Founder of David Messams in Chichester passed away August 9 after 50 years in the industry. 

Former head of business planning Colin Golding takes the helm. 

Firms finding it easier to obtain new credit for the first time this year, despite 50% reporting a rise in finance costs and the continuing struggle for trade credit insurance. 

Department store chain experiences boost in sales of furniture, lighting and textiles, as well as big ticket items, thanks to increase in footfall as people holiday at home. 

Survey by British Chambers of Commerce finds that one in two firms plan to make redundancies over the next six months. 

DIY chain in talks with creditors over deal that could save around £12m a year from non-trading properties. 

Colour trend research by Akzo Nobel reveals that people's choice of colour is influenced by the state of the economy, with neutral tones favoured for interiors during a downturn. 

Synovate records an encouraging year-on-year increase in non-food footfall, with July up 8.4% on previous month. 

Tile and flooring specialist reports a further sales fall of 0.3% on half-year results, following the release of its latest interim management statement. 

Carpet and floor coverings retailer reveals encouraging results, with first like-for-like sales growth in a quarter for more than a year. 

Show director Paul Grinsell believes 'optimism is returning' in the DIY and security sectors. 

Half year results for Ironmongery Direct, released this morning show the company is bucking the retail trend with turnover up 36% to £4.5m compared with £3.3m for the same period in 2008 and operating profits up 62% to £105k compared with £65k. 

In a conversation with DIY Week this morning BHETA president Andrew Weiss confirmed Helen Hibbert's appointment as interim housewares director. 

John Lewis Partnership has announced that homewares, kitchenware and gifts will be sold through Waitrose's online shop and in some of its best performing stores. 

The Garden Centre Group (formerly Wyevale Garden Centres) has reported strong sales for the half year to June 30, with like-for-like sales up 6%. 

Local Data Company reveals average retail vacancy has reached 12%, with the North feeling the pinch worst in England and Wales. 

Tesco is to launch an exclusive range of small domestic appliances under the familiar Tricity brand. 

Kitchens and bathrooms turnover revealed to be up 16.6% in latest interim statement, while merchanting sector continues to "suffer". 

The UK's largest garden centre chain, Wyevale has changed its name in what promises to be a massive re-branding exercise for the company. 

Kingfisher-owned DIY chain invests £3.5m into home furniture range as it hopes to capitalise on the 'don't move, improve' trend.