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© 2023 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.


In This Issue...


Founded in 1874 No 5,911 - April 2023


Brighter and warmer days ahead


As summer approaches and we look forward to brighter, warmer and longer days ahead, our thoughts turn to being outside a bit more and enjoying the environment and some fresh air. After what has seemed like an endless wet winter, it will be nice to finally uncover the garden furniture and dust off the barbeque. Making the most of our outdoor space increased in popularity during the Covid lockdowns, when having a garden or somewhere to escape and get fresh air and exercise became an extremely desirable luxury, and remains high on the wish list of the majority of homeowners today. Just as DIY in general enjoyed a boost in popularity during the pandemic, so too did gardening and outdoor living.


DIYers seem prepared to take on more serious garden projects now, such as building outdoor structures and landscaping. And as we extend our living spaces to the outside, we’ve also seen an increase in the popularity of bi-fold doors and verandas, products that were once the preserve of professional fitters, which are now being offered for homeowners to fit themselves. In this issue’s outdoor living feature we have a range of creative ideas and look ahead to the Glee and Solex shows, both of which will have a focus on making the most of our outside spaces and feature the latest tools and products to help customers to do so in the most cost effective and satisfactory way possible. Gardening care and tools and are just two of the categories we’ll be applauding at the forthcoming DIY Week Awards, in just a few weeks. The finalists have been announced and we have a prestigious new venue, so to find out more and book your tickets, see page 9, or visit www.diyweekawards.co.uk and come and celebrate the start of summer with us.


Neil Mead, Editorial Director


P4 / NEWS


The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors


P12 / MADE IN BRITAIN


Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a rebound in activity as the domestic and global markets have improved


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Published by P17 / TILES & TILING


Latest floor tile collection delivers a backdrop as dramatic as the ancient Lakeland stone it’s inspired by


P25 / OUTDOOR LIVING


As the countdown to Glee ticks into weeks, it’s been another busy period for the organising team


OVER 1000 PRICES SLASHED dktools.com


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