COMMENT Battle of the trade shows Acting editor, Jenny Wonnacott: jwonnacott@datateam.co.uk


“The people roaming the DIY halls at Totally are there to buy...”


It’s February, and that can only mean one thing – DIY trade show season. Unless you’ve been hibernating all winter, you’re probably well aware that this year everyone’s talking about Spring Fair and the show’s new foray into DIY and home improvement. With big names including several who have, it has to be pointed out, been conspicuously absent from Totally DIY & Tools over recent years, the show promises to be nothing if not an extremely interesting new event for the industry. But don’t discount Totally just yet. After all, while its on a far smaller scale than Spring Fair, the show is solely focussed on the DIY and home improvement industry. The people roaming the DIY halls at Totally are there to buy, not just to have a quick nosey on their way to Gift or Fashion. Both shows boast impressive guest speakers this year – Spring Fair banking on the big names of Mary Portas and Baroness Karren Brady to bring the crowds, while Totally focuses on the ins and outs of the industry and its future with talks from Dulux, the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and Intact Software. And, most importantly, both shows promise suppliers and buyers alike an atmosphere of networking, business-generating profitability. Perhaps, in a few weeks, one show will emerge as the clear frontrunner. Perhaps Totally will be such a resounding success, it will go on to grow next year, attracting the biggest names of the industry once more. Perhaps Spring Fair will emerge as the new generation show for DIY and home improvement. Perhaps you’ve had enough of trade shows and won’t be attending either. If that’s the case, be sure to keep an eye out for the next few issues of DIY Week with our exclusive reports on both shows. To everyone else – see you in the West Midlands.


PRODUCT NEWS


BOND IT’s GB PRO advanced hybrid sealant and adhesive has been used in an historic public art project. Perfugium Miseris celebrates the maritime heritage of Ramsgate harbour in Kent and has been created by Mooch – a creative practice specialising in public realm art and design. A Latin phrase, which translates as ‘refuge for those in need’, Perfugium Miseris is carved into Ramsgate’s Georgian lighthouse which was built in 1842 and is located on the harbour’s west arm. Mooch has taken the same motto and realised it as 1.2m high by 23m long lettering situated at the high tide mark on the east harbour arm facing out to sea. Bond It’s GB PRO was chosen for the project because it is high strength, waterproof and available in a transparent formula which minimises its visibility. GB PRO is also highly versatile and can be used for almost any sealing and bonding application. n www.bond-it.co.uk


TOOLBANK, the UK’s leading distributor of tools and hardware to the retail trade, has launched a new ‘silent salesman’ edition of its massive Big Blue Book product catalogue – designed specifically to help Toolbank customers build their ‘special order’ business. “With laminated pages on a sturdy steel stand, the new catalogue is available at a very affordable price,” said Toolbank’s marketing development director Simon Bicknell. “We have invested heavily in the project, and our sister company Biz Engineering has used its skills and resources to design and manufacture a very cost- effective stand.”


Using the display catalogue to encourage special orders gives the Toolbank stockist an edge over their rivals, he said. “Some types of outlet can only sell the fixed range that they have in stock – but by displaying the laminated catalogue, the Toolbank stockist can offer our full range of more than 30,000 products, with delivery to the shop in 24 or 48 hours. Our customers can generate significant extra sales, with no extra stock commitment and no extra display space – because we act as their stockroom. And we have £80m of stock, held at 12 depots across the UK.” The ‘silent salesman’ package costs just £99 nett, including the stand, the header and the laminated pages, and is available from any Toolbank branch. n 01322 321460


n b2binfo@toolbank.com 4 DIY WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2017 Editor: Fiona Garcia


Acting editor: Jenny Wonnacott Art editor: Paul Forster


Publishing director: Paul Ryder Publication manager: Joanne Bamber


Product news co-ordinator: Margaret Poole


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© 2015 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


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No 5,809 3 February 2017 www.diyweek.net


We are proud to sponsor the Rainy Day Trust


SBK Brushwood Killer from VITAX is perfect for gardeners who are unable to physically remove a tree stump and are looking for an alternative solution. Containing Triclopyr, SBK Brushwood Killer can either be painted or sprayed directly onto a newly cut stump and should cover the whole stump to ground level. It can be re-applied after six weeks for maximum effect. Re-planting can also take place six weeks after SBK’s final application. However, SBK should not be applied between April and June when the sap is rising. SBK Brushwood Killer is available in six sizes including a 750ml and four litre ready-to-use spray. It is also available as a concentrate with four sizes to choose from. As it does not harm lawned areas, it is ideal for treating tree stumps within neglected, non-crop areas. n www.gardenworld.co.uk


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