Growth in sales to the public sector and commercial market have counterbalanced a slide in the domestic market.

Revenue from operations in the first six months of the year was up £1m on last year at £211m.

Like-for-like sales to the public sector and commercial market rose 9% from the corresponding period of 2007, but sales to the domestic market, which represent around 45% of Marshalls total sales, were down 10%.

Despite the steady trading, the company is progressing with its cost cutting programme and will cease manufacturing at its operations in Cannock and Sawley. The Sawley plant will become regional distribution centre.