‘Healthy’ order book at Pochin’s

CHESHIRE construction group Pochin’s said its main building arm is performing “creditably” and has a healthy order book.

In a trading update for the period since June 1 the Middlewich-based group said this was in the context of a “difficult” market.

According to Office of National Statistics data construction activity was 11.6% lower in August than the previous year.

The group said its property investment portfolio is maintaining occupancy levels, and modest progress has been made disposing of non-core property assets.

Since July the business has sold its concrete pumping business and agreed new bank facilities with the Royal Bank of Scotland.

In a statement it said: “These two developments provide a stable platform going forward, allowing the group to concentrate on its two core businesses of construction and property development and investment.”