NEWS


Wickes delivers profit surge as expansion ambitions accelerate


Wickes Group has reported a strong set of full-year results for 2025, with profits beating expectations and reinforcing its expansion strategy despite a challenging consumer backdrop.


The home improvement


retailer posted revenue growth of 5.9% to £1.64bn, driven by continued volume gains across both retail and its Design & Installation division. Adjusted profit before tax rose 14.4% to £49.9m, reflecting improved operating leverage and productivity gains that helped offset cost inflation. Retail remained the standout performer, with sales up 6.5%


and TradePro membership climbing to more than 640,000 active users. The company also reported record market share,


Celebrities and local community attend Jewson Aberdeen relaunch


Jewson Aberdeen officially opened its doors to its newly refurbished branch on Friday 6 March, with sporting legends and the local community attending to mark the occasion. As part of the event, over £400 was raised for local charity Whiteley’s Retreat, which provides free respite breaks and extended support to children, young people and their families with cancer or a life limiting illness across Scotland. Gordon Strachan, Jimmy


Bullard and John Henderson took on guests in a series of


football and darts challenges, while local vendors including Aberdam Fries, served up free food and drinks. There was live entertainment from DJ and TikTok personality Graeme Strachan, as well as on-the-day deals, a charity raffle, giveaways, and supplier demos for local builders and tradespeople to enjoy.


The branch – located on The Parkway at the Bridge of Don – now stocks thousands of extra products and materials, so Aberdeen’s builders and tradespeople can find everything they need for their


Crown Paints and XPO Logistics deepen strategic partnership


Crown Paints, part of The Hempel Group, is accelerating its logistics and supply chain transformation in partnership with XPO Logistics, a leading provider of sustainable end- to-end supply chain solutions. In the first year of this collaboration, XPO Logistics and Crown Paints have delivered measurable operational improvements, cost efficiencies, and a significantly enhanced customer experience across Crown’s key warehousing UK hubs in Darwen, Lancashire, and Hull, Yorkshire.


This evolving partnership


has already delivered tangible innovations, including the modernisation of picking and


4 DIY WEEK MARCH 2026


projects in one place, with a huge choice of plumbing and heating materials to choose from, and an extensive UPVC cladding, soffits and fascias range.


Iain Christie, Branch Director


at Jewson Aberdeen, said: “The launch event was a huge success, with more than 200 locals joining us to celebrate this important milestone, after months of hard work from the team to get the branch ready.”


Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports


packing processes and a dynamic labour planning tool that enables smarter scheduling. These advances support greater responsiveness during seasonal peaks, create a fairer working environment, and improve service reliability.


The operational warehouse footprint has also been optimised through collaboration across XPO Logistics’ broader customer network.


A leading independent retailers association has welcomed the government’s £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high street businesses will continue to struggle.


The funding, announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of its Pride in Place strategy, includes a £301 million commitment to High Streets Innovation Partnerships designed to help communities reimagine and regenerate struggling


town centres - potentially transforming them into mixed- use spaces with new homes, health services and community hubs. A further £18 million has been earmarked to provide or upgrade playgrounds in 66 of the most deprived communities across the country. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), said: “We are pleased to see more funds being made available for high street revitalisation. We hope that the High Streets Innovation Partnerships are given the resources and the local leadership needed to truly bring high streets back to life. It will be important for this new


particularly in core categories such as timber, flooring and paint.


Momentum is also building


in higher-value project work, with Design & Installation delivering consistent growth and improved customer engagement following operational enhancements. Looking ahead, Wickes is stepping up investment in its store network and digital capabilities, targeting a long- term estate of 300 stores. Five new sites opened in 2025, with further expansion planned as the group seeks to capitalise on structural demand in the UK’s ageing housing stock. Management said trading in early 2026 remains resilient, with indoor project demand offsetting weather-related softness in outdoor categories.


Selco boosts Community Heroes fund to £62k with Rob Bent backing


Selco Builders Warehouse has relaunched its Community Heroes campaign for 2026 with a record £62,000 prize fund and new support from TV tradesperson Rob Bent. Now in its sixth year, the initiative invites community groups, clubs and charities to apply for building materials and funding to improve local spaces. Bent will join a Selco panel to select eight monthly winners between April and November. Each monthly winner will


receive £2,000 in building supplies, with two runners- up awarded £1,000 each. All winners will then go forward to a public vote, where the top prize is £15,000, followed by £10,000 and £5,000.


Selco says the campaign highlights the role of the trade in supporting communities. Its research found 48% of Brits believe community spaces are disappearing, while 33% feel their area is struggling. However, 76% say tradespeople play a key role in strengthening local communities.


Since launching in 2021, Community Heroes has delivered significant support, including £57,500 in 2025 alone. Applications are open until 30 November, with winners announced in January 2027.


initiative to engage meaningfully with the businesses on those high streets, they are the ones who understand what their communities need.”


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