WGB.L Share News (WGB)

Interior furniture producer Walker Greenbank saw its pre-tax profits for the first half of the year rise from £2m to £2.3m, thanks to strong performances in its three main markets.In the UK, which is the firm's main market, sales grew 10% year-on-year, while they rose 12.2% in constant currency in Europe and 3% in the US, despite the disruption in sales due to the expansion of a new flagship showroom in New York."Total brand sales in the first eight weeks of the second half are up an encouraging 5.4% in reportable currency (7.0% in constant currency) compared with the same period last year," group chairman Terry Stannard said."This is a robust performance ahead of our key autumn selling period and reflects strong trading in the UK, where brand sales are up 8.6%, and in overseas markets, where brand sales are on an improving trend up 4.7% in constant currency."Manufacturing also continues to perform strongly. We remain confident of meeting market expectations for the full year and beyond."Revenue rose from £39.1m to £41.1m, while the company announced a 25% increase to 0.35p on its proposed interim dividend.Walker shares closed 0.73% up to 208p.