Latest figures reveal the rate of businesses going under has dropped to 0.07%, with smaller firms showing the most financial strength. 

Following the success of the gardening programme on BBC1 NI, a second series is currently in production ready for spring 2011. 

Weekly figures show 11.5% sales boost in home categories, while John Lewis reports market share growth in all three main categories - home, fashion and electrical and home technology in H1. 

Small businesses with just one week to claim at least £200m in backdated business rate relief can now use a free online claims system to avoid missing out. 

Dobbies is set to open a new 48,000 sq ft centre in Lisburn, Belfast tomorrow, its first centre in Northern Ireland. 

The winners of Glee's Best Stand Award were announced at the Glee exhibitor drinks reception last night. 

4Leaves Innovation Ltd's Peter Manning, creator of the Wellitop, generated a lot of interest when he appeared in front of Glee's Garden Angels at the NEC yesterday. 

Homebase has announced a £2.5m investment in a new 'ecohome' project instore, designed to help customers to save energy. 

Ironmongery Direct has reported a significant rise in operating profit for the first half of 2010. 

Less than a quarter of waste produced by retailers is now sent to landfill compared with almost 50% five years ago. 

Sales volumes drop 0.5% between July and August but non-specialised stores and non-store retailers fare well, as the only sectors to see an increase. 

The Lighting Association has warned retailers that after March next year there will be no more subsidies for compact fluorescent lamps. 

Online wedding retail business sold for an undisclosed sum and will continue to trade, with all 34 remaining employees kept on board. 

DIY giant reports 3.1% drop in sales in H1 but secures profit jump of 15.4% with fewer promotions and stronger focus and cost cutting. 

John Lewis Partnership has reported a strong performance for the first half of the year to July 31, 2010. 

Dunelm Mill announces new chief executive, 18.2% increase in sales and a 46% jump in operating profit for the full year ended July 3 2010. 

Comet parent Kesa Electricals has announced like-for-like revenue growth of 4.3% for it's first quarter (May 1 to July 31 2010) drive, says the company by a "successful World Cup campaign". 

John Withall, formerly of companies including Briton Chadwick (now Hamilton Acorn), Mosley Stone and RODO, passed away on September 12 following a long fight with cancer. 

A TV ad for hardware stockist Toolstation has been branded 'misleading' by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). 

Sales up 5% in first half, with home stores exceeding expectations but chief exec anticipates little growth in shopper spending.