NORTHAMPTON: Travis Perkins reported a 24% jump in its pre-tax profits to £112m in the first half of the year as the construction sector experienced a slight surge.

The company stated that it might suffer from the cuts in public sector building projects. But, it believes that this will be balanced by a rise in construction across much of the private sector.

BSS Group, which agreed to be purchased by rival TP earlier this month, reported "strong growth" in the 17 weeks to 28 July. BSS' revenues rose by 11.5% to £435.3m in that period. Its underlying sales increased by 7%.