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© 2024 Datateam Business Media Ltd. DIY Week incorporates Decor Retailing, DIY Retail Leaders, DIY Superstore, Do-It-Yourself Retailing, Domestic Electrical Appliances, Excellence In Garden Retailing, Excellence In Woodcare Retailing, Excellence In Timber Retailing, Excellence In Tile Retailing, Garden Retail Leaders, Garden Retailing, Hardware Merchandiser, Hardware Trade Journal, Homecentre, Home Storage Retailing, The Ironmonger, Ironmongery & Hardware, Lighting, Martineau & Smith’s Monthly Circular, Mercantile Guardian, Superstore Management, Tools Retailing, and Wholesale Leaders. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published in DIY Week. However, Datateam Business Media Ltd will not be liable for any inaccuracies. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers. DIY Week is registered at Stationers’ Hall. ISSN 0954-8823. DIY Week is printed on environmentally friendly paper; both text paper and cover stock are elementary chlorine free and sourced from paper suppliers with a well planned environmental policy. This issue of DIY Week includes some editorial photographs provided and paid for by suppliers. Printed by Buxton Press.


Founded in 1874 No 5,922 - March 2024


The countdown is on


We are currently in the judging phase of this year’s DIY Week Awards. This is always the busiest time of the year for the whole team, as we have to balance administrating the entries and organising the event while also continuing to produce the magazine. This all takes extra time and causes more stress but I’m spurred on the number, variety and quality of the product entries we’ve received. The response from the industry has been phenomenal this year, with many innovative products being entered and all categories well supported. All this makes the judges’ job of choosing the winners that much harder, but also means they will be truly worthy of receiving these hard fought accolades.


Entries in the retailer categories include industry-leading marketing and sustainability strategies, as well as some


interesting business models that have helped these companies to survive and thrive over the years, despite the many challenges they’ve faced. These entries will also be carefully scrutinised and analysed by our panel of retail specialists ensuring once again that the winners are fully deserved of receiving a coveted DIY Week Award. We will be publishing the shortlisted entries in the next issue before announcing the winners at our annual awards lunch which this year takes place at the prestigious Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London on Friday 17th May. And whether you’ve entered and want to experience the great atmosphere of suspense and celebration the event offers, or just want to come along to network with your industry peers while enjoying a nice lunch and a few drinks, you are most welcome. More information about the event and judging panels can be found starting on page eight of this issue, with full details and tickets available online at www.diyweekawards.co.uk. I look forward to seeing you there!


In This Issue... Neil Mead, Editorial Director


P4 / NEWS


The latest headlines and breaking news from across the home improvement and garden sectors


P8 / DIYWEEK AWARDS 2024


Learn more about this year’s event, the entry categories and meet our esteemed panel of expert judges


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Published by P24 / SPRING FAIR REVIEW


The UK’s largest and inspirational retail marketplace for home, gift and fashion, closed on a high after four days


P26 / TIMBER & WOODCARE


Experts in fluted wall panels, The Wood Veneer Hub explores what makes wood so desirable in the home


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