Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Store fined after selling knife to teenager

A store-owner has been ordered to pay almost £2,000 after selling a utility knife to a 15-year-old. 
3 March 2009

New garden centre for south coast

A car showroom will be transformed into a garden centre after councilors gave plans the greenlight - despite objections from their planning department. 
3 March 2009

Industry Awards: deadline extended!

The deadline for entry to this year's Industry Awards has been extended by two weeks - so there's still time to go for the huge boost to your business that winners enjoy! 
3 March 2009

Makro store closures talks ongoing

Makro remains locked in talks with staff and unions over plans to close three stores. 
2 March 2009

DSG International looking to expand

Currys owner DSG International is set to expand and rebrand its portfolio of stores. 
2 March 2009

Waterford Wedgwood sold

The administrators of Waterford Wedgwood UK have sold most of the UK and Irish assets of the businesses. 
2 March 2009

Grafton Group UK turnover down only 1%

The Grafton Group announces its results for 2008 with profits down but an overall strong balance sheet on the back of its property portfolio. 
27 February 2009

The Independent lists top 50 garden centres

National newspaper details a selection of the top rated garden retail outlets in the UK. 
27 February 2009

Dunelm Group sees strong start to 2009

Out-of-town homewares retailer Dunelm Group plc announces its interim results for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2008. 
27 February 2009

UPDATE: Plasplugs offices and staff both deserted

With so much uncertainty surrounding Plasplugs DIY Week visited its Burton on Trent facility to get the truth behind the rumours...and found an empty building and confused staff. 
27 February 2009

B&Q in the top ten of disabled-friendly websites

B&Q has ranked sixth in a survey of the most accessible websites in the country. 
26 February 2009

Nine years of Excellence for Grosvenor

Chester-based garden centre receives prestigious Garden Centre of Excellence for the ninth consecutive year. 
26 February 2009

Akzo Nobel announces board changes

Chairman of Akzo’s supervisory board resigns from his position due to ill health. 
26 February 2009

Wyevale Group now under Bank of Scotland control

Bank of Scotland, part of the Lloyds Group, has taken a majority share in Wyevale Goup after a re-financing deal. 
26 February 2009

Retailers unaware of proposed 5% rate increase?

Some of the UK's top retailers are highlighting a potential increase in the Uniform Business Rate (UBR), which many retailers may be unaware of. 
26 February 2009

The Home Depot announces Q4 losses of $54m

The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, has reported a fiscal 2008 Q4 consolidated net loss of $54m. 
25 February 2009

Two more arrested in Jewson fraud probe

Detectives investigating the alleged £1m fraud at builders merchants chain Jewson, which saw the sales director sacked last year, have arrested two more men. 
25 February 2009

Garden furniture firm fined after worker loses part of finger

The Health and Safety Executive has prosecuted a furniture firm after an accident severed the top of an employee's finger. 
24 February 2009

Uncertainty over future of Plasplugs

Reports this morning suggest Plasplugs may be in trouble after running into financial difficulties. 
24 February 2009

Akzo Nobel posts €1.1bn loss in Q4 results

Dutch chemicals company reports first annual loss in eight years following a €1.2bn writedown on British paint group ICI, which it acquired last year. 
24 February 2009
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