James Halstead flags lower first-half sales amid challenging market
By Josh White
Date: Thursday 29 Jan 2026
(Sharecast News) - James Halstead said in an update on Thursday that first-half sales would be slightly lower year-on-year, reflecting challenging market conditions in parts of Europe and Asia Pacific and the impact of a more conservative approach to customer credit, while the group reported continued strength in the UK and growth in several international markets.
In a trading update ahead of interim results for the six months ended 31 December, the company said Central European and Asia Pacific markets remained difficult and have weighed on overall sales.
UK revenue was described as robust and marginally ahead of last year despite uncertain conditions, while further growth was recorded in North America and the Middle East.
The group also reported increased sales to its South African distributor.
James Halstead said its cautious stance on customer credit, previously flagged in its annual report, had contributed to lower revenue in some markets, including the UK.
It said the tighter credit controls had also had an impact on profitability, with the board expecting a small reduction in first-half profit compared with the prior year.
Looking ahead, the company said it expected new and updated product ranges manufactured in its UK factories to support higher revenue, noting that there was sufficient spare capacity to accommodate a meaningful uplift in volumes.
It also highlighted the relaunch of the Expona Commercial collection in Germany, which had received favourable reviews, with early sales described as encouraging.
The group said recent senior management changes in the Asia-Pacific region were expected to sharpen the focus on top-line growth, supporting improvements in both revenue and profitability in the second half of the financial year.
James Halstead added that cash balances increased during the first half, the balance sheet remained ungeared and investment in UK sites continues.
The company said it expected to publish its interim results for the half-year ended 31 December on 31 March.
At 1156 GMT, shares in James Halstead were up 0.01% at 137.51p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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