Pre-tax profit at high street homewares chain Lakeland soared 140% to £10.1m and turnover increased by more than 5% to £141.9m in the 12 months to December 31, 2009. 

Suffolk town runs contest to encourage new businesses to fill 14 vacant units. Interested parties to present their business plan to a Dragon's Den-style committee. 

The British Hardware Federation has announced the cancellation of the Scottish Conference and Supplier Showcase Scotland due to lack of support. 

Small electricals distributor EPE has become the latest company to sign up as a sponsor of Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010. 

Plumb Centre parent Wolseley has announced proposals to create a new group holding company which will be UK listed, incorporated in Jersey and have tax residence in Switzerland. 

Walmart has put in a non-binding proposal to acquire the leading general merchandise and home improvement retailer, with Asda chairman Andy Bond to oversee operations. 

B&Q has announced the appointment of ex-Asda marketing director Katherine Paterson. She will join the board later this year as marketing director. 

Latest figures reveal the rate of businesses going under has dropped to 0.07%, with smaller firms showing the most financial strength. 

Following the success of the gardening programme on BBC1 NI, a second series is currently in production ready for spring 2011. 

Weekly figures show 11.5% sales boost in home categories, while John Lewis reports market share growth in all three main categories - home, fashion and electrical and home technology in H1. 

Small businesses with just one week to claim at least £200m in backdated business rate relief can now use a free online claims system to avoid missing out. 

Dobbies is set to open a new 48,000 sq ft centre in Lisburn, Belfast tomorrow, its first centre in Northern Ireland. 

The winners of Glee's Best Stand Award were announced at the Glee exhibitor drinks reception last night. 

4Leaves Innovation Ltd's Peter Manning, creator of the Wellitop, generated a lot of interest when he appeared in front of Glee's Garden Angels at the NEC yesterday. 

Homebase has announced a £2.5m investment in a new 'ecohome' project instore, designed to help customers to save energy. 

Ironmongery Direct has reported a significant rise in operating profit for the first half of 2010. 

Less than a quarter of waste produced by retailers is now sent to landfill compared with almost 50% five years ago. 

Sales volumes drop 0.5% between July and August but non-specialised stores and non-store retailers fare well, as the only sectors to see an increase. 

The Lighting Association has warned retailers that after March next year there will be no more subsidies for compact fluorescent lamps. 

Online wedding retail business sold for an undisclosed sum and will continue to trade, with all 34 remaining employees kept on board.