NEWS
Bira and BHETA call for urgent action on import duty reform
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) and the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) are jointly expressing concern over the lack of progress following the Chancellor’s announcement to review the de minimis threshold for small packages entering the UK. Despite the Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pledge on 23 April to review the customs treatment of
low value imports, no further action has been taken. The current de minimis threshold of £135, below which goods can be imported without incurring customs duties, has created significant challenges for UK businesses and poses risks to consumers.
The Chancellor’s announcement included immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the body responsible for defending the UK against unfair
international trade practices. This was welcomed as a response to growing fears about Chinese products flooding the UK market following US tariffs on China, and was positioned as part of broader efforts to support British high streets. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We began raising our concerns about this duty loophole with the government last October. While we welcomed the Chancellor’s
April’s ‘Barometer of Trade’ shows positive sales for garden centres
The Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) for April has revealed members had another ‘wonderful’ month – with the year-to-date increase now at +12.28% (2025). Data from GCA garden centres show all 13 categories logged saw a positive increase, when compared to April 2024, with plant sales and core gardening categories in top slots.
GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks (pictured), said: “After March’s buoyant statistics, it’s great to report another wonderful set of figures for April too. They confirm all that we are seeing in members’ garden centres on the shop floor.
“Once again, every category showed a positive increase in the month when compared to last year and it is great that plants and gardening are continuing to be strong, with outdoor plant sales easily the biggest category financially.
“The good weather, coupled with a warm Easter weekend pretty much nationwide, has helped boost furniture & BBQ sales this month too, they came in at +42.27% when compared to the April 2024.
“Meanwhile, another ‘growth’
area was outdoor plants at +34.81%. Garden sundries came next in our April BoT and, when compared to last year, it was up by +27.27%, followed by the food hall/farm shop category at +16.92%, then hard landscaping with +12.29% and gifts at 10.76%. Next was seeds and bulbs at +8.93%. Our miscellaneous category was also up by 7.36%, when compared to the same month last year.”
Hozelock launches Wellbeing Hub to promote mental and physical benefits of gardening
Hozelock has announced the launch of its new Wellbeing Hub, a free dedicated online space designed to highlight the positive impact gardening can have on both mental and physical health.
Now live on the Hozelock website, the Wellbeing Hub is a devoted space offering expert advice, practical guides, and inspiration on mindful gardening, relaxation, and creating a personal outdoor sanctuary. It features a variety of content, including step-by- step guides, garden-to-table recipes, and access to external support resources, making it a valuable tool for gardeners of all experience levels.
As part of this initiative, Hozelock is also collaborating with Thrive, the UK’s gardening- for-health charity. Thrive has been helping people improve
6 DIY WEEK MAY 2025
announcement, we are disappointed that no tangible progress has been made since. Our members strongly believe that government action should extend beyond duty payments to address the systematic avoidance of VAT by foreign internet sellers. This is not merely about duty collection – it’s about ensuring a level playing field where all businesses, including our vital high street retailers, operate
Gtech joins BHETA
Home and garden electrical appliances brand Gtech has joined BHETA. Founded in 2001 by inventor and entrepreneur, Nick Grey, the Midlands-based company has grown exponentially to be one of the leading brands in cordless household cleaning and gardening, with iconic products such as the Gtech AirRAM cementing its innovative reputation. From its earliest beginnings with a team of four working out of a garage, it now has an impressive design, manufacturing, marketing, and customer service base in Worcester, employing over 180. Gtech owner Nick Grey said: “As a leading British homeware company, we are delighted to be joining the many other innovative brands represented by BHETA.
Like us, the association is a champion of British retail industry, with the best interests of businesses at its core. It will be extremely valuable to work side-by-side for shared goals and interests.
“I look forward to taking advantage of the many membership benefits BHETA has to offer, while forging bonds and relationships with like- minded members.”
Seema Grantham, BHETA’s sector manager for housewares and small electrical appliances added: “Gtech is a phenomenal brand across the home and garden sector, and I am delighted to see the company joining BHETA.”
Rainy Day Trust CEO Bryan Clover to retire
After nearly 10 years in the role, industry charity the Rainy Day Trust’s CEO Bryan Clover is to retire at the end of June and recruitment is underway to fill the post.
Clover has become a welcome
fixture at countless events and exhibitions throughout the home improvement industry and during his time at the helm, the Charity has undoubtedly broadened its scope of support as well as its profile among employees and businesses.
“It has been an incredible
their physical, mental, and social wellbeing through therapeutic gardening for over 40 years. This partnership will see Hozelock supporting Thrive’s work, including promoting their new Cultivating Wellbeing app – a digital tool designed to help people use gardening to enhance their mental and physical health.
Additionally, Hozelock will be donating watering systems to Thrive gardens across the UK, ensuring those who benefit from therapeutic gardening have the tools they need to nurture their green spaces. The Wellbeing Hub is now live and can be explored at www.
hozelock.com/wellbeing-hub
journey and I have made a lot of new friends along the way. I must thank the Trustees whose support for the Rainy Day Trust and me as CEO has been fabulous and I am grateful for their trust. The time is right for someone else, someone with natural fundraising skills, to take over,” said Clover.
under the same tax obligations.” Will Jones, COO of BHETA, added: “Our members are urging us to maintain pressure on the government to implement the promised changes without delay. This issue extends beyond fair taxation. It’s equally about preventing the influx of products that fail to meet UK safety standards, are unfit for purpose, and make fraudulent claims. British consumers deserve confidence that the products they purchase are safe, properly tested, and perform as advertised.” The associations have said they will continue to advocate for urgent action to protect both British businesses and consumers.
Chair of Rainy Day Trust trustees, Richard Campbell-Drew from AkzoNobel, said Clover had worked tirelessly to get the charity in front of businesses, not only to raise funds but also to spread the word of how their employees could benefit. “Bryan has become a well- known face in all the sectors that make up the home improvement industry but has always put the Charity first. He will be sorely missed. Thank you Bryan and we wish you all the best,” he said.
www.diyweek.net
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