NEWS


Dulux Select Decorators are raising spirits in lockdown with their own virtual pub


Members of the Dulux Select Decorators scheme have been keeping their spirits up over lockdown by meeting at their own virtual pub.


The Fitch & Bristle opens its doors via Zoom every Friday night, allowing any of the 575 Select Decorators in the scheme to stop by, catch up with friends or just chat with some like- minded individuals.


Much like a typical local, the


virtual pub has seen regulars joined by their partners, pets and even children. And to make the experience even more authentic, pub-goers received their own Fitch & Bristle-branded beer mat as part of a party pack sent to all members ahead of their Christmas party, which was attended by over 60 Select Decorators.


Dulux Select Decorator,


Darren Whitfield said: “The Fitch & Bristle has been fantastic in these trying times where we can pop into the virtual pub for one or two scoops, stay the evening or even end up in an after-hours virtual lock-in. “It’s been a fantastic


chance to have a natter with some of the other decorators discussing all that’s going on in the world around us at the end of a long week.” With lockdown 3.0 in full swing, Dulux expects the virtual pub will be open for scheme members for many weeks - possibly months - to come as it remains as popular as ever.


Green homes refurb grants need more time, urge MPs The government is under


pressure to extend the green homes grant scheme beyond March 2022 after a committee of MPs described current progress as moving at a snail’s pace.


Business, energy and industrial strategy minister Lord Callanan admitted only 20,000 vouchers have been handed out since its launch last summer. The slow take-up led the government to extend the original March 2021 deadline by a year. Environmental audit committee chairman Philip Dunne said: “The principle of the scheme should be commended. It is a timely


initiative not only to boost energy efficiency of homes - which is urgently needed to stem carbon emissions - but to address our growing unemployment crisis triggered by the pandemic. “But unless overhauled and


further extended, this scheme will fail to deliver its ambition.” MPs on the environmental audit committee estimate it would take another ten years for the scheme to hit its target of 600,000 refurbished homes. Only 1,300 companies have registered so far with TrustMark, the government’s approved licensers, which the committee says is why so few consumers


Creative Decks adds new depot on the success of Oakio sales


Director of Creative Decks, Sara Palmer, said: “Switching to Oakio decking was the best decision we’ve made.”


Palmer knows that she’s often seen as a woman in a


man’s world. She’s known the decking industry for more than 18 years, first within holiday parks, before switching to supplying decking to the public and trade. When she first moved from the holiday parks, she went out on the tools as a decking installer. “After being let down by a previous supplier, we


BHETA launches new membership package


The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has launched a new membership offer aimed at supplier companies offering any kind of home enhancement or home improvement product powered by mains electric or battery. Called ‘BHETA Electrical’, it focuses on everything to do with the complex technical and logistical issues around marketing products with a plug or battery power. Membership is open to companies supplying small electrical housewares appliances, DIY tools including cordless, electrical and security lighting and batteries. Members of BHETA Electrical


can 6 DIY WEEK FEBRUARY 2021 access two influential committees. The Small Electrical Appliance (SEA) Committee is


needed a new decking product. We knew that with the right product we could grow the business, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. “Oakio is the fastest growing decking product in the US. When I first saw the products I could see why, they are so much better than anything else on the market.” The business is currently run by Sara Palmer and two friends, as well as family members. They’re looking to build the business further are on the lookout for a third depot to open later in 2021.


group of senior managers from the industry with a remit to protect, promote and safeguard the interests of the sector. Only BHETA Electrical members qualify to join the committee and then only by invitation. The Environmental, Operations and Safety Committee (EOSC) is open to technical managers from electricals suppliers - housewares to DIY - and discusses and agrees common industry understandings regarding quality and safety issues.


To find out more, contact Nicola Adams at the BHETA Member Services Team on 07946 078566, or na@bheta.co.uk


alternatively, email on


have been able to do green refurbishments.


National Federation of Building housing and policy head Rico Wojtulewicz said his organisation agreed the deadline should be extended for the green grants. However, he warned without investing in training the industry wouldn’t be able to meet demand.


Carl Kammerling Fusion 2021 Trade Promotion


Carl Kammerling has launched its new Fusion 21 trade promotion - running from 1 February to 28 May 2021 - offering retailers worthwhile savings on more than 150 products from all CKI brands including: C.K, C.K Magma, C.K Classic, Avit and Kasp. This selection of products includes proven sellers, core items, new innovative product launches and great value range deals - all for just a low initial order. Product incentives are available for customers who wish to commit more to the promotion initially, and any of the range deals. This package provides customers who sign up with a superb incremental profit opportunity, as well as high margins and great discounts. To benefit from Fusion21, customers can simply sign up by contacting their local sales representative, or CKI customer services on 01758 704704 / sales@cki.uk.com. Don’t forget to mark your order FUS21 to benefit from this superb promotion.


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