Robert Dyas sales surge ahead 26%

Hardware specialist Robert Dyas is off to a bullish start under new management, with like-for-like sales up nearly 20 per cent for past two months.

Change Capital Partners managing director Steven Petrow said overall sales for the eight weeks to May 22 were up 26 per cent. Like-for-like sales climbed 19 per cent over the same period.

The venture capitalist acquired the business for£61 million in March.

It installed a new senior management team, led by former Somerfield boss Alan Smith, to drive expansion of the 75-strong chain.

'That's well ahead of our budget and represents a strong start to the year,' said Petrow. 'The new team is doing a great job.'