Improved performance in engineering with order books at record levels coupled with continued strong trading throughout the remainder of the business have produced some positive results for Carr's, the Agriculture and Engineering Group.

Interim results for the six months ended February 26, 2022, show the Carlisle-based Group's revenue increase 10.6% from £201.4m to £222.7m to produce an operating profit of £10.0m – up 0.2% on the year, or £9.5m before tax.

Total feed sales volumes were 2.5% lower, although selling prices were 26.3% higher. Machinery revenues were 0.4% ahead of the prior year with total retail sales up 4.1%. Milder weather led to fuel volumes down 8.5%.

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Engineering performance improved significantly on the year with £44.2m of orders at the end of the period – 8.6% higher than the same time in 2021 and 13.9% above the year end position of £38.8m.

Peter Page, executive chairman, said: "Carr's Group has performed well in the first half, with a strong performance in agricultural supplies at a time of extraordinary raw material cost increases. A marked recovery in engineering offset the input cost impact on margins in speciality agriculture.

"The outlook for the second half remains positive with the group on track to meet the board’s expectations for the full year."