Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, will deliver the Government’s first budget since the election today (11 March 2020). 

Garden therapy sites in Birmingham, outdoor play areas in London and beach huts in Brighton have all been transformed using the power of colour as part of a year-long programme of charity initiatives by Dulux Decorator Centre. 

The Chancellor must be bold, imaginative and use his Budget to lay the foundations for a net-zero carbon economy and action to future-proof new homes and retrofit existing properties, according to the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). 

A five-point plan to Save Our Shops (SOS) has been issued by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). 

The former European Federation of DIY Manufacturers (fediyma) has rebranded as the Home Improvement Manufacturers Association (HIMA), with an expanded range of benefits for members. 

Squire’s Garden Centres has donated 300 Silver Birch trees to local parks and green spaces as part of its ‘Love Where You Live’ campaign. 

Homebase has been exclusively selected to be the only home and garden projects retailer in the UK to stock the new paint collection from the world’s leading design magazine, Elle Decoration and Crown Paints 

Reducing stress and anxiety by connecting to the therapeutic power of gardens and nature is the target of a new campaign being launched. 

National Children’s Gardening Week (NCGW) promotes gardening to the general public and encourages garden centres across the UK to hold events throughout the week of 23-31 May 2020. 

Dobbies has partnered with specialist plant care app, SmartPlant. 

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for the Treasury to set up an emergency business fund to help those affected by coronavirus. 

Retail interior and display specialist Ripple has transformed Elliotts builders’ merchants’ Ringwood branch in Hampshire 

Homebase has announced it has signed a new partnership with lifestyle brand, Dwell. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is very excited for the launch of its E-learning app this spring – The HUB. 

With Garden Re-Leaf Day on the horizon (13th March 2020) now is the perfect time for garden retailers to think about how they’ll be supporting the annual fundraising event. 

Travis Perkins Group produced a positive performance in 2019 against a challenging market backdrop 

Kingfisher has announced the appointment of Sue Harries as group ecommerce director. 

The International Hardware Fair, which was postponed this year, has a new date. It will be held 21-24 February 2021 in Cologne.

 

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is holding its next Credit Forum on 24 March to include its regular update on all current credit and risk management issues in the retail sector. 

Waitrose is starting a national online roll-out programme, adding its Waitrose.com online delivery service to 24 more of its shops across the country.