Marshalls boosts turnover 7%

Marshalls boosted turnover 7% on a like-for-like basis to £349m in 2003, according to a trading statement issued to the Stock Exchange this morning.

The group expects pre-tax profit to be "comfortably ahead" of 2002's £49.4m after experiencing good trading conditions throughout the second half in the domestic, commercial and public sector parts of its business.

The landscape division produced a turnover of £289m, up 7% on 2002. The clay products division's turnover was up 6% to £32m. The natural stone division enjoyed a 14% boost in turnover to £28m.

Graham Holden, chief executive of the landscape products division, has become group chief executive . David Sarti, previously operations director of that division, has been appointed managing director.