The latest data from the BMBI Report shows builders’ merchants’ sales are in good health. Despite media speculation, sales increased again in July, with a 7.0% increase compared with July 2016.

With one less trading day, sales in July were 0.9% lower than in June, but average sales per day were 3.9% higher. Year to date sales strengthened, with the first seven months of 2017 ahead 4.3% of the same period in 2016 – up from +3.8% YTD in June.

July’s Builders Merchant Building Index was 119.2 (117.8 adjusted for trading days) and all categories except two had indices over 100. Strongly seasonal Landscaping (140.8) was the top performer.

BMBI data is released monthly and is a unique data source available for builders’ merchant sector sales to builders. It’s the most reliable indicator of RMI housing.

The Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) tracks builders’ merchants’ actual sales to builders and contractors using GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data. The BMBI represents over 80% of the value of the builders’ merchants’ market.