Landscape products sales buoy Marshalls' turnover

Marshalls has enjoyed a welcome boost in the sale of landscape products. Chairman Christopher Burnett said: "There has been an increase in repair and maintenance work undertaken by local authorities. The new build programme funded by increased government spending ensured this sector of our business had a good first half," he said.

"Drainage, street furniture and classical flagstones all experienced sales growth. These businesses have an excellent future in the group."

A £180m turnover in the six months to 30 June was little changed compared with the first half of 2002. Pre-tax profit inched forward slightly to £29m.

Performance in Marshalls' two smaller divisions, clay products and natural stone, was flat. But the landscape products division came to the rescue with a more vibrant result. Turnover jumped to £150m, up £10m, and operating profit was more than £2m higher at £26m, resulting in an operating margin of 17%.

Some of the increase in sales in the landscape products division came from domestic demand for new driveways and patios. "Homeowners are taking advantage of the increased equity in their homes and low interest rates to invest in external improvements," said Burnett.