Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Number of temporary workers in retail hits high in August

New data from temporary agency labour procurer de Poel shows the use of temporary agency workers in the retail industry hit a year high in August. 
15 September 2010

Britain's Best Retailer Awards gain Momentum

Momentum is the latest supplier to add the weight of its support to Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010, sponsoring the Britain's Best Tool Retailer category. 
15 September 2010

Centurion Europe buys Initial Monogram

Centurion Europe has announced a deal to acquire the stock, distributor network and customer base of Watford-based door plaque business Initial Monogram. 
14 September 2010

UPDATE: Buyer still sought for Pilkington's

Administrators for Pilkington's are still looking for a buyer for the company's Swinton site after 241 jobs were lost in July. 
14 September 2010

UK inflation stays flat at 3.1% in August

Overall figure remains unchanged from July, while furniture and furnishings prices see 1.6% increase. 
14 September 2010

Crime costs small businesses £3,000 a year

More than two-thirds of small businesses have been a victim of crime over the past 12 months, costing them up to £3,000, according to a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 
13 September 2010

Autumn Fair sees visitor numbers rise

Show organiser Emap has reported a major upswing in visitor numbers at this year's Autumn Fair International (AFI). 
13 September 2010

John Lewis home categories boosted by competitor activity

Cooking and dining and white goods see sales increase in first week of September. 
10 September 2010

National Plant Show success

The organisers of the recent HTA National Plant Show have said they are pleased with the success of the show as they gear up for next year. 
10 September 2010

Suppliers warned of fake order scam

DIY Week has learned of a new wave of fraudulent orders being placed in the name of legitimate wholesalers and retailers. 
9 September 2010

Home Retail expects profit to fall by a quarter

Home Retail Group (HRG) has said it expects profit before tax (PBT) to drop by 20-25% for the first half of 2010, with sales at Argos continuing to fall. 
9 September 2010

Vacancy rate increases revealing North-South divide

Town centre vacancy rates have risen to 13% in six months, with areas in the South East and London holding up well, while the North struggles. 
9 September 2010

HSS launches apprenticeship scheme

Tool and equipment hire chain HSS Hire has launched an apprentice scheme to offer young people a practical post-school option and up-skill a new generation of fitters and technical engineers. 
9 September 2010

EDRA welcomes first African member

European DIY Retail Association signs Egyptian DIY chain DARY to its Global Home Improvement Network. 
8 September 2010

BBRA deadline extended

Retailers from across the country have been calling DIY Week asking for more time to enter Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010. 
8 September 2010

NICs holiday for small businesses

The Government has launched a new National Insurance contributions (NICs) holiday scheme this week to encourage new business start-ups in certain UK regions. 
8 September 2010

Home improvements too expensive for over 50s

More than a third of Britons aged over 50 say their house is in need of repair, with one in seven unable to afford the cost to fix it. 
8 September 2010

Hub launches in Telford

Poundland co-founder Dave Dodd launched his latest retail chain Hub last week, with the first store opening in Telford. 
7 September 2010

Home Hardware charity cheque

Home Hardware Southwest has handed over a cheque for £2,500 to charity - the proceeds of its spring tradeshow draw and a bike ride undertaken by business development officer Paul Moston. 
7 September 2010

Woodthorpe Hall Group acquires fifth garden centre

The Woodthorpe Hall Group has bought the Towneley Garden Centre in Burnley out of receivership. 
7 September 2010
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