Lawsons reports resilient six months

Independent south-east builders merchant Lawsons Group delivered a ‘resilient performance’ in the six-months to December 31 2025, it was revealed today (July 15).

It was the first such announcement since the group changed its ownership structure in March, by transferring a majority shareholding in the business to the newly established Lawsons Non-Family Employee Benefit Trust, and also following the decision to change its financial year-end from 30th June to 31st December to provide easier comparison with sector peers and give stakeholders a clearer picture of the underlying performance of the business.

In the six months to December 31, the group saw turnover of £78.8m. Gross profit and gross margin percentage for the six-month period were £31.5m (Year ended 30 June 2025 – £62.Sm) and 40.0% (Year ended 30 June 2025 – 38.2%) respectively.

The performance was set against a backdrop of challenging market conditions across the construction sector and positions the business well for future growth and investment.

Lawsons group finance director Chris Harrison, said: “These results demonstrate the strength, resilience and long-term thinking that have always characterised Lawsons. While many businesses in our sector have faced significant challenges, we have continued to invest in our people, our branches, our customer proposition and our future. The decision to move our year-end to 31st December provides better comparability with our industry peers and a reporting cycle that more closely reflects the seasonal nature of our business.

“Equally significant is the formation of the Lawsons Non-Family Employee Benefit Trust and the transfer of majority ownership into that structure. This was not simply a change of ownership; it is a statement of intent. Lawsons has always believed that looking after people is the foundation of a successful business. The Trust protects our independence, preserves our culture and creates a lasting legacy that will benefit current and future generations of colleagues and their families.”

The Directors expect the trading environment to decline further in 2026, with continued economic uncertainty and the major conflicts in Europe and the Middle East impacting the global economy. Domestically, high levels of corporate and consumer debt and interest rates and taxation are delaying consumer spending. Early indications from both publicly listed companies and private equity producing results for 2025 and outlook for 2026 are that the sector remains oversupplied and challenging.