NEWS


Hale Events confirms final edition of Gift & Home Trade Show


Following conversations with its longstanding clients at this year’s event, Hale Events can confirm that the 2026 edition of the Devon-based Giving & Living Trade Show was its last.


“This show has marked a significant chapter in the life of the gifting industry, Hale Events, and for me personally,” said Managing Director, Mike Anderson.


This decision comes after


careful consideration. While the gift and home market continues to grow, the way products reach consumers has changed dramatically over the past decade and accelerated since the pandemic. Many businesses


now sell direct to consumers or combine consumer and trade sales, and online B2B platforms and marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Faire, and Temu have become significant routes to market.


Above: Brian Lownds- Pateman of Babbacombe Pottery & Paul Thomas of Hale Events


Particular thanks from Hale extends to all the organisations that have supported the show over its history. There has been unwavering support from a strong cohort of exhibitors and visitors, and from contractors and service providers.


Mike Anderson commented: “The show has taken place in the South West since 1965 and I have personally worked on the show for the last 37 years. It is an emotional day, but we are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. “We would like to thank all the buyers and exhibitors that have supported this regional trade show over time. Every product has its life cycle.”


Persimmon Homes donates 18,000 bricks to Bradford College construction department


Bradford College cemented its partnership with Persimmon Homes after receiving a generous donation of 18,000 bricks. The gift is enough bricks to build the external walls of a four-bedroom house and will provide the college’s construction department with essential materials for vital hands-on training. To


celebrate this support,


Bradford College hosted a special event at its Trinity Green Campus. The site currently houses the college’s extensive construction


and engineering training, including courses in Bricklaying, Plumbing, Electrical Installation, Site Carpentry, Electronic Engineering, and Welding.


Guests included Leader of


Bradford Council Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Persimmon West Yorkshire Managing Director Christopher Hull, and Persimmon


Benchmarx starts 2026 with two new showrooms


Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery has strengthened its branch network by opening two new showrooms at the start of 2026.


The kitchen supplier, which is part of the Travis Perkins Group, has launched the two new sites to further enhance access to kitchen expertise and products for both the tradesperson and the homeowner.


A new Benchmarx has been built at Travis Perkins’ Birmingham Central branch on South Road in Hockley, giving both trade customers and homeowners greater choice when they visit.


Meanwhile, in Swansea, a new showroom has been built on Upper Fforest Way following the relocation of the Travis Perkins branch. Previously


Fuel your lunch break with


Drayton’s Great Greggs Giveaway To kickstart the new year, Drayton has launched the Great Greggs Giveaway, with up to £26,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs until the end of April.


When installers spend over £75 on Drayton products in a


6 DIY WEEK JANUARY 2026


single transaction – either online or in branch at any merchant or retailer in the UK – they’ll receive a £5 Greggs digital voucher. Plus, there’s no limit on how many voucher installers can claim; the more individual transactions they make with


a minimum spend of £75 on Drayton products, the more they can earn, until the £26,000 total giveaway value runs out. All installers need to do is


operating from separate sites, Travis Perkins Swansea and its Benchmarx showroom are now fully integrated within the main branch.


Benchmarx currently has more than 130 branches nationwide, supplying kitchens and joinery for trade professionals and their customers.


Checkatrade, the leading UK home improvement platform, has announced Band of Builders as its official charity partner for 2026, marking a commitment to continue to support the trade community alongside helping current members to run and grow their businesses.


Band of Builders is a charity


upload their proof of purchase via the Drayton website and their £5 Greggs voucher will be sent via email, ready for them to redeem in store. Only purchases between 1 January and 30 April 2026 qualify for this promotion and must be redeemed by 10 May 2026.


Plus, installers can unlock an extended five-year warranty by registering their products with Drayton Rewards+. Simply log in


Apprentice Managers Robert Warburton and Michael Johnson. Following refreshments, the visitors and Bradford College senior managers toured the facilities and met students working in the workshops. Greg Bourke, Head of Construction at Bradford College, said: “Strong, proactive employer engagement is essential to building meaningful partnerships that truly benefit our students. We were delighted to welcome back Persimmon Homes to the college and to showcase the progress our learners are making.


GP Batteries, one of the world’s leading battery and portable power manufacturers has joined BHETA. Trusted for over 60 years to keep homes, tools, toys, and technology running, and operating across more than fifty markets, GP delivers high-performance alkaline, rechargeable and specialty batteries, as well as cutting- edge charging solutions designed for modern life. With a reputation for innovation, safety and reliability, GP powers millions of products every day from household essentials to professional equipment.


Originally founded in Hong Kong in 1964, GP Batteries has


grown from a local manufacturer into a global power-solutions leader with its own advanced R&D centres and vertically integrated production. The brand continues to drive sustainable energy innovation, championing rechargeable technology and eco-conscious packaging to reduce environmental impact. Steve Edwards, BHETA’s DIY Sector Manager for Home Improvement and Garden, commented: “GP Batteries has a great heritage and reputation and BHETA looks forward to the company’s involvement in sharing expertise, strengthening industry collaboration and energising the UK home enhancement and electrical market sectors.”


Checkatrade announces Band of Builders as charity partner for 2026


created by the trade, for the trade, providing practical support to members of the construction industry and their families during life-changing or unexpected circumstances. When illness, injury or hardship strikes, the charity brings together skilled tradespeople to carry out essential building projects. From home adaptations to vital repairs, the charity helps people regain dignity, independence and stability. Throughout 2026, Checkatrade and Band of Builders will work closely together to raise awareness of the support available to tradespeople and their families, share real stories from across the industry, and encourage fundraising and volunteering initiatives that celebrate the positive impact of the trade community.


or sign up to Drayton Rewards+ and all registered products will also quality for points that can be exchanged for product, merch and vouchers from the rewards catalogue. For more information about the Drayton Great Greggs Giveaway and to claim their vouchers, installers should visit www.draytoncontrols.co.uk/ the-drayton-great-greggs- giveaway.


www.diyweek.net BHETA welcomes GP Batteries


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