The South East was a top performer for building materials sales in Q3 2023, despite recording a drop in sales year-on-year, according to latest figures from the Builders Merchants Federation.
The BMF’s quarterly Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) shows sales in the South East (excluding London) fell by 3.4% from July to September compared to the same period last year. The figures reflect a nationwide trend that saw total merchants value sales drop by 3.3% compared to 2022.
The BMF’s South East regional chair Louise Polston said: “The region’s year-on-year performance is reflective of the industry as a whole. From the outset in 2023, we expected to see an uplift in the second half of the year, which unfortunately, has just not come into fruition.
“Despite the negative result, it is encouraging that the South East continues to lead the way, which is hopefully a sign of things to come for our region.”
BMF CEO John Newcomb added: “The BMBI reflects the ‘regional health’ of the building materials supply industry, showing how builders’ merchants are performing in different areas of the country and tracking longer term trends across the sector.
“Overall, total sales from July to September were 1.4% lower than in April to June this year, dropping to 3.3% when compared to Q3 last year.
“10 of the 11BMF regions sold less, but the South East still managed to secure a place in the top three regions for sales.”
