Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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One in ten people are "less scared of DIY"

According to a survey undertaken by B&Q, 10% of people said they were "less scared" of carrying out their own home improvements than they were this time last year. 
27 February 2012

Dobbies one step closer to first joint site with Tesco

The Tesco-owned garden centre chain is planning to open premises on a joint site with Tesco at Campbell's Meadow, King's Lynn. 
24 February 2012

DIY store Start to Finish suffers severe fire

Homes were evacuated and eight fire engines rushed to the scene of Gravesend DIY store Start to Finish after it went up in flames last night. 
24 February 2012

Outdoor plant sales up 20% in Jan

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) reported the sales increase in its Barometer of Trade (BoT) results for January 2012, which also revealed a 30% jump in landscaping products. 
24 February 2012

Dragons' Den seeks DIY and garden ideas for new series

The BBC's popular TV programme Dragons' Den is gearing up for a new series and is on the look out for entrepreneurs who would like to take part and gain the chance to secure investment in their businesses. 
24 February 2012

Wholesale Pages predicts a summer of DIY

The B2B wholesale directory said there has been a significant increase in the rate of buying leads for hardware and DIY tools at the beginning of 2012. 
23 February 2012

Man "bragged" about starting Reeves fire during riots

A man accused of starting a devastating fire, which ultimately destroyed a House of Reeves store in Croydon during the August 2011 riots, has allegedly admitted to the offence in court. 
23 February 2012

ASA ban on 'sexually explicit' workwear ad

Following on from last week's news that Mem's DIY poster ad was banned for being sexist, the ASA have now ruled against a plumbing and heating merchant's ad for having "strong sexual content [which] was demeaning and offensive" and breached rules of social responsibility. 
22 February 2012

GCG garden centres win big

Following the Garden Centre Group (GCG) Spring show held recently at the Malvern showground, garden centre staff across the country have been celebrating after winning a host of prizes. 
22 February 2012

Yeoman introduces world's biggest spade

The tool brand has broken the world record for making the world's biggest spade. 
22 February 2012

It's a Knockout for Greenfingers

Members of the horticultural industry recently helped raise more than £2,500 for Greenfingers after participating in the charity’s version of ‘It’s a Knockout’ as part of the GCA’s annual conference. 
22 February 2012

New home improvement app

A new app designed to allow the user to find home improvement retailers, access discount offers on products and read reviews of builders from their smartphone or tablet is due for launch later this month. 
22 February 2012

Tool manufacturer gives away £30,000 car

A 54-year-old man from Billericay, Essex, has won a luxury Nissan 370Z after entering a competition run by IRWIN Tools. 
22 February 2012

Jackloc finds key to international success

The family-run safety lock firm has won an export deal with Russia and has already taken an order for 3,500 of its specialist safety products. 
22 February 2012

Wickes' annual sales hit by weak demand for kitchen and bathroom

Travis Perkins-owned chain reported a 1.4% LFL decline in delivered sales in 2011, as demand for delivered kitchens and bathrooms tails off. 
22 February 2012

President Obama pays a visit to Master Lock

Praising the security manufacturer on its move to in-source jobs back to the United States from China, the US President dropped in for a tour of the firm's Milwaukee manufacturing plant last week. 
20 February 2012

Grosvenor receives GCA Excellence status 12 years running

The garden centre on Wrexham Road, Belgrave was named as a Garden Centre of Excellence for a record breaking 12th consecutive year. 
20 February 2012

Glee announces new look and new focus

The industry's biggest gardening show is back for 2012 with a refreshed look and a more targeted exhibition, say organisers, who announced new initiatives, including bespoke guided tours and a bigger push for innovation. 
17 February 2012

Ironmongery Direct predicts £20million turnover for 2012

The online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products announced its year end results today, which saw turnover hitting £15m, a 20% increase on 2010. 
16 February 2012

Natural Garden Gift Vouchers announces Mother's Day promotion

The HTA-supported National Garden Gift Vouchers (NGGV) group is running a new in-store promotion offering NGGV customers a free pack of 10 notelets and envelopes during the build up to Mother's Day.
 
16 February 2012
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