Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) Q4 2018 Report Published

Total sales in 2018 were 3.8% higher than in 2017 and four categories did better than last year, led by Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+7.1%), with Timber & Joinery Products (+7.0%) just behind.

Total Builders Merchants fourth quarter sales were a respectable 3.1% higher than in Q4 2017, but look closer and things were less encouraging.

The quarter started well, with October sales up 6.8% year-on-year. However, November only grew by 0.8% and, as this latest report shows, December was only 1.0 % higher than December 2017.

More to come on the figures from the latest report, but comments from BMBI’s experienced panel of experts are available on the BMBI website now.