Electrocomponents has reported a “sharp improvement” in sales in its RS Components distribution business in the last month.
The online and catalogue distributor said sales In January were up 10% on the same month last year.
The company, which operates in the UK and across the world, said that while UK sales were just 5% up, the international business grew by 12%.
"I am pleased to report that January has seen an underlying improvement with Group sales growing by around 10% and International delivering sales growth of around 12%,” said Ian Mason, group chief executive.
Within the distributor’s international business the Asia Pacific market led the way with 21% sales growth.
European sales grew but at a slower rate, around 8%. North America was 15% ahead.
“The Group has strong international market positions, which now account for around two thirds of Group sales,” said Mason.
Overall sales in the last four months to the end of January were flat, but the situation was improving with all regions showing year-on-year sales growth by December.
The company’s online business continues to expand and e-commerce revenues grew in January by around 30% to account for around 45% of group sales.
Online sales grew by 90% in North America.
As a result of the improving sales trend the company said it expects profit before tax for the full year will be at the upper end of market expectations.