Retailers in DIY and hardware sector report uplift in Q1, while furniture and floorcoverings see a return to growth. 

The latest Garden Market Update from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reveals a strong start to 2011, with trade across the sector up on 2010 and 2009 levels, boosted by the warm spring. 

Footprint Sheffield chairman John James (Jack) Jewitt has died, aged 87. 

Electricals retailer Comet has seen like-for-like sales plummet 15.2% for the fourth quarter, as the company continues to struggle in difficult economic conditions. 

Ernst & Young says it has received a "fantastic level of interest" in Focus DIY, which it is looking to sell as a going concern after the company entered administration on May 5. 

Sales of DIY and garden products saw an uplift in April, helped by warm weather and Easter promotions, while homewares struggled as mindsets turned away from indoor products. 

The UK economy will continue to make headway in 2011, the CBI has predicted, but growth will remain sluggish, restrained by fiscal consolidation and further erosion of household spending power. 

Despite a tough retail climate and weak demand in kitchen and bathroom, Wickes reported a increase in like-for-like sales and market share in the first quarter of 2011. 

Deloitte has reported the highest number of retail administrations in two years, with a 21% increase from Q4 2010 to Q1 2011. 

Spurred on by the warmer weather, customers flocked to the Swedish retailer over the May Bank Holiday weekend to stock up on garden furniture ranges. 

After three years, which saw two member votes, an EGM and the resignation of the association's ceo, The British Home Enhancement Trades Association (BHETA) has announced a final resolution to its protracted merger negotiations with the British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation (BJGF). 

Value retailer buys collapsed Alworths chain, with 15 of its stores and majority of staff to join the Poundstretcher group. 

The Range owner Chris Dawson has expressed an interest in purchasing Focus DIY, which entered into administration yesterday. 

UK interest rates have been held at 0.5% by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). 

Former Pilkington's Tiles ceo Ray Tarr is to re-launch the brand in the British market. UK manufacturing operations, however, will not re-open. 

Parent firm announces that it has agreed to buy up to 31 leasehold properties from administrators for £23m. 

Shopping channel looks to the industry for people with a passion for kitchenware and household products to star in demos. 

40% of British homeowners planned to carry out DIY jobs over the recent Bank Holiday weekends, according to a new survey from HSBC. 

Woodie's DIY and Atlantic Hardware contribute 4.6% growth in parent firm's retailing operations, easing declines in Ireland in Q1. 

Focus DIY has entered administration, appointing Ernst & Young this morning after defaulting on its credit facility and announcing its intention to file yesterday.