New figures have revealed builders' merchant sales rose during the final quarter of 2017.

The Builders Merchants Federation's latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) states Q4 sales were up 6.3%, with overall merchant sales finishing 4.8% ahead of 2016 by value.

Total growth was supported by Timber & Joinery (+7.3%) and Heavy Building Materials (+6.4%). Smaller product categories also assisted the strong finish, notably Plumbing, Heating & Electrical, and Tools (both up by +7.7%), Ironmongery (+7.3%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+6.6%).

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In addition, growth in annual sales was also driven by the largest product groups, with Timber & Joinery at +5.4% and Heavy Building Materials at 5.1%. Almost every category recorded sales growth in 2017, with just one minor area, Services, falling back at -2.0%.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive Officer, said: "Our results have appeared out of kilter with headline figures from the ONS for some time, but if you drill down into their reports the results are comparable.

"The lion's share of merchant sales is driven by the housing market. While private housebuilding is forging ahead, assisted by Help to Buy, and private domestic RMI work is holding up well, the same cannot be said for commercial and industrial sectors which have seen a sharp decline post Brexit.

"We remain optimistic for continued growth in 2018, but I'm sure BMF merchants will be factoring in a number of outside factors – from monetary policy to Carillion's demise – that could affect trading."

(LM/MH)