George Osborne announced plans this week to lower business rates for some 250,000 small firms across the UK. 

Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association director Vicky Nuttall will be taking on the challenge of a 20 mile charity walk this Friday (March 18) to raise money for industry charity Greenfingers. 

Yale is running a major consumer marketing campaign called Security Spring Clean, designed to drive to demand for security products throughout the spring months and beyond. 

According to data released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) the sale of home accessories was one of just three categories to show retail growth during the month of February, the others being furniture and health and beauty. 

Ladder manufacturer Werner Company has acquired wheelbarrow supplier CDH, including the Centaure, Duarib and Haemmerlin brands. 

Six companies have joined the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). 

Home Retail Group has announced its full year results - including figures for Homebase and Argos for what will almost definitely be the last time. 

Expansion at fresh-faced online tile retailer Tile Mountain is to see the company invest £10m in purpose-built new premises. 

MPs in the Commons rejected proposals to allow councils to extend opening hours on Sundays for larger retailers yesterday. 

In a new service linked to its Meet the Buyer days, The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is making detailed profiles of the leading multiple retailers available to members. 

International hardware fair Eisenwarenmesse closed yesterday, with organisers reporting "crowded aisles and full order books." 

Bord na Móna UK's Growise multi-purpose grow bag has been recommended by consumer ratings magazine Which? Gardening. 

DIY and builders merchants Grafton Group - parent company to Irish retailers Woodie's DIY - has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2015, revealing revenues up 6% to £2.21bn. 

Those interested in attending fediyma and EDRA's fourth Global DIY Summit in Stockholm this year have until March 15 to register and save up to €300. 

Following a recent decision in the Supreme Court, retailers are being warned about the repercussions if a member of staff were to attack a customer. 

Wyevale's Willesborough garden centre in Ashford, Kent, is in danger of demolition due to plans for a new junction off the M20, according to local press. 

Leekes announced today that it has reached agreement to purchase Bristol-based business Park Furnishers. 

MPs will be debating the Enterprise Bill - concerning the extension of Sunday trading hours - this week. 

According to AMA Research, the pipes and fittings market is estimated to have grown 5% over the course of 2015. 

UK supermarket Sainsbury's has made a Stock Exchange statement confirming that it is "able to go hostile" in its bid for Argos following a request from the Takeover Panel, according to The Guardian.