Security brand Sterling has pledged its support to recognising talent in the DIY and garden industry by sponsoring categories for two major industry awards over the coming year. 

Dulux parent ranked in first place in the Chemicals supersector on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Indexes (DJSI). 

...And early indications show H2 shaping up to be another period of growth for the unstoppable retailer, as chairman Charlie Mayfield reveals gross sales are already 10% up on last year for the first six weeks. 

Poor weather conditions were blamed for Homebase's drop in sales for the 26 weeks to September 1, 2012, with the final figure revealed as £787m in Home Retail Group's half-yearly report. 

Independent Eastbourne-based DIY, pet and garden store The Handyman has relocated 10 miles to Hailsham, bringing to a close three years of careful planning and negotiation. 

Record wet weather in the UK and Northern Europe was responsible for over £30million less profit (-14.7%) at B&Q's parent company Kingfisher during the 26 weeks to July 28, 2012. 

The Garden Centre Group has announced the appointment of Stephen Murphy, former ceo of Virgin Group, as its newest chairman. 

Mica is launching its autumn brochure with a personal twist this month, featuring member retailers and staff across selected front pages in an attempt to promote the local connection between the group’s retailers, customers and local communities. 

Specialist footcare provider Shuropody has secured funding that will allow it to expand its presence in garden centres. 

Following the sudden resignation of former president John Newcomb, the British Home Enhancement Trades Association has decided not to rush the election process and run without a president until its next AGM in May 2013. 

Two separate garden centres - one in Devon and the other in Rutland - have revealed that they have been forced to close down. 

A brand new advertising campaign from Wickes debuted on mainstream TV last night, featuring new character Wickesy the dog, who is seen in the advert overtaking an old English sheepdog similar to those used in Dulux marketing. 

Stanley Hand Tools is continuing its association with top flight football this season, with a significant investment in perimeter advertising and exclusive deals as official partner of both Liverpool FC and Fulham FC. 

A Cheltenham cookshop ceased trading this weekend, having fallen victim to reduced customer spending and this year's poor weather. 

An influential retail property trade organisation has written to the Prime Minister today, urging action to help regenerate Britain's flagging high streets. 

Customers at garden centres in The Garden Centre Group (GCG) nationwide have helped raise £4,900 for Help for Heroes, and the money was recently presented to a charity representative. 

Debenhams commercial director Steve Lightfoot will be retail guest speaker at the next BHETA Housewares Open Forum. 

John Lewis has chosen Chelmsford as the site for its third flexible-format department store. 

With both the Paralympic Games and the relaxation of the Sunday trading laws coming to an end yesterday, a new poll shows that almost half of shoppers support longer Sunday opening hours on a permanent basis. 

Glee organisers are sending a reminder to all attendees at next week's Glee show to take advantage of one of the exciting new features of the show - the guided tours.