Firm to release 2023 numbers in March

Brickmaker Forterra has said revenue last year will be nearly one quarter less than 2022鈥檚 figure when it reports its annual results in March.

In a trading update, the firm said turnover last year will end up at around 拢345m, a fall of 24% on the 拢455m posted the year before.

But it added that it was hiking its prices with 鈥渕odest 2024 price increases recently communicated鈥.

forterra bricks

Forterra said despatch levels were running at a rate last seen in 2009

It said that UK brick despatch rates were running at levels last seen in 2009 鈥 when the economy was in the teeth of the global financial crisis 鈥 and added that 鈥渨ith a general election expected in 2024, demand is anticipated to remain subdued in the near term鈥.

But it said that interest rate reductions 鈥渨ill improve the affordability of new homes, thus increasing demand for our products鈥.

Last year, Forterra said it was mothballing two factories in Lancashire and West Yorkshire, while it has also reduced shifts and restructured its commercial and back office functions which it said will cost it 拢9m with 拢4m due to be paid in 2024. It said the rejig would save it 拢20m annually.

The firm is due to publish its 2023 results on 26 March.