NEWS
Wickes reveals full year results for 2024
Wickes has announced its full year financial results for 2024 which show strong market outperformance with adjusted PBT at the upper end of market expectations. The company has also had a good start to 2025 and announced a £20m share buyback.
The financial summary highlights include continued growth in retail with revenue +1.9%; challenging market conditions led to 10.5% decline in design and installation revenue; and total revenue of £1,538.8m (2023: £1,553.8m) down 1.0% year-on-year. Productivity initiatives largely
mitigated the impact of operating cost headwinds. Adjusted profit before tax was £43.6m (2023: £52.0m), due to weaker consumer demand for larger ticket items and operating cost inflation. Statutory profit before tax was £23.2m (2023: £41.1m), reflecting a non-cash impairment charge booked against IFRS 16 lease assets and property, plant and equipment. The retailer’s net cash position was £86.3m (2023 £97.5m) with average cash across the year of £144.3m. Trading in the first 11 weeks of 2025 has been in line with expectations. Positive LFL sales growth continues in retail. In
Steve Harper to join Grass Gains
Grass Gains, the innovative lawncare brand, has announced the appointment of Steve Harper as its new Managing Director, effective 1 April 2025. Harper, formerly CEO of Southern Trident and Chair of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme, brings a wealth of industry experience and a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth and innovation. With a distinguished career in the horticultural sector, Harper has been a leading voice in responsible sourcing, sustainable gardening, and driving new product development. His leadership at Southern Trident saw the company establish itself as a major player in the peat- free growing media market, and his work with the Responsible Sourcing Scheme has been instrumental in shaping sustainable practices across the industry.
Harper expressed his enthusiasm for joining Grass Gains: “I am incredibly excited to be joining Grass Gains at such a pivotal moment for the
design and installation, while delivered revenue growth remains negative, ordered sales are in positive growth for the second quarter in a row. David Wood, Chief Executive
of Wickes, commented: “2024 was a year of strong progress for Wickes as our balanced business model and brand strength saw us continue to deliver for customers and take further market share. “We grew volumes and
share throughout the year in Retail as customers bought more of our products for their home improvement projects, however big or small. In Design
and Installation, we have been encouraged by a return to growth in ordered sales in Q4 following the actions we took to enhance our customer offer and experience.
“Given the strong progress over the last twelve months and
the good start to Q1, we are well on track for the coming year. I would like to thank my colleagues for their continued hard work and support and, together, we remain focused on helping the nation feel house proud.”
New industry safety guidance for safe handling of non-refillable LPG cylinders
New industry guidance has been developed to support the safe storage and transportation of LPG and propylene non-refillable cylinders in the plumbing and heating sectors.
Although designed for
business. The team is bringing a fresh, whole new approach to lawncare that resonates with modern UK gardeners who want effective, sustainable solutions. I look forward to working with the team to build on their success, grow the brand, and continue to make a real impact in the market.”
Grass Gains has quickly established itself as a disruptor in the lawncare sector, offering innovative solutions tailored to today’s environmentally conscious gardeners. With Harper at the helm, the company is poised for strong growth, reinforcing its position as a market leader.
Door handle manufacturer acquired by Sheffield company
Lodgemoor Holdings Ltd has acquired the share capital of Traditional Window Fitting Ltd, an exclusive manufacturer of door handles. This acquisition will enable Newsome Tools & English Chains to offer UK products through its export channels.
For more information, visit
www.traditionalwindowfittings.
co.uk
6 DIY WEEK MARCH 2025
blowtorches and widely used for soldering, brazing, and general heating applications, non- refillable cylinders can often be mistaken for consumer camping gas canisters, which have different storage and transport requirements.
The new guidance sheet known as GS40, has been developed by Liquid Gas UK, in collaboration with European standard bodies and the Department for Transport, to provide a clear point of reference for UK businesses to safely store, transport, mark, and dispose of the cylinders. Richard Hakeem, Director
of Technical and Safety Policy at Liquid Gas UK, said: “This
new document is designed to give free, practical guidance for builders and plumbers mer chants, wholesalers, stockists, and DIY retailers, where trade professionals and the public typically purchase non- refillable cylinders. It also serves as a resource for local authorities and Trading Standards teams to assess compliance when inspecting businesses. “Before the publication of GS40, there was no single, concise reference guide consolidating all relevant regulations, standards, and best practices for these specific cylinders,” explains Mr Hakeem. “The new guidance aims
to resolve this lack of clarity - distinguishing between trade- use non-refillable cylinders and canisters used for portable cooking appliances, outlining
clear responsibilities for suppliers.
“Those handling non-refillable cylinders must understand the properties and hazards of LPG and propylene, ensure correct equipment selection such as regulators, and implement essential fire and safety precautions. Basic safety information must also be provided at the point of sale to ensure proper usage.”
The GS40 guidance sheet is available to download at: https://
www.liquidgasuk.org/uploads/ DOC67B72ADC3066F.pdf
Apollo (Fackelmann) wins Best Display Stand at trade show
At Home Hardware’s Spring Trade Show on Tuesday 4 March at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, Apollo Housewares (Facklemann) won Best Display Stand. The supplier won a cash prize of £100, a certificate and a glass trophy. Pyrex received the runners up prize of £50. Marshall Brushes & Rollers received Highly Commended. There were 108 exhibitor stands at the Show and the award was judged by an independent panel and presented by David Adams Chairman of Home Hardware. David Adams said: “Delighted to present the award to Apollo Housewares. The judges commented on the quantity of stock on display, very good lighting and well-priced. Clearly a lot of effort had gone into their stand. Well done Apollo”.
Photo (L-R): John Goodger, Marketing Director, Apollo Housewares; David Adams, Home Hardware Chairman; and Ian Ryan, Key Accounts Manager, Apollo Housewares
www.diyweek.net
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