Persimmon’s positive first half

An increase in profit before tax of 31% has been reported by UK housebuilder Persimmon for the first six months of 2015.

The figure rose to £272.8 million (€383.88 million) from £208.9 million (€293.96 million) in the same period a year earlier.

It said revenue was up 11% in the first half to £1.33 billion (€1.87 billion) from £1.20 billion (€1.69 billion) last year.

Jeff Fairburn, group chief executive, said the group was continuing to take advantage of the current market opportunities to deliver sustainable growth while also using its “excellent cash generation to build a strong asset platform for the future”.

He said, “The performance in the first half of 2015 further demonstrates the results of the group’s focus on successfully executing its operational objectives and the delivery of the ten-year strategic plan launched in 2012.

“We are confident that our long-term strategic focus through the current cycle will continue to deliver strong returns for our shareholders.”