Marshalls sees profit rise

Landscape, clay and natural stone products producer Marshalls has seen pre-tax profit strengthen to £30m (£29m) in the first half of 2004.
Announcing a record performance during the six months to 30 June, Marshalls said turn-over had also moved forward to £190m (£180m).
Chairman Richard Scholes said: "Public sector and commercial demand remains robust. The recent government spending review has confirmed the commitment to a long-term increase in public sector investment as a proportion of GDP, which should underpin future demand.
"In the domestic market, interest in driveway and patio products continues to be strong and installer orderbooks remain high."
Looking forward to the second half of 2004, Scholes said there had been an encouraging start in the face of unhelpful working conditions. "Our market intelligence suggests that underlying demand will continue to be firm for the remainder of the year."
Landscape product sales, accounting for £160m of group sales, were up 3%.
Public sector and commercial demand was robust, with the exception of drainage products associated with transport infrastructure.