Kingfisher’s profits in its first quarter of 2016 have been strong, helped by good performances in the UK and Poland.

Figures show that the quarter ended with a 3.6% increase in total sales, with regional contributions including a 6.2% rise in the UK and Ireland, which includes Screwfix and a 10.8% increase in like-for-like sales in Poland.

Other figures show that B&Q saw an increase of 3.6% in like-for-like sales, even though total sales dropped 4.3% on a constant currency basis, reaching £951 million. However, Screwfix saw a 16.2% rise in like-for-like sales, with the total increasing 23.5% to £301 million in constant currencies.

Veronique Laury, chief executive at Kingfisher, said: “We have made a solid start to the year, trading in line with expectations. I am pleased with the early progress we are making on our operational milestones for this year, the first of our ambitions five-year plan.”

This “five-year plan” has this quarter included the installation of a united IT platform in all B&Q outlets, which was done ahead of schedule. Kingfisher also continues to close 15% of surplus B&Q stores. A total of 10 were closed in the quarter, bringing the total to 40 out of the goal of 65.

“We continue to feel confident in our ability to deliver our plan, based on putting customer needs first, supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of our colleagues."