Akzo Nobel faces shareholder rebellion; Beale sells up; John Lewis sees yet another storming week 

Travis Perkins has reported sales growth of 6.3% for its retail division following investment in new ranges and initiatives to attract trade customers. 

Plasti-kote, part of the Valspar Corporation, has said a recent £500,000 investment in a consumer advertising campaign has paid huge dividends. 

The Norfolk-based supplier of plants to UK supermarkets, Suttons Horticulture, has called in the administrators for it and its subsidiary, PA Moerman. 

Analyst raises concerns over the Home shopping group Flying Brands, which specialises in gifts, gardening and entertainment products. 

B&Q saw its sales of outdoor and garden products slump 20% as a result of the terrible weather over the last two months. 

The European Commission has cleared the way for US hedge fund, Cerberus, to acquire struggling diy chain, Focus. 

In response to the floods that have wreaked havoc across the north of England, Focus DIY is offering 20% discounts to damage victims. 

Husqvarna, Cuprinol and Westland were the big winners in this year’s GIMA awards, announced at Birmingham on Thursday July 19. 

Major sponsors have confirmed their support for Britain’s Best Retailer Awards, as the event heads for its fifth birthday in November. 

As expected, Tesco has extended the deadline for its cash offer to Dobbies Garden Centres shareholders. 

West Sussex-based centre expands with purchase of Gardens Etc 

B&Q is to sue a Chinese supplier over allegations of bullying. 

Due to the rapid expansion of Rottner Security UK since its launch, it has recently moved from its Bedford sales office and third party warehousing to fully refurbished offices and warehousing. 

Homewares retailer Dunelm has announced full year results with overall sales for the year to end-June up 12.5% at £354.7m up from £315.2m. 

The German chemicals group BASF has told Dutch newspapers it is not interested in purchasing chemical firms, including ICI, as they are too expensive. 

It appears Sir Tom Hunter is preparing to table a counter bid for Dobbies following his acquisition of 25,000 Dobbies shares on Friday. 

A garden centre partnership is to run a new retail outlet on the site of Lintzford Bridge Nurseries, County Durham. 

The sixth edition of the two day show has been hailed the most successful yet - and work has already started on the 2008 Show. 

Lofa has announced the launch of its own trade show to be held in 2008.