DIY and home improvement retailer Wickes has reported revenue growth up 33.1%, gross profit of 30.5%, and adjusted profit before tax  £1.5m ahead of guidance.

Adjusted profit before tax increased to £46.5million, reflecting its demerger from Travis Perkins, ahead of guidance of around £45million.

The company now expects to deliver full-year adjusted profit before tax towards the upper end of the market (£67million-£75million), assuming no “significant” change as a result of COVID disruption.

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Growth of its business has been led by its Core division, and following the reopening of its Do-It-For-For-Me (DIFM) showrooms, sales grew “strongly” through May and June and have settled to be in line with 2019 figures.

It also reported one million interactions with its virtual showroom within six weeks of launch in Q4 2020, and two thirds of its sales were driven from digital channels in the first half of 2021.

Chief executive of Wickes David Wood commented: “In Core we have gained further market share driven by the strength of our proposition and DIFM has been remarkably resilient despite showrooms being closed through to April.

“Throughout this period, our strong relationships with suppliers means that we have navigated inflationary pressures and raw material constraints well – and this remains the case.”

The company believes digital development and product innovation will drive the acceleration of growth within DIFM.

However sales uplifts from three store refits have delivered returns on investment and the company plans to speed up its spending programme moving into the second half of the year.

David Wood commented on the company’s financial results: “This is a strong first half performance underpinned by our attractive, digitally-led, service-enabled proposition.

“In our first set of results since demerger, we have delivered an increase in sales and profits as we continue to help the nation feel house proud.”

The retailer also pointed to a “strong” outlook with an ageing housing stock, continued property transactions and growing consumer confidence driving customers to improve their homes.

Demand for installers, as well as product supply restrictions, also means project lead times have extended, which Wickes states will result in a higher carry over order book into 2022.

David Wood added: “While the immediate external environment remains volatile, we look to the future with confidence.

“We expect to deliver a full year-adjusted Profit Before Tax towards the upper end of expectations, and beyond that, we have the right business model to win over more customers and capitalise on the growth opportunities within a large and growing home improvement market.”