Builders merchants in East Anglia have enjoyed a strong start to the year, against the backdrop of national growth.
Sales figures across the UK in February were up nearly 8% year-on-year, while the East Anglian figure rose by 9.2%. Quarterly figures from December 2016 to February 2017 showed a 16.3% increase on the year before in East Anglia.
The turn of the year is usually the quietest time for builders merchants, but the figures point to a strong start to 2017 for the industry, said the Builders Merchants Federation, which compiled the figures.
John Newcomb, managing director of the BMF, said: 'It is great to see such strong growth across our members in different regions, and as people now start their spring renovations, we should be confident sales will continue to rise.'
He said Brexit negotiations could yet have an impact later in the year, but that the 'resilient industry' was well placed to respond.
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