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(Alliance News) - Marshalls PLC on Wednesday reported a "strong" start to 2021, with sales not only ahead of last year's Covid-19-hit levels, but also topping 2019.
The landscape products manufacturer said revenue in the period to April 30 rose 46% annually to GBP191 million from GBP131 million. Revenue was also up 6% from two years earlier.
"The board is encouraged by the sustained increase in demand during the first four months of the financial year and now expects trading for the full year to be ahead of its previous expectations," the West Yorkshire-based firm said.
"The key drivers of this growth have continued to be strong demand in the domestic end market, improved trading in the public sector and commercial end market and further growth in the International market."
Domestic end market sales almost doubled year-on-year, while public sector and commercial sales totalled GBP122 million, up 32%.
The company added: "Sales in the International business for the four months ended 30 April 2021 increased by 27% compared with 2020 and 32% compared with 2019. This reflects a continuation of the strong performance from Marshalls NV in Belgium."
Also, the company said it has appointed Avis Darzins as a non-executive director, with effect June 1.
Darzins has held "business leadership roles" at retailers Arcadia Group, Littlewoods and Mothercare PLC. He also been a non-executive at Moss Bros Group PLC, until the formal wear specialist went private last year.
Marshalls shares were 5.3% higher at 760.61 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com
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