B&Q and RAW Charging partner on launch of national ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging network

UK home improvement and garden living retailer, B&Q, has announced the launch of an EV charging partnership, following an £11 million investment by RAW Charging to develop EV charging points designed for the trades.

The tie up will deliver high power, ultra-rapid EV charging hubs at B&Q locations across the UK. The bays are also spacious and include longer dwell time options so customers can take their time while they shop.

The DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging bays will be installed at up to 26 B&Q stores across England and Wales over the next 12 months, and grid upgrades and high voltage connections will be delivered by RAW where required.

The first wave of installations is underway with charging bays installed at B&Q Cheltenham, Sidcup, Boston, Stanmore and Galashiels. Once live, customers are able to access the network via contactless payment and all major EV charging apps.

Kingsley Mack, Director of Property, B&Q, comments: “B&Q is committed to reducing our impact on the environment and to helping our customers to live more sustainably. Working with RAW Charging, we’re helping to make it easier for our customers to charge their electric cars and vans by offering ultra-fast, convenient, high quality EV charging points.”

Neil Broadbank, CCO, RAW Charging, says: “We’re delighted to be working with B&Q to deliver EV charging infrastructure that genuinely supports how people work today. By integrating high quality EV charging into these locations, the partnership supports both economic productivity and the UK’s transition to cleaner transport. Tradespeople and commercial vehicles are central to the UK economy, and they need charging that is reliable, fast and located where it fits naturally into their day.”

“This roll-out is about more than installing chargers - it’s about powering productivity, supporting the transition to electric vans, and connecting destinations with the infrastructure that drivers can trust.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.