Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Argos and Homebase see sales increase

Chief Executive Terry Duddy is pleased with Home Retail Group's 'strong start' to the new financial year. 
14 June 2007

New chief executive for NWF Group

NWF Group has announced the appointment of Richard Whiting to the board as chief executive designate as of October 1, 2007. 
12 June 2007

Sir Tom Hunter mulls over counter-bid for Dobbies

It is looking increasingly likely that Tesco will be drawn into a bidding war for Dobbies after it emerged that one of its major shareholders, Sir Tom Hunter, is in talks with rival retailers, including Marks & Spencer. 
11 June 2007

Home improvement 'on the up'

UK diyers hope to add £5,000 to value of their property with improvements carried out in the last 12 months. 
11 June 2007

Butterfly Elite to close UK subsidiary

Butterfly Elite, suppliers of stainless steel housewares, is in discussions whether to close its UK subsidiary in Eastbourne. 
11 June 2007

Tesco is shock bidder for Dobbies

Tesco, has emerged as the shock bidder for Edinburgh-based Dobbies Garden Centres. 
8 June 2007

Good start to the year for Screwfix

First quarter results for Screwfix have been encouraging and showed sales growth of 25.9% to £103 million in the 13 weeks ending May 5, 2007. 
8 June 2007

HTA welcomes Tesco's proposed acquisition

In the short term, the gardening industry should be cheered by Tesco’s proposed acquisition of Dobbies, the HTA said. 
8 June 2007

Tasker’s undertakes overhaul and re-positioning of brand

One of Liverpool’s premier home improvement outlets is re-working its appeal with changes to its website, product mix and internal store environment. 
7 June 2007

Industry leaders confirm support for DIY & Garden Show and Totally Tools

Brintex, organiser of the London DIY & Garden Show and Totally Tools, has confirmed that leading trade associations and retail marketing groups are in place for its 2008 show. 
7 June 2007

Dobbies offer on the table

The spotlight is on Sir Tom Hunter this week after private equity house Apax revealed it was ready to pay an estimated £143m for the garden centre chain. 
7 June 2007

Calling the best in gardening

GIMA has launched its search for the best in gardening products for the GIMA Awards 2007. 
7 June 2007

Outdoor shines for Woolworths

Woolworths has seen group sales for the 17 weeks to June 2 up 11.4% as hot spells drove sales of outdoor products. 
6 June 2007

Update - Focus receives consent to waiver interest payments

Focus has been granted consent from its bondholders to waive interest payments on notes due in June until the beginning of July. 
3 June 2007

Focus' suitors work together to tie up deal

Cerberus Capital Management, a private investment company, is reportedly working with Hilco, the US distressed debt specialist to acquire Focus DIY. 
1 June 2007

Wake Up to the dangers of carbon monoxide and fire, homeowners told

Wake Up, a campaign urging homeowners to take all possible precautions to make sure they have early warning of a fire or carbon monoxide in their homes, launches today. 
1 June 2007

New owners for Cromford Garden Centre

Cromford Garden Centre in Derby has new owners who are looking to develop the four acre site – an acre of which is currently only occupied by the centre and a cafe. 
1 June 2007

B&Q sales up in first quarter

B&Q owner, Kingfisher plc, has posted better than expected first quarter profits thanks to a warm spring which boosted the sales of gardening and outdoor products. 
31 May 2007

Dobbies confirms bid talks; speculation links it with venture capital group

Dobbies has become the centre of fevered speculation after its board confirmed a bid approach for the acquisition of the entire company. 
30 May 2007

Cheers go up as Typhoon is back in business

After a turbulent month, Typhoon moves out of administration this week with founder Peter Battersby buying back the assets of the Typhoon International Group. 
29 May 2007
*

Most read stories