SAFESTYLE UK has announced its strongest financial performance since the second half of 2017.

The Bradford-based leading PVCu windows and doors specialist has revealed its interim results for the six months ended July 4, 2021.

These show revenue of £73.0m, an increase of 13.3 per cent on the same period in 2019, and a 73.4 per cent rise on 2020 when the firm's operations were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic - following on from the group's turnaround plan which began in 2018.

An underlying profit before taxation of £5.1m represents the strongest financial performance of the business since the second half of 2017 and a £10.4m turnaround versus the second half of 2018.

Safestyle says this was driven by a recovery in volume and improvements in gross margin alongside the firm's transformation agenda.

Gross profit was also higher in the first half of 2021, at £23.5m, compared to £16.6m in 2019 and £9.7m in 2020.

The report adds: "The Covid pandemic continued to impact operations in H1 2021 and our priority remained the safety of our staff and customers throughout the period. Managers and staff have shown huge flexibility and resilience as we have sustained our commercial operations.

"Despite the sustained turbulence, continued progress was made against our core strategies, including brand development, consumer finance costs, revenue management, compliance and sustainability."

The company's order book at the end of the first half of this year was 9.6 per cent ahead of the position in 2020, and 65.7 per cent ahead of the position in 2019.

A 14th installation depot was recently opened in Milton Keynes, improving operational coverage, reducing travelling time and will help drive the productivity of the fitting teams.

CEO Mike Gallacher said: "The business faced continued operational disruption during H1 and I am proud of the flexibility and resilience of all our staff in sustaining our operations while ensuring the safety of our customers and our people.

"The momentum we built on return from the first lockdown was sustained into H1 2021 resulting in strong revenue growth versus 2019 and an order book 65.7% higher than at the end of H1 2019. This performance has underpinned our ability to deliver a rapid recovery in profitability and a further strengthening of our balance sheet.

"Despite the continuing challenges of managing the disruption caused by the pandemic we have continued to make progress on a number of our strategic priorities. Our aim remains to build long term value for shareholders by modernising the business and hence building the foundations for sustained long term growth."

The firm has also reduced its CO2 per frame installed by 10.9 per cent versus 2020, with 95 per cent of waste being recycled, including the removal of old product from customers' homes.

Going forward the firm says it is anticipating continued operational challenges for the remainder of the year, particularly potential supply chain disruption and shortages in skilled labour.

However, Mr Gallacher told the Telegraph & Argus that it was currently recruiting for people to take part its its first Academy programme to train those who want to work within the industry - particularly as window fitters.

Those taking part would gain a qualification after a year, and it was a great time to start the Academy, with many people looking for a change in career, he added.

There had been a strong uptake so far, he said. 

In today's report, the firm also pledged to take prompt action in anticipating further cost pressures during the second half of the year, including raw materials and labour cost increases.

Safestyle adds that demand has normalised over the summer compared to very high levels from February to April as the lockdown restrictions eased and "other channels for consumer spending re-opened".

"Trading in July and August has continued to be as expected notwithstanding the operational challenges we continue to experience. H2 will see continued focus on delivering and embedding our long term strategic priorities. Faced with this sustained uncertainty, the Board expects performance for the full 2021 year to be in line with current expectations," it adds.