Kingfisher wants bigger slice of Asian cake as Gordon Brown pledges to cut red tape
This week last year, Waitrose's decision to start selling non-food lines from John Lewis was making the headlines. Retail Week revealed that the grocer was dedicating 5 per cent of space at its biggest stores to items from its sister chain. A year later, this week's issue reveals how the retailer is opening 30 Food & Home stores, bringing together the best of John Lewis and Waitrose.

Kingfisher was considering new markets this time last year. After B&Q turned a profit for the first time in China, the DIY group was exploring the Far East, including India. A year later the retailer is aiming to boost its presence in trade supplies. Commercial director George Adams is pursuing the trade customer market, competing with the likes of Travis Perkins, with plans to open four more stores under its Screwfix fascia.

The Budget last year was marked by Gordon Brown's promise to cut red tape for retailers. So guess what he promised again this week? You guessed it - less red tape for British business. Debenhams chairman John Lovering opines in this week's issue that politicians 'love regulation and red tape, that is how they fill their days'.

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