The DIY and housewares industry charity The Rainy Day Trust (RDT) has signed up PHA KitchEssentials as its latest Partner company. 

Growing media supplier William Sinclair said today that last year's bitterly-cold spring was partly to blame for a further slump into loss in the year to September 30 2013. 

The owner of leading Cumbrian garden centre Hayes Garden World, who has already spent time behind bars for a drink-driving offence, is back in court this week on a new charge. 

Asda said today that the UK homewares market is "there for the taking", as it announced a multi-million-pound investment in the launch of George Home. 

JG Speedfit has announced the winners of its JG Layflat pipe competition, Cash for Coils, held last year. 

A would-be thief ended up breaking his leg in 11 places after falling through the roof of the B&Q garden centre he was attempting to break into. 

Dunelm will be opening its newest store in Cannock, in the West Midlands, in March, securing 60 jobs for local people. 

Sales in garden centres were up in November and December last year, with festive decorations and gifts the most popular departments. 

Home Retail Group has today reported that like-for-like sales at Homebase increased by 4.7%, in the 18 weeks to January 4, thanks to growth in big ticket sales. 

The BHF has announced it will present its annual British Hardware Federation Retailer of the Year Award at the DIY Week Awards in February. 

FFX, a fast-growing power tools retailer, has joined forces with Yamaha to form the FFX Yamaha MCE British Superbike racing team. 

Town & Country has announced an initiative to support the industry charity Greenfingers by pledging to donate 15% of all online sales. 

Former Solus Garden & Leisure md, Nick Davies, has unveiled his new garden product manufacturing company, called Crest Garden. 

DRU Verwarming, the European manufacturer of gas and wood-burning fires, has announced that its wood fires and stoves have been re-branded as DG Fires in the UK. 

The parent company of Homebase and Argos, Home Retail Group, is expected to announce the name of its new boss later this week. 

Footfall across the UK in December was 2.4% lower than in 2012 and high streets reported the greatest fall, down 3.7%. 

North-west bathroom retailer Better Bathrooms is launching an apprenticeship scheme aimed at local young people. 

Organisers of the 13th edition of the housewares trade show Exclusively Housewares are promising it will be one of the best ever shows. 

Next is seeking planning permission to open another of its Home and Garden outlets in Norfolk, with the hope of creating over 150 jobs. 

UK retail sales in December were up 0.4% LfL from December 2012, total sales were up 1.8% and there were mixed results in the home departments.