Travis Perkins dip in sales blamed on 'uncertainty'

Travis Perkins blames sales decline on 'uncertainty'

Travis Perkins employs 17,000 people and operates from 1,500 sites across the UK.

The building materials supplier has reported weaker sales while warning of economic uncertainty in the sector.

The Northampton-based company said like-for-like revenue fell 1.3% in the three months to 30 September.

For the year to the end of September, like-for-like revenue across the group was down 0.9%.

The company said the industry remained subdued, particularly in the new build residential market, "as macroeconomic uncertainty persists".

It added that it was focusing on more profitable trade and cutting credit risk in the current climate, in order to help safeguard profits "despite the volume headwinds".

Shares in the London-listed firm fell by almost 3% at one point on Thursday after the update, before ending the day about 1.5% lower.

Toolstation UK, one of the group's brands, posted a 3.6% rise in like-for-like revenue in the three months to 30 September, matching expectations and coming ahead of further store openings in 2027.

Travis Perkins chief executive Gavin Slark said: "In challenging market conditions we remain focused on what we can control.

"Our ongoing cost discipline and trading approach are protecting profitability whilst we continue to identify and implement further operational efficiencies.

"We look forward to providing more detail on our strategy and operational priorities at our preliminary results in March 2027."

The group has five businesses – Travis Perkins general merchant, tools provider Toolstation, civil engineering, drainage and heavy building materials provider Keyline, heating and ventilation specialist BSS - and drylining and insulation distributor CCF.