B&Q has opened a new low-carbon store in Tamworth to trial a number of new initiatives as part of the company's plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 90% by 2023. 

Family-owned Northampton builders and plumbers merchant Martin & Partners has won two national awards in as many weeks. 

Fixings Warehouse has expanded its Ashford store into new premises in order to meet growing demand from DIY customers. 

BHETA director Peter Stone pays tribute to Mr Hobden, who passed away last week. 

Retail sales continue to drop, says BRC, with weak levels of consumer demand "worrying this close to Christmas". 

Haskins Garden Centre at West End has officially opened its new £2.3m restaurant. 

Creative Tops Ltd has been acquired by US tableware, home décor and kitchenware company Lifetime Brands Inc. 

Heating and plumbing product distributor completed the sale of its Build Center business to Jewson on Friday, November 4, following a review by the European Commission. 

Member-owned buying group reports a record number of more than 1.3 million orders for its Christmas brochures and leaflets, which feature'3 for 2' deals to get shoppers spending over the festive period. 

More than 1,000 jobs at risk as Carphone Warehouse announces plans to close loss-making UK electronics chain by the end of the year. 

Father Christmas impersonator creates petition to get his job back after he is let go from the temporary festive role. 

Prize draw at dinner dance event brings in £20,000 for buying group's chosen charities RDT and Crash. 

The Totally Shows has introduced a new strapline - 'It's where the trade trades' - along with a new tool box image to promote the show this year. 

John Lewis is launching a 'Made in UK' logo to highlight British-made products instore. 

A man has been jailed for stealing a snake from Dobbies Garden World in Stirling. 

Next Directory reported a 17% sales increase for the quarter, while retail sales were down 3.3%. 

Festive DIY demos for parents and children will be on offer in B&Q stores across the UK, supported by online videos and tips for creating a homemade Christmas. 

UK manufacturers are expecting significant falls in activity over the next three months, according to the latest Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI. 

Among the latest group of fundraisers, BHETA housewares director Will Jones finally achieved his charity parachute jump on Saturday, raising £1,205 for the Rainy Day Trust. 

John Guest Speedfit helped represent the UK in the plumbing skills section of the recent WorldSkills London 2011 event.