NORTHAMPTON: Travis Perkins has started to stockpile heating and ventilation units, as well as radiators, ahead of expected price increases from its European suppliers.

The national merchat expects increases in the price of steel and copper will be passed on by manufacturers so it has acted early to avoid having to pay more in the future.

Paul Hampden-Smith, Travis Perkins' finance director, said: "Higher steel prices are pushing up the cost of radiators and heating and ventilation equipment so we have ordered more ahead of the expected increase."