Travis Perkins: 13 new branches already this year

Travis Perkins, the builders’ merchant, has announced a promising start to 2008 with the continuing expansion of its branch network.

In the first five weeks of the year, TP has opened 13 new branches, expanding both its trade and retail divisions.

The extra branches are the result of eight brownfield openings and five acquisitions. The total cost is put at £20m.

They are expected to add £24m to TP’s turnover in their first 12 months of trading.

The breakdown of the branding of the 13 new branches is: seven branded as Travis Perkins, one Keyline branch, one Tile Giant outlet and four Wickes stores.

Geoff Cooper, chief executive, said: “On a like-for-like basis, the group is growing ahead of market growth rates.”