Travis Perkins sales fall 1.3% as builder's merchant warns economic uncertainty is 'persisting'

Travis Perkins has reported a 1.3% drop in like-for-like revenue for the three months to 30 September, with the Northampton-based builders' merchant blaming "persisting" macroeconomic uncertainty. Chief executive Gavin Slark said cost discipline is protecting profitability despite what he called "volume headwinds". Shares dropped close to 3% on Thursday, later trimming losses to settle around 1.5% down. The group, which employs 17,000 staff across more than 1,500 sites, will set out its full strategy at preliminary results in March 2027.

Elevated interest rates and rising cost pressures are bearing down most heavily on the new-build residential sector.

Toolstation UK bucked the trend with a 3.6% like-for-like revenue rise in the same quarter.

Toolstation Benelux fell 4.7% and the group says it is still exploring options for the 'challenging' brand.