NEWS


Wickes expands store footprint with acquisition of four Homebase stores


Wickes has announced that it has acquired the leases of four former Homebase stores. As part of its ongoing store opening and refit programme, the stores, located in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, Leeds Moor Allerton and Northampton, will reopen later this year under the Wickes brand.


Hyve Group announce Glee and Autumn Fair to co-locate


Hyve Group has announced the co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair at the NEC Birmingham in 2026. Glee will take place from 8–10 September 2026 whilst Autumn Fair will take place from 6–9 September 2026. This strategic move by two industry-leading trade exhibitions is said to unlock multiple benefits for their respective sectors, creating a stronger, future- proofed platform that supports the long-term retail growth and successes of the industries they represent. Driven by industry feedback, extensive research, and considered planning to streamline the buying calendar the co-location will deliver new opportunities, maximise return on investment and enhance the experience for both exhibitors and visitors.


Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director, Hyve Group, commented: “We’re excited to announce the alignment of Glee with Autumn Fair from September 2026. The Hyve Group’s heritage


across its retail portfolio, Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and Glee, has been delivering commercial opportunities to brands and buyers for over 75 years. Looking to the future, the co-location aligns with our mission to support and spearhead growth within the UK retail and garden sectors. We are excited about this next step for Autumn Fair and Glee.”


This transaction will enable


Wickes to continue with its new store opening programme into catchment areas which do not currently benefit from a Wickes store, as the business continues to invest in its strategic growth levers. These stores will be refitted and modernised in line with the new Wickes format,


which is proven to resonate with customers and deliver a strong return on capital employed. David Wood, Chief Executive


of Wickes, commented: “We are delighted to be acquiring these former Homebase stores and welcoming all colleagues currently working there into the Wickes family. The acquisition of


these four stores is a further boost to our ambitious store opening programme as we look to grow the Wickes brand, helping even more customers with their home improvement projects so they can feel house proud.”


The Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds and Leeds Moor Allerton stores will cease trading


as Homebase stores on 3rd March 2025 and all 55 employees will remain in their jobs as Wickes employees. Wickes exchanged an agreement to take the lease on the Homebase store in Northampton in July 2024, prior to the administration. The store is currently closed for redevelopment.


Screwfix adds electric HGVs to logistics fleet


Screwfix has announced the addition of its first state-of- the-art electric heavy goods vehicles to its logistics operations. This milestone is part of the company’s continued commitment to reducing carbon emissions as it aims to reach net zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040.


The electric HGVs boast a range of 200 miles per charge,


depending on driving style, road conditions, and weather. Each truck can complete a route with up to five deliveries before


Bira welcomes new Crime and Policing Bill


The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has cautiously welcomed Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill but demands more immediate action and concrete funding to address the retail crime crisis devastating high streets across Britain.


The new legislation contains over 50 measures, including stricter penalties for shoplifting of items under £200 and making it a specific offence to assault a shop worker. The bill also introduces ‘Respect Orders’, similar to the Anti-social Behaviour Orders that were in place until 2014. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting our independent retailers who have been suffering from escalating retail crime.” The British Retail Consortium


recently reported that violent and abusive incidents increased by


more than 50% last year, with retailers reporting approximately 55,000 thefts daily, costing the industry £2.2 billion in 2024 alone. In Bira’s own most recent crime


survey, conducted in September 2024, it found that 78.79% of businesses that had experienced theft in the past 12 months reported that the frequency or severity of theft incidents had increased. Goodacre added: “Independent


retailers are the backbone of our high streets. They cannot absorb these losses in the same way larger retailers can. Every theft impacts not just their bottom line but also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for both staff and customers. “The government must accelerate this recruitment timeline and provide emergency funding for additional security measures, as independent retailers cannot wait four years for protection.”


BHETA’s ‘live’ Independents Day event postponed


BHETA’s next live in-person forum – Independents’ Day – at Federation House, Birmingham has been rescheduled to 27th March, following an unforeseen scheduling conflict, for one of the key speakers. All


4 DIY WEEK FEBRUARY 2025


delegates booked for the original 29th January date will automatically be transferred to the new date. As the retail market shifts, the


‘BHETA Independents’ Day’ event will focus on the independent retailer sector, offering delegates


a unique opportunity to explore the opportunities, challenges, and solutions inherent in supplier / independent retailer trading. The ‘live’ nature of the event addresses increasing demand for in person events alongside online opportunities.


requiring a recharge, aligning with the current operational efficiency of Screwfix’s existing fleet. The vehicles will be used twice within a 24-hour period, ensuring optimal productivity. To support the deployment of these electric HGVs, Screwfix has installed dedicated charging stations at its Lichfield Distribution Centre (DC). The electricity used for charging is sourced from renewable energy, including


power generated from the DC’s large solar panel installation, further reinforcing Screwfix’s commitment to sustainability. The electric trucks will operate on shorter-range routes from the Lichfield DC, servicing Screwfix stores across the West Midlands and Midlands regions. These new vehicles will deliver to Birmingham, ensuring zero- emission deliveries in one of the UK’s major cities.


Talent is the key to a bright future at ERA and Zoo


The new Sales Director at ERA Home Security and Zoo Hardware says he believes talent development and training will be key to supporting their customers through a new era for the construction industry. Darren Bates, who has worked


across ERA and Zoo for nine years in roles including senior key accounts manager and head of sales – distribution, is now in post as sales director – distribution. In a changing and challenging market, Bates has stressed the business’s commitment to generating a seamless customer service experience from sales teams who are well-informed on wider industry change. He said: “There are so many


external factors which affect our industries.


The day promises a dynamic lineup, featuring presentations from key players like Bira (Bira Direct and Mica), Stax, and the Bank of England alongside insights from independent retailers and BHETA members. Through case studies and shared experiences, the forum will provide a comprehensive look at the evolving retail landscape.


“We have to remain versatile and acutely aware of the changing world we operate in – which starts with training and development at entry level and embedding an understanding of


the market throughout our sales operation. “It’s no secret that the market is challenging at the moment, but there is an appetite for investment and growth out there, and talent is the key to unlocking that bright future and giving our customers the very best experience possible.” Factors such as fire safety in a post-Grenfell environment, digital product tracing and the Golden Thread are all high on the agenda for built environment professionals – which Bates believes presents an opportunity for ERA and Zoo to differentiate themselves in the market.


To book a place at the event, suppliers should contact BHETA’s Member Services team by emailing info@bheta.co.uk or call 0121 237 1130. More details of BHETA’s events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.


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