The latest report from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) has revealed that builders’ merchant July 2021 sales were up 14.5% higher year-on-year, helped by timber and joinery products which enjoyed its highest monthly sales since the report began.
July’s BMBI index was 151.1 with strong performances from landscaping (204.8) and timber and joinery products (199.8). Seven other categories exceeded 100, including heavy building materials (136.8) and ironmongery (129.2).
July also experienced two less trading days, with average daily sales up 25.5% in comparison to pre-pandemic figures (July 2019). Total merchant sales were 13.1% up, with two less trading days this year. Much of this growth was driven by just two categories – timber and joinery products (+44.6%) and landscaping (+23.4%).
Meanwhile, kitchens and bathrooms (+13.9%) chalked up its highest sales for 12 months. Plumbing, heating and electrical (+10.4%) and heavy building materials (+8.9%) also performed well compared to the same month a year ago.
However, after a bumper June, total merchant sales were 3.8% lower month-on-month, with one less trading day in July. Kitchens and bathrooms, and minor categories services and miscellaneous increased marginally (+1.1%), while timber and joinery products was flat (+0.1%). Other categories sold less than the previous month including heavy building materials (-4.2%) and workwear and safetywear (-17.0%).
Commenting on the latest figures, John Newcomb chief executive officer of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), said: “The year-on-year figures show the post-COVID recovery continuing strongly, but historically high levels of demand are testing the supply chain and manufacturers’ and shippers’ capacity to the limit.
“Supply shortages and lengthening lead times in particular product categories are constraining project starts and completions, and the supply chain has sustained a wave of significant product price rises. However, with no sign of easing in these unprecedented levels of demand, merchants are exceptionally busy and positive while they keep Britain’s builders building.”
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