Latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) has found that sales through UK builders’ merchants slowed slightly in Q4 2021, following two record quarters.
Total sales values in Q4 2021 were -12.7% lower than in Q3 2021, made only worse by four less trading days. Furthermore, like-for-like sales, adjusted for the difference in trading days, were down by -6.9%.
However, Q4 2021 was still the BMBI’s the third best quarter on record, with sales values increasing by +14.7% against the same period in 2020, and also +21.0% higher than the pre-COVID era of Q4 2019.
Category breakdown
All categories sold more in Q4 2021 in comparison to Q4 2020, with Timber & Joinery Products (+28.2%) leading the way, followed by Landscaping (+14.4%), which recorded its highest quarterly sales of 2021. Meanwhile, Heavy Building Materials (+11.1%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (+10.0%) and Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+9.6) were among categories that grew more slowly.
However, after a year characterised by supply shortages and ending with soaring energy costs, resulting in substantial price increases, growth is largely driven by pricing rather than volume.
Bricks, Blocks, Insulation, Lintels, Plasterboard, Sheet Materials and Roofing Products saw their highest average price during Q4 2021, highlighting the cost pressures currently affecting the market.
2021 vs 2020 and 2019
Reviewing 2021 entirely, there was a sales value increase of +30.5% against 2020 and +16.4% against 2019, with Heavyside driving activity.
Against 2020, Heavy Building Materials, the largest category, increased by +24%, with Timber & Joinery increasing by +52.1% and Landscaping by 31.3%.
Comparing 2021 with 2019 has provided a more accurate barometer for many merchants this year. Once again, the same three categories led the way with Heavy Building materials up by +9.7%, Timber & Joinery by +37.7% and Landscaping 38.4%.
However, comparing 2021 with 2020 in the Lightside categories, Tools (+26.6%) led the way followed by Kitchens & Bathrooms (+24.0%) and Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+23.5%). Decorating (+17.8%) was one of three categories that improved by less than 20%.
A different picture emerges against 2019, where Ironmongery (+2.3%) was the strongest Lightside performer, with Kitchens & Bathrooms (+1.6%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (-0.1%) and Decorating (-1.6%).
>>Read more BMBI reports here.
