Birmingham-based show employs new contractor to help drive down exhibiting costs and throw off its reputation as being "too expensive". 

Carpetright has reported a 9.6% increase in total sales (3.9% on a like-for-like basis) for the six months to the end of October; its strongest half-year sales for five years. 

Habitat's Swedish owner ICAF has disposed of the loss-making house and homewares retailer after agreeing to inject £45m into the company. The deal sees restructuring specialist Hilco take control of the 71-store chain. 

Crafts retailer HobbyCraft could be sold for an estimated £70m, according to reports in The Telegraph. 

Barton Grange and Castle Gardens win top spots in annual competition, commended for their displays and for maximising sales of Christmas ranges. 

Department store chain hits £110m, as Christmas shopping is in full swing and homewares sales soar. 

Sutton-on-sea hardware store bags accolade for its festive displays for the third year in a row. 

42% of retailers expect this Christmas to be better than last year but say it will remain driven by heavy discounting, with sales affected by the VAT rise in Jan. 

DIY giant apologises after one of its tools suggests it is so straightforward, even a woman could use it. 

Firms in the capital feel London is still a good place to do business, while employers are also being encouraged to do more to motivate their staff. 

Alistair Darling's pre-budget report reaches out to smaller UK businesses with extension of empty property tax and deferred increase in corporation tax. 

Swedish hardware retailer is continuing its UK rollout with the news that it has signed a lease agreement on a new store in Liverpool. 

Totally shows organiser Brintex has launched the search for the Best New Products Awards at next February's shows, this year re-named Show Stoppers. 

In what can only be seen as more encouraging news for the retail sector, department store chain John Lewis has reported its best ever weekly sales. 

Crown Paints has announced the appointment of Brian Davidson as group ceo. Mr Davidson takes up the role as of today and replaces Graham Hallworth, who steps down from his position as executive chairman. However, Mr Hallworth will remain involved as a strategic advisor. 

The European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) became an independent body this week, having previously been administered by the French FMB and the German BHB. 

Following its relocation to the Birmingham offices of the British Jewellery, Giftware & Finishing Federation (BJGF) BHETA is now keen to resolve the issue of a merger between the two associations. 

The Daily Mirror is planning to launch a range of garden products in the New Year under the Mr Digwell brand - the paper's fictional garden expert. 

B&Q parent company Kingfisher has reported a 5.6% increase in total sales for the 13 weeks to October 31 – but B&Q UK sees 45% profit jump. 

German tool and accessories manufacturer to close its UK office, making all staff redundant, as sales are affected by adverse exchange rate.