Dulux parent AkzoNobel has launched the UK's first academy for industry professionals, including architects, painters and decorators, with an official opening by Minister of State for Employment Priti Patel. 

Waitrose is aiming to build on its growing share of the horticultural market by launching its first customer magazine dedicated entirely to gardening. 

Two leading industry trade associations - BHETA and GIMA - are jointly organising a Meet the Buyer day with Wyevale Garden Centres to be held on May 11. 

Mica chief executive Michael Ball has described as "very sad" the news of the closure this month of a long-established hardware independent in Rathfriland, Newry. 

Members of Home Hardware (Scotland) benefited recently from a training day on EPOS. 

Devon-based retail chain Axminster Tools & Machinery has been listed in the top 350 e-commerce and cross-channel retailers in the Internet Retailing UK (IRUK) Top 500 report 2016. 

The Sherwin-Williams paint company has agreed to purchase rival American paint supplier Valspar in a cash deal valued at around $9.3bn. 

It's decision day for Sainsbury's and Steinhoff as both retailers must decide how much they want to buy Home Retail Group's Argos. 

Howarth Timber and Building Supplies' Harrogate branch has doubled its community project prize fund after two worthy causes bowled over the company with the good work they do. 

According to reports, Steinhoff International - former frontrunners to take over Home Retail Group's Argos business - has said it won't be making a formal offer for the retailer. 

Sainsbury's has confirmed it has made a £1.4bn offer to take over the ownership of Argos following Steinhoff's dramatic exit just hours ago. 

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has welcomed yesterday's rates reform proposals by the Chancellor, saying the Budget delivered permanent changes to the way business rates are levied and that tens of thousands of small shops will be helped. 

Bond It, the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, PU foams, waterproofing compounds and other building chemicals, has taken major steps to strengthen the environmental credentials of its products and working practices. 

Dulux's parent company AkzoNobel has become the first paint company globally to achieve the BES 6001 Responsible Sourcing accreditation. 

Grovewell Garden Centre has acquired its third centre at Hawkinge, near Folkestone, and says it is on target to be open for business by May. 

Salter triumphed at Home Hardware Southwest's spring trade show earlier this month, earning the title of Best Display Stand. 

Thirty-six British garden and pet product suppliers presented their latest ranges to buyers from Dubai, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the US at the latest Meet the Buyers events held by Gardenex and PetQuip. 

Toolstation has been revealed as one of four companies shortlisted to win this year's Which? Retailer of the Year title. 

The Wyevale garden centre formerly known as Crowders has been renamed Wolds View following 2,000 votes from the local community. 

Members of the Garden Centre Association (GCA) saw sales of houseplants climb an impressive 30% during February 2016 compared with the same month last year.