But operating profit fell slightly (2.8%) because of planning delays on units worth more than £1m. Turnover grew dramatically, by 64%, during the period, rising from £8.6m last year to £14.1m this year.
Chairman David Laing said the group expected to post better results in the second half of the year. He said: "We continue to secure consents … and demand in the South-east has picked up strongly since (last) autumn. Solid growth is being experienced in the North and North-west."
Demand in the South-east has picked up strongly, and solid growth is being experienced in the North
David Laing, chairman, Country & Metropolitan
But he added that the firm was conscious that the market in the South-east might be overheating, and that C&M had been cautious about land buying in the region.
C&M's shares were suspended three weeks ago after news broke that it was in merger talks with a privately owned housebuilder. It is understood that the unnamed firm is in the north of England.
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