Breedon delivered another solid performance in the 10 months to 31 October. Both volumes and revenues were ahead of the prior year, including a full 10-month contribution from the former Hope Construction Materials business, which was part of the Group for only three months in the corresponding period of 2016.

Group sales volumes of aggregates increased by 47%, asphalt by 2% and concrete by 99%. Breedon's cement business is performing in line with the company's expectations. Total Group revenue for the period increased by 56% to approximately £561 million.

Assuming normal weather conditions for the remainder of the financial year, the Group’s underlying Earnings Before Interest and Tax for the full year is expected to be in line with current market expectations.

Outlook

Forecasters expect construction output to grow modestly in 2017, and remain broadly flat next year before returning to growth in 2019. More significantly for the company, new infrastructure and housing work – which together account for approximately two-thirds of Breedon's end-use markets – are expected to show healthy growth over the next two years.

The company continues to invest in its business at record levels, which is yielding appreciable benefits in terms of enhanced performance and improved productivity. This organic improvement gives Breedon confidence that it will make further progress in 2018.

It will announce its preliminary results for the year ending 31 December, 2017 on 7 March, 2018.