Homebase is to cultivate its own generation of gardeners through its new Garden Academy apprenticeship scheme. 

A review of the John Lewis Partnership's holiday pay policy found that some partners' pay packet additions have not been paid properly since 2006. 

Topps Tiles is one of the top five climbers in an ongoing survey of retail websites. 

Eric Gallagher, the celebrated founder and chairman of Cardwell Garden Centre near Gourock, Renfrewshire, has died. 

A Hampshire hardware store has denied press reports that a customer who went in to buy a fly swat was asked to produce proof of her age. 

Growing media and fertilisers supplier Bord na Móna UK has become the latest garden products company to join the British Home Enhancement Trade Association. 

Independents are being given the chance to win a free day's consultancy with the small and medium-sized business expert Alex Polizzi in a competition being organised by Autumn Fair International and energy supplier Npower. 

John Toomer, who owned and ran the Toomers garden and pet retail businesses in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, has died. 

Wickes has made plans to halve the size of its Kettering store to incorporate a B&M Homestore. 

Some of DIY's biggest retailers and suppliers have delivered "deeply impressive" results in a scheme aimed at reducing landfill waste and packaging. 

Last week, diyweek.net reported that the OFT had begun an investigation into six retailers over their sales practices. Now, the names of those thought to be involved have been revealed. 

B&Q Ireland is facing two cases in the High Court involving a pair of former employees' claims of sexual assault, intimidation and bullying. 

Six carpet and furniture retailers are under investigation for using misleading reference pricing. 

UK manufacturers have reported a marked improvement in activity in the three months to August, according to the CBI. Output in some sectors, including building materials and metal manufacture, was particularly strong. 

The independent garden centre industry has taken a hit as plans have been submitted to knock down two garden centres which could make way for housing developments. 

Horticultural design and print company Floramedia has pledged to donate label printing support to Garden Re-Leaf, which raises money for charity. 

An online garden centre has become the first in the UK to sell weeds, thanks to a new craze for wildflowers and increased demand from many gardeners. 

The countdown to next month's Glee has begun, with the show promising a host of special business-focused features for garden industry professionals, 30 brand-new exhibitors and a return to its Sunday-to-Tuesday format. 

Consumers are expected to hit the high streets this bank holiday weekend, to shop for DIY and gardening products to make the most of the expected warm weather. 

The British Independent Retailers Association has confirmed it will be creating its own 'village' of Bira suppliers again at next year's Totally DIY and Totally Tools exhibition.