HOWARTH Timber, in York, which has recently completed a £300,000 upgrade in facilities and expanded stock, claims to be matching its investment by reporting significant increases in both DIY and trade sales.

Figures just released for its latest trading quarter, show an increased turnover at the 40- year-old Leeman Road store, where collection trade is up by ten per cent, while sales of shop products, such as tools and hardware, have increased by 24 per cent.

Recent improvements at the site include better yard access, warehousing and storage of substantially increased ranges of plasterboards, acoustic flooring, roof products and insulation materials.

Alongside its timber ranges are machining and wood treatment facilities, and the branch now stocks bricks, blocks, lintels and drainage goods and a comprehensive array of complementary building products.

Branch manager Kevin Withers (pictured above), said: “Clearly, the house-building market is now depressed, but the spend by local builders and DIY customers is sustained.

“This gave us the confidence to expand and, now that these improvements are complete, our business and our customers are enjoying the benefits.”