Compost and garden products supplier reports impressive year, with net debt eliminated and pre-tax profit up 100%, as consumers shun overseas travel and spend more time in the garden. 

Two men broke into and stole stock from containers at Bold Heath Garden Centre, before torching the site in the early hours of Wednesday morning. 

Plans for a 10,000 sq m development in Maldon could fall flat after councillors have been advised to reject the bid. 

Richmond-based gardening business to showcase its garden and lifestyle ranges at flagship department store in Oxford Street from January 10. 

More than 70% of SMEs expect yesterday's VAT rise to have a negative impact on their business, says a new member survey from the Federation of Small Businesses. 

The number of companies falling into administration fell 35% in 2010 to 2,086, down from 3,188 in 2009, according to new research from Deloitte. 

Asda chairman stepped down from his role on New Years Day, less than 12 months after his jump to the newly-created position. 

Tesco-owned garden centre chain gave away 25,000 tree seedlings to its customers across the UK in 2010 in a bid to encourage homegrown Christmas trees in the future. 

John Lewis smashed its single day's sales record during post-Christmas clearance, with sales on December 27 up 30% on the retailer's previous biggest-ever day, December 27, 2008. 

Nearly two thirds of retail outlets expect retail sales to worsen next year compared with 2010 but still plan to invest in and create more jobs throughout the year. 

Bradfords Building Supplies has marked the completion of its £1m building programme with an opening ceremony led by the Mayor of Taunton Deane at its new-look branch in Taunton, Somerset. 

Timber and builders merchants Covers raised £2,750 for charity this week with its annual carol concert - attended by more than 1,000 people! 

UK shoppers spent £6.4bn online during November according to the latest figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index. 

Defra has called for peat to be completely eliminated from the amateur gardener market by 2020. 

Sales of food preparation equipment have surpassed £100m for the first time ever, with food processors and kitchen machines showing strong growth in 2010. 

Around 35 firefighters attended a stock room fire at Homeleigh Garden Centre in Cornwall last week. 

Heavy snow kept shoppers indoors on Saturday, the last before Christmas, with footfall dropping by nearly a quarter year-on-year. 

As Underground staff threaten to strike on Boxing Day, fears grow that it will damage a crucial part of the capital's economy at its most important time of year. 

Crown Paints has been put up for sale as part of an exploration of "strategic options' for the company. 

Hallstone to operate as a separate company, while also supplying Rolawn with composts for use in its various topsoil mixes.