By Tom Bawden

B&Q is setting up its first formal design roster with the help of Hertford consultancy M&K, as part of a strategic overhaul of the DIY chain’s own-brand design.

On Monday M&K chairman Paul King will present concepts for a new packaging design strategy for the 283-strong DIY chain.

M&K, which will be responsible for managing the strategy, has conducted extensive research into the DIY sector and the B&Q brand. The consultancy’s input includes a new packaging identity and the packaging roster, as well as creating some of the final packaging solutions, says King.

The overhaul comes after a report earlier this year by retail consultant Verdict which emphasised the importance of packaging as a means of differentiation in the “samey” DIY sector (DW 11 July). B&Q leads the DIY sector with a 16 per cent share of sales.

B&Q will open a further outlet in December in West Thurrock, Essex, and additional branches are planned for next year.

Sainsbury’s subsidiary Homebase is to rebrand its 300 stores and has drawn up a shortlist of groups to work on interiors and identity (DW 14 November).