Toby Roberts, owner of independent hardware shop chain D&G Hardware, has added the fifth store to his expanding portfolio of stores. 

Industry charity the Rainy Day Trust has received a much-needed boost of nearly £1,800 thanks to the generosity of guests at last week's Product of the Year Awards, organised by DIY Week and its sister magazine Housewares. 

Retail guru to lead an independent review to identify what the Government can do to tackle the issue of empty shops and develop more prosperous and diverse high streets. 

Administrator Ernst & Young confirms it has agreed to sell up to 13 stores and transfer all associated employees to the Travis Perkins-owned DIY chain for £8.4m. 

Gold and Silver accolades handed out to the host of industry names that triumphed at this year's awards event. 

Home Hardware Scotland has reported a record month for April, with turnover up by 12.3%. 

Retailers in DIY and hardware sector report uplift in Q1, while furniture and floorcoverings see a return to growth. 

The latest Garden Market Update from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reveals a strong start to 2011, with trade across the sector up on 2010 and 2009 levels, boosted by the warm spring. 

Footprint Sheffield chairman John James (Jack) Jewitt has died, aged 87. 

Electricals retailer Comet has seen like-for-like sales plummet 15.2% for the fourth quarter, as the company continues to struggle in difficult economic conditions. 

Ernst & Young says it has received a "fantastic level of interest" in Focus DIY, which it is looking to sell as a going concern after the company entered administration on May 5. 

Sales of DIY and garden products saw an uplift in April, helped by warm weather and Easter promotions, while homewares struggled as mindsets turned away from indoor products. 

The UK economy will continue to make headway in 2011, the CBI has predicted, but growth will remain sluggish, restrained by fiscal consolidation and further erosion of household spending power. 

Despite a tough retail climate and weak demand in kitchen and bathroom, Wickes reported a increase in like-for-like sales and market share in the first quarter of 2011. 

Deloitte has reported the highest number of retail administrations in two years, with a 21% increase from Q4 2010 to Q1 2011. 

Spurred on by the warmer weather, customers flocked to the Swedish retailer over the May Bank Holiday weekend to stock up on garden furniture ranges. 

After three years, which saw two member votes, an EGM and the resignation of the association's ceo, The British Home Enhancement Trades Association (BHETA) has announced a final resolution to its protracted merger negotiations with the British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation (BJGF). 

Value retailer buys collapsed Alworths chain, with 15 of its stores and majority of staff to join the Poundstretcher group. 

The Range owner Chris Dawson has expressed an interest in purchasing Focus DIY, which entered into administration yesterday. 

UK interest rates have been held at 0.5% by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).