NEWS


DIY Week Live delivers quality connections at Birmingham show


DIY Week Live brought the industry together at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on October 21–22 for two days of networking, innovation and inspiration. The well- organised event treated visitors and exhibitors alike to exceptional hospitality, including free three-course lunches, complimentary parking, and a convenient


shuttle bus from Birmingham International station. While visitor numbers were slightly lower than expected, exhibitors praised the high calibre of attendees and the show’s friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Many reported valuable conversations with new customers that are already expected to lead to future business. The venue’s layout and relaxed environment also


Jewson gets cleaning to help protect the nation’s coastlines


earned positive feedback, helping to make this year’s show a memorable success.


Several exhibitors have


already rebooked their stands for the next DIY Week Live in 2026, with dates to be announced soon. Those who missed out this year will want to ensure they’re part of it next time. For more details and to book your place in 2026, please visit diyweeklive.co.uk


HMG Paints unveils new water-based production and development centre


Jewson and Jewson Major Build Solutions (MBS) customers, colleagues and suppliers came together in a powerful show of partnership to support the Great British Beach Clean.


Thirteen branch teams took part in the nationwide initiative organised by the Marine Conservation Society, to remove litter, raise awareness, and demonstrate their shared commitment to protect the natural environment.


The Marine Conservation Society helped the teams plan their activities and monitored


Tile Mountain Group posts 27 per cent sales growth in 2024


Tile Mountain Group has announced another record-breaking year, with sales increasing by more than 27% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The Group credited growth across all areas of the business,


with Bathroom Mountain emerging as the standout performer, supported by a fast-expanding product range across heating, furniture and accessories. Looking ahead, Tile Mountain Group is forecasting revenues of £150– 160m in 2025, underpinned by continued investment in its showroom network, digital platforms, product development and customer service. Managing Director Jeremy Harris said: “2024 was another year of


strong growth for Tile Mountain Group, and we’re especially pleased with the momentum at Bathroom Mountain. Our strategy is focused on offering customers value and choice across tiles, bathrooms and wall finishes, while investing in showrooms that go beyond retail.” The Group’s omni-channel model continues to fuel growth, with its online platforms complemented by a rapidly expanding showroom estate.


4 DIY WEEK OCTOBER 2025


the waste collected. Their efforts and the data gathered about the waste collected will now be added to national research to help shape future environmental policy and drive positive change. From St Annes and Blackpool to Scarborough, Mount Batten Beach in Plymouth, and Freshwater East Beach in Pembroke, Jewson and MBS’s teams got customers and suppliers involved as part of their commitment to having strong, positive community relations and to help manage environmental sustainability.


Manchester-based paint manufacturer HMG Paints has officially opened its new department known as the ‘Len Hutton Centre’, a modern facility dedicated to water-based production. The opening of this department will increase water-based production capabilities at HMG, with the department being named after former HMG Production Director, Len Hutton.


This substantial capital investment, which coincides with the business celebrating its 95th anniversary, is projected


industry shift towards low-VOC, environmentally friendly and sustainable coatings.


to increase capacity by an estimated 50,000 litres per month and allows the business to meet growing demand for its range of water-based products, as customers and the


The new department, operated by six highly trained staff members, is equipped with 12 high-efficiency mixers and a dedicated washout facility and showcases HMG Paints’ commitment to investment and innovation, whilst also celebrating the core family-first approach at the company. The Len Hutton Centre will serve as a hub for developing and manufacturing innovative, water- based coatings for a range of markets.


E-commerce helps retail sales sparkle in September The Office for National


Statistics (ONS) retail sales estimates for September reveal sales volumes climbed 0.5% over August and 1.5% year-on-year (YoY). In the third quarter of this year (Q3 – July-September) sales rose by 0.9%. As a result, sales volumes hit their highest level since 2022, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks said: “While good weather boosted clothing sales by 0.1% in September and 4.4% overall in Q3, it was online sales that


“Retailers, whether on the high really shone. “In this case, all that glittered


really was gold. Sales volumes for non-store retail (the sector which includes online sales) rose by 1.5% in September and 3.8% in Q3, hitting their highest level since February 2022. A notable contributor to this rise, says


Shoplifting soars as independent retailers bear the brunt of retail crime crisis


The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for urgent action as new ONS figures reveal 529,994 shoplifting offences were recorded in year ending June 2025.


The ONS figures, released by the Home Office, align with Bira’s own recent crime survey of independent retailers, which


revealed that 83 per cent say theft has worsened over the past year, with physical abuse incidents nearly doubling. Bira’s own crime survey shows the vast majority of crimes now go unreported because retailers have lost faith in police response. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to


3,000 additional neighbourhood officers by March 2026 and the Crime and Policing Bill measures, including ending the £200 theft loophole and creating a new offence for assaulting retail workers.”


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street or online, will be hoping these figures mean the omens are good for Christmas sales this year. Parcelhero is forecasting a 3.7% online sales uplift during the holiday season – providing November’s Budget doesn’t damage consumer confidence. “Ultimately, it’s those stores with a combined high street and online offering that are most protected against inflation pressures, the Budget and unexpected events.”


the ONS, was online jewellers reporting a strong demand for gold.


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