B&Q Stores UK - DIY

Here you'll find everything you ever wanted to know about B&Q and more; from the latest company information, press releases and jobs through to our work in the community and rigorous Diversity and Sustainability policies.

Number 1 in the UK for home and garden improvement

B&Q has been in the DIY business for more than 30 years and is the UK's most successful and innovative home improvement retailer. B&Q employs over 36,000 people in over 320 UK stores.

B&Q operates two different kinds of stores - the larger B&Q Warehouses which cater for the needs of the keen DIY'er and trade with their wide range of products and staff expertise, and B&Q Supercentres which are convenient for most people to pop into for their everyday needs

B&Q in Brief

A timeline of key facts and figures about B&Q, from 1969 to present day, and information about our work in the community.

A detailed history Founded in 1969 by Richard Block and David Quayle, discover how from small beginnings, B&Q has grown over the years to become the UK's leading DIY retailer.

B&Q is the UK's leading DIY and garden centre retailer, offering over 45,000 home improvement and garden products for the occasional to serious DIY'er, and trade professionals.

1969 - B&Q was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle

1979 - Company went public; 26 stores in operation

1980 - B&Q was acquired by FW Woolworth

1982 - Takeover of FW Woolworth and B&Q by Paternoster, now Kingfisher

1984 - 155 stores following internal growth and acquisitions

1990

Evolutionary development from Depot to Warehouse format began

1991 - B&Q launched its supplier Environmental Audit

1995 - First 'true' B&Q Warehouse opened in Aberdeen

1996 - First B&Q store in Taiwan

1998 - Acquisition of NOMI, Poland's leading DIY retailer

1998 - Merger with Castorama, the French number one in DIY

1999

Acquisition of Dickens and Screwfix, the UK's largest hardware mail order shopping business

2000

50th B&Q Warehouse, York, opened 31 March 2000

300th B&Q store nationwide, B&Q Warehouse, Yeading, opened 26 May 2000

2001

Largest B&Q store worldwide opens in Shanghai, China, on the traditionally lucky date for the Chinese - the 8th day of the 8th month. The Yangpu store was B&Q's third store in Shanghai and fourth in China

2002

B&Q opens its first store in the Republic of Ireland 12 April 2002

2003

100th B&Q Warehouse opens, in Northern Ireland, on 14 August

B&Q - Company Information

Take a look at how B&Q has developed over the past 35 years. We reveal all - with everything from informative facts and figures to a more detailed history on how B&Q have become the UK's most successful and innovative home improvement and garden retailer.

B&Q is the number one DIY retailer in Europe and the third largest in the world, with more than 50 stores opened internationally, including B&Q Beijing, which is now the largest B&Q store in the world.

B&Q Social Responsibility

B&Q Social Responsibility programme is about the environment, diversity, ethical issues and the community. As a business B&Q face hundreds of environmental and social issues, connected to staff, stores, customers and products.

B&Q Newsroom

Keeping you up to date with the hottest information about B&Q. Review the latest product and company press releases in the B&Q Newsroom.

B&Q Recruitment

Part of the secret of B&Q's success is people who share our enthusiasm, customer focus and drive to be the very best, and this is what sets us apart from other retailers. To find out how you can become a part of this success, take a look at our Recruitment section.

B&Q Community

With a store in virtually every town or city in the UK, B&Q is an integral part of hundreds of communities throughout the country. We have an important role to play in contributing to more sustainable communities for people to live and work in.

B&Q Website

B&Q Stores UK - DIY Official website: www.diy.com