New research from Homebase has revealed that Brits are increasingly tuning into the emotional benefits of interiors and home improvements, with one in two (54%) people stating that the physical act of decorating the home helps to increase their mood. 

Sales were up for books and toys; music; computer and telecoms; and health store retailers between October and December 2019, but all other sectors have seen a drop. 

Dulux Academy is supporting National Apprenticeship Week for the fourth consecutive year with hands on sessions for more than 100 apprentices. 

A proposed amendment to scrap the Universal Business Rate across Scotland had passed in November 2019 at Stage 2 of the vote on the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill but was defeated at Stage 3 on 4 February 2020. 

Apprentices aged between 20 to 61 years old and are amongst the 123 apprentices to graduate from B&Q’s Retail Team Leader, Level Three apprenticeship scheme, after successfully completing the 18 month store-based course. 

The Opportunity: To work with a well-established brand and an experienced team. A key role in helping to develop new products and expand the existing Barrettine wood care/product range.Barrettine is looking for an experienced Business Development ... 

James Donaldson & Sons Ltd (JDS), has announced the acquisition of Rowan Manufacturing Ltd (RML) and Smith & Frater Ltd (S&F) from the shareholders of the Rowan Group. 

Clothing was a big seller at garden centres across the country during December (2019) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report. 

AkzoNobel has been officially recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer 2020 in the UK. 

Squire’s Garden Centres has won ‘Best Marketing Campaign in the UK Horticultural Industry’ at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual awards, which were held in Bristol on 26-29 January. 

The third annual Glee at Spring Fair New Product Showcase Awards'  'the ‘best in show’ were selected by a panel of industry experts, with the winners being celebrated in a special awards ceremony. 

The HTA has cautiously welcomed the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on A Points-Based System and Salary Thresholds for Immigration, which was published on 28 January 2020. 

B&Q launched its new convenience store in the Nelson Industrial Estate in Merton, south west London.
 

Roger Head, managing director of Denys E. Head, has confirmed that he is in the process of selling the business, Forest Lodge, Garden Style and Birdworld, to Haskins Garden Centres and is working towards completing the sale over the next few weeks. 

B&Q, Screwfix and Dulux Decorator Centre have topped the charts as the most loved DIY retailers in the UK, according to a new study of 96,000 consumers from Savanta. 

Benjamin Moore has announced that existing authorised stockist, G C Johnson, will be stocking the brand at its newest location at Omni Business Park, Harlow. 

ManoMano, a European online marketplace for DIY, home improvement and gardening products, has announced the completion of its €125 million Series E fundraising. 

Garden centre staff across the country are celebrating after receiving awards at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference in Bristol on 27 January. 

RGB Building Supplies is delighted to have once again joined forces with South West-based charity Amigos to invite customers and members of the local community to donate preloved tools, which will go on to be used by young people in Africa. 

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has welcomed the Treasury’s decision to increase discount rates for small retailers from one-third to 50%.