Profits up 30% at Breedon

Construction materials supplier Breedon has delivered another solid set of financial figures as profits rose 30% in the first half of the year.

The Leicestershire business increased revenue by £70m to £447m in the six months to June, shrugging off the “near term uncertainties” affecting the wider economy.

Pat Ward, Breedon’s group chief executive, said: “The period began well, with benign weather in the first quarter and generally healthy demand for our products, particularly in England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, somewhat offset by fewer large projects in Scotland.

“Our performance in the second quarter was adversely impacted by lower volumes in Great Britain due to a flat construction market, ongoing project delays and competitive trading conditions. However demand in Ireland remained robust.”

He said the company expects to meet market expectations, with “encouraging” enquiry levels and a “positive” medium-term outlook for the businesss.