James Halstead full-year sales and profits set to hit record levels

Its improved results represented a "creditable performance in still difficult trading conditions", according to the board.

The AIM-listed group's flooring installations through the year were said to be "wide-ranging", with clients such as Harrow School, Euro Disney's Hotel New York, the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar and Chanel concessions across the globe.

Halstead also noted that its healthcare business had continued to make "good progress" and said it was particularly pleased to report that its UK turnover, representing about 35% of total sales, was ahead of the prior year by around 7%.

"Across many regions, but especially in Europe competition is ever increasing with new entrants peddling an increasing array of flooring of various degrees of quality and availability," said the firm.

However, Halstead remained "confident" that its investment in marketing, sampling, sales representation and training/technical support continued to differentiate it from the pack.

As of 1100 BST, James Halstead shares had ticked up 0.090% to 512.46p.