The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Perthshire materials firm builds on success
A Proctor Group anticipates full return to normal trading
A major Perthshire construction materials company said Covid would only have a small impact on its annual sales as it anticipated a full return to normal trading.
Blairgowrie-based A Proctor Group produces a range of construction products including acoustic flooring, thermal insulation and condensation control materials.
Newly filed accounts show the firm saw pre-tax profits increase by 10.2%, to £2 million for the year ending December 31, 2019.
Turnover dipped from £29.8m to £29.7m last year.
The firm said the pandemic had resulted in poorer sales for two months this year, but it had adapted quickly.
Communications director Angela McIntyre said: “We are looking at a strong third and fourth quarter and are now better prepared for a second spike should it happen.
“The group had a very strong year in 2019 which gave confidence as regards to budget expectations in 2020.
“We had a steady first quarter this year until Covid-19 unexpectedly hit in March and found our sales hugely reduced in April like many other businesses across the world.
“The second quarter was a challenge, however quarter three is looking very successful and we are responding well to the needs of the industry as it rebuilds.
“The outlook is good and with our people being a huge asset, we will go from strength to strength.”
The firm has a headcount of 63 overall, with 54 employed in Perthshire.
The current focus of the company is on airtight membranes and fire solutions suitable for new build and refurbishment, as well as the growing modular offsite manufacturing sector.
Group managing director Keira Proctor said the construction industry is changing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the firm is at the forefront of using new technologies and strategies to lead the way.
She said: “I am extremely proud of how all our staff have supported the business through what has been a challenging time and our ability to evolve and adapt to maximise on potential during the Covid-19 crisis has been admirable.”
Export sales at the firm increased by 217% over the period, from £326,350, to £1m and the firm said new geographical locations are a priority.
The firm’s “lockdown not shutdown” webinar series, launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has attracted 20,000 views since April – topping the podcast charts for construction and has attracted global audiences.