DFS, one of the biggest spenders in advertising, has launched a new TV ad that represents a major shift away from its usual price-led campaigns.

Travis Perkins’ retail arm, which largely comprises Wickes, experienced a like-for-like decline of 1.4% last year as it was hit by a fall off in demand in kitchens and bathrooms.

Kingfisher group chief executive Ian Cheshire has received an Order of State granted by the French President for his “significant contribution to the strengthening of economic and commercial links between France and the UK”.

British Retail Consortium has urged Government to improve UK competitiveness to ensure retailers invest rather than increase their cash reserves.