THE coming year will see continued increases in turnover for most builders merchants in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, according to a leading industry body.

The Builders Merchants Federation predicts sales of building materials through BMF members will increase by at least 2.5 per cent during 2002, compared with 2001.

"The strength of sales growth in the year to December 31, 2001 has surprised many in building distribution," said John O'Carroll-Bailey, president of the BMF.

"The BMF's own figures are expected to show a national average increase of 4.5 per cent for the year to December, compared with 2000, and many companies have recorded double digit sales growth."

Despite a difficult start to last year, due to poor building weather and foot-and-mouth reducing activity in rural areas, the strength of the economy had made 2001 a record year, he said.

"Our members' prime market is the smaller building contractor and the repair, maintenance and improvement sector, and this is set to remain buoyant next year - especially in the public sector," said Mr O'Carroll-Bailey.

The BMF represents about 300 builders' merchants in Britain.