Growing UK flooring distributor Likewise plc reports "significant progress" in trading despite the lockdowns with a profitable performance that is well ahead of expectations.
The group, headed by Tony Brewer as chief executive, has acquired and grown several brands as it expands in market share in the UK and includes brands such as A&A, Factory Flooring, H&V, William Armes (Dandy), Bruce Starke and Lewis Abbott.
In a trading statement to investors, Mr Brewer said: "The Group has exceeded its internal budgets for Q1 2021. While January and February are seasonally lower trading months, March will be profitable and well ahead of expectations.
"Our successful trading during the non-essential retail lockdown during late 2020 and early 2021 has been achieved through Flooring Installers being allowed to operate in consumers’ homes as advised in Government guidelines, plus activities in the commercial flooring market."
He added: "With retail due to return to some normality on 12 April, we have extensive product and display initiatives prepared which will significantly increase our retail market presence during April and May."
Likewise has also been focusing on its logistics network, including the opening its major distribution hub in Morley near Leeds and local warehousing, backed up by an integrated IT system.
Likewise is due to announce its full year results in May.