Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

News Archive November 2007

Decco unveils ‘Fair and Square 2008’ 30 November 2007
Profile of members' stores raised with new designs.

Home Hardware announces 'Supplier of the Year' 30 November 2007
STV wins award for supplier performance, delivery, and ease of business.

Marshalls wins Most Admired Building Company Award 30 November 2007
Recognition for commitment to sustainability follows National Gold Award at the International Green Apple Awards 2007.

Kingfisher chairman predicts soft demand in the coming months 29 November 2007
B&Q's retail profits fall 12% as international businesses grow by 4%.

Energy efficiency lighting market worth £200m 29 November 2007
New directives, growing consumer awareness, and concerns about the impact of carbon emissions on the environment are driving the overall market for energy efficient lighting to a value of £200m in 2007.

WRAP seeks partners in diy and home improvement sector 29 November 2007
800,000 tonnes of packaging waste produced by the sector, says government body.

Topps reports increased revenue growth in tough market 27 November 2007
Topps Tiles saw its total group revenue increase 15.4% to £207.9m and like-for-like sales rise 4.7% in the year ended September 29, 2007.

Wyevale strikes deal with Countrywide Farmers 27 November 2007
Garden centre brings in pet, equestrian, and farm products concession.

Wilkinson opens small-format outlet 26 November 2007
Nottinghamshire outlet puts it at the heart of the community, hardware retailer says.

Businesses most prepared for climate change will thrive 26 November 2007
Met Office chairman Robert Napier will address the influential CBI annual conference on Tuesday November 27 outlining where and how businesses can thrive in a changing climate.

GCA relocates to Oxfordshire 23 November 2007
The move is good for the association, and good for the environment, says chairman.

Lifestyle focus a new fashion in diy market 23 November 2007
Paint, tile and wallcoverings categories lead home improvement renaissance, new GfK survey finds.

Argos consolidates position in furniture market 23 November 2007
After gaining furniture market leadership in 2006, Argos has consolidated its position as the UK’s number one furniture retailer.

The Focus is on charity 21 November 2007
Diy chain raises more than £95,000 for worthwhile cause.

GCA creates new buying group with AIS 21 November 2007
Independent garden centres to reap the benefits of collaboration.

DIY & Garden Show launches 'Show Super Deals' 20 November 2007
No-holds barred area for exhibitors to display once-only offers.

HDRA names Sigma Kalon as best supplier 19 November 2007
Paint manufacturer receives top honours for professionalism, reputation, and quality of products.

Strong interim results for Norcros 17 November 2007
Revenues and profits rise for owner of Triton showers and H&R Johnson tiles and adhesives.

Ceo role for David French at BHETA 16 November 2007
Current president takes position vacated by former ceo, Allen Johnson.

New owners for Avocet Hardware after management buy-out 16 November 2007
British team buy Yorkshire-based door and window business from US parent.

Arthouse directors finalise management buy-out 16 November 2007
Former marketing director takes charge at Lancashire-based wallcoverings business following mbo

Travis Perkins acquires Tile Giant 15 November 2007
Merchant group spends £12m to extend distribution base.

Parcelsafe md is Highly Commended at Awards 15 November 2007
Eddie Riby triumphant at the Enterprising Young Brits 2007 awards in London.

Diy stores head shrinkage charts 15 November 2007
Study finds diy and building materials' stores stated the highest levels of shrinkage in 2007.

Brian Walden dies aged 69 14 November 2007
Brian Walden, managing director of B W Manufacturing (Plastics) Ltd of Grimsby, has died following a two-year illness at the age of 69.

London Councils vote to rid capital of plastic shopping bags 14 November 2007

More than 90% support action to ban the distribution of the 'environmental blight' of throw-away' carriers.


Parcel Safe md reaches final of the Daily Mail Enterprising Young Brits 2007 Awards 12 November 2007
Launch of Parcel Safe at the DIY & Garden Show was ‘a big helping hand’, says Eddie Riby.

B&Q named responsible retailer of the year 9 November 2007
After beating off competition from the likes of one of the UK's favourite retailers, B&Q is celebrating being named as responsible retailer of the year at the Scottish Retail Excellence Awards.

Shoots and Isaac Lord double award winners 8 November 2007
Shoots (UK) and Isaac Lord were double gold winners at last night’s Britain’s Best Retailer Awards 2007 in Manchester.

Sir Tom keeps buying Dobbies' shares 8 November 2007
Wyevale owner continues stakebuilding.

Dunelm remains City darling despite slowing sales 6 November 2007
Investors still positive on 'excellent retail proposition'.

Hamilton Acorn brings in new marketing controller 5 November 2007
Hamilton Acorn has appointed Mark Ellam as marketing controller.

New sponsorship and prizes for competition winners 5 November 2007
Compere Bob Mills to rework popular game show for Britain’s Best Retailer Awards 2007.

Live demonstration theatre returns to London Shows 5 November 2007
Celebrity diy-ers to host New Products LIVE.

ICI deal gets green light 5 November 2007
Akzo shareholders vote in favour of ICI takeover.

ICI deal 'on track' for Akzo takeover 2 November 2007
Chief financial officer expresses confidence ahead of next week's Akzo Nobel egm.

Wishart celebrates in style 2 November 2007
Wholesaler delighted with turn-out for 150th anniversary and trade show, which sees record numbers attend.

Murphy to stand down at Kingfisher 1 November 2007
Gerry Murphy is to step down as group chief executive of B&Q parent company, Kingfisher.

Solex exhibition now full, says LOFA 1 November 2007
Top brands and more LOFA members sign up for July Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition.

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