Renewal paves way for Marshalls rise

PAVING specialist Marshalls, whose granite setts grace the fountained courtyard of Somerset House, has enjoyed strong trading in its second half due to good weather and pedestrianisation of more urban centres.

A flurry of TV shows using specialist paving to glamorise the smallest of backyards also helped the group recover from rain pouring cold water on earnings last year.

Sales were up by 10% and ended the year worth £328m. The only bad news was a £1m write-off of pre-paid premiums and irrecoverable claims following the collapse of Independent Insurance.

The recent green light given by the Government for urban renewal schemes has led to increased demand and Marshall has renegotiated supply agreements with three major builders' merchant groups. Domestic demand for paving, representing 75% of group turnover, has led chairman Christopher Burnett to forecast full-year operating profit before exceptionals in line with market expectations.