NEWS
Bira backs Trust and Transparency Energy Charter
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which represents over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, has joined a coalition of major trade bodies, including the British Retail Consortium, UK Hospitality, the FSB and the Federation of Independent Retailers, to support the TNT Charter: Trust and Transparency in Business Energy, launched in Parliament and led by Sarah Edwards MP for Tamworth.
The Charter sets out a series of clear reforms designed to address the systemic opacity that has long disadvantaged smaller businesses when buying energy. These include standardised upfront disclosure of the full cost of energy, enforceable rules on sales and pricing, simpler switching processes, stronger protections for SMEs, and secure access to energy data. Business electricity prices in the UK remain around 30% higher than those paid
AkzoNobel expands margins despite softer volumes
AkzoNobel has reported improved profitability for both the fourth quarter and full-year 2025, despite softer volumes and adverse currency effects, as efficiency measures continued to support margin growth. For Q4, revenue declined 9% to €2.37 billion, with organic sales down 1%, while operating income rose sharply to €787 million. Adjusted EBITDA reached €309 million, and the margin improved to 13.0%, up from 12.3% a year earlier. Full-year revenue fell 5% to €10.16 billion, reflecting lower
by competitors in France and Germany, with 47% of small businesses now citing energy as their main cost pressure. The launch came on the same day that household energy bills were cut by 7%, with no equivalent support announced for businesses. For independent retailers already navigating rising business rates, retail crime and cost-of- living pressures, the additional burden of complex and opaque energy pricing has become increasingly untenable.
volumes, but adjusted EBITDA of €1.44 billion remained broadly in line with guidance. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 14.2%, driven
Wilsons joins BHETA
Wilsons, one of the leading wholesalers and distributors of branded household, hardware, and DIY products has joined BHETA. Colchester-based Wilsons offers a variety of in-house consumer brands, including Buffalo – rugged, reliable brushware built to perform to trade standards and the toughest of jobs. Dethlac – the original ant killing lacquer trusted by over 10 million UK households to kill ants fast. DOTS – targeted cleaning solutions, traditional and reliable staples for hardcore
household cleaning, including their hero range of white vinegar products, in varying strengths. Everyday by Wilsons, which offers essential household staples built on quality, reliability, and value for retailers and consumers. And Dragon Dusters, powerful, effortless dusting solutions in vibrant, eye-catching colours. Steve Edwards, BHETA’s DIY Sector Manager for Home Improvement and Garden commented: “Wilsons is a longstanding supplier across DIY and housewares with a
great service and customer care reputation. I look forward to seeing the team at future BHETA events.”
Ivan Hopkins, Director
at Wilsons of Colchester commented: “We are delighted to become members of BHETA, Joining the association is an important step for us, and we look forward to collaborating with fellow members, sharing insight, and contributing to the continued strength of the home and garden sector.”
Kingfisher announces company board updates
Kingfisher plc, owner of DIY brands B&Q and Screwfix, has announced the appointment of Stephen Daintith to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director and member of the Company’s Audit and Nomination Committees, effective 1 April
6 DIY WEEK FEBRUARY 2026
2026. Daintith will succeed Jeff Carr as Chair of the Audit Committee at the conclusion of Jeff’s nine-year tenure in 2027.
Daintith is currently Chief Financial Officer at Ocado and was previously CFO of Rolls- Royce from 2017 to 2021. He
has also served as Non- Executive Director and member of the Audit and Compliance Committee at 3i Group plc for the last nine years, including as Committee Chair since 2023. His other prior experience includes a range of executive
by €98 million in cost savings and ongoing operational efficiencies. Operating income rose to €1.16 billion, supported in part by portfolio actions, including the divestment of its India business. CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume highlighted “strong execution” in a challenging market, noting improved margins and cash flow, alongside a leverage ratio aligned with mid-term targets. The company also announced a proposed merger with Axalta, aimed at creating a leading global coatings player. Looking ahead, AkzoNobel expects limited market recovery in early 2026 but anticipates full year adjusted EBITDA of at least €1.47 billion, supported by continued cost discipline.
Wickes launches retail media platform
Wickes has announced the launch of Wickes Connected Retail Media, a new retail media network that goes live with both onsite and offsite capabilities from day one. This is said to be a first- of-its-kind proposition in the home improvement category, designed to help brands connect with the UK’s diverse home improvement audience wherever they are browsing, researching or shopping for products. Developed in partnership with Epsilon, Wickes Connected Retail Media enables brands to reach DIYers, design and installation customers, and trade professionals with tailored messages that align with the project they’re working on, from start to finish.
Powered by Epsilon’s COREid identity graph, Wickes Connected Retail Media supports more precise activation both within Wickes’ ecosystem and web-wide by helping brands bring together digital and
Jewson-sponsored charity team crosses Atlantic in world’s toughest row
A charity rowing team sponsored by Jewson has successfully completed a mammoth feat, crossing the Atlantic Ocean in under 45 days to complete the World’s Toughest Row challenge. Raising almost £14,000 for
three charities, the team of two – named Secondoary Fun and crewed by Jamie Kidd, an accountant from Peterborough, and Adam Rowlatt, a PhD student from Liverpool, rowed more than 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
The pair even celebrated Christmas Day on the water, feasting on reindeer stew and opening gifts from home.
roles including CFO of DMGT plc, COO and CFO of Dow Jones, and CFO of News International. He holds a BA in Economics and Accounting and qualified as a Chartered
Accountant at Price Waterhouse in 1988.
During their 43-day mission, the duo encountered 30-foot waves, battled seasickness and endured the immense isolation of the open sea. Their boat was punctured just days before completing the race, after a marlin struck the vessel during a hunt for tuna, leaving a hole in the hull.
Donations can be made at
www.secondoaryfun.com/ support-us
Commenting on Stephen’s appointment, Claudia Arney, Chair of Kingfisher’s Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen to the Kingfisher Board. As an experienced FTSE 100 CFO and audit committee chair, he brings a wealth of financial and commercial expertise to the board along with a deep understanding of UK-listed and international businesses.”
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in-store signals into a consistent view of their audience. The proposition is underpinned
by Wickes’ investment in linking its digital channels with 230 stores. With 96% of sales touching a Wickes store and two-thirds digitally enabled, the business provides a natural bridge between online discovery and in-store action, supported by board-level commitment to retail media as a long-term growth lever.
Gary Kibble, Chief Marketing and Digital Ocer at Wickes, said: “We’re proud to launch Wickes Connected Retail Media in partnership with Epsilon, a major step forward for our business. This network makes it easier than ever for our customers to discover the brands and products that help them get their projects right.”
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