Turnover at United Merchants plc (Unimer), the non-profit making members’ co-operative, has topped £500m.
Unimer, whose members include Howarth Timber, Arnold Laver, Travis Perkins and Jewson, recorded a turnover of £524m for the 12 months to April 2003 – a 19% rise on the previous year’s figures.
The timber, board and insulation product sector, which represents 24% of total turnover, saw a 37% year-on-year increase in business, with timber the most important contributor.
Independent merchants made up 91% of overall business and nationals the rest. A total of 173 supplier arrangements operated in the building product sector and 43 for timber and boards.
Unimer, which acts as a central invoicing point and clearing house linking merchants and suppliers, attracted 60 new members and opened trading arrangments with 38 fresh suppliers during the year.
Suppliers trading through Unimer include Richard Burbidge, Finnforest (UK) Ltd, Hoppings Softwood Products plc, James Latham plc and Montague L Meyer.
