Marshalls' results buoyed by public and commercial sectors

Marshalls' performance in the six months to 30 June was buoyed by 7% like-for-like growth to the public sector and commercial markets, while demand from the domestic market was depressed.

In total, the construction products manufacturer's turnover grew 7% to £197.9m with pre-tax profit growing 4% to £25m.

Chief executive Graham Holden noted: "We have increased the proportion of product delivered on our own vehicles from 20% to 42% over the past three years and a further 30% is delivered by directly managed hauliers. This has enabled us to improve on time delivery significantly.

"In addition, we have designed and implemented sophisticated demand forecasting and production planning software and centralised our planning function. This has enabled us to improve significantly product availability while progressively allowing us to reduce volumes of finished goods stock."

Since the half-year, Marshalls has acquired Tempakerb, which makes temporary kerbs from recycled materials, and drainage system manufacturer Decathlon.

Marshalls made a £5m contribution to its pension scheme in July and will pay in another £5m at the end of the year.