Former B&Q chairman and Kingfisher director Nigel Whittaker has died after a long illness, aged 62. 

Ron Hickman, inventor of the Black & Decker Workmate workbench, died last week aged 78. 

Vin Vara, owner of the nine-strong chain of Tool Shop and Houseware Centre stores in Central London, has acquired Trafalgar Lock & Key Ltd. 

Internet sales soared 21% in January, with consumers spending £5.1bn online, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index. 

Family-run pet and garden supplies retailer Frampton and Sons is set to close after 175 years. 

Retail sales volumes grew 5.3% year-on-year in January, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) today. 

The investment in a state-of-the-art plant at Hozelock's Midpoint Park factory in Birmingham features a new injection moulding machine, set to enhance production and help achieve record delivery times. 

Kingfisher has said it expects full-year pre-tax profit to be at the top end of current analyst estimates, with flat UK sales offset by stronger performances in its international businesses. 

Homewares retailer reports strong trading in first half and stands firm in plans to open up to 100 superstores, despite concerns over "fragile consumer confidence". 

Akzo Nobel reports 9% sales increase in decorative paints category, with Dulux strengthening position in UK, despite decline in demand. 

HSS Hire Service Group has reported pre-tax profits of £39m for the year to January 1, 2011, up 33% on the previous year. 

Company remains bullish about future, with plans to quadruple turnover in just four years. 

Former Garden Centre Association chairman Bob Bickerdike has died aged 63 after an accident in the Alps. 

B&Q trade venture ups its offer with free next-day site delivery on more than 600 bulk items, including bricks and blocks, cement, timber, and decking. 

TV personality and DIY guru Tommy Walsh has today launched a shopping comparison website tailored for the construction trade and DIY enthusiasts. 

Bents Garden & Home has announced its largest ever charity total, with more than £11,000 raised for its nominated charity in 2010. 

Homebase is continuing to take advantage of the grow your own trend this year with the launch of a range of grow your own fruit, vegetables and herbs in collaboration with TV chef Jamie Oliver. 

John Lewis is set to expand into Europe with online trading, opening its website to 25 countries from June. 

A rise in shop vacancy rates "demonstrates the need for a retail-friendly Budget in March", the British Retail Consortium has said today. 

B&Q has become the first major UK retailer to only buy timber products from proven responsible sources, the retailer announced today.