Wilson Bowden completions hit 5,600 in 2004

Housebuilder Wilson Bowden lifted its housing completions to 5,600 in 2004, well ahead of the 5,000 figure achieved in the previous year.
The rise was largely the result of organic growth, though group policy is to make strategic infill acquisitions where appropriate.
In April 2003, Wilson Bowden snapped up the housebuilding arm of Henry Boot, which operates in South Yorkshire around Sheffield. Seven months later, Ward Homes, an operator based in Kent, was added. Both have now been integrated.
Financial results (12 months to 31 December 2004) show turnover 10% higher at £1.3bn (£1.2bn in 2003), while the pre-tax profit of £260m (£220m) was a record.
During 2004, the average size of new properties declined by 7.7%. As a result, the average selling price was only 1.1% higher at £206,000, though the underlying selling price per square foot increased by 9.1%.