Member Article

Huddersfield building suppliers Marshalls turns it around with modest growth

Huddersfield-based Marshalls’ revenue for the year ended 31 December 2013 was up 2% at £306 million compared with a 4% reduction at the half year.

Revenue for the six months to 31 December 2013 was up 9% compared with the second half of 2012.

Marshalls have seen growth in both the international and domestic markets. Group trading continues to be “in line with expectations.”

Sales to the Public Sector and Commercial end market, which represent approximately 63% of Marshalls’ sales, were up 1% for the year, on a continuing basis, compared with 2012 reflecting the anticipated improved market conditions in the second half.

Sales to the Domestic end market, which represent approximately 32% of Group sales, were also up 1%compared with the prior year.

Sales in the International business have increased by 23% in the year ended 31 December 2013. Continued progress is being made in developing the International business and, despite difficult trading conditions in Western Europe, underlying sales activity levels continue to be encouraging.

Cash realised from the sale of the Aggregates businesses and continued control of inventory and capital expenditure has resulted in a reduction in year end net debt to £36 million (2012: £63 million).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .