Howdens Group achieved record sales and profits in the first half of 2021, with a revenue of £784.9million and gross profit margin of 61.3%.

Group revenue was up 68.8% on H1 2020, which was significantly impacted by COVID, but was also 20.3% higher than H1 in 2019.

Gross profit margin was also up against 2020 figures of 59.4% and 61.9% in 2019, with a higher mix of everyday and promotional items.

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Howdens reported the price increases more than recovered increasing commodity and freight costs.

Howden Joinery UK depot revenue of £764.1million was 68.5% up on H1 2020 and 67.1% higher on a same depot basis.

Compared to H1 2019, Howden Joinery UK depot revenue increased by 19.8% and 15.3% on a same depot basis.

Chief executive Andrew Livingston said: “Howdens delivered a very strong performance in the first half of 2021, with sales and profit before tax at record levels for the period.”

He continued: “This robust performance demonstrates the strength of our trade only, in-stock, local business model and the benefit of pent-up demand as people choose to spend more on their homes.

“With that in mind, we now believe there is potential for at least 900 depots in the UK, including 20-25 in Northern Ireland and plan to start testing the Howdens model in the Republic of Ireland in 2022.”

Howdens invested £23.8million, up on the 2020 figure of £22.3million in new and revamped depots, manufacturing capacity and digital investments in the first half of the year.

It saw Howdens open seven depots and close one in the UK, bringing the total number to 754, as well as revamp 28 depots and re-rack a further eight.

In addition, the company reported its solid surface manufacturing facility is now open and 14 of its 17 new kitchen ranges now on sale, with sales of the new ranges higher than the first half of 2019.

Howdens also developed its digital offering with “anytime ordering” launched for trade customers, and reported increased web visits, online brochure requests and resulting depot contacts.

The company plans to spend a further £90million in 2021, including new and refurbished depots, in-house manufacturing, investment in digital and deferred spending from 2020.

Having already started to open and refurbish depots, by the end of 2021, Howdens plans to have opened a total 45 depots in the UK and France, revamped 62 stores and installed vertical racking for 30 depots.

Speaking about the outlook for 2021, and considering risks of future pandemic restrictions, inflationary costs and potential reduction in pent-up demand, Livingston said: “While we are aware that economic uncertainties persist and also of the strong comparatives we will trade against in the second half, we are encouraged by the progress made so far in 2021 and remain confident in our business model for the future.”

Howdens has recently become a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Network, to strengthen its commitment to the circular economy, sustainability, and the environment.