Sales at Howden Joinery increased by 7.6% on a same depot basis for the first 16 weeks of 2013, according to an interim management statement released today, but the group has said it 'remains cautious' about the rest of the year.
Sales, up 9.3% overall, benefitted from an additional week of trading compared with last year. Howdens is planning to open around 20 to 30 new depots this year, and with one having opened already, it is now trading from 530 UK-wide.

The group said it was "continually seeking opportunities to improve the performance of [its] business operations." This has included reconfiguring its transport operations to "better reflect the geographical mix of [the company's] sales in the UK and improve service to [its] depots." This will result in an exceptional charge and cash cost in respect of continuing operations in the first half of 2013 of about £5m.

Howdens reported that there had been no material changes to the group's financial position during the 16 weeks.