The boss of the Grafton Group has said he expects construction in both Ireland and the UK to grow, as the building supplies giant reported a 9% rise in revenue and a 16% rise in pre-tax profits in the six months until the end of June.

Grafton Group has announced that, for the half year to the end of June, it made a before-tax profit of £79.1m, a 16% increase on the same period last year.

Builders suppliers Grafton Group is planning to expand its presence in Europe.

Shares in Dublin-headquartered builders merchanting business Grafton Group slipped yesterday as the UK-focused company warned that Brexit uncertainty is negatively affecting its trade at present.

Builders’ merchants group Grafton has expressed confidence in maintaining long-term profit growth, despite lowering its current year forecasts due to market challenges.

Irish-headquartered builders’ merchants and DIY firm Grafton Group have bought a market leading Dutch company in its biggest ever deal in Continental Europe.

Grafton, the Dublin-headquartered builders merchanting and DIY retail group, is actively reviewing opportunities to expand its operational presence in western Europe.

Five jobs are at risk at Grafton Recruitment after the company said it was actively reviewing the operation of its Cork branch.