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Miller Group, the housing and construction specialist, reported sales in 2010 of 拢666m, down 15% from 2009, when its sales were 拢783m. It made a loss before tax of 拢58m in 2010, an improvement on 2009鈥檚 loss of 拢72.4m.

Despite the housing market weakening in the second half of 2010, Miller Group chief executive Keith Miller is optimistic there will be a recovery in 2011. 鈥淓verything depends on the spring selling season but so far, so good.

鈥淰isitor levels since the new year are up 18% on the same period last year鈥� he said.

During 2010, Miller Group sold 1,915 homes, compared with 2,068 in 2009 鈥� a reduction of 7%. Some of the reduction was expected, as the firm sold from 79 sites in 2010, compared with 100 during 2009.

While a reduction was anticipated, the housing market weakened in the second half of 2010, a trend which Keith Miller blamed on the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Miller reduced its net debt by 拢170m but it still stands at 拢500m, while there is a further 拢200m in debt in special purpose vehicles, primarily exposed to the commercial sector.

In an attempt to reduce volatility in its construction division, chief executive Chris Webster will be leading a push towards frameworks as he tries to 鈥渄iversify the business away from an over-reliance on short term capital projects鈥�.

This will also involve participating on projects right from the outset, as well as getting involed with operations and maintenance.