The B2B wholesale directory said there has been a significant increase in the rate of buying leads for hardware and DIY tools at the beginning of 2012. 

A man accused of starting a devastating fire, which ultimately destroyed a House of Reeves store in Croydon during the August 2011 riots, has allegedly admitted to the offence in court. 

Following on from last week's news that Mem's DIY poster ad was banned for being sexist, the ASA have now ruled against a plumbing and heating merchant's ad for having "strong sexual content [which] was demeaning and offensive" and breached rules of social responsibility. 

Following the Garden Centre Group (GCG) Spring show held recently at the Malvern showground, garden centre staff across the country have been celebrating after winning a host of prizes. 

The tool brand has broken the world record for making the world's biggest spade. 

Members of the horticultural industry recently helped raise more than £2,500 for Greenfingers after participating in the charity’s version of ‘It’s a Knockout’ as part of the GCA’s annual conference. 

A new app designed to allow the user to find home improvement retailers, access discount offers on products and read reviews of builders from their smartphone or tablet is due for launch later this month. 

A 54-year-old man from Billericay, Essex, has won a luxury Nissan 370Z after entering a competition run by IRWIN Tools. 

The family-run safety lock firm has won an export deal with Russia and has already taken an order for 3,500 of its specialist safety products. 

Travis Perkins-owned chain reported a 1.4% LFL decline in delivered sales in 2011, as demand for delivered kitchens and bathrooms tails off. 

Praising the security manufacturer on its move to in-source jobs back to the United States from China, the US President dropped in for a tour of the firm's Milwaukee manufacturing plant last week. 

The garden centre on Wrexham Road, Belgrave was named as a Garden Centre of Excellence for a record breaking 12th consecutive year. 

The industry's biggest gardening show is back for 2012 with a refreshed look and a more targeted exhibition, say organisers, who announced new initiatives, including bespoke guided tours and a bigger push for innovation. 

The online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products announced its year end results today, which saw turnover hitting £15m, a 20% increase on 2010. 

The HTA-supported National Garden Gift Vouchers (NGGV) group is running a new in-store promotion offering NGGV customers a free pack of 10 notelets and envelopes during the build up to Mother's Day.
 

Kingfisher announces major boardroom changes - 0'Byrne and Sutherland move up, but Hogsted's role disappears 

“We have ended another challenging year in robust shape,” says group CEO Ian Cheshire. 

Police in Lancashire have issued CCTV stills of two men they would like to speak to in connection with a suspected shoplifting offence at Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston. 

A poster ad for Tottenham-based Mems DIY Ltd has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for "overtly sexual" content which "objectified women." 

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) is opening up its training to the wider sector, not just its members.