News

Merchants’ August sales fall -5.6% year-on-year in wash out summer

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in October, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in August were down -5.6% compared to the same month in 2023. Volume sales dropped -5.7% with little movement in price (+0.2%). With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were down -1.1%.

Builders’ Merchant July sales edge up+0.9% year-on-year

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in September, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales in July edged up +0.9% compared to the same month in 2023. There was a small increase in volume sales too (+0.6%) while prices remained flat (+0.3%). But with two more trading days this year, like-for-like value sales were down -7.9%.

Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories performed better than Total Merchants, with Workwear & Safetywear (+27.7%), Tools (+9.8%) and Decorating (+8.8%) doing the best. The two largest categories – Heavy Building Materials (-0.2%) Timber & Joinery Products (-0.6%) – were virtually flat. Renewables & Water Saving (-28.4%) was the weakest category.

July total value sales were +11.6% higher than June, with volume sales increasing by +11.7% and little movement in price (-0.1%). Eight of the twelve categories outperformed Total Merchants

Q2 Merchant value sales down -5.8% on Q2 2023. June volumes weak. 

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales for Q2 2024 were down -5.8% compared to Q2 2023, with volume sales down -7.2% and prices up +1.5%. With two extra trading days this year, like-for-like sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -8.8% lower.

Owlett-Jaton have continually endeavoured to reinvent their merchandising solutions, resulting in a range that is now more extensive than ever.

Following eighteen months of stringent testing via the British Board of Agrément (BBA), the ExpressFixx PV mounting system from REDtip™ has regained its MCS 012 accreditation for pitched roof installation kits.

Two employees in our operations department have accomplished a significant milestone by receiving their degrees from Staffordshire University.

We are very happy to congratulate Sarah Cooper, the dispatch shift manager, on receiving her Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Higher Apprenticeship.

Sarah has completed her Level 5 training and serves as both our Mental Health First Aider and Women's Representative. An impressive achievement during her five years at Owlett-Jaton.

Next, is Rob Whilding, our Despatch Manager who graduated with a Level 7 Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Executive Level) Senior Leader. Rob successfully completed his course with a Distinction.

Rob has successfully completed the Chartered Management Institute's requirements, earning the title of Chartered Fellow (FCMI CMgr). A fantastic accomplishment after two years of commitment and effort.

From everyone at Owlett-Jaton, many congratulations

Merchants’ April sales up +3.9% but down -11.0% like-for-like

 The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in June, shows builders’ merchants’ value sales were up +3.9% in April compared to the same month a year ago. Volume sales increased +4.7% and prices eased -0.8%. However, with three additional trading days this year, like-for-like value sales were down -11.0%.

Builders’ Merchant Q1 value sales fell -7.2% year-on-year, as volumes slide -8.7%

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales in Q1 2024 were -7.2% down compared to Q1 2023, with volume sales falling -8.7% and prices edging up +1.6%. With one less trading day in Q1 2024, like-for-like sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -5.7% lower.

Highly Commended at Torque Expo Awards

The Torque Expo Awards took place on Tuesday 14^th May at the Telford International Centre, and we were pleased to walk away with a number of highly Commended accolades.

Jaton Riveting Products (JRP), the dedicated riveting brand from Owlett-Jaton, have recently invested in an exciting new online comparison product finder, exclusively designed to assist customers in finding the exact JRP riveting product for their needs.

Following four months of development, and invaluable input from JRP Technical Support Specialist Warren Keeley the market-leading tool is now live and ready for action.

The unique comparison product finder is an easy-to-use online convertor found online at www.jrprivets.co.uk whereby the user simply enters the alternative supplier code into the box, and it returns the JRP equivalent. The tool can be used across the whole range of rivets, rivet nuts and tools.

The platform aims to streamline the rivet selection process, by offering side-by-side comparisons. The online comparison product finder includes a comprehensive database to suit diverse requirements,