New figures today from The Local Data Company (LDC) and British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) show that traditional independent shops and leisure outlets continue to increase in Britain's town centres whilst the chains continue to retreat. 

Shoppers have been spending more on sleep products in the last year - yet, ironically, significantly more people are shopping in the middle of the night. 

Following on from the success of its Garden Academy, which is now in its second year, Homebase has launched a new programme that aims to get more young people interested in careers in interior design and decorating. 

B&Q has spent more than £60m on a relaunch of its website, which it says is the most comprehensively stocked and most functionally advanced of its kind in the UK. 

Households across the UK can still apply for money to help them fit new boilers, double glazing and insulation, after it was revealed that funding would be extended. 

Online retailers provide delivery options shoppers don't want - and don't offer the ones they do. 

London hardware store Andrews of Hampstead, which has been serving its local neighbourhood for over 36 years, has been taken over by fast-expanding housewares and home essentials retailer, Lords of Notting Hill. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is giving people a last chance to book one of the few remaining places at next week's HTA Garden Futures dinner and conference. 

Garden tools and accessories company Darlac says it has had another record-breaking start to its financial year, with trade sales up by 49% in the first five months of trading. 

Supplier members of two of the industry's leading trade associations are being given the chance to have head-to-head meetings with buyers from Wyevale Garden Centres. 

Wholesaler RKW says it has bought up "massive stocks" of high-powered vacuum cleaners to beat the ban imposed by the EU. 

British Coatings Federation (BCF) chief executive officer Tom Bowtell, Dr Michelle Ledward from Graham & Brown and MP Jack Straw have been to Brussels to argue their case for using certain chemicals. 

Following the launch of a dedicated website for its new dog treat DreamBone, UK pet food brand Webbox has reportedly received over 5000 sample requests in just seven hours. 

Phil Spencer, the co-host of television's Location Location Location property series, is fronting a new television advertising campaign by Topps Tiles. 

Media Events, organiser of the successful annual Garden Press Event, has announced the launch of The Home Enhancement Press Event, set to take place next July. 

Hillier Garden Centres launched its brand new revamped gardening club at the end of last month 

Home improvement industry charity The Rainy Day Trust has launched a telephone helpline service for people in the industry. 

John Watkinson, who owned Hillview Garden Centre and Hillside Tea Rooms in Thurlaston, had a heart attack and died last month as he investigated a burglary at the centre he set up almost 40 years ago. 

The judging panel for the product categories of the 2015 DIY Week Awards has been announced, boasting buyers from top UK retailers. 

With sponsorship and support from the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) the Totally DIY and Totally Tools shows are introducing a new Innovation Zone for 2015.