Sales figures for builders merchants are rising despite concerns the UK economy could be slowing down.
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) said sales were up 7.6% between April and June, compared with the same period last year. For June alone, sales were 6.8% higher than in June 2000.
Sales in heavyside products, including timber, were up 4% in the past three months compared with the same period last year.
BMF director Jeremy Hawksley said: ‘We believe some of this growth may be due to builders catching up on work delayed from the winter and spring because of the poor weather and foot and mouth.
‘But the underlying reason probably is the strength of the repair, maintenance and improvement sector in both private and public buildings that always is a significant part of a builders merchant’s business.’
However, despite continuing growth forecasts, Mr Hawksley said many merchants remained cautious and a sudden deceleration sparked by global downturn and slower growth in the UK property market could not be ruled out.