Aisling Lynam could not find a job. She sent a letter to the Irish Examiner about how those with an intellectual disability should be given a chance to work. Woodies answered her call and now she is hoping other large employers will follow suit, writes Ellie O’Byrne

Builders’ merchants group Grafton has expressed confidence in maintaining long-term profit growth, despite lowering its current year forecasts due to market challenges.

Builders’ merchants group, Grafton has seen a marked recovery in its Irish operations, with revenue here up by 14.7%, year-on-year, on a constant currency basis in the six months to the end of June.

Revenues at building materials group, Grafton, are nearly 14% ahead in the year to date, with the Dublin company saying trading has been "strong" and "positive" since the turn of the year.

One4all has added a range of new online retail partners just in time for the festive season.

The Grafton group is considering moving its listing to London in what would be another huge blow for the Irish Stock Exchange.

Togher AC’s Rob Heffernan was named as the Athlete of the Year at the National Athletics Awards in association with Woodie’s DIY and Tipperary Crystal on Saturday night.

Grafton Group has reported a 4% year-on-year rise in first-half turnover, to €1.05 billion; adding that detailed half-year figures will be “in line with expectations”.

Dublin: Management at builders’ merchants group, Grafton has said that the business is well-positioned for continuing earnings growth after seeing improvements in 2010, including a 3% increase in sales during the second half of the year.

Builders providers Grafton has said earnings for 2006 are expected to be in line with market expectations.

SHARES in Grafton Group slid 4% yesterday after the building materials specialist reported strong first-half results but warned it would let 150 staff go in Britain to cope with a slowdown there.

WOODIE’S DIY and Garden Centres yesterday announced a E10 million investment programme involving the creation of 200 jobs.

BUILDING materials group Grafton moved a step closer to clinching its takeover of rival Heiton yesterday when it said more than 80% of shareholders were in favour of the deal.

THE long-awaited deal to match up Ireland’s leading builders merchants and DIY chains was finally hammered out last night, when Heiton’s board recommended the terms of a takeover offer from Grafton to its shareholders.

THE proposed takeover of builders’ merchant and DIY group Heiton by larger rival Grafton has taken a fresh twist with news that British builders’ products group Wolseley is set to beef up its presence in Ireland.

SHARES in builders providers Grafton Group Plc rose by more than 5% yesterday after the company said profits for the first six months of the year would be “materially ahead of market expectations”.

Woodie’s DIY and Garden Centres today announced a €10m expansion programme, which will see Ireland’s largest DIY chain expand its network from 18 to 23 stores within the next 12-18 months.

Woodie’s DIY and Garden Centres has yesterday announced a e6 million investment programme, reinforcing the company’s position as Ireland’s leading DIY retailer.