As part of a panel discussion on the Channel 4 jobs report, The Range's Chris Dawson called for the Government to subsidise academies to train people of all ages ready for a job in retail. 

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) barometer of trade results showed an increase of 3% in the number of catering customers for member garden centres, while catering spend was up 5.5% and overall turnover increased by 6%. 

A pair Town & Country's wellintgon boots will make a special appearance in a new film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. 

Supplier High'n'Dry will advertise its Hedgehog Gutter Brush at some of the country's highest profile sporting events this weekend. 

The DIY retailer's latest Spring/Summer marketing campaign launches on TV and online next Monday with a series of vignettes aiming to improve the sense of personal achievement associated with home improvements. 

Homebase reports tough start to 2012, as sales for the eight weeks to February 25, 2012 drop to £195m. 

The new 50,000 sq ft Garden World is Dobbies' second in the Kent area following the opening of a 48,000sq ft centre in Ashford last Spring. 

The Tile Association has revealed the shortlist for the 2012 TTA Awards, set to take place next month, honouring the best of the wall and floor tile industry. 

DIY sales are expected to flourish over the St Patrick's and Mother's Day weekend, says Retail Ireland, the Irish Business and Employer Confederation (IBEC) group that represents the retail sector. 

The solar garden product supplier is celebrating an "outstanding" year, as it reports a 100% increase in sales to garden centres in 2011. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Waterwise are delighted that agreement has been reached with Thames, Anglian and South East water companies to allow gardeners to use drip irrigation during the hosepipe ban. 

OMNOVA Solutions, the US-based company who owned the Muraspec wallcoverings business, has announced the sale of the UK-based business to a2e Venture Catalysts Ltd and its principal Amin Amiri, based in Manchester. 

Glee and the Pet Care Trade Association (PCTA) have decided to axe the separate pet show format in favour of integrating pet exhibitors into the main Glee show. 

More than 60 new staff members have been recruited for the new garden centre, which has been constructed over the last year on 15 acres of land previously housing commercial greenhouses alongside the original Roundstone Garden Centre. 

Both retailers celebrated at a recent awards ceremony, which saw Pets at Home take second place and Homebase 20th in The Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2012 list. 

The gardening supplier’s area sales manager Louise Cross has pledged to raise £1,000 for Greenfingers by running the London Marathon next month dressed as a dragonfly. 

According to a new report by market information company PMR, the number of DIY stores in central Europe has increased by 36% in the last four years. 

BHETA's latest initiative with homewares and garden retailer, Robert Dyas is already fully booked with almost a month left to go before the event takes place. 

Over the next four months independent retailers all over the country are being encouraged to join the Independents' Day campaign, which encourages the public to buy at least one thing from their local independent shop on July 4. 

DIY Week reporter Jenni Briscoe asked Mica members to show their support for the industry charity at their annual dinner - and they did!