NWF Group has announced the appointment of Richard Whiting to the board as chief executive designate as of October 1, 2007. 

It is looking increasingly likely that Tesco will be drawn into a bidding war for Dobbies after it emerged that one of its major shareholders, Sir Tom Hunter, is in talks with rival retailers, including Marks & Spencer. 

UK diyers hope to add £5,000 to value of their property with improvements carried out in the last 12 months. 

Butterfly Elite, suppliers of stainless steel housewares, is in discussions whether to close its UK subsidiary in Eastbourne. 

Tesco, has emerged as the shock bidder for Edinburgh-based Dobbies Garden Centres. 

First quarter results for Screwfix have been encouraging and showed sales growth of 25.9% to £103 million in the 13 weeks ending May 5, 2007. 

In the short term, the gardening industry should be cheered by Tesco’s proposed acquisition of Dobbies, the HTA said. 

One of Liverpool’s premier home improvement outlets is re-working its appeal with changes to its website, product mix and internal store environment. 

Brintex, organiser of the London DIY & Garden Show and Totally Tools, has confirmed that leading trade associations and retail marketing groups are in place for its 2008 show. 

The spotlight is on Sir Tom Hunter this week after private equity house Apax revealed it was ready to pay an estimated £143m for the garden centre chain. 

GIMA has launched its search for the best in gardening products for the GIMA Awards 2007. 

Woolworths has seen group sales for the 17 weeks to June 2 up 11.4% as hot spells drove sales of outdoor products. 

Focus has been granted consent from its bondholders to waive interest payments on notes due in June until the beginning of July. 

Cerberus Capital Management, a private investment company, is reportedly working with Hilco, the US distressed debt specialist to acquire Focus DIY. 

Wake Up, a campaign urging homeowners to take all possible precautions to make sure they have early warning of a fire or carbon monoxide in their homes, launches today. 

Cromford Garden Centre in Derby has new owners who are looking to develop the four acre site – an acre of which is currently only occupied by the centre and a cafe. 

B&Q owner, Kingfisher plc, has posted better than expected first quarter profits thanks to a warm spring which boosted the sales of gardening and outdoor products. 

Dobbies has become the centre of fevered speculation after its board confirmed a bid approach for the acquisition of the entire company. 

After a turbulent month, Typhoon moves out of administration this week with founder Peter Battersby buying back the assets of the Typhoon International Group. 

Thanks to a booming start to the gardening season, Scotts Miracle-Gro has allocated extra money for more tv adverts for the new Liquafeed system.