PAVING stone supplier Marshalls has reported “resilient” sales for the first four months of the year.

May 16 2008 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The Birkby-based group, which is sponsoring the Chelsea Flower Show fpr the second year running this month, lifted like-for-like revenues by 1% during the period under revew. Total revenues were 3% ahead.

Chief executive Graham Holden said acquisitions contributed £1m to group revenue.

In a statement, he said: “We continue with our strategy to invest selectively in growth opportunities to expand the business, to reduce cost and invest in productivity improvements.”

Marshalls had a strong balance sheet and retained “a strong emphasis” on cash management.

Mr Holden said the group invested £12m in new facilities for sandstone walling, sand and gravel extraction during 2007.

Marshalls, which supplies garden centres as well as the building trade with stone and concrete for paving, patios and driveways, said its sponsorship of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show was strengthening brand awareness in the domestic market.

The group now has eight display centres across the UK and plans to open two more this year.

Marshalls said the public sector and commercial market, accounting for 55% of group revenue, remained robust,.

The group said: “We continue with our development plans and will maintain a strong emphasis on cash management.