New research underlines the potential of the internet for garden retailers. 

Dobbies chief executive, James Barnes, has spoken for the first time since the company’s takeover by retail giant, Tesco. 

Norfolk-based paint applicator manufacturer Hamilton Acorn, has announced the appointment of Darrin Heathershaw as national sales manager. 

BBC Good Homes and BBC Gardeners’ World have announced they will once again be sponsors of awards organised by DIY Week. 

Home Retail and Travis Perkins have bought 34 Focus DIY branches between them. 

Castle Security Services in Newcastle, Staffordshire closed last week. 

Stuart Blight garden centre manager at Hillier Hemel Hempstead will be cycling in support of the Macmillan cancer support on Friday, October 12. 

Vilmorin, the owner of Suttons, has announced it is to sell its seeds and garden products division after the results of a strategic review. 

Argos is promoting its largest ever catalogue with a viral campaign dominated by a giant sweet jar standing over two metres tall. 

One of the UK’s best known tool manufacturers, Irwin, has signed up as a new sponsor for Britain’s Best Retailer Awards. 

The best names in tools will be gathered under one roof next January when they exhibit at Totally Tools and the DIY & Garden trade shows. 

The UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of bath screens and shower enclosures, Aqualux, has announced its acquisition by Swiss Group AFG Arbonia-Forster-Holdings AG. 

Wyevale has bought its third garden centre in a matter of weeks with the acquisition of Old Barn Nurseries in Horsham, Surrey. 

Richardson (Sheffield) has been purchased by Amefa UK, from the administrators, Ernst & Young for an undisclosed sum. 

B&Q today unveiled its newly enhanced website, www.diy.com, with extended product ranges and intelligent new features. 

Lincolnshire site could fall into the hands of Conduit Skegness Limited. 

Despite the poor summer weather and cautious consumers Tesco says its non-food sales remained robust and again grew significantly faster than its core business – helped by a successful first full season for Tesco Direct. 

Liverpool home improvement retailer wants to help shoppers unable to park near new premises planned for 2011. 

Annual audit of members reveals standards are as high as ever with 15 garden centres scoring over 84%. 

Big name garden industry suppliers such as The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Gardman, Finnforest, Town & Country, and Westland Horticulture have re-booked for Glee 2008.