Fastenings and fixings supplier Forgefix has reported a massive 38% sales increase for Jan-April this year compared with Q1 2010.
Speaking exclusively to DIY Week, Forgefix sales and marketing director Mike Smith said the increase came on the back of a longer period of growth, but was still unexpected. "The past couple of years have been 15-20% each year, so we are on a rising curve," he said, "but this year's sales are unprecedented. It's been a bit of a shock - it's gone bananas."

March was the stand out month Mr Smith said, with sales for the month up 25%, making it the company's best month on record.

The performance, he said, is down to two things - supply and self-promotion. "A couple of things have really helped. Our stock situation from the Far East has improved," he explained, as some Forgefix suppliers which had been affected by typhoons are now back on stream. "And PR," he added. "That's helped us immensely. We've never done advertising before so our profile has really been heightened."

Forgefix appointed marketing communications agency Precision in late 2009 and, says Mr Smith, "it's the best thing we've done - it's made a big difference. It's been a learning curve, but a lot of the things we've put in place are paying off."