NEWS


SDEA launches online visual merchandising course


The Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) has launched LearnVM,


a new online


course designed to develop skills in visual merchandising and retail experience design. Available through LearnVM, the flexible programme is aimed at those entering the profession


as well as retail staff looking to build their knowledge. The course comprises 12 modules covering visual merchandising


principles, store presentation,


lighting, production management and brand storytelling, alongside emerging topics including AI,


HMG Paints joins global cool roofs campaign


HMG Paints has joined the international ‘Cool Roofs. Smarter Choice.’ initiative, supporting wider adoption of solar-reflective roof coatings to help reduce building temperatures and improve energy efficiency. The campaign, led by


the


Nova Paint Club, promotes coatings that reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. HMG has supplied solar-reflective roof coatings for more than 50 years through its Retroflect range. According to the company,


cool roof coatings can reduce internal building temperatures by between 2°C and 5°C, lowering demand for air conditioning while extending roof life and improving solar panel performance. Jonathan


Falder, Sales


Director at HMG Paints, said: “Solar-reflective coatings offer a practical way to improve building


performance while helping address the challenges


created by rising temperatures.” The initiative also aims to encourage wider use of cool roof technology across commercial and industrial buildings.


Checkatrade launches retail marketplace


Checkatrade-approved tradespeople. Existing Checkatrade members will also have access to exclusive trade pricing. The new


marketplace


extends Checkatrade’s existing trade platform, which connects more than three million consumers with over 50,000 vetted tradespeople, into the retail sector.


Checkatrade has expanded into retail with the launch of Checkatrade Shop, a curated marketplace offering more than 40,000 home improvement products.


The platform connects consumers with vetted sellers and provides the option of arranging installation through


4 DIY WEEK JUNE 2026


Emma Grant, Director of Retail and Events at Checkatrade, said: “Checkatrade Shop extends the trust associated with our tradespeople to the products consumers buy. It gives customers access to vetted sellers while offering our members competitive trade pricing.”


The launch marks a further step in Checkatrade’s strategy to provide consumers and tradespeople with a


single


improvement services.


destination for home products


and Study


highlights UK’s most stolen vans


New analysis by temporary van insurance provider Tempcover


has identified


the Ford Transit 350 as the UK’s most stolen van model, based on DVLA data covering 2024 and 2025. More than 22,000 vans


were reported stolen during the two-year


period, with


Ford accounting for over half of all thefts. The Ford Transit 350 topped the list with 1,309 recorded thefts, while white vans represented almost three-


digital technology and sustainability. Created by retail display specialists Barbara Chapman and John Abbate, the course includes tutor support throughout and leads to an accredited SDEA certificate on completion.


Director of the SDEA, said:


Antony Behiels, “LearnVM


makes


visual merchandising training


their own


professional more


accessible, giving learners the opportunity to study at


pace


while gaining practical skills that reflect the needs of modern retail.”


The course is available now.


DIY sector backs 35% recycled


plastics target


The Make It Zero initiative has published a new Low-Carbon and Circular Materials Strategy, setting an ambition for DIY, home improvement and garden


products


contain a minimum of 35% recycled plastic by 2035. Developed by EDRA/GHIN


with Ricardo, the strategy estimates the target could reduce product manufacturing emissions linked to plastics by around 15%, while encouraging greater use of recycled materials across the supply chain. The document outlines actions for


retailers and


suppliers, including setting recycled- content targets, incorporating recycled materials into sourcing strategies


to


BHETA has appointed global payments provider Worldpay as the latest member of its Business Support Provider network.


The partnership gives


BHETA members access to payment technology and commercial services designed to support in-store, online and omnichannel retail operations. Members will also benefit from preferential pricing, payment optimisation services, reporting tools and dedicated account management. Worldpay works with retailers and businesses worldwide, enabling payments across multiple currencies and payment methods while helping improve transaction performance and customer experience Steve


General


Richardson, BHETA Manager,


said:


“Worldpay brings extensive expertise in payments technology and will provide members with practical support to help improve efficiency and reduce costs.”


The appointment further


strengthens BHETA’s Business Support Provider programme, which offers members access to specialist services across a range of business disciplines.


recycled plastic content will help


reduce and


improving product design to support circularity. Erwin Van Osta, President of EDRA/GHIN, said:


“Increasing


emissions while supporting stronger circular markets across the sector.” The strategy was launched at the Global DIY Summit 2026 and provides a framework for retailers and suppliers to accelerate plastics decarbonisation.


quarters of all incidents. Although van thefts fell by 16% in 2025 compared with the previous year, Tempcover said theft remains a significant issue for tradespeople and businesses that rely on commercial vehicles. Claire Wills-McKissick, van insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Simple security measures such as visible locks, tracking devices and secure parking can help reduce the risk of theft.” The research is based on DVLA data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.


www.diyweek.net


Worldpay joins BHETA support network


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