Flooring distributor sees turnover rise past £60m mark worldwide.

Flooring distributor James Halstead has reported a jump in pre-tax profits of 22% in its results for the half year ended 31 December.

Publishing interims results, the firm said that turnover had increased from £56.8m to £62.9m, an rise of 10.7%.

Pre-tax profit rose from £6.9m to £8.5m.

James Halstead plc works all over the world, including jobs at the Hilla hospital in Baghdad, the Botinskaya Clinic in Moscow, the Centenary Hall at Chelsea FC and the Holby City set for the BBC.

Chairman Geoffrey Halstead said: "In challenging markets and notwithstanding energy costs and polymer prices, I am pleased to report, again, record results and we will pay an increased interim dividend to reflect this. I remain confident of reporting another full year of progress."