Announcing the first set of results since the disposal of Nevill Long Ltd in March 2006, timber importer and distributor James Latham has recorded a 5.3% increase in pre-tax profits for the first half year, compared with the same period last year.

Sales from continuing activities for the 6 months to 30 September 2006 were £49,072,000 against £47,430,000 last year, a 3.5% increase and the operating profit from continuing activities rose by 40.2% to £2,606,000 compared with £1,859,000 last year.

Pre-tax profit stands at £2,905,000, up 5.3% on last year’s £2,759,000 which included the profit contribution from Nevill Long Ltd.

Roger Latham, Chairman of James Latham plc commented, "After a disappointing first six months last year, Lathams Ltd has performed very satisfactorily in the six months to 30 September 2006. The company is now becoming less dependant on commodity products where prices and margins are more prone to wide fluctuations."

"Price increases in the first half of the financial year have had a beneficial effect on sales and particularly on margins and the increased profit at Lathams Ltd has replaced the shortfall in profit due to the sale of Nevill Long Ltd on 31 March 2006", he concluded

-ends-

For further information contact: Tim Roberts, Connectpoint PR on 07831 151007