Building materials group Travis Perkins PLC (LON:TPK) pushed through sizeable price hikes to offset the impact of rising raw materials in its latest three months.
In more signs UK inflation is starting to tick up again, the Wickes owner said prices rose by 2.6% across the group with plumbing and the contracts division seeing the steepest increases.
These two sell the most imported products, Travis said, and foreign currency movements have meant cost rises over the past nine months.
John Carter, chief executive, said plumbing (BSS/PTS) was a tough market though contracts enjoyed a strong period.
Overall the market was difficult to call he added.
Indicators such as mortgage approvals, housing transactions, house prices and consumer sentiment have given an inconsistent picture.
As a results trading conditions are likely to be mixed, though the group is still on track to meet market forecasts.