Seamlessly Delivering Complex Store Conversions Across the UK and Ireland

Building on a long-standing and trusted partnership with B&Q, RMS was selected to lead the transformation of three major retail sites - formerly operated by Homebase - into fully branded, operational B&Q stores.

These sites, located in Biggleswade (UK), Navan, and Waterford (both in the Republic of Ireland), were part of a broader portfolio of eight stores acquired by B&Q.

Entrusted with the complete transformation of three of these locations, RMS was responsible for delivering turnkey solutions encompassing store strip-out, layout reconfiguration, fixture installation, merchandising and final preparation for customer opening, all within extremely tight deadlines and under cross-border operational conditions.

This project exemplified the type of high-stakes retail transformation RMS excels at delivering.

 

Biggleswade

Target: Operational by Good Friday – 8 Weeks Turnaround

The Biggleswade project marked the starting point for the programme. With only eight weeks to complete the conversion, the team faced a strict and immovable deadline tied to Easter trading.

 

 

The process began with a comprehensive strip-out of all Homebase fixtures and fittings. We then implemented a new store layout, installed bespoke racking and shelving, and prepared the site for a full merchandising programme. 

 

By week three, our installation and merchandising teams began working in tandem, accelerating progress on both fronts and ensuring maximum efficiency.

 

The result was a complete transformation delivered within the deadline. The store reopened with updated B&Q branding, a full product offering and a new TradePoint counter tailored specifically for local trade professionals.

  

 

Navan

Target: Full transformation in 7 weeks

As Biggleswade neared completion, RMS mobilised its teams to Navan, located in the Republic of Ireland. Despite overlapping timelines, our team rose to the challenge of delivering a second complex transformation under cross-border conditions and within just seven weeks.

  

With Regional Manager Mark providing close coordination, we ensured alignment with B&Q’s design, operational and brand standards throughout layout planning, fixture installation and merchandising.

James Davies (left), Chief Operating Officer, and Mark McConkey (right), Regional Manager – Ireland, during site visits to the Irish B&Q stores.

 

 

The entire store was brought to life with a consistent, high-quality finish.

  

 

Waterford

Target: Precision Delivery Under Logistical Constraints

Waterford, although the smallest site, presented the most significant logistical challenge. With active work still ongoing at Biggleswade and Navan, RMS had to manage cross-site resource allocation while maintaining delivery momentum.

 

Storage space on-site was limited, requiring meticulous planning as deliveries continued at pace. Additional pressure arose from delayed equipment, with some key components arriving just hours before launch. Despite these obstacles, the team delivered a store that was both operationally sound and visually impactful.

 

A Cohesive, High-Performance Collaboration

Successfully transforming three large-format retail stores across two countries within concurrent timelines and just 4–5 weeks’ notice at each site is a significant achievement. 

RMS teams across installation, merchandising and project management worked in unison with B&Q’s hands-on leadership and collaborative spirit, including the seamless integration of former Homebase colleagues into the transformation programme.

The result: three fully operational, high-quality B&Q stores delivered on time and under budget - an exceptional outcome in a high-pressure, fast-moving retail environment.

This project is a compelling demonstration of RMS’s capacity for agile delivery, operational precision and cross-functional teamwork. Each store is now open and actively serving its local community, and we are proud to have helped bring B&Q’s vision to life.

 

“Coordinating the simultaneous transformation of three major sites across two countries, each with tight deadlines and unique logistical challenges, was a true test of our team’s agility and determination. The commitment shown by our on-site teams, often working in high-pressure and fast-moving conditions, was nothing short of exceptional.

Their ability to adapt, problem-solve and maintain consistent quality standards across all three sites speaks volumes about the strength of our people and our partnership with B&Q. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together."