The company said that working conditions in the first quarter were difficult, with the coldest March since 1910. However, there was a pick-up in the second quarter.
Sales to the public sector and commercial end-market, which represent 63% of sales, were down 6%. Domestic sales, which represent approximately 32% of the total, were down 3%.
The only growth for the first half was overseas. There was a 12% increase in international sales, which now account for 5% of the business.
However, a survey of domestic installers at the end of June 2013 indicates fuller UK order books, at 10.2 weeks compares with 8.5 weeks at the end of April 2013 and 9.0 weeks this time last year.
The Construction Products Association continues to forecast a reduction in UK market volumes in 2013 of 2.1% quarter one showing double digit volume declines but then being relatively flat for the remainder of 2013. Growth of 1.9% and 3.9% is forecast for 2014 and 2015 respectively.
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