NEWS


Screwfix reaches trade apprentice milestone in drive to tackle skills shortage


Screwfix has proudly funded over 50 trade apprentices through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency, TrAC. The milestone reflects the omni-channel retailers’ commitment to help tackle the skills shortage and encourage more people to pursue a career in the trade.


Since launching in 2022,


Screwfix has funded the apprentices across a wide


range of skilled trades, from plumbing and electrical through to landscaping and painting and decorating. To help remove the cost and administrative barriers associated with taking on an apprentice, TrAC matches apprentices with businesses and provides ongoing support throughout the apprenticeship journey.


In its latest report, Screwfix urged the government to


promote the value of flexi-job apprenticeship agencies, such as TrAC, that manage the process to support both the needs of the apprentice and employer.


Paris Hall, completed his


apprenticeship through TrAC, he said: “Without this support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s given me the chance to learn, grow and build a future in a trade that I love. Through Screwfix and TrAC, I’ve even been invited


Spacelift to Launch at


Chelsea Flower Show


to Parliament to speak with MPs about the importance of apprenticeships in the trade.”


HMG Paints continues commitment to community support


Manchester-based HMG Paints has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to charitable causes and community projects through a series of fundraising events and paint donations, supporting both national charities and local organisations. As the business marks its 95th anniversary, it has taken the opportunity to reflect on its long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes and giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing the strong values that have remained central to the business over the years.


A strong emphasis is placed on employee involvement at HMG, with staff playing a central role in shaping the company’s charitable activities.


A key initiative saw employees


take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with a team of 24 staff


travelling to the


Yorkshire Dales to complete the demanding route in under 12 hours. The challenge, which


New Men’s Shed opens at Castle Gardens in Sherborne


On Saturday 25 April, The Green Shed Sherborne was officially opened by the Mayor of Sherborne, Jill Warburton (pictured). Situated at the back of Castle Gardens, this new Men’s Shed is now open every Tuesday from 10am – 3:30pm, offering adults a safe and inclusive space to make, repair and repurpose items for community projects. Antony Chambers, chairman


Selco Builders Warehouse gears up for ‘Race Across Selco’ challenge


Colleagues at Selco Builders Warehouse are trading in forklifts for footwork, as they compete in’Race Across Selco’, an ambitious new fundraising initiative, sponsored by Bond It to raise money for its charity partner, Cancer Research UK, and Selco Community Heroes. In this fast-paced challenge, members of Selco’s senior leadership will make up four teams to take on a three- day race from the company’s


6 DIY WEEK APRIL 2026


of The Green Shed Sherborne, said: “Around a year ago, I attended a public forum meeting at Castle Gardens where UK


Men’s Sheds representatives shared their vision for bringing this nationally recognised format to Sherborne. I was inspired to get behind this initiative, and after a year of building a team and refurbishing the space, we are now ready for applications. We are operating from The Green Shed, which once provided a workshop for adults with learning difficulties and will once again be a safe


Rodo marks 100 years as a proud British family business


Rodo is delighted to announce the celebration of its centenary as a fourth generation, independently run family business. From formative beginnings as a three-employee broom supplier to the UK’s most widely distributed trade decorating accessories supplier, the company has grown steadily over the decades while remaining firmly rooted in the family values and work ethic that shaped its early years.


The entrepreneurial spirit Joseph Brierley instilled in 1926 helped the business grow and prosper through its early years, and as emulsion paints became widespread in the post-war decades, Rodo expanded its decorating range, adding rollers, tools and dust sheets.


MD, Laura Brierley-Smith said: “Reaching 100 years is a remarkable milestone, made possible by the hard work, commitment and dedication of employees - past and


present – as well as the loyal customers and suppliers who have supported us throughout our journey. “I’m incredibly proud of all


that’s been achieved, and even prouder that we continue to uphold the family culture and values our founder instilled from the very beginning.”


included climbs of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, raised over £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event held particular significance for those involved, with participants pushing their limits while supporting a cause close to many across the business. In addition, staff also undertook the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £2,500 for staff-selected charities including Cancer Research and Francis House Children’s Hospice.


Beyond fundraising, HMG has continued to support local community projects through practical contributions.


and inclusive space for adults to come and socialise while taking part in making, repairing and repurposing projects.” Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, added: “We’re delighted to see The Green Shed Sherborne open at Castle Gardens, as it is going to provide such a valuable resource for the community. We’re looking forward to seeing the building become a hive of activity once again, giving people a space to help improve their mental and physical wellbeing.”


A new expert-led, AI-assisted platform is set to transform how homeowners design, plan and manage their outdoor spaces, when it launches at the world’s most celebrated garden show next month.


Debuting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026, Spacelift combines artificial intelligence, spatial measurement technology and the professional design methodology of Matt Keightley — internationally acclaimed landscape designer, two- time RHS Chelsea Silver-Gilt Medallist and twice winner of the BBC/RHS People’s Choice Award – to bring expert-calibre garden design within reach of every homeowner.


At a time when consumers are


increasingly using technology to design and optimise their homes, the garden remains one of the last spaces largely untouched by intelligent digital tools. Spacelift addresses this gap directly - introducing a new category of outdoor design that moves beyond inspiration and into fully realised, buildable systems. To celebrate its launch, Spacelift is offering one homeowner the chance to win the Calm in the Cotswolds garden – worth £50,000 – redesigned and installed in their own outdoor space by Matt Keightley and the Spacelift team. The competition runs throughout Chelsea week across the gardens, Spacelift’s social channels and partner media.


• Visit https://spaceliftapp. com/ to find out more.


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