More than two-thirds of small businesses have been a victim of crime over the past 12 months, costing them up to £3,000, according to a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

Show organiser Emap has reported a major upswing in visitor numbers at this year's Autumn Fair International (AFI). 

Cooking and dining and white goods see sales increase in first week of September. 

The organisers of the recent HTA National Plant Show have said they are pleased with the success of the show as they gear up for next year. 

DIY Week has learned of a new wave of fraudulent orders being placed in the name of legitimate wholesalers and retailers. 

Home Retail Group (HRG) has said it expects profit before tax (PBT) to drop by 20-25% for the first half of 2010, with sales at Argos continuing to fall. 

Town centre vacancy rates have risen to 13% in six months, with areas in the South East and London holding up well, while the North struggles. 

Tool and equipment hire chain HSS Hire has launched an apprentice scheme to offer young people a practical post-school option and up-skill a new generation of fitters and technical engineers. 

European DIY Retail Association signs Egyptian DIY chain DARY to its Global Home Improvement Network. 

Retailers from across the country have been calling DIY Week asking for more time to enter Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010. 

The Government has launched a new National Insurance contributions (NICs) holiday scheme this week to encourage new business start-ups in certain UK regions. 

More than a third of Britons aged over 50 say their house is in need of repair, with one in seven unable to afford the cost to fix it. 

Poundland co-founder Dave Dodd launched his latest retail chain Hub last week, with the first store opening in Telford. 

Home Hardware Southwest has handed over a cheque for £2,500 to charity - the proceeds of its spring tradeshow draw and a bike ride undertaken by business development officer Paul Moston. 

The Woodthorpe Hall Group has bought the Towneley Garden Centre in Burnley out of receivership. 

122-strong gardening chain reports turnover and profit increase for 2009, showing recovery after 2008 sales drop. 

Crown Paints, Henkel and Yale among the list of big brands who have already signed up to exhibit at the 2011 Birmingham show. 

DIY chain is keen to help raise awareness of dangers and promote fire safety products, as part of government scheme this autumn. 

Sales at John Lewis increased 12.2% to £57.8m for the week ending August 28, as customers continued to spend in store and online despite looming tax increases. 

Discount supermarket chain Aldi is offering a range of cut-price DIY tools, available from September 12, 2010.