 2010. 

Retail sales grow for second month running but hardware and DIY continue to decline, with the economy not expected to return to full strength until the end of 2011. 

Miranda Harris, a former employee of DLF Trifolium, has commenced legal proceedings against the company for sexual discrimination and sexual harassment. 

Shoppers should shun big brand stores in favour of smaller independent garden centres when buying garden products, according to a new Which? Gardening report. 

Support for small businesses played a key part in the Chancellor's Budget announcement today, yet business groups remain anxious over how the deficit will be paid down and wary of political promises. 

Paint brush and decorating products manufacturer L.G. Harris has secured a £1.5m loan from Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets to boost production levels and drive expansion. 

Flooring specialist posts 4.9% sales increase but has not seen the recovery it hoped for in 2010. 

DSG International, parent company of Currys, PC World and online brand Dixons, is to open 25 new 'megastores' in the UK by Christmas. 

UK business insolvencies have fallen 15% year-on-year during February, according to the latest Insolvency Index from Experian. 

745 expected to go from UK arm in first half, while builders merchants reports profit jump of 67.9%. 

Bluewater branch reports 73% increase in sales of furniture, while fitted kitchens and bedroom furniture boosts sales in home category across the board. 

The Forum of Private Business is calling for radical measures to be put in place by next week's Budget to help small businesses spearhead economic recovery. 

Homebase has fired back at rival B&Q with its own series of price-led adverts. 

Sunnier weather helped boost high street sales for the seventh consecutive week this year, according to BDO High Street Sales Tracker figures.