Growth in the UK was among the weakest of Halstead’s global operations but still ticked-up 3.5% with the company now generating a third of its turnover from this country.

Half year results to December 31 2011 show group pre-tax profit up 14% to £21m on turnover up 11% to £117.7m.

A rise in refurbishment work helped turnover hit record levels in the UK.

The company said: “Whilst there is much comment on the slow-down in new builds in our core healthcare and education markets, the refurbishment work in these areas remains buoyant.”

Chairman Geoffrey Halstead was also bullish about future prospects.

He said: “We can be confident that the year will continue in a similar vein. There are significant new projects around the globe and ongoing refurbishment.”