Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Wake Up to the dangers of carbon monoxide and fire, homeowners told

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. 
1 June 2007

New owners for Cromford Garden Centre

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. 
1 June 2007

B&Q sales up in first quarter

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. 
31 May 2007

Dobbies confirms bid talks; speculation links it with venture capital group

Dobbies has become the centre of fevered speculation after its board confirmed a bid approach for the acquisition of the entire company. 
30 May 2007

Cheers go up as Typhoon is back in business

After a turbulent month, Typhoon moves out of administration this week with founder Peter Battersby buying back the assets of the Typhoon International Group. 
29 May 2007

Scotts to extend garden care season with extra money for tv advertising

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. 
29 May 2007

Britons want to convert dead space in their homes

With ever-increasing house prices, stamp duty and an easing in planning laws, British homeowners are keen to convert 'dead space' in their properties. 
29 May 2007

B&Q China chief sees room for 130-plus stores

B&Q China plans to open more than 130-plus stores in the coming years, and double its current number of outlets, the biggest home improvement retailer in the country said on Tuesday. 
29 May 2007

dot.com millionaires poised to enter diy market

The enduring power of home improvements has led the dot.com millionaires and founders of Lastminute.com to launch a new website targeting the diy market. 
29 May 2007

B&Q joins forces with Sector Skills Council

B&Q, John Lewis and Harvey Nichols have joined forces with Skillsmart Retail to promote skills development in the retail industry. 
25 May 2007

More trouble ahead for Beale?

After producing another set of 'disappointing' results, brokerage firm Seymour Pierce forecasts a £1m loss rather than a £0.25m profit for the embattled retailer. 
25 May 2007

HTA catering conference to provide best-in-class advice

The HTA's summer catering conference is providing 'useful and inspiring' advice for delegates to run more profitable catering operations. 
25 May 2007

Glee introduces a green trail

Glee is introducing the industry’s first Going Green trail to make it easier for buyers to pinpoint environmentally friendly products and suppliers. 
25 May 2007

Karting challenge raises £5,000 for Rainy Day Trust

A new three level racing track, new karts and new teams combined to raise a record £5,000 for the Rainy Day Trust at the 14th Annual Hardware Trades Karting challenge. 
24 May 2007

Notcutts wins Gold at Chelsea

Notcutts Garden Centre and Notcutts Landscapes has won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show for its colourful exhibition of water features, climbers and flowering plants. 
24 May 2007

Topps Tiles continues steady performance

Topps Tiles reported a 4.4% jump in like-for-like sales and a slight drop in half year pre-tax profit. 
23 May 2007

Home delights for Marks & Spencer

Preliminary results for 2006-07 show a 26% rise in net profit on strong sales up 10%. 
23 May 2007

Garsons wins food retail award

Family-run garden centre business Garsons has scooped top prize at the Re:fresh Awards 2007 as the Foods from Spain Independent Retailer of the Year. 
23 May 2007

B&Q's website revamp is proving a 'big hit' with customers

B&Q’s recent style refresh of its website DIY.com – making the site easier to use, search for products and check stock levels – is proving a 'big hit' with customers. 
23 May 2007

EDRA appoints Kingfisher European development md as president

At the European Home Centre Retail Association (EDRA) annual General meeting today, George Adams, managing director, European development of Kingfisher, was appointed president of EDRA. 
23 May 2007
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