News Archive January 2023
Spring Fair reveals inspiring Retail Stage line-up with 40 speakers confirmed
27 January 2023
Spring Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift and Fashion which returns to the NEC Birmingham NEC from 5th – 8th February 2023, has announced its Inspiring Retail Stage line-up. Featuring leading industry professionals and ...
Sustainability innovator helps founder bag Dragons’ Den investment
25 January 2023
A gardening startup that uses the latest in compostable packaging innovation has become the latest winner in this season’s Dragons’ Den.The key component of Grow Sow Simple’s judge-wooing seed kits, which won an £80,000 investment from Dragon, Sara ...
GCA members vote Wyevale Nurseries as Associate Member of the Year
25 January 2023
Wyevale Nurseries has been voted as Associate Member of the Year for 2022 by members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA) it was revealed at the organisation’s annual conference on Tuesday, January 24.The award recognises companies or individuals ...
Mr Plant Geek joins Glee as the exhibition’s first-ever ambassador
24 January 2023
In an exciting move, Michael Perry – better known as Mr Plant Geek – will be joining Glee 2023 (27– 29 June, NEC Birmingham) as the exhibition’s first ever ‘ambassador’.In his new role, Michael Perry will bring his extensive knowledge and passion ...
IBMG celebrates first year in tool hire
23 January 2023
The Independent Builders Merchants Group (IBMG) entered the tool hire market for the first time 12 months ago. One year on, the venture has a number of in-branch tool hire services across the South East providing anything that is required - no ...
MKM building supplies launches world first CX website, boosting traffic by 16% in just four weeks
23 January 2023
MKM, the leading UK independent building supplies merchant with over 100 branches across the UK, enlisted the expertise of Brave Bison Commerce to overhaul their existing website and bring it into the new digital era, with a focus on improving ...
BHETA launches free international trade advice service
20 January 2023
BHETA has launched a free helpline and business support service for members covering any question related to international trade. This includes:excisecustoms computer systemsDEFRA requirementsUK/EU VATfinance and payment methodsdangerous goodsUSA ...
TOG unveils landmark mass-timber office building in central London
18 January 2023
Design-led workspace specialist TOG has come together with dedicated timber specialists Waugh Thistleton Architects to explore a new approach to workplace design. In The Black & White Building, they have explored an ‘architecture of sufficiency’–...
Primeur’s 2023 Pledge
16 January 2023
As 2023 stretches ahead of us, Primeur – the award-winning supplier behind the Tierra Verde planters, Eco-Way stepping-stones, EZ Border borders and edging, and EZ Tile flooring ranges – is laying out its stall for the year ahead with its dedicated ‘...
Kerstin Kamasa 1932 – 2023
11 January 2023
It is with great regret and sympathy we announce the passing of Kerstin Kamasa, a woman who was an Iconic and Inspirational woman who for many years made significant in-roads into the Tool and DIY Industry with her own brand Kamasa Tools, and helped ...
Wickes opens new store in Bolton
10 January 2023
Home Improvement retailer Wickes has opened a new store as part of the business’ ongoing investment into its store estate. The Lancashire store located in Trinity Street has been designed in line with the Wickes distinctive service model. There are ...
Covers acquires Wingham Timber
10 January 2023
Covers Timber and Builders Merchant has announced the acquisition of Wingham Timber and Mouldings, based near Canterbury in Kent. Wingham Timber is an independent timber merchant supplying construction grade timber, sheet materials, internal ...
Retailer shares secrets of success as it is crowned UK’s favourite local business
5 January 2023
Isle of Wight home, DIY and garden retailer W. Hurst & Son has taken the top spot in a nationwide search to find the UK’s favourite local business, and it has put its success down to one thing. A commitment to traditional values has seen a ...
Footfall drops by -27.7% post-Christmas, but retailers benefit from rises in footfall each day from Boxing Day to 29th December
3 January 2023
According to retail experts Springboard, footfall across UK retail destinations last week was -27.7% lower than in the week leading up to Christmas Day, and just +7.2% higher than in the same week in 2021. The relatively modest uplift from last year ...