NEWS


New study finds over 65s bearing brunt of higher energy bills


Over 65s are significantly more likely to live in energy inefficient homes, according to a new study by Kingfisher, owner of B&Q and Screwfix, in partnership with economics consultancy Cebr*.


This is leading to them paying £611 more per year on average for their energy bills compared to under 30s, based on the Government’s current £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee level. If the Government goes ahead with its planned increase in the Energy Price Guarantee level to £3,000 from April, this would increase to £713 per year.


The study found that nearly two thirds (62%) of over 65s live in inefficient properties (EPC


Screwfix, the UK’s leading omnichannel trade retailer and part of Kingfisher plc, has announced it has acquired the stock, intellectual property, contracts and fixed assets of Connect Distribution Services (CDSL) out of administration, for a cash consideration of £3 million, following the appointment of Alvarez & Marsal as administrators. Connect Distribution Services Limited is the leading retailer of appliance spares, accessories and consumables to both tradespeople and consumers through digital and telephone channels. Screwfix will continue to operate the business as a going concern, acquiring its e-commerce platforms, stock,


Apollo Housewares wins best display stand at trade show


At Home Hardware’s Spring Trade Show held in March at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, Apollo Housewares won Best Display Stand. The supplier won a cash prize of £100, a certificate and a glass trophy. RKW received the runners up prize of £50. There were 142 exhibitor stands at the show and the award was judged by an independent panel and presented by Nick Pedlar, Home Hardware Director. Nick Pedlar said: “Apollo worked incredibly hard on the presentation of their stand. It was extremely eye catching, featured interesting products and the stand was well-lit. Products were merchandised to a high standard.”


4 DIY WEEK MARCH 2023


‘D’ or below), compared to less than half (48%) of under 30s. Over 65s are more likely to live in older properties than younger generations, which are on average less energy efficient than newer builds. They are also more likely to live in detached houses, which are typically less energy efficient than flats or terraced houses.


A separate survey by Kingfisher of 3,000 UK adults found that one in 10 pensioners plan to downsize in the next two years, with 49% citing reduced energy bills as a reason for their decision. At the other end of the age spectrum, 34% of 18-24 year olds say they would consider moving in with family or friends


due to rising energy bills, 45% of them back in with parents. 77% of Brits of all ages who moved in with friends or family in the past year said rising energy bills


factored into their decision. As we emerge from winter, 81% of Brits say they are worried about the planned rise in the Energy Price Guarantee


level. Over half (54%) say they plan to make energy efficiency improvements in their homes in the coming year, with the most popular measures being energy efficient lighting, smart meters and draught proofing. However, despite pensioners being more likely to live in inefficient homes, they are the least likely to be planning improvements, with just a third (35%) expecting to do so in the next year. Kingfisher’s businesses have been working for many years to support customers to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. In the UK, B&Q and Screwfix offer a wide range of affordably priced energy efficiency products such as insulation, draught proofing, LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats and energy-saving appliances, with Screwfix also selling heat pumps and solar panels.


*Cebr analysis of ONS English Housing Survey and Family Spending Workbook data


Screwfix acquires assets of Connect Distribution Services Limited


intellectual property and product data, with over 400 current Connect Distribution Services employees transferring to Kingfisher group.


Connect Distribution Services’ online trading brands, which include well-known sites such as eSpares, BuySpares, 4OurHouse


and the Connect Trade Portal, will continue to operate as normal. There are many opportunities


for synergy, with both businesses serving B2B and B2C customers through leading digital and fulfilment platforms. Over time, Screwfix will explore opportunities to enable customers to Click &


Collect orders through Screwfix’s convenient nationwide store network. There is also potential to generate synergies with other parts of the Kingfisher Group. John Mewett, Screwfix CEO, said: “I’m very pleased to be able to secure the future of the business of Connect Distribution Services and its brands for its customers, engineers and colleagues. The business’ popular ecommerce


Exclusively fully booked by exhibitors already


Exhibition space at the UK’s leading housewares, gift and small domestic electricals show, Exclusively (13-14 June 2023 at The Business Design Centre, Islington) has completely sold out to exhibitors earlier than ever before.


All spaces in all areas of the Exclusively Show including the Launchpad for small companies and start-ups are now taken,


making the event the leading and most vibrant UK show in housewares, small domestic electricals, and gift. “This news is an exciting endorsement of Exclusively’s pivotal role in communicating new product development and the latest trends to all the key buyers and to media and influencers in the sector,” said Exclusively’s Seema Grantham. “Exclusively visitors, multiple, independent, UK and overseas


will really have the opportunity to see the very best that the housewares, small domestic electricals and gift sectors have to offer.”


The show welcomes some very exciting new exhibitors


platforms have significant growth potential and they play an important role in helping tradespeople and consumers keep products in use for longer, supporting our sustainability agenda. As an entrepreneurial and customer-focused family business with a 50-year history, the culture is a great fit for Screwfix and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues.”


including Aquaphor, Arix, Beurer, Birkmann, The Silicone Straw Company, Strata and Sue Ure, and the return of many others including Brita, Dartington Crystal, Joseph Joseph, Oxo and Pendeford.


Exclusively regularly has over 140 companies and three hundred brands participating and attracts all the leading UK buyers in the categories it represents. It also targets international buyers, journalists, bloggers, and influencers, so the opportunities for exhibitors are extensive.


DK Tools launches a new seasonal brochure to help trade customers plan for spring demand


Above: (L-R): Nick Pedlar (Home Hardware Director), Masha Vezouisek (Apollo Shipping Manager) and John Goodger (Apollo Marketing Director) on the winning stand.


The average household spends around £1,200 on home improvements each year, with the spring season being a popular time for painting, decorating and gardening, according to a survey by Lloyds Bank. Another survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) found that 72% of homeowners plan to carry out home improvements in the next 12 months. So, following more research into key trends and consumer mindsets, DK


Tools has compiled a seasonal product brochure for trade customers, to help them plan for demand. Existing customers can request a product and price spring brochure from their account manager or log in to their account to view all the information. The brochure is also available to download from dktools.com.


www.diyweek.net


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