Glazing Summit returns to Birmingham for 2019 event
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Glazing Summit is returning to Birmingham. It will be held on the 12th September at Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre. The Summit is aimed at industry professionals – fabricators, installers and component firms – and is supported by leading industry names including the GGF, Yale, Edgetech […]
Non-food prices see sharp decline in July
Low consumer confidence has continued to keep shoppers from splashing out on discretionary items, causing a sharp decline in non-food prices in July, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) Nielsen Shop Price Index. While overall shop price deflation for July held “steady” at a decline of 0.1% – marking the second consecutive month […]
Areas with the UK’s worst energy-rated properties revealed
A UK-wide analysis of energy performance certificates (EPCs) has found that Britain has some of the oldest and coldest housing stock in the Europe, and that the cost of this heat loss is contributing to the rise in fuel poverty. The areas with the highest percentages of F and G rated homes include: • Isles of […]
The rise of smart tech in the home
A new report by Smart Home Week has revealed insights into UK consumers’ appetite for smart tech devices aimed at making everyday tasks around the home easier and quicker. In addition to smart speakers such as Alexa, video doorbells/security systems is the smart tech that most appeals – with 47% planning to buy one within […]
UK prefer showers over baths, survey finds
A new survey has found that 57% prefer showering over baths. Three-quarters of those who prefer showers say they like them more because they’re quicker, while more than half said they feel cleaner after a shower, and 32% said a shower can “get them going” first thing in the morning. For those who prefer baths, 70% […]
Businesses still ‘advertising’ card fees nine months after the ban
A report by MoneySavingExpert.com has found customers are still being told they’ll be charged extra to pay by credit/debit card despite fee charges being illegal. The new rules came into effect on 13 January 2018 and mean customers should no longer be charged a fee if they opt to pay by personal credit or debit card. In […]
Credit card spending up 7.6%
UK Finance has released its latest Household Finance figures (August 2018), findings include: Credit card spending was 7.6% higher than 12 months ago, with outstanding levels on card borrowing growing by 5.8 per cent over the year. Re-mortgaging approvals were 9.2% higher than for the same period last year. There was a fall in house […]
Plumbers’ Merchant Market tops £4bn
According to the latest figures, the UK Plumbers’ Merchants market reached £4.2billion last year, showing a slight growth on 2016 results. AMA Research also showed that the sector is dominated by four major national retailers, that account for 65-70% of market share. The main competitors of the specialist providers are home improvement retailers, and increasingly manufacturers […]
Homebase confirms 42 stores to close
Homebase has confirmed that it is looking to close 42 stores, putting up to 1,500 jobs at risk. The company is launching a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) with a view to reaching an agreement with creditors over its debt. Homebase said sales performance and profitability had declined significantly over the last two years. The previous owners, Wesfarmers, […]
Up to 60 Homebase stores to close
DIY chain Homebase is reportedly planning to shut down a large number of its stores putting at least 1,000 jobs at risk. Anonymous sources have told the press that the chain’s owner, Hilco Capital, is potentially looking to put a CVA (company voluntary arrangement) in place. The number of stores to be closed down is thought to be […]