Home improvement retailer Wickes sees sales growth accelerate while 'mild' price inflation starts to creep back in

Group sales rose 4.5% to £439 million in the three months to 26 September, nearly twice the 2.3% growth recorded in the prior quarter. Retail sales climbed 6% to £331 million, although shoppers remained cautious about high-ticket bespoke kitchens. Chief executive David Wood said the chain is on track to meet full-year profit expectations. Shares rose 3% following the update.

Wickes says it is outperforming the market in timber, flooring, roofing and garden sales.

Its TradePro arm, which connects customers with tradespeople, posted 8% sales growth.

Two new stores opened during the quarter, in Saffron Walden, Essex, and Colne, Lancashire.