Difficult conditions are still being seen in the UK flooring industry, one manufacturer has noted.
According to James Halstead, the market remains "challenging", as the effects of the recession continue to be felt.
The company explained that because the commercial flooring sector represents a "finishing trade to the new-build construction" industry, the impact of the slowdown has been delayed.
However, it added that the market for refurbishment is "more robust" and lower energy and raw material costs have helped compensate for the inevitable decline in sales.
Despite 40 per cent of sales coming from the UK, James Halstead suggested that growth overseas - particularly in Germany - will help it meet expectations.
Founded in 1915, the firm started out as a textiles company before moving into flooring in the 1930s.
It received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2006, which it states demonstrates recognition of its "ongoing achievement in international trade".
