Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for July 2025 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +4.1% compared to July 2024.
Volume sales dropped -2.1%, while prices rose +6.3% year-on-year. There was no difference in trading days.
Month-on-month, July value sales increased +9.7% compared to June. Volume sales hit double digits (+10.0%), while prices were down -0.3%. With two extra trading days in July, like-for-like value sales (which take the trading day differences into account) were up +0.2%.
Total value sales in the latest three-month period from May to July 2025 were +3.2% higher than the same period a year ago (May to July 2024). Volume sales were down -1.7% but prices increased +5.0%. There was no difference in trading days.
Managing director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report, Mike Rigby, says: “We are expecting to see the publication of the long-awaited Future Homes Standard (FHS) this Autumn, which will bring with it new opportunities for specialist heating and plumbing merchants.
“In June it was announced by the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband that solar panels will become default for new build homes as part of the FHS. He also confirmed other proposed changes including support for low-carbon heating solutions – such as heat pumps – in new builds would be included in the legislation, which is timetabled for a phased introduction starting in 2026.
“We are approaching a watershed for sustainable building, and as a key part of the supply chain, plumbing and heating merchants must adapt to ensure they too are focused on the commercial opportunities that energy efficient products offer.”
