The spotlight was turned on pre-pack administrations as an influential panel of MPs looked into whether companies were abusing the system. 

Kitchenware company ProCook has been forced to close 18 stores across the country. 

Marks and Spencer outlets earmarked for closure are possible targets for the supermarket chains, according to the high street retailer. 

German coffee and homeware chain Tchibo looks like exiting the UK market following the closure of concessions up-and-down the country. 

The British Hardware Federation's award winners for 2009 were announced at the Totally shows in London. 

The North American DIY market has taken a blow with the news Home Depot plans to cut 7,000 jobs. 

Senior staff across 300 of DIY chain’s stores are at risk of redundancy following a 10% decline in sales over the Christmas period. 

DIY chain calls for government investigation after credit insurers withdraw almost all cover for Focus’ suppliers. 

Bromborough Paint & Building Supplies has sold its builders merchant business at Eastham to Beers Timber & Building Supplies. 

Flying Brands - the Jersey and Essex based home and gardening products group - has issued a profits warning in its latest trading update. 

Wm Morrison has won the battle of the supermarkets this Christmas after reporting like-for-like sales of 8.2%. 

Shares in Speedy Hire plunged by almost 50% as news of a profit fall emerged yesterday. 

Travis Perkins - owners of DIY store Wickes as well more than 600 builders merchants outlets nationwide - has blamed the downturn in the housing market for a slump in profits. 

Brintex, organisers of Totally DIY, Totally Tools and Totally Secure, has announced a major change for the 2010 show - a move from Earls Court, London to the NEC in Birmingham to co-locate with Spring Fair. 

Grosvenor Garden Centre has raised more than £3,000 for a Chester-based charity. 

Poundstretcher has blamed poor festive sales on heavy discounting at Woolworths and the economic climate. 

Industry charity the Rainy Day Trust is more than £13k better off this morning as a result of spirited fund-raising at the annual DIY Dinner in London. 

German gardening tool manufacturer experiencing ‘severe cash flow problems’ as it calls in administrators – but UK division remains unaffected. 

Artex, Blue Spot, Davenport-Burgess, Gator Finishing Products, Sika and STV International topped the winners list in the annual Best New Product awards at the Totally DIY, Totally Tools and Totally Secure show in London on January 18. 

Crewe-based decor retailer snapped up by Strategic Retail director Roy Gabbie for bargain price of just over £1.5m.