The builders merchant has reported a "positive" start to 2022 thanks in part to the booming housing market.

Travis Perkins said sales for the first three months of the year rose 13.6 per cent on last year, but that higher prices would form a higher proportion of sales growth this year due to inflation.

Sales growth of 17.9 per cent within its merchanting division had been aided by a demand for new housing and backlog of social and infrastructure work.

Travis Perkins has branches in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cinderford, Cirencester, Lydney and Coleford. 

Toolstation, also owned by the group, had reportedly seen a six per cent fall in sales. But management said they are "confident" of a recovery in the second half of the year.

Chief executive Nick Roberts said: "The group has had an encouraging first quarter and, although the wider economic backdrop remains uncertain, we are well placed to build on this positive start in the coming months.

A statement within Travis Perkins' trading update added: ""The Group's forecast for materials price inflation, which was originally expected to ease into the second half of the year, is now more uncertain with pricing likely to form a higher proportion of sales growth across the year than previously thought."

"As the UK's largest building materials supplier and a leading partner to the construction industry, we are uniquely placed to support the country in this drive and are working closely with all key stakeholders, including government, house-builders, tradespeople and developers, to address these challenges."

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