Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Exclusive: Chempak saved from liquidation

An mbo led by managing director John Richardson has saved fertiliser supplier Chempak Products after its parent company went into liquidation earlier this month. 
26 November 2009

Debenhams slashes prices in pre-Christmas sale

Department store chain launches £250m price war with four-day sale, designed to "infuriate rivals". 
25 November 2009

Redundancy threat for B&Q staff

B&Q staff across the UK face possible redundancy, despite the home improvement retailer reporting a 66% jump in first half profits. 
25 November 2009

Encouraging October for DIY and garden

The latest figures from GfK show some somewhat surprising results in the gardening sector. 
24 November 2009

Topps Tiles issues 17 million shares

Topps Tiles has announced a rights issue in which it will place more than 17m shares at 3.3p each in the company's capital, in the face of across-the-board declines in its full year figures. 
24 November 2009

UK business community at its strongest since last summer

Latest Insolvency Index reveals that businesses are in a stronger financial position, with a smaller chance of failure in the coming year. 
24 November 2009

Credit crunch could lead to change in business behaviour

Tough economic climate is expected to become the catalyst for a new era, with firms adapting fresh approaches to financing and supply chains. 
23 November 2009

Robert Dyas reaches 100

High street hardware and housewares chain Robert Dyas will open its 100th store tomorrow, Friday November 20th. 
19 November 2009

Homebase store flasher gives shoppers an eyeful

53-year old drunk man who exposed himself on a visit to a Homebase is given a suspended sentence and banned from being drunk in public. 
19 November 2009

Recession leads to department store closure

Rushden-based department store Peter Crisp is to close after 50 years with a loss of 35 jobs. 
19 November 2009

Wolseley profits fall 50%

Plumb Center and Bathstore parent company reports significant drop in profit, as net debt increases to £1,223m. 
18 November 2009

B&Q recalls faulty Christmas lights

DIY giant highlights "potential electrical safety issue" with indoor Marble lights and urges customers who have purchased the sets to return them. 
18 November 2009

John Lewis home sales see pre-Christmas boost

Retailer experiences strong sales surge in furniture and home accessories for the week as shoppers plan for the festive period. 
18 November 2009

Businesses report struggle to get finance

Despite the Bank of England pumping £200bn into the economy, a third of companies reported that access to finance has become harder. 
17 November 2009

London sales show positive signs for Christmas

Latest BRC figures reveal retail sales up 4.2% in October, giving cause for "greater optimism" among the capital's retailers. 
16 November 2009

Brits lack the confidence to DIY

While 78% of the population enjoy getting handy with a hammer, a large number of people shy away from DIY for fear of a job going horribly wrong. 
16 November 2009

BBRA winners announced

Awards dinner a huge success as the industry turns out to celebrate the best of the best at the Hilton Deansgate last night. 
13 November 2009

Armed robbery at B&Q store

Two men threatened shop assistant with knives before making off with three-figure sum in incident on Wednesday night. 
13 November 2009

Isaac Lord sold to private investors

Award-winning tool retailer Isaac Lord has been sold, ending 117 years of ownership by the Lord family. 
12 November 2009

Akzo Nobel fined €40.6m for price fixing

Decorative paints and chemicals firm ordered to pay out following an investigation by the European Commission. 
12 November 2009
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