NEWS


Calling all winners! Entries for the DIY Week Awards are open


Entries are now open for the 2026 DIY Week Awards, and we’re inviting manufacturers and suppliers from across the DIY, hardware, gardening and housewares sectors to put their very best products in the spotlight. The DIY Week Awards


are the industry’s benchmark for excellence – recognising


innovation, performance and standout achievement across a wide range of product categories. Winning (or even being shortlisted) is a powerful way to gain industry recognition, strengthen your brand credibility and showcase your latest developments to retailers, buyers and peers. Whether you’ve launched a breakthrough new product,


refined a trusted favourite, or delivered outstanding design, focused on sustainability or improved performance, there is a category that fits your innovation. This your opportunity to highlight what sets your products apart in an increasingly competitive market.


Why enter? • Gain high-profile recognition


AkzoNobel and McLaren Racing extend partnership AkzoNobel and the McLaren


Mastercard Formula 1 Team have extended their highly successful long-running partnership – which includes expanding into the world of endurance racing.


In addition to continuing as the


McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s exclusive Official Partner: Coatings Solutions, AkzoNobel has also become one of the first partners to join the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team ahead of its entry into next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.


The two parties first teamed up in 2008 and share an unwavering commitment to outstanding performance and pioneering innovation, which culminated last year in the McLaren Mastercard Formula


International Hardware Fair Cologne 2026 boasts strong international participation


The industry leading trade show, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair, will once again gather the global hardware sector in Cologne from 3 – 6 March 2026. As the premier platform


for procurement, knowledge exchange and networking, it brings together key players from industry, retail and sourcing worldwide. Kicking off the year, the trade fair defines the topics and trends that will shape the


direction of the hardware industry. It delivers unparalleled product breadth – encompassing tools and accessories, industrial supplies, fasteners and fixings, fittings, and building and home improvement materials – providing a concise overview of the global market. This is where innovation meets real demand, new products find international procurement channels and technological developments fuel hands-on exchange.


BHETA urges speedier government action on low-value parcel imports


While BHETA has welcomed recent Government announcements addressing the long-running issue of low- value small parcel imports into the UK, it is maintaining its lobbying campaign on the subject by stressing that more urgent action is needed to protect UK suppliers and level the competitive playing field. Throughout 2025, BHETA actively lobbied Government on


4 DIY WEEK JANUARY 2026


the rapid growth of overseas sellers shipping direct to UK consumers via marketplaces, often avoiding duty, VAT, and equally, the product safety obligations that UK-based businesses must meet. BHETA’s General Manager, Steve Richardson said: “Confirmation that the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) will take forward a new approach to marketplace regulation is encouraging news.


For the first time, EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair will be held from Tuesday to Friday in 2026. The new format aligns more closely with internationally established business days, making it easier for exhibitors and visitors to plan high-quality business and purchasing meetings. For more information and tickets visit www.eisenwarenmesse.com


Following primary legislation through the Products & Metrology Bill in 2025, we expect a consultation on secondary legislation in early 2026 that will enable tougher enforcement of product safety on online marketplaces. It is imperative that as many brands as possible respond to the consultation. “We are also pleased to hear the Chancellor announce that the £135 de minimis threshold for duty exemption on small parcels will be reduced to zero, a move the association has consistently called for as essential to fair competition.”


from a respected industry awards programme. • Showcase your products to key decision-makers and influencers. • Build trust and visibility with retailers and consumers alike. • Celebrate the innovation and hard work behind your brand. Entering is straightforward, and full details on categories,


1 Team winning both the F1 Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles. “We’re incredibly excited to continue and extend our collaboration with such a long- standing and valued partner,” said Patrick Bourguignon, Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business. “Our search for better never stops, so we’ll carry on working together to push boundaries and explore new possibilities in the areas of sustainability, technological innovation and product development.”


criteria and deadlines can be found online at www. diyweekawards.co.uk. We


strongly encourage you to take part and ensure your latest products get the recognition they deserve. Don’t miss the chance to stand out, be celebrated, and join the industry’s leading innovators at the DIY Week Awards. We look forward to receiving your entries.


Independent retailers demand compensation from South East Water


The head of a leading independent retailers association has said traders need to be compensated after a water shortage has again left them out of pocket. Andrew Goodacre,


CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), said independent retailers in Kent and Sussex have been “severely impacted” by the ongoing water crisis, with many forced to close their doors or operate at reduced capacity.


“This is yet another example of independent retailers bearing the brunt of infrastructure failures


through no fault of their own,” said Goodacre. “These businesses have already faced significant challenges in recent years, and now they’re losing vital trading days because of a completely avoidable situation.”


The government has described the South East Water situation as “completely unacceptable” as thousands of households remain without water supply, have low pressure or intermittent supplies. “Independent retailers work on tight margins and cannot absorb these kinds of losses,” he added.


Charles Bentley announces major site consolidation


British heritage brand, Charles Bentley, has announced a significant consolidation of its operational sites as part of an ongoing strategy to enhance sustainability, improve inter- departmental collaboration, and streamline day-to-day working practices. The company,


a leading


outdoor leisure brand with over 160 years of heritage, is centralising across two sites, enabling closer collaboration and greater operational efficiency across its long-established headquarters located at Monarch Way. These activities are being carefully transitioned into Charles Bentley’s existing facilities at North Road and Jubilee Drive - both long- established sites already central to the brand’s manufacturing and distribution operations. The consolidation focuses on making better, more sustainable use of the company’s current estate. This programme is part of a broader long-term optimisation


plan that will continue to evolve over time.


James Bentley, Managing


Director at Charles Bentley said: “As a family business with more than 165 years of rich heritage, we wouldn’t be where we are today without our fantastic workforce. Our team is the backbone of the business, with some colleagues celebrating truly momentous anniversaries – a testament to their dedication and commitment.


“A key part of my vision for the future is creating a more connected, collaborative and forward-looking business, and this move plays an important role in that journey.”


www.diyweek.net


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