BSS upbeat about work

Builders merchant BSS has issued an upbeat trading statement with orders at its industrial division helping drive revenues.

In its statement covering the 16 weeks from 1 April through to 19 July, the company said: "Revenues for the period are in line with expectations with positive like for like growth and the group continuing to grow market share."

The firm said growth at its industrial division had been helped by its position as a national distributor, as well as investment in stock and infrastructure. It added that its customers still have full order books.

A slowdown in work in new residential new build – which BSS said accounted for less than five per cent of group revenue last year – has been offset by a growing share of the repair and maintenance market.

It said one third of the 30 branches it plans to open this year were now up and running.