Total sales were up 5.2% across the Kingfisher group during the 10 weeks to July 13, up 2.5% like-for-like, with both B&Q and Screwfix seeing positive gains.
Kingfisher's UK businesses saw total increases of 3.6%, +2.5% LfL, levelling out the total first half sales result to -0.2% total and -1.5% LfL following a tough first quarter.

B&Q sales were up 1.7% total, up 1.9% LfL, marking a welcome change to several consecutive quarters in negative numbers. Sales of outdoor seasonal products were up nearly 20% thanks to the July heatwave, representing almost 40% of sales.

Screwfix grew sales by an impressive 17.8%, up 6.6% LfL. Overseas, Kingfisher's French Castorama and Brico Depot stores also performed well, with total sales up 3.5% and 3.3% respectively.

Kingfisher chief executive Ian Cheshire said: "Following a tough Q1, I am pleased to report that we have been able to capitalise on the better weather conditions in Q2, particularly in the UK, which has helped us to deliver growth.

"However, underlying consumer confidence remains weak in our major markets, so we continue to focus hard on our self-help margin and cost initiatives. We are on track to deliver a first half in line with our expectations.

"Our self-help plan, 'Creating the Leader', continues to progress well, including the successful completion in Q2 of the acquisition of 15 stores in Romania, our first new country entry in seven years. We remain confident in our future prospects."