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Mixed signals from the DIY market
The BMF has seen the latest figures from Direct Line Business Insurance that estimates homeowners are spending over £539m each year employing tradespeople to rectify their botched DIY projects. This survey revealed 85% of tradespeople blame the rise of DIY videos on social media for botched or bungled work. Moreover, 47% of homeowners said their projects failed due to a lack of the necessary skills. Some of the DIY tasks being botched are: • painting and stripping paint (55%); • landscaping and fencing (38%); • plumbing (25%); • electrical (21%); • tiling (18%).
We have also seen separate research from TSB, who analysed more than 425 million debit card transactions between 1 January and 30 June. This analysis highlighted a 15.5% decrease in overall spending on DIY, electrical and furniture items in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2023. Households instead have prioritised spending on holidays and entertainment. These findings provide mixed signals. Residents are cutting back on home improvements - choosing to ‘have a go’ themselves - only to have to spend more employing professional trades to fix their bungled efforts.
Mixed results for Plumbing & Heating
Merchants in May The Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) for May 2024 reveals a decrease in total value sales by -1.9% compared to May 2023. However, volumes have risen by +5.8% year- on-year, with prices falling by -7.3%. Adjusted for trading days, like-for-like sales were down -6.6% compared to the previous year.
In comparison to April, May’s value sales also fell by -1.9%. Volume sales remained nearly unchanged (-0.2%), and prices dropped -1.8%. There were no extra trading days in May 2024. Over the three months from March to May 2024, value sales decreased by -3.8% year-on- year, while volumes saw a slight increase of +0.8%. Prices were down -4.6%. With one extra trading day, like-for-like sales were -5.4% lower.
When comparing March to May 2024 with the previous three-month period (December 2023 to February 2024), value sales dropped -2.0%. Volume sales increased significantly by +11.5%, but prices fell by -12.1%. With three additional trading days, like-for-like sales were -6.8% lower.
For the 12-month period from June 2023 to May 2024, value sales showed a slight increase of +0.9%. However, volume sales declined by -1.9%, and prices were up by +2.8%. With six more trading days this year, like- for-like value sales decreased by -1.5%.
May’s PHMI index stood at 96.1, unchanged from the base period. • For more details or to download the report, visit
www.phmi.co.uk.
August 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
JT Dove and Knauf Insulation Shine at BMF MasterMerchant 2024
The BMF is pleased to share the exciting success of the MasterMerchant Competition, held in the breathtaking Lake District. This year’s event was a whirlwind of excitement, camaraderie, and challenges that pushed every participant to their limits and beyond. For over 30 years, the
MasterMerchant competition has been a cornerstone of the BMF calendar. We designed the event not just as a competition, but as an adventurous escape from the everyday grind - a chance for colleagues to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown.
Participants faced everything from the churning waters of Derwent Water on paddle boards to the intense ghyll scrambling challenge, where they navigated cold, rushing streams. The excitement continued with rock climbing at High Lodore Farm, testing their physical prowess and mental grit. Day two at Wray Castle brought a new set of challenges that required sharp minds and quick thinking, including lighting fires without matches and navigating blindfolded teammates through complex tasks.
We were delighted to
congratulate “Team Dove” from JT Dove, who clinched the title of MasterMerchant champions for 2024! Rachel Convery, Thomas Brown, Phillip Holman, and Jacob Tabberer showed exceptional teamwork and determination. Additionally, a huge shout-out to Knauf Insulation’s “Pure Glass” team for winning the Super Supplier trophy.
The energy throughout the weekend was palpable, and it’s clear that everyone left with not just memories, but stronger
bonds and newfound skills. BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “MasterMerchant is more than a competition; it’s an experience of a lifetime. The laughter, the challenges, and the friendships formed are what make this event so special. If you’ve never joined us, you’re missing out on an incredible opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with amazing people.” For those who haven’t experienced the unique blend of challenge and camaraderie that MasterMerchant offers, it’s a must-attend event. Whether you’re looking to test your limits, build stronger relationships with your colleagues, or simply have an adventurous weekend, this event has it all. • For more details about the event and future opportunities, contact
Stacey.lock@bmf.org.uk.
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