Latest results for the six months to June 30 2026 show revenue down to £168.8m from £195.1m last time.

But pre-tax profits were up to £11.5m from £8.4m as the company introduced a cost efficiency programme across its factories and a “low single digit” price increase stuck across the market.

Forterra said it out-performed the wider market because of its specialism in extruded brick which is being favoured by house builders and increased brick slip production.

Neil Ash, Chief Executive Officer said: “Our markets remained challenging in the first half and, in this environment, we took decisive management actions to put Forterra in a strong position for when the inevitable upturn arrives. We produced a resilient performance and, with demand continuing to favour extruded brick, we have again been able to outperform the wider brick market.

“We continue to grow our business beyond the core. A good example of this is our investment in brick slips. We are putting in place solid foundations in this attractive and growing market which will allow us to build a leading position.

“Accrington is now supplying extruded slips into its first projects, and we are investing around £2m in a dedicated brick slip cutting facility at our Measham site, enabling us to build a leading range of both extruded and cut brick slips.

“Markets are certainly challenging at present but looking beyond the current year, the Board remains confident that our recent investments in new production capacity leave the Group well placed to benefit from the market’s structural growth drivers and a sustained recovery when it occurs.

“We anticipate demand in H2 will be similar to that seen in H1.”