2/10/2006
The BSS Group PLC ('BSS', or the 'Group'), a leading distributor of heating, plumbing and pipeline equipment to the industrial and domestic construction and maintenance markets is issuing a trading statement today, for the half year ended 30 September 2006, ahead of entering its close period.
The Group has continued to make encouraging progress across both Divisions:
Industrial and Domestic sales are showing good growth against the equivalent period last year and trading for the half year is slightly ahead of the Board's expectations.
The Domestic Division has made good progress: social housing refurbishment continues to be a strong growth driver; volume sales with existing customers have increased; product ranges extended and margin enhancing product initiatives implemented.
The Industrial Division has benefited from strong positions in the health and education segments of the market; growing involvement in major commercial infrastructure projects and continues to add new customers to its contract repair and maintenance business.
New businesses acquired in the last financial year, Price Tools and Warrens, are performing ahead of expectations with the power tools and personal protective equipment offer of Price Tools being successfully rolled out across the existing branch network.
The outlook continues to be positive and the Board remains confident that the Group can meet expectations for the second half.
The Group's announcement of its interim results for the six months ending 30th September 2006 will be on Monday 27th November 2006.
For further information, please contact:
The BSS Group PLC
Gavin Slark, Chief Executive
Roddy Murray, Finance Director
Tel: 0116 - 256 7006
Hogarth Partnership
Andrew Jaques
Rachel Hirst
Charlie Field
Tel: 020 - 7357 9477