B&Q hits Pennies micro-donations milestone as DIY retailer expands solution to Republic of Ireland stores
B&Q reports that its customers have raised £1 million+ for charity over a five month period through Pennies, a UK charity for micro-donations.
The announcement comes as the retailer expands Pennies to its stores in the Republic of Ireland.
Launched in all B&Q and TradePoint stores in June, the initiative allows customers paying by card or digitally to make small contributions at checkouts to B&Q charity partners. Every micro-donation supports both the B&Q Foundation and Shelter, as well as Shelter Scotland, Shelter Cymru, and Housing Rights in Northern Ireland.
Paddy Earnshaw, Retail, Property & Technology Director at B&Q, says: “Reaching the £1 million milestone is a huge achievement that speaks to the generosity of our customers and the commitment of our store teams. Pennies has helped us make giving back easier and more meaningful, supporting our ongoing mission to improve homes and communities across the UK and beyond.”
Alison Hutchinson, CEO at Pennies, says: “This is absolutely amazing and a testament to how B&Q and its customers have embraced the power of micro-donations. Every tap adds up to real change, supporting charities that help people feel safe and secure. It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when generosity is built into everyday shopping.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Payments was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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