DIY retailer Wickes says sales growth is accelerating while prices start rising again after a long spell of deflation

Group sales jumped 4.5% to £439million in the three months to 26 September, up from 2.3% growth the quarter before. But shoppers are getting cautious over bespoke kitchens costing from around £4,000, leaving design and installation sales flat at £108million. Chief executive David Wood insists the firm is still on course for its full-year profit target. Shares rose 4% on Tuesday morning.

Retail sales rose 6% to £331million, with timber, flooring, roofing and garden products among the strongest performers.

TradePro trade sales climbed 8% while active membership reached 684,000.

Wickes paid £6.3million for the freehold of its Perry Barr store to secure the site.