Adverse working conditions, including the coldest March since 1910, reduced revenues at landscaping specialist Marshalls in the 19 weeks to May 10.

Turnover during the period was £103 million – six per cent lower than the £109 million a year earlier. The Elland-based company said underlying activity was in line with expectations, but bad weather delayed the normal seasonal upturn.

Order intake had recovered strongly since the middle of April to offset the shortfall and the cost reduction and cash realisation measures, instigated in 2012, continued to deliver positive results.

Sales to the public sector and commercial market, which represent about 65 per cent of Marshalls’ sales, were down six per cent, although Marshalls has secured a stone cladding supply contract that is expected to be worth more than £5 million over the next two years.

Domestic sales, which account for around 30 per cent of the business, fell eight per cent, but orderbooks were rising again. International sales grew by seven per cent and now contribute around five per cent of Marshalls’ turnover.

Marshalls received £17.5 million in cash last month from selling its quarries and associated aggregate businesses to Breedon Aggregates England Limited which helped reduce net debt to £28 million below the level at the same stage in 2012.