Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Store numbers increase in Q2 but staff levels continue to fall

The retail sector reports 3,100 fewer jobs, compared with last year, despite a further 743 shops opening during the three month-period. 
28 July 2011

Vince Cable reveals plans to cut retail red tape

The Government has announced proposals to scrap or simplify more than 160 regulations affecting retailers, in response to thousands of comments made during its Red Tape Challenge. 
28 July 2011

Spate of thefts at garden centres in St Albans

Notcutts and Burston Garden Centre both targeted this month, with camping equipment and plants stolen during break-ins. 
28 July 2011

RDT charity shoot raises £7k

Retailers and suppliers from across the home improvement industry took part in the annual clay pigeon shooting challenge on July 7, on behalf of industry charity the Rainy Day Trust. 
27 July 2011

SMEs spending £16.8bn a year on red tape

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has found that small firms are spending more time and money on complying with regulations, despite the Government's attempts to reduce legislation. 
27 July 2011

New home for B&Q

B&Q is moving its headquarters to a brand new, eco-friendly building named B&Q House. 
27 July 2011

New Wickes ad to focus on doors

Wickes has launched a new TV advert focusing on its range of more than 800 doors. 
26 July 2011

Wolseley sells Build Center to Jewson

Wolseley UK has today announced that it is to sell its Build Center operations to Jewson for £145m (€165m). 
25 July 2011

TJ Hughes distribution centre closed

Administrators for discount department store chain TJ Hughes have closed the firm's Liverpool warehouse distribution centre making most of the workers redundant. 
25 July 2011

Ironmongery Direct reveals strong H1 performance

Ironmongery Direct has announced a 25% increase in turnover to £7.1m for the first half of 2011. 
25 July 2011

Tradepoint opens first K&B outlet

B&Q's trade-only stablemate Tradepoint has opened its first dedicated Kitchen and Bathroom Warehouse at the B&Q Filton store in Bristol. 
22 July 2011

John Lewis to open mid-sized stores

John Lewis has announced plans to open ten smaller-format stores to expand its presence in more locations across the UK. 
22 July 2011

Charles Harrison - funeral arrangements

Charles Harrison's funeral service will take place on Thursday 28th July at 2.00pm at the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Wallingford OX10 0BD followed by a reception at the George Hotel on the High Street which is 100 yards from the Church. 
22 July 2011

Tough second quarter for B&Q UK

B&Q UK sees like-for-like sales fall 6.7% in the 11 weeks to July 16. 
21 July 2011

QEP becomes latest RDT Partner

Tiling and flooring installation tool supplier QEP-Vitrex is the latest company to sign up to the Rainy Day Trust's Partnership scheme. 
21 July 2011

Life & Style shuts a further 12 stores

The administrator to fashion and homewares chain Life & Style has had to close a further 12 stores, making another 181 people redundant. 
21 July 2011

GCA reveals regional winners

The Garden Centre Association has announced the winning garden centres at all eight of its regional awards presentations. 
21 July 2011

Last chance to buy H A Interiors business

The future of a factory in Cramlington hangs in the balance as administrators have set a deadline of tomorrow for potential buyers to register their interest. 
21 July 2011

DIY stores failing on safety advice, says Which?

Some of the UK's biggest DIY chains are selling chainsaws and lawnmowers with little or no safety advice, a Which? investigation has revealed. 
20 July 2011

B and Kew in Start initiative

B&Q has announced that it will support HRH Prince of Wales' Start initiative for the second year running. 
20 July 2011
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