NEWS


DIY Week Awards 2025 - Finalists announced!


After an incredible response from the industry, we are delighted to announce the 2025 finalists that are in the running to win a coveted DIY Week Award, see page 11. The winners will be revealed on Friday 23rd May at a special lunchtime ceremony to be held at the prestigious De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Well done to all of the 2025 finalists!


Back by popular demand, our host this year will once again be comedian, Jimmy McGhie.


Jimmy has performed stand up all over the world and appeared on numerous television and radio programmes including the BBC, Channel 4, Channel 5, Comedy Central, ABC Australia, Three New Zealand, Absolute Radio and many more. He is now a


High street and online sales rise in March


top circuit act in the UK, as well as a highly sought after corporate awards host and TV warm up artist. To be part of what promises to be one of the biggest events on the DIY trade calendar this year, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment. To find out more information and book your tickets, visit: https:// diyweekawards.co.uk/book- tickets


Thanks to this year’s sponsors:


Avron/Dekton, Benchmark Retail Services, BHETA, Bira, Daley Hub and Home Hardware.


One in five homeowners feel ‘trapped’


New research reveals the growing trend of ‘improve, not move’ as affordability pressures reshape the home and garden market in 2025. One in five homeowners would like to move house but find it financially unfeasible - an increase from 13% two years ago. Instead, millions are putting plans to move on hold and are instead investing in their current homes - a promising sign for the home improvement industry. Over half of people are intending to make home improvements over the next 12 months, with the most popular plans including decorating (31%), landscaping the garden


Despite reports of a slump in consumer confidence, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4% in March – the third rise in a row. The spring sunshine helped the High Street but online sales also increased, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. Experts had feared a slump in High Street sales because of consumer concerns over the increasing economic gloom, but both in-store and online sales rose. March was unusually fine. In fact, the Met Office said England enjoyed its sunniest March since records began in 1910, with 59% more sunshine than average. That may have helped boost spring fashion sales. Clothing and footwear sales soared by 3.7% as shoppers sought out the latest trends.


However, the home delivery expert Parcelhero says the good weather doesn’t entirely explain such positive retail sales results. Parcelhero’s head of consumer research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., said: “This was the third month in a row that sales increased. Overall, there was a 1.6% rise across the three months to March 2025, when compared with the three months to December 2024. This was the largest three-monthly rise since July 2021.


“In all, these results are encouraging for retailers and show shoppers held their nerve last month. However, some of the measures announced in the Autumn Budget that consumers are most worried about did not kick in until 6 April.”


(21%), laying new flooring (12%), installing a new bathroom (11%), creating an outdoor dining and entertaining area (11%), fitting new windows or doors (11%) and installing a new kitchen (11%).


The research, which was


Gardena sponsors Alan Titchmarsh’s new YouTube channel


Gardena has teamed up with Alan Titchmarsh to support his new gardening series which will be published across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. ‘Gardening with Alan


Titchmarsh’ launched in April, with weekly episodes on a mix of how-to videos, informative tips and gardening masterclasses. Gardena is the exclusive irrigation partner for the series


Spring Statement fails to address high street crisis


A leading retailers association has said the Chancellor’s Spring Statement has failed to address the “perfect storm” of cost pressures facing independent retailers across the UK.


Despite prior calls for support 4 DIY WEEK APRIL 2025


on town centre investment, retail crime, and economic development, the Spring Statement made no specific provisions for the independent retail sector, which is facing unprecedented challenges including National Insurance


increases, rising business rates, and increased wage costs. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said: “While we welcome the Chancellor’s focus on economic growth, we are deeply concerned that


which will feature its watering products in the videos shared across social media accounts to offer expert tips to help gardeners. Titchmarsh is one of the


most recognisable names in gardening and the horticultural legend will pass on his vast knowledge and experience in an online series.


The former Gardeners’ World and Ground Force


the Spring Statement has overlooked the immediate crisis facing independent retailers. Our members are confronting a perfect storm of rising costs – from the 140% increase in business rates to the National Living Wage rise and National Insurance changes – all while consumer spending remains subdued.


presenter, who was recently made a CBE for services to horticulture and charity, will demonstrate the best watering techniques with Gardena’s irrigation products. Titchmarsh said: “I’ve always been a proud supporter of the UK gardening industry, and I’m thrilled to be working with some of the best in the business on my new channel.”


“The Chancellor’s forecasts


of improved household income may offer some long-term optimism, but they do nothing to address the immediate cash flow challenges our members face. Many independent retailers are making difficult decisions right now about whether they can continue trading under these conditions.”


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carried out by home and garden PR agency Unhooked Communications for the Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report, found that the motivations behind investments are evolving. Practical concerns like making better use of existing space increased slightly since 2023 – 23% up from 22% – while comfort and wellbeing, which was a big consideration during and after the pandemic, saw a decline from 35% to 23%. The research surveyed 2,001 UK adults. The full Homes Unhooked 2025-2026 report is available to download now at: weareunhooked.com/homes- unhooked-2025


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