Builders’ Merchants have reported a 3.5% increase in August sales compared to August 2017, as Timber & Joinery and Landscaping led the way with 9.5% and 6.9% respective growth
Total merchant sales in the three months were up 5.9% on last year on a same day basis. With Timber & Joinery and Landscaping also seeing an increase in three-month on three-month (June-August) performance from last year – Timber & Joinery up by 10.1% and Landscaping up 10%.
Total sales so far this calendar year January-August 2018 have grown on a same day basis by 3.9%
All the data is contained in the Builders Merchants Building Index which tracks builders’ merchants’ actual sales using GfK data supplied by the UK’s leading merchants.
Builders merchants supply materials to the construction industry and directly to consumers for interior and exterior building and home refurbishments projects.
John Newcomb, Chief Executive of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), said: “These figures show that builders merchants are able to supply a variety of materials to different customers at different times of the year.
“Summer often results in an increased demand for landscaping products, and it is clear that the building materials supply chain is robust and flexible to changes in product demand. British builders merchants can be depended on to deliver.
“We are optimistic for the year ahead, and welcome the recent ONS statistics showing growth in construction output. But challenges posed by Brexit and the continued decline in private commercial work remain. Our members are ready to work with local authorities, developers and consumers to get the right materials in the right place, continuing their robust growth.”
