NEWS


Outdoor living, live cooking, and laid-back summer vibes at SOLEX


SOLEX 2026 will once again feature its Loving Outdoor Living area, showcasing live outdoor cooking demonstrations, BBQ brands and retail inspiration for visitors.


The outdoor feature space will run throughout the three- day exhibition, giving retailers the opportunity to see BBQs,


smokers, pizza ovens and firepits demonstrated in real- life conditions. Exhibitors will provide live cook-ups and product tastings designed to highlight the performance and versatility of modern outdoor cooking equipment. Organisers say the area is designed to create a relaxed networking environment while


also giving retailers ideas for in-store theatre, customer events and merchandising displays. Visitors will also be able to


explore how outdoor kitchens, accessories, lighting and serving areas can be presented together to create lifestyle-led retail experiences aimed at growing demand for outdoor entertaining and garden living products.


For more details, see Product News on page 33 of this issue. RDCP Acquires Whitefurze


Whitefurze has been acquired by London-based investment firm RDCP for an undisclosed sum.


L–R: Iryna Dubylovska, Philip Lanni, Steve Hockin, Tracey Stone and Sameer Rizvi


Coventry-based Whitefurze manufactures UK-made plastic housewares, storage, food preparation and gardening products, supplying wholesalers, national retailers and independents. Founded in 1978, the business employs more than 100 people and offers over 1,200 SKUs, with exports to 22 countries.


The company operates across three sites, including a 42,000sq ft


Zest Managing Director completes Boston Marathon


Zest Outdoor Living’s Managing Director, Andrew Baker, has completed the Boston Marathon while raising money for the company’s chosen charities, Tenovus Cancer Support and North Wales Wildlife Trust.


Baker completed the race in 3:16:02, having qualified for the event at the end of 2024. The Boston Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is widely regarded as one of the


world’s most prestigious races. The marathon formed part of Zest and P&A Group’s wider


Bristan introduces lifetime guarantee that sets new industry standard


Bristan has introduced a new Lifetime Guarantee across its taps, showers and accessories, covering products sold from 1st April 2026.


The guarantee covers parts, finishes and working components for domestic installations and includes one year’s labour on taps and showers. Bristan said the


charity fundraising activity, which has raised more than £200,000 for charities since 2010. Baker said completing the race had been a long-term personal goal and highlighted the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of running, alongside the opportunity to support good causes through fundraising.


Further fundraising activity is planned in June, including a 70-mile relay walk along the North Wales coast.


move is designed to strengthen confidence across the supply chain, including installers, merchants, retailers and specifiers.


The company says the


“Watertight” guarantee reflects confidence in the durability and long-term performance of its products, with Bristan pledging to repair, replace or refund if issues arise.


Chief Executive Jen Cassidy said the initiative was developed in response to customer demand for reliability and long-term support, adding that it sets “a new standard for the industry”.


Bristan also said the guarantee supports sustainability goals by encouraging product longevity, repair and reduced waste.


6 DIY WEEK MAY 2026


STIGA has secured three iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 titles for its latest robotic mowing technology and digital gardening platform. The manufacturer received


recognition for its Autonomous Robot Mowers with Vista Technology, the APX Pro professional robotic mower and the STIGA.GO App. The awards highlight innovation in product design, AI integration and user experience. STIGA’s Vista Technology uses an onboard AI-powered 4K camera system to help robotic mowers detect


obstacles and navigate gardens in real time. The technology is available across eight models designed for lawns ranging from 600sq m to 14,000sq m. The APX Pro, aimed at maintaining large green spaces such as parks and sports grounds, combines GPS-RTK, LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors for autonomous navigation. Meanwhile, the STIGA.GO App allows users to remotely manage mower setup, monitoring and maintenance through a dedicated connected digital platform.


BHETA appoints Gifty Reji as marketing assistant


BHETA has expanded its in-house marketing team with the appointment of Gifty Reji as Marketing Assistant. In the new role, Reji will support marketing activity across BHETA’s channels and campaigns, including promotion of the Exclusively Show trade exhibition. She will work alongside Marketing Executive Natalia Ciecierska on member communications and wider promotional initiatives.


www.diyweek.net


manufacturing facility in Nuneaton equipped with injection moulding and robotic handling technology. RDCP said the acquisition supports its strategy of investing in established UK manufacturing businesses with long-term growth


potential. Whitefurze Managing Director Tracey Stone said the partnership would support continued investment in people and operations as the company expands further.


Following the deal, RDCP now operates nine platform companies with a combined enterprise value of around $650m


STIGA secures triple victory at the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026


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