B&Q is opening a new store in Leven, safeguarding 18 jobs at the former Focus DIY store.
Kingfisher, which is the parent company of the home improvement giant, has bought up 31 Focus and Do It All Limited outlets across the UK for around £23 million, saving an estimated 600 jobs nationwide.
Leven is the only Fife Focus store to benefit from the takeover. Premises in Glenrothes and Dunfermline remain closed, having ceased trading last month.
B&Q’s CEO for UK and Ireland Martyn Phillips said, “We’re looking forward to welcoming Focus employees to B&Q and to becoming a part of local communities that we haven’t previously operated in.
“We’re on a mission to make DIY easier and more accessible for everyone and can’t wait to bring B&Q’s range of well-priced products, services and advice to your local community.”
It is hoped that some of the new B&Q stores will be up and running as early as next month.
Ernst and Young were appointed to run Focus DIY after the chain went into administration in May. Despite hopes the business could be sold as a going concern, over 120 stores ended up closing last month.
