UK retail sales values rise 2.2% in February, with homewares returning to growth but BRC stresses that comparisons are weak as a result of snow and a poor economic outlook last year. 

New legislation, which comes into force in April this year, will see changes to the way businesses pay VAT and file their annual returns. 

Sale DIY in Cheshire is relocating after almost 40 years of trading. 

The man behind the hugely-successful Poundland business is launching a new mid-market variety chain called Hub, whose offer will include hardware, garden and housewares. 

As the deadline for retailers to appeal against business rates approaches, companies are urged to be wary of dodgy firms who may rip them off rather than help. 

While 2% growth is forecast for the garden products industry in 2010, price competition looks set to have a serious effect on the sector's profitability. 

Tesco has begun its spring garden activity with the launch of a new children's gardening range. 

Specialist woodcare and paint company Rustins, has reported a 10% increase in sales in its paint division for 2009. 

Deadline for entry into the Product of the Year Awards 2010 has been extended to March 19. However, this will be the absolute cut off as the independent panel of retail judges will meet the following week. 

New TV series The Business Inspector is aiming to help people turn their businesses around. 

Focus DIY is continuing its support of the National Vegetable Society (NVS) during 2010. 

Health experts call for warning labels on compost following reports of three cases of Legionnaire's disease in Scotland, including one fatality. 

Merchant and DIY chain compensates for 26% drop in sales with cost base reduction of €85m. 

B&Q has revealed its price check figures for the first time as it launched its new Decorate for Less campaign today. 

Forum of Private Business (FPB) urges companies to assess whether their rate bills over the past five years have been set too high after around 160,000 small businesses win rebates. 

Store traffic dipped 1.3% in February, with consumers still exhausted by December's 'buying frenzy', despite shop price inflation rising just 1.7%. 

B&Q is partnering the London Borough of Sutton in a trial of the Government's new Pay as You Save (PAYS) scheme, introduced yesterday. 

Packaging manufacturer Impress has purchased the assets of Service Tool International (STI), which has decided to enter into liquidation. 

British Retail Consortium urges Chancellor to cut public spending and avoid tax hikes in a bid to help retailers recover from the recession. 

Dobbies will open its most environmentally-friendly store to date in Aberdeen this week.