UK retail sales increased by 0.7% on a like-for-like basis compared with November 2009, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

The over-50s are putting younger Brits to shame when it comes to preparing their homes for winter weather, says a new survey from Saga Home Insurance. 

Taps plumbers merchants has expanded out of the North East for the first time after opening a new branch in Yorkshire. 

Small businesses have experienced a rise in orders and turnover in recent months, but profitability has dropped, says the Forum of Private Business. 

Lords of Notting Hill won Online Business of the Year 2010 at the HSBC/Archant London Business Awards last week for their new website. 

A small electrical fire broke out at the Marylebone branch of The Tool Shop last Wednesday night, causing damage to the main sales area. 

Bristol-based tile supplier Tileflair Group has acquired KDP Tiles Ltd based in Chandlers Ford for an undisclosed sum. 

B&Q parent company issues its third quarter trading update this morning, relating to the 13 weeks to October 13. 

Last month delivered a good performance in autumn and winter products, as the cold snap kept consumers focused on Christmas shopping but snowfall could continue to disrupt high street traffic. 

Hardware stores sell out stocks of snow shovels, sledges and rock salt, as snowed-in consumers choose, and need, to shop locally. 

The Advertising Standards Agency has today ruled that a delivery promise made by Argos in a recent TV advert was misleading. 

B&Q has announced it will set up a 'Junior Board' made up of 17-19 year olds, to advise the retailer on 'next generation sustainability'. 

The manufacturer of plughole care brand Buster raised the money during National Plughole Week on July 10 to 17, more than doubling last year's fundraising efforts. 

Andrew Weiss, managing director of specialist tool retailer Isaac Lord, will leave the retailer in May next year. 

Organisers confirm that the pet care show will take pride of place in Hall 5 at the NEC at Glee 2011. 

Topps Tiles has revealed pre tax profits of £12.4m for the 53 weeks to October 2, 2010, up from £9.9m last year. 

Retailers gear up for the busiest shopping day of the year, Manic Monday, with sales set to reach £537m. 

Electricals giant Dixons Retail, formerly known as DSG International, has reported flat group sales of £3.4bn for the 24 weeks to October 16, 2010. 

Bosch has become the latest company to sign up as a sponsor of the Product of the Year Awards 2011. 

Latest figures show an increase in sales volumes for the fifth consecutive month, with shops optimistic that trend will continue.