Strong progress for Galliford Try

UK contractor Galliford Try saw profit hold steady for the first six months of its 2013 fiscal year, ended 31 December, 2013, with profit before tax logged at £32.3 million (€37 million).

Group revenue dropped to £678.3 million (€785 million), down from £746.8 million (€860 million) in the first half of 2012.

The contractor completed 1,364 houses in the first half of 2013 compared to 1,352 for the same period in 2012. Looking ahead, Galliford Try said that 100% of its plots for planned production in 2013 and 2014 were secured, with 65% secured for 2015.

The firm’s construction backlog stood at £1.6 billion (€1.85 billion), the same as at this time a year previous.

Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive, said, “In a stable market we are seeing continued momentum in housebuilding, particularly in the geographic regions where we operate. Underlying growth is strong, given that last year’s results included a contribution of £6.9 million from one significant land sale.

"In line with our stated strategy and progress to date we will continue our disciplined focus on margin enhancement in housebuilding.”