Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Bridgemere Garden World to be demolished

The Nantwich centre is to be demolished, it has been announced, to make way for a brand new, improved multi-million pound centre. 
2 October 2008

Hillhout merger creates new company

Garden timber manufacturer Hillhout has merged with Dutch brand Gouderak BV, creating one of the largest garden timber firms in Europe. 
2 October 2008

National minimum wage increases by 3.8%

One million UK workers to benefit from the hourly rise, which is effective from today. 
1 October 2008

B&Q launches new City & Guilds qualification scheme

DIY chain becomes first UK retailer to offer nationally recognised Home Improvement Qualification. 
1 October 2008

Crown buyout completed

The management team of Crown Paints has today completed its buyout of the business from parent company Akzo Nobel. 
1 October 2008

The City says: Kingfisher

City broker Investec has cut its pre-tax forecasts for B&Q parent Kingfisher by 2% for the current year, and by 9% for the next. 
30 September 2008

Ikea recall after injury

Ikea has recalled a chest of drawers after a design fault left a user injured. 
30 September 2008

Decco day gathers momentum

Decco Ipswich open day, which will take place on Wednesday October 8, has secured more than 50 exhibitors. 
30 September 2008

Tesco delivers 'robust' results

Supermarket chain's interim results reveal sales and profit rise in the face of credit crunch. 
30 September 2008

Argos in hunt for 15,000 Christmas staff

Argos has announced it has begun the search for thousands of extra staff to man its 700-plus branches over the Christmas period. 
30 September 2008

Another homewares chain in administration

Joy, the high street fashion and homewares chain which is parent company of the Hob cookshop and food stores, is the latest casualty of the economic downturn. 
30 September 2008

Parent buys brand after retailer collapses

It has been announced that the Indian parent company of home textile and soft furnishings retailer Rosebys, has bought the brand name after the chain entered administration on Friday. 
29 September 2008

First woman president for BHF Group

Sadie Chalkley, managing director of Tenbury Wells hardware and housewares retailer J G Banfield will assume the BHF Group chain of office in 2009. In doing so she will become the first woman to lead the trade association. 
29 September 2008

Akzo Nobel announces 3,500 job cuts

World's largest paint manufacturer also plans to defer share buyback programme. 
29 September 2008

Manor Reproductions voted 'Best Display Stand' by Home Hardware

Fireside accessories company rewarded for innovation and 'high standard' on stand at Autumn Trade Show. 
26 September 2008

GIMA Business Meeting looks at 'what's around the corner'

Association aims to help answer questions about economic downturn and believes retailers and suppliers alike have 'good times' ahead. 
26 September 2008

Rainy Day Trust launches collecting tins

Hardware and diy retailers throughout the UK are being encouraged to support the Rainy Day Trust's latest fund-raising initiative: collecting tins. 
26 September 2008

Eden Project co-founder and chief executive wins coveted Roy Hay Award

Dutch-born Smit rewarded for considerable contribution to world-class horticulture via his transformation of the Lost Gardens of Heligan into one of the most visited gardens in the UK, and creating a cradle of life at the Eden Project. 
25 September 2008

Malcolm Scott Consultants get go ahead for Hayes redevelopment

Planning permission granted for a new 'World of Plants' at Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside, in the Lake District National Park. 
25 September 2008

William Sinclair issues price increase warning

'Significantly' escalating costs from suppliers, and weather-hit peat harvest forces producer of commercial horticulture and branded garden products to seek alternative suppliers. 
25 September 2008
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