The DIY retailer’s like-for-like sales jumped 10% during the 13 weeks to March 30, a marked improvement on the 7.9% slump during the same period the previous year. Total sales advanced 9.4% in the quarter.

Wickes said performance across its core DIY business and the kitchen and bathroom categories was bolstered by “continued improvement” in execution and the “competitor decisions to exit the design and install service” in the second half of 2018.

But owner Travis Perkins said sales growth was partially offset by the timing of Easter, which fell outside of its first quarter this year.