Halstead shapes up for another record year

BURY flooring group James Halstead is predicting another record year.

In an AGM statement, chairman Geoffrey Halstead said five months into the financial year revenues had increased by 5%.

The business is paying a dividend of 7p today, up nearly 175 on last year.

Mr Halstead said: “It is gratifying to report that this, our centenary year, has every expectation of being a new record in terms of turnover and profit. In my report on the results for the year ended 30 June 2014 I noted growth in turnover both in the UK and in our overseas markets. At this point we are around 5% ahead of the comparative year in terms of turnover.

“I believe our first half results will be in line with management expectations. Our cash balances continue to be solid underpinning the 7p dividend paid today which is an increase of 16.7% on that of last year. In this hundredth year I have every expectation that dividend will again increase – which will be the 40th year of growth. A special year, indeed.”