By Laura McGuire B&Q owner Kingfisher has held its guidance for the year, as the firm posted improving sales in its UK and Ireland market despite a decline in ‘big-ticket’ sales. The home improvement retailer, which also owns the Screwfix and TradePoint brands, said total sales in the first quarter rose 0.3 per cent to £3.3bn. In its home market of the UK, total sales grew 2.7 per cent, with sales at both “banners growing ahead of their respective markets”. B&Q sales were up 0.4 per cent, helped by a strong performance in e-commerce and the trade segment. The firm said this helped offset a wea…