Michelmersh Brick Holdings was established in November 1997 to enable the acquisition of Michelmersh Brick & Tile and Dunton Brothers.

Dunton makes traditional bricks at Ley Hill, Buckinghamshire and Michelmersh Brick & Tile is a long established business manufacturing premium quality bricks and tiles operating from a site near Romsey, Hampshire.

In February 1999, the business of Charnwood was acquired in Leicestershire. Charnwood has an excellent reputation for high quality handmade bricks for building and restoration projects. Charnwood Bricks were recently used in the restoration of St Pancras Station.

In February 2000, the Company acquired Blockleys in Telford, the leading producer of specification wire cut bricks and clay pavers. The 100 acre site also includes a quarry and landfill operation and some 80 acres of land on which a phased residential redevelopment scheme has been approved in outline by the local planning authority.

The Group has consistently invested in its plant to maximise the efficiency and quality of its product.

In 2004 shares were offered to the public as the business was successfully floated on the AIM Market.

In 2009 Hathern Terra cotta was established at our Charnwood plant continuing over 100 years of tradition in the manufacture of faience. Already work has been won at the Savoy Hotel and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Our most recent acquisition is Freshfield Lane Brickworks, the leading manufacturer of clamp-fired stock bricks based near Haywards Heath. The business has built a strong reputation for excellence in the production of distinctive, clamp fired, multi-coloured stock facing bricks and pavers targeted at the niche premium segment of the market.

The Group now employs over 300 people at its five plants and has an annual capacity of some 70 million pieces.

The latest acquisition has reinforced our position as Britain's Brick Specialists. Our skills, service, range of products and well invested plant combine to provide distinctive products not only that we can be proud of, but that also give value and pleasure to our customers, those involved in design and construction and to generations to come.


http://www.mbhplc.co.uk/about-us

A under value recovery play. At the half- year stage, Mickelmersh warned that profits would be well down in 2012 due to tough trading conditions, although the company should atleast break even. The attraction being for some time the company has been trying to sell off land it owns in Telford to housebuilders. Progress is being made on a deal with Persimmon and planning consent is being sort on further brown-field land.
A stronger market for sites increases the prospect of Michelmersh realising value from these assets. Meanwhile, the company offers longer-term cynical upside should construction activity begin to pick up.This could be a recovery play, which could offer the tantalising prospect of making substantial returns over a short period. Buying shares in a company that is priced for failure but actually primed for revival can result in the double whammy of substantial earnings growth and a whacking re-rating as the recovery story takes hold. But remember the market is only likely to price a stock for failure when failure is a real possibility. Could be a corking recovery play or indeed a stinker.

Moving very fast up 8.5%, not a stinker.

What it atracted me was not only the Posible recovery play being on the construction business but the NAV of 60p when I bought some last Friday.

Some large trades at middle price reported late, look like any overhang was cleared, so any buying is pushing the share price on the way up now.

Same thoughts MJ. :-))

dreamcatcher

re - Net asset value 60p

The key to the brick-maker's value is its asset value. The company buys land from which it extracts clay to make bricks, then allows landfill on the land before selling it on for development.

Michelmersh now has over 2.5 times its valuation in net tangible assets, though the real value may be greater as the land is accounted for on the balance sheet at cost, not as development land.

I think we both have spotted the company potential

The move up is on the bid today after MMs forgotten to do so on the afternoon buys yesterday.

Narrowing the spread is allway a good thing 26 / 27p now

Back up to the 2013 high this morning.

It seems MMs are moving the prices up and down as they fancy.

Lets hope there is a large delay buy or buys

Keep hold of this one mj.

another nice rise on small size buying

Did you pick up any AUG Mj another recovery play on the move, not so at the moment as this one.

Not yet is on the watch list, but as so many.
naturally is a question of how big is your bank account for shares.

Another good move up at both sides 27 / 28p highest so far

Some good size buys earlier on

Anyone who risked investing here well done, as I said in the heading the sp was priced for failure.

Heading for the whacking re-rating.

Near on 50% up since Friday 11th Jan

Some interest this afternoon again and MMs covering their #rse just like the other day with a large spread at the moment, most likely do not want the share price to explode.

wonder if a large trade to be reported later

It does move with the low volume we can see at present, there could be a large buy
in the back ground.

re - why is rising so fast

The normal thing also is MMs are short of stock, so the only way is mark the stock up till a seller comes to save their books

58 million shares in issue

Las month interesting news ........

Company News
Aquarian Cladding Partnership / 3rd December 2012

MBH PLC is pleased to announce its partnership with Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd as sole providers of UK stock bricks to be used in the company’s Gebrik Insulating Brick Cladding System.

Gebrik, invented in Belgium in 1982, is an excellent brick cladding solution for either over-cladding existing buildings to improve their appearance, thermal performance and durability, or for use on new buildings to improve programme, reduce site storage and scaffold requirements and to minimise construction costs associated with supporting brickwork at height. Available in a range of brick sizes, the brick slips are cast in polyurethane under factory controlled conditions to create approx 1m² prefabricated, composite sheets, which can be mechanically fixed to masonry, timber or steel frame substrates on site.

The partnership between MBH and Aquarian Cladding brings a range of stock brick finishes to the Gebrik range, all carefully selected for their superior quality, appearance and technical specification. The extensive choice of finishes now includes First Quality, Selected Dark and Danehill Yellow Facings from Freshfield Lane, and Hampshire Red, Sussex Red and Victorian Red handmade bricks from Charnwood. The combination of MBH’s products and arguably the best tested and most cost-effective brick cladding system in Europe delivers a traditional, high quality finish to brick facades in an innovative system that is easy and fast to install and provides excellent energy efficiency.

Aquarian Cladding Systems Ltd is the exclusive UK distributor of the Gebrik system and has been providing technical, commercial and installation support to architects, contractors and specialist installation contractors since 2007. During this time Gebrik has been used to refurbish ageing housing stock and school estates, in addition to cladding new buildings, such as leisure centres, academies, student accommodation and of course, new housing. Aquarian has also worked with off-site volumetric building manufacturers and unitised curtain walling specialists.

Gebrik is BBA certified and has been successfully tested to the stringent CWCT and BRE standards ensuring it satisfies building insurers and local building control officers alike.

Gebrik will:

Improve build quality
Reduce a traditional brickwork programme
Reduce wall thickness
Improve thermal performance
Reduce the facade loadings on foundations and frames
Minimise site storage and deliveries
Eliminate the requirement for scaffold
Reduce the dependence on good weather

Up just under 4% with no volume today

HAD A 1/3 RETRACEMENT

and today bounce back, MMs as I said before are manipulating the share price up and down on the past, but on the way the share price is moving at different times of the day. gives me the idea of MMs short of stock and moving up with every buy ( 3 so far) the buys are above size maybe that is the reason.

A strange day on the markets today.

Trading Update and Notice of Results
RNS
RNS Number : 7397W
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
31 January 2013



31 January 2013







Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Company")





Trading Update and Notice of Full Year Results

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, is pleased to report that overall trading, for the twelve months ended 31 December 2012, was marginally ahead of market expectations.

In September 2012, the Company reported that it expected only to break even, however as a consequence of a better than expected performance in the final quarter, the Board now expects to announce a modest profit for the year. Trading activity in the second half of 2012 was very patchy; in October record levels of turnover and profitability were achieved, whilst November and December were less busy.

Order intake in the latter part of 2012 was encouraging and January 2013 started well, but recent weather conditions have threatened the promise of a good start to the year.

MBH is also making positive progress with its development activities. It has received a satisfactory final determination of the option price of its consented land in Telford and is in discussions with Persimmon as to how to take this matter forward. The 15 acre former factory site at Telford is proceeding through the planning process and there is strong interest, from a number of residential developers, in acquiring the site.

Notice of Results

MBH intends to announce its full year results, for the twelve months ended 31 December 2012, on Monday 25 March 2013, when it will provide a further update on trading

Construction news Sat February 2nd 2013 - Boost for brickmaker

http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/boost-for-brickmaker

Good tom see the sharp fall pulled back today from yesterday

Outline Planning Consent Granted for Telford Site
RNS
RNS Number : 3946X
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
07 February 2013



07 February 2013







Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH", the "Group" or the "Company")





Outline Planning Consent Granted for Telford Site

Further to the Group's previous statements about the expected planning developments at its 15 acre freehold site in Telford, Michelmersh Brick Holdings is pleased to announce that at a planning meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council on 6 February 2013, a resolution was passed to approve outline planning consent for the site. The consent relates to the residential development of up to 185 dwellings subject to standard conditions. The consented land was formerly the site of brick manufacturing which ceased in 2010 and is adjacent to the Group's current brick manufacturing facility which is expected to continue to manufacture 22 million bricks per annum.

Further details will be provided when the Company reports its full year results, for the year ended 31 December 2012, on Monday 25 March 2013.

Up 4% today.

Up 8.80% does move fast on even low volume.

closed up 13.60% :-))

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 35.50. Over this period, the share price is up 44.90%

Final results mon 25 March

Final Results



Financial Highlights



· Group turnover of £24.5 million (2011: £24.3 million)

· Operating profit of £1.04 million (2011: £1.34 million)

· Earnings per share of 0.02p (2011: 2.60p)

· Net Asset Value per share of 61.0p (2011: 59.7p)

· Cash generated by operations of £2.6 million (2011: £1.9 million)

· Net borrowings of the Group fell by £1.4 million to £18.4 million (2011: £19.8 million)



Operational Highlights



· Progress to planning consent for 185 houses on Telford former factory land

· Completion of the determination on initial phases of the option land at Telford

· Reduction in net working capital

· Improvement in average selling price to £355 per thousand (2011: £345)

· Launch of three product initiatives





http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4560699




Michelmersh Brick HDG: Westhouse Securities shifts target price from 60p to 61p leaving its buy recommendation unaltered.

Many questions for investors

A very high NAV 61.0p
but are those numbers discounted by the borrowings of £18.4 million ?

EPS at 0.02p
about time to convert NAV into profits

I am certainly out, the turn around is not yet there with this numbers.

Thanks for that m

DC I cannot remember ever commenting on this share but I am glad you are up 50%. I have never intimatated that you are daft!!!

I know you have never intimated I'm daft, it was a figure of speech to menorca1.lol

Intimated on my behalf was spelt incorrectly. Taken me all my time to keep warm today, electric cut off but now on again thankfully.

Thats fine 3m. Wow, was it an area power fault or your own home ? Been 0 here all day and taking the wind chill into account -3/-4 in that region. Looks like a white easter here forecast. You will have to have g and t to warm the blood. lol

Area fault dc. Think the g and t will be going out of the window I suspect it thins the blood. Hot water bottle is more my scene at the moment - sky looks crap so you may be correct with the white easter. At least I am and hope you are better than some.

Keep warm 3m, forgot what your little saying was. lol

The chances of getting a good return again is on the company plant on the next 12 month

The company highlights do not put what it really matter to the market ....

Profit for the financial year 9K ( 1,512M )

That was very clear to me trying to hide the important factor

3% rise today.

Up another 3%

Posting of Annual Report & Notice of AGM

RNS


RNS Number : 7254C

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

22 April 2013






22 April 2013

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

(the "Company")



Posting of Annual Report & Notice of Annual General Meeting



Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM:MBH.L), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, announces that it has posted its Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2012 to shareholders, together with the Notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held at 11.00am on Wednesday 22 May 2013 at Tavistock Communications, 131 Finsbury Pavement, London, EC2A 1NT.

ft.com/marketsdata -
The one analyst offering a 12 month price target expects Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc share price to rise to 61.00 in the next year from the last price of 29.00

Back up to 30p

Share price forecast




The one analyst offering a 12 month price target expects Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc share price to rise to 61.00 in the next year from the last price of 28.00.


On Wednesday, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH:LSE) closed at 30.00, 16.67% below its 52-week high of 36.00, set on Mar 22, 2013.


AGM / EGM
22 May 13 Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC [MBH]

Sale of Land at Telford

RNS


RNS Number : 7325F

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

29 May 2013






29 May 2013

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Group")



SALE OF 15 ACRE SITE IN TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE



Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, is pleased to announce that it has exchanged contracts with Bovis Homes Limited on the sale of the 15 acre former factory site adjacent to its brickworks in Telford, Shropshire for a total consideration of £4.6 million in cash. The consideration is payable as to £1.6 million on completion, with £3.0 million payable in equal instalments on the first and second anniversary of completion, which is expected to take place within four months, after satisfaction of certain conditions. The net proceeds will be used to reduce the Group's borrowings and to meet the cost of the site re-organisation and taxation arising from the sale.



The Group's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 included this plot of land under "current assets land for sale" at a value of £3.35 million, being the estimated sales proceeds less the associated costs of the sale and estimated costs of reconfiguration of the continuing operational brickwork site.



The Group will now seek to bring to completion the planning matters relating to the 15 acres of land ready for disposal under the Persimmon Option agreement, which should benefit from the precedent set by the above sale.



Martin Warner, CEO of MBH said: "The Board is pleased to achieve the disposal of this parcel of land which now allows the Group to proceed with the ongoing development of brick manufacturing, landfill and other development opportunities both at the Telford site and elsewhere in the Group."

29 May Westhouse... 61.00 Buy

up 6%

Looks like they are on the move now

Trading Update and Notice of Half Year Results

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, is pleased to report increased activity in the six months ended 30 June 2013 despite some adverse weather conditions that affected the construction industry in the early part of the year.

The Company's brick despatches were up 10 per cent. over the same period in 2012, which represented a like for like increase of 13 per cent. if activity from Dunton, the Company's brickworks which was closed in May 2013, is stripped out. This pleasing increase compares to the brick industry as a whole where despatches were flat against the equivalent period in 2012.

UK brick prices were largely unchanged in the first half while production costs continue to suffer inflationary pressure through increased energy costs.

MBH's order intake in the second quarter of 2013 was very encouraging and the Company is pleased to announce that the seasonally strong third quarter has started well. Some prestigious orders won include Lend Lease's new Elephant and Castle regeneration scheme, Liverpool University student accommodation, Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford and the Seaburn and Roker re-development.

Outlook
There are now clear signs that the significant industry de-stocking which started in 2009 has come to an end. Whilst this has still not translated into price recovery, there are early signs that these stock levels are now under some pressure across the industry.

Translation of these dynamics and increased housing activity into price recovery will be the determinant whether sales price growth exceeds cost inflation. The Company's full year results are expected be in line with expectations provided the recovery in prices over cost increases is achieved.

Notice of Results
The half year results which are expected to be released on 2 September 2013 will include exceptional costs relating to the closure of the Dunton brickworks, referred to above, and a profit on the disposal of the Company's 15 acre former brick factory site at Telford, for which contracts were exchanged in late May 2013.

Much the same as yours skinny, lol.


Trading Update and Notice of Results

RNS


RNS Number : 7762J

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

22 July 2013








Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Company")





Trading Update and Notice of Half Year Results



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, is pleased to report increased activity in the six months ended 30 June 2013 despite some adverse weather conditions that affected the construction industry in the early part of the year.



The Company's brick despatches were up 10 per cent. over the same period in 2012, which represented a like for like increase of 13 per cent. if activity from Dunton, the Company's brickworks which was closed in May 2013, is stripped out. This pleasing increase compares to the brick industry as a whole where despatches were flat against the equivalent period in 2012.



UK brick prices were largely unchanged in the first half while production costs continue to suffer inflationary pressure through increased energy costs.



MBH's order intake in the second quarter of 2013 was very encouraging and the Company is pleased to announce that the seasonally strong third quarter has started well. Some prestigious orders won include Lend Lease's new Elephant and Castle regeneration scheme, Liverpool University student accommodation, Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford and the Seaburn and Roker re-development.



Outlook

There are now clear signs that the significant industry de-stocking which started in 2009 has come to an end. Whilst this has still not translated into price recovery, there are early signs that these stock levels are now under some pressure across the industry.



Translation of these dynamics and increased housing activity into price recovery will be the determinant whether sales price growth exceeds cost inflation. The Company's full year results are expected be in line with expectations provided the recovery in prices over cost increases is achieved.



Notice of Results

The half year results which are expected to be released on 2 September 2013 will include exceptional costs relating to the closure of the Dunton brickworks, referred to above, and a profit on the disposal of the Company's 15 acre former brick factory site at Telford, for which contracts were exchanged in late May 2013.

22 Jul Westhouse... 61.00 Buy

Another one I bought last week skinny , scatter gun portfolio :-)

Moves fast, up 7%.

Lets hope it makes 61p Dil. :-))

As of last trade Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH:LSE) traded at 41.00, 2.76% below its 52-week high of 39.90, set on Jul 25, 2013.

A buy in this weeks shares mag - an improvement in UK construction activity and tightening supply side in the brick industry bode well for Michelmersh Brick's outlook statement at next month's interims (2 Sept).

On Monday, Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH:LSE) closed at 41.00, 0.00% below its 52-week high of 41.00, set on Aug 15, 2013.

Results Monday 2 September

Half Yearly Report



Financial Highlights

• Group turnover increased 10% to £13.1 million (H1 2012: £11.9 million)
• Exceptional restructuring costs of £2.2 million incurred mainly in relation to closure of Dunton brickworks; £1.7 million uplift in land value as cessation of brick manufacturing at Dunton releases landfill potential at the site
• Operating profit from continuing activities* (excluding restructuring costs) of £376,000 (H1 2012: £493,000)
• Loss before tax of £2.4 million after restructuring costs of £2.2 million (H1 2012: loss of £84,000)
• Continuation of debt reduction process over 12 months of £1.5 million
• Loss per share (after restructuring costs) of 3.15p (H1 2012: loss of 0.14p)
• Net asset value of 60.2p per share (H1 2012: 59.5p)

Operational Highlights

• Volume of bricks sold 36 million (H1 2012: 33 million)
• Strong manufacturing performance during the period with 34.2 million units produced (H1 2012: 35.1 million)
• Maintained brick selling price of ongoing business* at £347 per thousand (H1 2012: £346 per thousand)
• Further rationalisation of the sales administration function
• Contracts exchanged for the sale of the 15 acre former factory site at Telford for a total consideration of £4.6 million
• Prestige orders won include: Lend Lease's new Elephant and Castle regeneration scheme; Liverpool University student accommodation; Ercall Wood Technology College in Telford; and the Seaburn and Roker re-development.

* all references in this announcement to continuing activities, ongoing business or continuing business excludes Dunton

2 Sep Westhouse... 61.00 Buy

No wonder the share price is down since results ( nothing of this world losses, only NAV safe the company figures )


Director Deals - Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH)

Alan Hardy, Executive Director, sold 900,000 shares in the company on the 2nd September 2013 at a price of 39.00p. The Director now holds 5,659,391 shares.

:-))

Sale of 15 Acre Site in Telford

RNS


RNS Number : 6955Q

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

17 October 2013






17 October 2013



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Group")



SALE OF 15 ACRE SITE IN TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE



Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of the 15 acre former factory site adjacent to its brickworks in Telford, Shropshire, to Bovis Homes Limited, for a total consideration of £4.6 million in cash. The consideration is payable as to £1.6 million on completion, with £3.0 million payable in equal instalments on the first and second anniversary of completion. The net proceeds will be used to reduce the Group's borrowings and to meet the cost of the site re-organisation and taxation arising from the sale.



The Group's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2012 included this plot of land under "current assets land for sale" at a value of £3.35 million, being the estimated sales proceeds less the associated costs of the sale and estimated costs of reconfiguration of the continuing operational brickworks site.



Martin Warner, CEO of MBH said: "Completion of the sale of this land is extremely satisfying and is a sound reward for the hard work of our planning and development team. We now move on to address other land assets and maximise their value to the Group.



"We are, however, principally a brick manufacturer and we continue to compete strongly in a market that is showing signs of price recovery. The upturn in demand we have seen over the past few months is encouraging us to invest in our existing plants to increase capacity and efficiency, which will, in due course, increase Group revenue."

Top riser today.

Westhouse Securities Sell 72.00 72.25 61.00 61.00 Downgrades

Double top on chart.

Final Results

RNS


RNS Number : 1849D

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

26 March 2014














26 March 2014



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

(the "Group" or MBH")



FINAL RESULTS

Well financed and positioned to benefit from demand for bricks in the UK



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM:MBH), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, today announces its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2013, a transformational period for the Group's balance sheet, shareholder base and positioning within an industry that is recording brick stock levels reaching a historic low.





Financial Highlights:



- Group turnover of £25.9 million, up 12.6% (2012: £23.0m);

- Operating profit of £1.4 million, a favourable comparison to an operating profit of £1.4 million in 2012 which included £400,000 of carbon surplus;

- Net cash generated by operating activities up from £1.6 million to £3.8 million; and

- Net debt reduced from £18.4 million in 2012 to £4.2 million at 31 December 2013.



Operational Highlights:



- 71 million bricks despatched in the period - 7 million more than in 2012;

- Sharp increase in demand for bricks in second half leading to positive movements in pricing;

- Sale of surplus land at the Telford site to Bovis Homes;

- Significantly oversubscribed share placement in November 2013 raising £9.6 million;

- Closure of the smallest, loss-making plant within the Group; and

- Winner in multiple categories at BDA Brick Awards.



Commenting, Martin Warner Group CEO, stated: "After five very difficult years for the business and the industry, 2014 has started positively. With pricing and demand improving, increased production at our most efficient plant, and the other exciting initiatives for 2014, we believe that we will be able to more than hold our own in the future and the fruits of many years of hard work will start to become apparent."

Looks pretty solid.

Sharecast - The Chief Executive of Michelmersh, Britain’s biggest brickmaker, has warned that brick stocks are at their lowest in living memory. Martin Warner told The Sunday Telegraph: “Every brick we can make is being sold straight away. I am seeing the lowest brick stocks in living memory across the UK.” He added that brick prices were starting to rise after five years of stagnation. The shortage could constrain housebuilding or increase housebuilders’ costs.



Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM: MBH.L), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, today announces that its half year results, for the six months ended 30 June 2014, will be published on Monday 21 July 2014.

Interims Monday.

Shares - Freshfield Lane is currently scaling up production with increased output expected from the beginning of 2015.

Half Yearly Report

Financial Highlights

•Operating profit of £1.4 million (H1 2013: £0.1 million)
•Group turnover increased 8% to £13.6 million (H1 2013: £12.6 million)
•Net debt at 30 June 2014 of £5.3 million (30 June 2013: £18.7 million)
•Earnings per share of 1.24 p (H1 2013: loss of 0.38 p on continuing activities)
•Net asset value of 57.6p per share (31 December 2013: 56.3p)

Operational Highlights

•Manufactured 33.7 million bricks (2013: 33.4 million)
•Despatched 34.0 million bricks (2013: 35.2 million) at average selling prices 12.8% ahead of 2013
•Supplied products to prestigious projects across the country including Nottingham Railway Station, Lend Lease regeneration of Elephant and Castle and the ITV Media City, Salford Quays
•Completed the re-structuring of the Telford site following the land sale to Bovis Homes
•Project to increase capacity at Freshfield Lane ("FLB") well under way

Shares - Supply-side pressure should play to brickmaker's strengths.

At 70p Michelmersh is well positioned to capitalise on supply-side pressures in the construction industry and falling debt (£5.3 million on 30 June compared to £18.7 million a year earlier) and rising earnings further buttress the proposition.

AIM's fastest growing companies


Michelmersh Brick Holdings

Earnings fell at Michelmersh Brick (MBH) in 2013, but first-half results this year were better-than-expected and forced Cenkos Securities to upgrade forecasts. Higher brick prices mean adjusted earnings per share (EPS) are now tipped to rocket by 1,000% in 2014, up from 0.2p to 2.2p. That’s more than double the 2012 figure, too. Next year, it's back down to earth, although forecast growth of 25% is not to be sniffed at, and average forecast growth for the two years is a stunning 511%.

MBH's share price is underpinned by investment land valued at 26p per share. Strip that out and Michelmersh shares trade on just 16 times current-year forecast earnings, dropping to 13 in 2015. That's a discount to the Construction & Materials sector. Unfair, says Cenkos:

We would argue that MBH should trade at a premium to this operating in an industry impacted by a supply demand deficit with high barriers to entry preventing significant additions to supply capacity. There is scope for a sustained recovery underpinned by political pressure to resolve the UK housing shortage and the minor £3,000 cost of bricks for the average UK house is indicative that there is scope for sustained price increases.



http://www.iii.co.uk/articles/207206/aims-fastest-growing-companies

Signal Update

Our system’s recommendation today is to BUY. The BULLISH HARAMI pattern finally received a confirmation because the prices crossed above the confirmation level which was at 57.5000, and our valid average buying price stands now at 57.6000. The previous SHORT signal was issued on 04/11/2014, 21 days ago, when the stock price was 62.0500. Since then MBH.L has fallen by -7.17%.

Market Outlook

The bulls have strong evidence on their side and this evidence prompts us to make a bullish bet. The bullish pattern that was previously identified is finally confirmed and a BUY signal is generated. It is probably the right time to be part of this boost and bullish market sentiment. The market is telling you about a possible new profit. Do not miss this chance.



http://www.britishbulls.com/SignalPage.aspx?lang=en&Ticker=MBH.L

Trading Update

RNS


RNS Number : 6917Z

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

15 December 2014




Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Group")



POSITIVE TRADING UPDATE

Notice of Results

Block Listing



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, today reports to the market on strong trading performance in advance of the Group's Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2014, which is scheduled for release on 23 March 2015.



The Board is pleased to announce that strong trading conditions have continued late into 2014 and both brick volumes and selling prices are better than expected. As a consequence, the Group is likely to exceed the market expectations of turnover and profit before taxation for the year.



The project to increase production capacity at Freshfield Lane is almost complete and will increase the Group's output from the first quarter of 2015.



Further to the Block Listing application reported in June 2014, 405,444 ordinary shares of 20 pence each have been issued in connection with the Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc Sharesave Scheme. As at today, there are 81,234,656 ordinary shares in issue. No shares are held in treasury and so the total number of current voting rights is therefore 81,234,656.

IC - With demand outstripping supply, there is scope for a further increase in brick prices and output, and some serious operational gearing could be set to kick in.

One of three companies picked by midas this week -

Michelmersh Brick Holdings was founded in 1989 by Eric Gadsden and Martin Warner, who remain chairman and chief executive to this day. The company makes top quality bricks, used in buildings such as London’s St Pancras station, the Holiday Inn in Manchester and high value homes around the country.



Strong foundation: Brickmaker Michelmersh makes top quality bricks used in buildings such as London's St Pancras station



The shares are 70½p and should benefit from economic growth and persistent demand for decent housing. The brick industry spent many years suffering from oversupply.

Now, however, the market has completely changed. The UK needs more bricks than it can make and has been forced to start importing stock from countries such as Belgium and Holland.

This has had a dramatic impact on Michelmersh. During the recession, it was forced to lay off staff and close down some operations. It survived largely by supplying bricks for renovation projects, but times were tough and the group stopped paying a dividend in 2009.

Last year, by contrast, the company was operating at full tilt. Prices were raised for the first time in years and Gadsden and Warner were forced to raid their stockpile to satisfy demand. Just before Christmas, they said that profits for 2014 would be better than expected and the outlook for this year is promising.

Political uncertainty may affect construction activity but houses still need to be built and Michelmersh is one of the best brick makers in Britain, with a reputation for quality and aesthetic appeal.

The group is also making money from selling surplus land to housebuilders and that should continue this year.

Michelmersh will be updating the market on trading in January and reporting figures for 2014 in March. Analysts expect a surge in profits from £200,000 in 2013 to £2.8million for last year.

There is also an expectation that the company will resume dividend payments in the current year.

Midas verdict: Michelmersh is a small but well formed brick maker, which has survived the downturn and emerged stronger than ever. Buy

Michelmersh Brick has all the building blocks for further growth

By Ian Lyall

February 13 2015, 1:33pm




http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/77264/michelmersh-brick-has-all-the-building-blocks-for-further-growth-77264.html

I'm not sure where I read this earlier but :-

Proposal to build 1m new homes in next 10 years

Thanks for the info skinny. All bodes well for (MBH).

Just reading in IC - the UK has taken a long time to run down the 1.2 billion bricks stock piled during the recession. With demand now rising, Michelmersh has been able to push through double digit price increases. And the recent collapse in gas prices will help to reduce its energy costs significantly.

i have earmarked this one for my sipp, but have yet to activate

Activate then. :-))

Finals Mon 23 March

assuredly this isn't a trading stock as volumes are tiny, spread is wide and controlled by just a few MMs
have been toying for a while with putting some in my sipp as i think this has to be almost a forgotten gem

Final results


Financial Highlights

· Turnover up 10% to £28.5 million (2013: £25.9million);

· Operating profit of £2.8 million (2013: 1.4 million), the best result since the business floated in 2004;

· Net debt further reduced from £4.2 million to £2.1 million;

· Capital expenditure of just over £2 million for Freshfield Lane expansion project and completion of Telford reorganisation; and

· Dividend reinstated - 0.5 pence per share payable for the period.

Operational Highlights

· Strong progress in an improved market place;

· 70 million bricks sold in the period and production of 67.5 million;

· Average selling prices increased 13.5% on prior year prices;

· January 2014 saw the commencement of the 20% expansion project at Freshfield Lane which has now been completed, extending capacity at the plant by 6 million bricks;

· New products launched and awards won such as 'Best Public building' for the East Ham Customer Service Centre & Library at the BDA awards;

· Application for 200 houses at the Charnwood site was submitted at the end of 2014; and

· Planning consent confirmed for additional clay extraction at Michelmersh site.

MBH = Michelmersh
not sure quite how, but just managed to buy some of these for my sipp at £0.704 which is well under MM quote on IG

IC - With the UK demand for bricks now outstripping supply , Michelmersh is in a sweet spot. Given the growth potential, we remain bullish.

it's certainly not one for trading, not least because the spread is usually very wide
however, with both labour and conservatives committed to building an awful lot more houses in the coming years, this made a good candidate for my sipp

Shares - The groups completion in Feb of its £2.2 million of its Freshfields expansion means plant capacity has been upped by 20% and Michelmersh now has capacity of producing 36 million bricks per annum. 'A generational oversupply of bricks has come to an end and the market is now reliant on increasing levels of imports,' says Michelmersh chairman Eric Gadsen. What this means is that bricks are no longer as easily available in inventory and delivery lead-in times are lengthening. It is against this backdrop that Michelmersh has achieved price increases to the tune of 13.5% in 2014 with average selling prices reaching £395 per thousand as for the first time in perhaps decades.

How many bricks does it take to build an average house? I am not interested enough to go out and count them but if anyone knows off the cuff it would be appreciated.
2517

Your not an accountant are you. lol Sort of question that one would ask. :-))

A uk house built in Lego bricks. :-))

Buying enough to build the shell of a new build UK home, which on average has an area of about 79 sq m (850 sq ft), would cost about £1.1m. Far more than the average price of £199,016 for a semi-detached house built of real bricks.

60 bricks per sq mtr

No not an accountant dc, and thanks.
2517

Director/PDMR Shareholding
RNS
RNS Number : 7804J
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
10 April 2015



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Group")

Director Dealings

Michelmersh Brick Holdings (AIM:MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, announces that on the 9th April 2015, Frank Hanna, the Group Commercial Director, acquired 21,985 ordinary shares of 20 pence each ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 68p per Ordinary Share. Following this acquisition Mr Hanna's total beneficial and non-beneficial interest in the Company is 1,250,000 Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 1.5% of the Company's issued share capital.



10 April 2015

DIRECTOR DEALINGS: Michelmersh Commercial Director Sells Shares
Mon, 13th Apr 2015 10:34

LONDON (Alliance News) - Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC Monday said Commercial Director Frank Hanna sold 183,400 shares at 67.7 pence per share Friday.

On the same day, Hanna's wife, Natasha Hanna, sold 16,600 shares at the same price.

Following this transaction, Frank Hanna holds 1.1 million shares, which represents 1.3% stake in the firm.

Shares in the brick manufacturer were up 0.4% at 69.00p Monday morning.

That was a silly game of Frank Hana

Buys 18K and then a couple days later sell 183K +wife

Shortage of bricks and bricklayers could weigh on housing recovery, say builders

Mon, 27 April 2015



Shortage of bricks and bricklayers could weigh on housing recovery, say builders



A shortage of bricks and bricklayers in the UK is threatening to undermine efforts to alleviate the housing crisis, house builders have warned.
A report from the Federation of Master Builders said 50% of construction businesses in its quarterly survey were finding it difficult to hire bricklayers, with carpenters and joiners also proving hard to obtain.

"Brick manufacturers are working hard to reignite their kilns which were mothballed during the recession," Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, told the Telegraph.

The Federation, which represents small and medium-sized building firms, added that almost two-thirds of its firms faced a two month wait for new brick orders, with almost a quarter of builders waiting for up to four months and 16% facing a wait of between six and eight months.

"Solving the housing crisis has been one of the hot topics during this General Election campaign and we welcome the renewed focus on house building by all the main parties," Berry said. "Although each party has its own distinct plans for how the next Government should boost house building, all of them agree it must be a priority.

"The results of our latest survey expose continuing threats which could undermine their plans."

Looking like house builders will have to pay more for bricks, with demand out stripping supply. Bodes well for this company.

i already have some in my sipp as i don't see this as a trading stock

Proactive investors - breedon-aggregates-michelmersh-and-marshalls-pave-the-way-to-growth.

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (MBH:LSE) set a new 52-week high during today's trading session when it reached 80.10. Over this period, the share price is up 11.35%.

michelmersh-brick-holdings-ceo-industry-getting-back-to-better-returns

AGM Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 6473N
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
20 May 2015

20 May 2015

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

("MBH", or the "Group")

AGM STATEMENT





Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM:MBH.L), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, announces that, at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is to be held at 10.30 am today, Mr. Eric Gadsden, Chairman, will make the following statement:



"I am pleased to report that the Company has continued to perform strongly in the first four months of 2015. Demand has been strong and deliveries are up by 10% on the same period in 2014, partly as a result of the increased capacity at Freshfield Lane. We have also seen continued price improvement as the brick market adjusts to current activity levels in the construction sector. We are actively assessing opportunities to further invest in our manufacturing plants to reduce costs and secure longevity of operations.



"The Board expects continued strong trading and high demand for its premium product and consequently anticipates that the Group will meet current market expectations for the year to 31 December 2015.



"The Board continues to address opportunities with ancillary land assets at the Charnwood quarry and the former Dunton brickworks site and expects to report positive progress through the year.



"The Group remains uniquely placed in an industry with high barriers to entry. We remain well-financed and positioned to benefit from higher demand for bricks in the UK. Our market position, asset base and enhanced shareholder register gives the Board optimism about our future prospects."

old pal GF highlighted this one for me several months back, and it gently chugs north ...... well worth the investigation and investment

Bollocks cynic If your going to give credit for this one look at the name in the header DREAMCATCHER. GF my arse if you look back through the thread his only contribution was to flag up a double top LOL!!!

i am pretty sure GF raised this one for me on ADVFN, but does it actually matter?
the point was to show that it was not my idea

Oh really, under what user name was the physcho using that day then?

oh just grow up and don't be so pathetic

Interim results Monday 20 July

Half Year Results for the six months ended 30 June 2015

Financial Highlights:
· Turnover increased by 13% over H1 2014
· Gross margin increased by 5.3% to 38.6% over H1 2014
· Operating Profit £2.7 million comparable to £1.4 million in H1 2014
· Cash generated from operations £2.8 million (H1 2014: £0.0 million)
· Net debt at £0.8 million (H1 2014: £5.3 million)
· Dividend paid 0.5 pence per share- first dividend since 2007

Operational Highlights
· Completed the Freshfield Lane project to increase capacity at the plant by 20%
· Increase in first half production volumes from 34 million in H1 2014 to 35 million
· Despatch volumes of 36 million (H1 2014: 34 million)
· Average selling price increased by 9% over comparable period
· Ceased landfill operations at Telford
· A new corporate video giving an insight into the Company's operation is now available to watch on the Company's website: http://www.mbhplc.co.uk/media

Board Changes

profit-taking on results gives good buying opp

IC - Shares in Michelmersh Brick fell 8%in early trading after the Uk's leading independent brick maker indicated that activity in the second half of the year will slow down from a very busy first half. But returning to a more sustainable rate of growth has to be welcomed, and the groups prospects remain underpinned by the continuing imbalance between supply and demand in the housing market

that relates to 20/7
sp now 93/94 again so back near peak

Yes. Doing well .

Not any longer now 93.50p-8p
did not look what is wrong with the RNS for such a drop afterwards

BIGGER MOVERS

Michelmersh Brick (MBH), up 1.97% to 103.5p, is likely to exceed the market expectations for FY pretax profit. The results for the full year are scheduled for release on 21 March 2015.

results will be ............21 March 2016. not 2015
The culprit ..........Delivery volumes are below previous expectations as a result of a softening of the market.

The RNS

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, today reports to the market on a better than expected trading performance in the second half of the year to 31 December 2015, achieved through operating efficiencies, continued low energy costs and aided by the additional capacity from Freshfield Lane. Delivery volumes are below previous expectations as a result of a softening of the market, however average selling prices are ahead of those budgeted. As a consequence, the Group is likely to exceed the market expectations of profit before taxation for the year. The results for the full year are scheduled for release on 21 March 2015.

MBH Replacement: Trading Statement

imo, this looks a damn good time to buy .... for myself, i already have enough

to me, this was actually the interesting bit .....
the Group is likely to exceed the market expectations of profit before taxation for the year
so it is probably just the short-term s/b traders and similar who are (being obliged) selling up

Shares - Market nervous over Michelmersh beat


Falling delivery volumes weighed on brickmaker Michelmersh (MBH) and shares in the £82 million cap are 6.4% lower at 95p despite reporting that a better than expected trading performance in the second half of the year to 31 December 2015 would mean that full year profit before tax was likely to exceed market expectations.

Supporting this expected beat are a combination of factors including further operating efficiencies, continued low energy costs as well as additional capacity from the group’s Freshfield Lane facility.

Michelmersh blames softening market conditions for the lower delivery volumes but assures the market that this has been more than offset by average selling prices being ahead of those budgeted.

The update has prompted an upgrade from Cenkos Securities with a full year 2015 profit before tax of forecast of £4.2 million compared to the previous forecast of £3.8 million and earnings per share of 4.1p.

Anyone interested in MBH may not have seen this -


dreamcatcher - 02 Oct 2015 21:05 - 426 of 430 edit this post
Ibstock (Brick maker ) has announced plans to float.


http://www.ibstock.com/


the UK’s biggest brickmaker. We have 20 factories nationwide and a range of over 500 different bricks and rainscreen cladding systems.

my average price is 83.5 and i confess i am tempted to buy a few more - pure greed :-)

ibstock
true, but there'll prob be much hype to start with, but be aware that once the lock-in period expires, many could be dumped on the market

Perhaps best to sit back and watch for a time.


Worth a watch.
michelmersh-brick-boss-focus-on-efficiency-in-medium-term

it's not a trading stock, so this one i buy/bought to lock away in my sipp

Still got mine from Jan 2013. :-)) . These will come right again, just a short term blip.

a little brave, but just topped up again at 92.5 ..... reckon i got lucky with that price, always assuming there is not a further tumble!

also bought a few FEVR for my sipp
it's a quality product (stock) i like a lot and i see it around more and more
like MBH, it's a bit illiquid and also on a pretty hefty rating, but it seems disinclined to fall very far

Success at Brick Awards
RNS
RNS Number : 2748G
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
19 November 2015

19 November 2015



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH" or the "Group")



SUCCESS AT BRICK AWARDS

Michelmersh collects four of the fifteen accolades at leading industry awards



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, is delighted to announce that it collected four of the fifteen accolades at this year's Brick Awards, held last night at The Hilton, Park Lane in London. The Company won 'Best Refurbishment Project', 'Best Public & Education Building', 'Best Urban Regeneration Project' and the 'BDA Chairman's Award'. Now in its 39th year, and hosted by the Brick Development Association ("BDA"), the Brick Awards celebrate excellence in design and construction using brick.



Richmond Adult Community College is a center of excellence for adults learning, training and personal development. With a more accessible and effective, sustainable teaching environment it was clear that Duggan Morris Architects' design was going to headline the evening. With a combination of new build and refurbishment components integrated into the competition winning scheme, the College collected the titles of 'Best Refurbishment Project' and the 'Best Public & Education Building'. The new buildings are designed to complement and differentiate themselves from the Edwardian facade, wrapped in a softly textured brick skin of Charnwood Handmade Horsham Red and Freshfield Lane Machine Made First Quality bricks.



De Rijke Marsh Morgan Architects' design for the redevelopment of the Heygate Estate (Trafalgar Place), commissioned by Southwark Council and managed by Lend Lease, aims to restore Elephant and Castle to its former glory as a thriving, desirable place to live and visit. Winner of Best Housing Design Award, Trafalgar Place uses a rich combination of Freshfield Lane Machine Made Danehill Yellow, Selected Light, First Quality and Anthracite bricks built proficiently by Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd.



Eight Artillery Row was presented with the BDA Chairman's Award, bestowed upon private or public sector new-build accommodation considered to have particular sustainable and social qualities, whilst retaining a relationship to its environment. Make's design proposed the refurbishment and extension of an existing office building into private residential accommodation, plus ground floor retail space. Details and materials include a Charnwood bespoke brick blend, introduced to draw from the fine examples of historic buildings within the nearby Westminster Cathedral Conservation Area.



Commenting on the Company's awards success, Frank Hanna, Group Commercial Director of MBH, said: "We are extremely proud to receive such recognition across a wide range of technical, craft and building categories. These recognised awards are testament to our workforce's commitment to maintaining our high standards of products, customer service and unrivalled attention to detail. All these attributes combine to make our bespoke products the choice materials of acclaimed and renowned architects across the UK."

Decidedly weak over the last 6 weeks or so, not joined in any rallies and looking quite poorly @ 78p.
2517

certainly rather strange but for no good reason that i can think of

From a trading update 19/10/2015


Michelmersch Brick sees FY pretax profit beating views

StockMarketWire.com

Michelmersh Brick is likely to exceed the market expectations for FY pretax profit. The results for the full year are scheduled for release on 21 March 2016.

The company has enjoyed a better-than-expected trading performance in H2, achieved through operating efficiencies, continued low energy costs and aided by the additional capacity from Freshfield Lane.

Delivery volumes are below previous expectations as a result of a softening of the market, however average selling prices are ahead of those budgeted.

cynic perhaps volumes have continued to fall, or selling prices are weaker, won't know until they tell us. Results 16/03/2016
2517

i don't think this stock is ever heavily traded so always somewhat too susceptible to market sentiment
however, always assuming the numbers do not disappoint, this is arguably a good time to buy, but more as a lock-away than a trading astock

Being hit hard,compared to IBST . A blue day for IBST today.

Recovered somewhat from this morning when it was down 7p, didn't have the b---- to buy, heaven knows why I wait and watch so long.
2517

2517GEORGE, with the markets as they are, dare you buy anything at the moment ?
Possibly going to be cheaper tomorrow. Not nice. :-))

That's been the trend for weeks now dc, at some point it will reverse and we will all be cursing for not getting in.
2517

it rarely moves a lot ..... it's more of a holding stock than trading

The buyers are present.

Sorry I didn't make it clear I was referring to dc's comment about the markets and not MBH specifically.
2517

A lot of MBH bricks are hand made (not cheap) . I would not think the building programme from the government announced would use MBH bricks. There is a possibility that the market has played catch up with the brick shortage.
The worlds largest brick maker being Weinberger operates a total of 204 plants in 30 countries.

as we were on the MBH thread, it wasn't self-apparent :-)

anyway, i have long reckoned this to be an excellent lock-away given the shortage of housing and that i think that MBH is the only uk brickmaker other than IBST

We forgive. lol

cynic - BRICK MANUFACTURERS

see - told you there weren't any others!

Only 17 what's all the fuss about ? :-))

Take the shame :)

it's still a jolly good long-term hold ..... sulk, sulk! :-(

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer
and landfill company, today announces a trading update ahead of its final
results for the year ended 31 December 2015, scheduled for release on Monday
21 March 2016.

The Board is pleased to announce that Michelmersh is expecting to report a
profit for the year ended 31 December 2015 that is slightly ahead of market
expectations. The positive financial performance of the Group reflects
stronger selling prices than expected towards the end of the year and
consequent improvements in margin. The Group also benefitted from a strong
production performance placing Michelmersh in a position from which it can
quickly satisfy market demand.

Improvement in profits and strong working capital management has also resulted
in a significant improvement in the net cash position over that which was
previously expected. Net cash at year end was approximately £2.9million.

The Group's forward order book continues to be robust and well balanced at
this point.

Final results

Financial Highlights



· Operating profit of £4.7 million (2014: 2.8 million), an improvement of 68%;

· EPS 4.44 pence (2014: 2.72 pence);

· Turnover up 2% to £29.1 million (2014: £28.5 million);

· Cash generated by operations of £6.6 million (2014: £2.6 million);

· Net debt eradicated with a year-end cash balance of £2.9 million against a net debt of £2.1 million at the start of the year; and

· Dividend doubled to 1.0 pence per share payable for the period.

Operational Highlights



· Completion of the expansion project at Freshfield Lane and implementation of packaging robots at Telford;

· Brick production up 3% to 69.5 million (2014: 67.5 million) helping to rebuild stocks to workable levels;

· Average selling prices increased 9% on prior year prices; and

· Strong showing at the BDA awards including the prestigious Chairman's award;

michelmersh-brick-holdings-plc-doubles-divi-as-it-wipes-out-its-debts-

so why drop 5%? ...... almost certainly just a bit of selling on the news and eoy profit taking ....... may well be worth topping up

A fair way down on its high now. A broker forecast may help. Not performed well over the last few months. A bounce is long over due.

thoroughly agree
it never has great volume, so perhaps it's just fallen off people's radar

A good little company.

Thieves are stealing antique bricks from walls in East London to sell on the black market
Business Insider UK Finance
By Adam Payne | Business Insider UK Finance – 5 hours ago

Police in London are investigating more than 30 cases of bricks being stolen from buildings like churches and cemeteries in eastern boroughs of the capital.

The bricks in question are Georgian-era London stock bricks, which in the 18th century were the cheapest available but today are bought for sizable sums on the black market.

These bricks have substantially increased in value in recent years, as residents in strict conservation areas looking to build extensions are told by councils to do so in keeping with authentic Georgian style.

The Telegraph reports that each brick can be sold for as much as £15 on the black market.

Police have received reports of thefts in Waltham Forest, Newham, and other boroughs in the eastern reaches of London, according to The Evening Standard.

St. Patrick's cemetery in Leytonstone has been targeted on two occasions within the last month, while the caretaker at St. Mary's church in Leyton chased off a group of would-be brick thieves.

The cemetery's superintendant, John Sears, told The Telegraph: "The last thing in the world you think is going to get stolen is your wall."

As well as churches and cemeteries, family homes have been targeted by thieves, with one resident claiming to have had over 100 bricks pinched from their wall in a matter of days.

"It's a strange phenomenon," Clyde Loakes, councillor for Waltham Forest, told The Evening Standard, "but it does not diminish the distress when vans are literally driving into people’s front gardens in broad daylight.

"There are examples of people driving into the garden walls to dislodge as many bricks as possible, scoop them up and then drive off."

The renewed demand for London stock bricks is the result of some London councils insisting residents who plan to perform building work in listed areas must use materials that match the original architecture.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Martin Gaine, chief executive of Just Planning, which defends homeowners who have had planning applications rejected, said:

If you get permission for an extension, you will have to use materials that match the originals. You don't want to fall foul of the rules — there is a risk the council will say they don't match and then they will declare the extension is unlawful. The original stock bricks are rare and expensive and in hot demand and they want something that looks original and old.

The elusive brick comes in different shades of yellow depending on the clay from which they were made, and has a distinctive black patch.

This spate of unusual crimes comes as traders Michelmersh Brick Holdings report the average selling price of their bricks has increased by 9% on last year.

/brick-maker-forterra-eyes-450m-float

michelmersh-brick-to-benefit-from-strength-of-new-build-market

From IC - Interim results Mon 25 July

Half-year Report

RNS


RNS Number : 0460F

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC

25 July 2016




25 July 2016



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc

("MBH", the "Company", or the "Group")



Half Year Results for the six months ended 30 June 2016



Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM:MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer, is pleased to report its half year results for the six months ended 30 June 2016.



HIGHLIGHTS



Financial Highlights:

§ PBT increased to £2.6 million (H1 2015: £2.5 million)

§ Operating profit of £2.6 million (H1 2015: £2.7 million)

§ 4% Increase in EPS 2.57 pence (H1 2015: 2.47 pence)

§ Turnover steady at £15.3 million (H1 2015: £15.3 million)

§ Net cash balance £2.7 million against a net debt of £0.8 million at June 2015



Operational Highlights:

§ Good performance in a flat market

§ Average selling prices increase 2% over H1 2015

§ Landfill License completes consultation period which will lead to economic realisation of Dunton site

§ Commenced kiln replacement project at Michelmersh - expected completion in autumn 2016

§ The Group ended the period well ahead of intake target with a forward order commitment over 47 million bricks

§ Well positioned for a stronger H2 2016 operational and financial performance





Commenting on the results, Eric Gadsden, Chairman of Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc, said:



"The Company performed well in the first half despite the expected weaker market, and is on track to deliver its targets for the full year. We continue to invest in our plants to increase efficiency, which over the medium term will enable us to outperform the market with on-going creative development of products, investment in process and encouragement of the efforts of its employees. The business is profitable, cash generative and supported by a strong and long-term asset base"



EU Referendum Outcome

Whilst it is too early to know the full long-term impacts of the UK's exit from the EU, the Board feels that the Company is well positioned to manage any effects within the brick manufacturing and housing industry. The Board do not believe the outcome of the referendum in itself results in any material change in the outlook for the Group's near term financial results or future growth prospects.

56.50p

Share price has almost Half in price from the high, late last year and now is more in tone with EPS and on a prospective PE of 10 if it manages to keep going.

As I said before the shares seem far too overvalued at those earlier prices and only supported by a good NAV.

To have a premium rating needs a high growth, than this company is not able to do recently, with hardly any rise in sales and profits, and 5% on EPS is not good enough to be highly rated.

A buy in this weeks IC. They remain confident that they will meet full year expectations. A good healthy rise today.

Recovering well, another 7% rise today.

Good rise again today. Over sold. New houses need bricks.

Think your right dc, this could be another good un!

To date one or two good results coming from building firms and suppliers.

Economic News


Thu, 25 August 2016

Brick shortage could worsen housing crisis, estate agents warn



(ShareCast News) - A shortage of bricks in the UK will continue to restrain supply and force house prices ever higher, according to a housing industry body, while the Brexit vote could further hamper building levels by squeezing imports and numbers of skilled construction workers.
The construction sector needs 1.4bn bricks in order to resolve the housing shortage, according to a report by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), which is equivalent to the total amount of bricks need to build all the houses in Leicestershire.

In 2016 the average UK home is made up of 5,180 bricks and the report said to resolve the housing shortage of 264,000 units, it would need 1.4bn bricks.

A shortage of bricks in the past ten years has contributed to the constriction of the housing supply that has in turn led to the sharp house price appreciation of the last decade.

Last year, two-thirds of small and medium-sized construction businesses faced a two-month wait for new brick orders, with almost a quarter waiting for up to four months and one in six waiting six to eight months, which was partially due to the slowdown in housebuilding following the recession.

NAEA managing director Mark Hayward, said: "As well as freeing up more land to ensure we can build the right sort of houses in the right places, it's crucial we have the right materials and skills to do so.

"It seems a simple consideration, but the fact that we don't have enough bricks to meet demand has a very real effect and holds up the process from beginning to end."

Brick supply declined between 2008 and 2013 and partially recovered in 2014 and 2015, according to the report.



Smaller houses, but bigger demand

Even the shrinking of the average house by 46% in the last century has not been enough to counter growing demand for new homes. In 2016 the average home is 83 metres squared, compared to 153 metres squared in the 1920s.

NAEA said this was due to the families being smaller and also due to financial restrictions as house prices have risen 45% over the last decade, buyers have had to settle for smaller properties.

Hayward added: "Houses may be getting smaller but we are needing to build more of them than ever so ultimately our needs for bricks is greater than before.

"We need investment in the sector to boost production, and housebuilding needs an image overhaul, to become a more attractive career prospect for school leavers and graduates. Until this is addressed, we might as well resign ourselves to a life time of astronomical prices and falling levels of home-ownership."

The association is concerned about the effects of the UK voting to leave the European Union will have on the supply of bricks coming into the country. Hayward said there was also a skills shortage in the UK for construction based jobs. Most labourers come from the EU and the Brexit result could see greater restrictions on foreign workers coming into the UK, which could also compromise the country's ability to build homes.

"We're concerned that the impact of the EU Referendum means this problem could get worse as we rely on the import of brick components from the EU and of course many of our skilled labourers come from there too."



Brick industry takes umbrage with estate agents findings

However the Brick Development Association (BDA) disagrees with the report from the NAEA.

BDA chief executive Andrew Eagles said "with absolute authority there is no shortage" of bricks in the UK and the data the report used is out of date as it was from April 2015.

The BDA, which represents 99% of brick manufacturers in the UK, said the there was a significant increase in brick production over the last 15 months, using data from the Office for National Statistics.

Eagles said: "The challenges the brick industry faced in 2014 when there was a dramatic increase in housebuilding are now behind us and the industry is confident it can meet the growing demand for its products in housing and other construction projects."

According to the BDA, in the second quarter of 2016 brick deliveries grew by 10.4%, compared to the first. Deliveries in June were 7.4% higher than in May.

The share price fell 16.67% to 52.50p at 1008 BST on Friday.

re - long lock away
" The board feel a speedy recovery of average selling prices by the beginning of next year is unlikely."

Something has gone wrong on the bricks business ......


Michelmersh Brick Holdings set back by falling prices

- Michelmersh Brick Holdings, an AIM listed specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, have fallen behind on achieving their expected pricing gains in the second half due to average selling prices falling short and a rise in competition.

According to the firm, the UK brick market has been experiencing falling output and a small increase in dispatch volumes as manufacturers respond to market demand.

The board feel a speedy recovery of average selling prices by the beginning of next year is unlikely.

These changes in the materials supply market have led the group to resource the carbon additive used in brick manufacturing at Freshfield Lane. The process has been successful however higher output yield is likely to taper off going forward, in line with historic trends.

The landfill licence for the former Dunton brickworks has been granted and the associated work completed. The board expects an economic return on this asset in the near future.

The board has revised its financial expectations in terms of revenue and profit for the current year to a similar level to the previous period.

On the plus side, cost savings have been identified to help mitigate the effect of negative market trends and the order book remains strong at 5% ahead of that at the half year.

Operational issues at the Michelmersh site at the half year have been resolved to return the sire to its full operational capacity.

Cash flow is "strong" and the group expects to meet or exceed its previous cash expectations at year end.

"The board reaffirms that strong long-term housebuilding and RMI market fundamentals remain in place for the foreseeable future and that the Group is well positioned to grow market share in the coming years," the group said in a statement.

rubbish figures ..... i have them in my sipp so shall just have to sit on them until the new dawn

very disappointing given the housing shortage and thus, one would have thought, the requirement for ever more bricks

Not surprised.

The entire construction sector is in downtrend.

Yesterday Travis Perkins warned and now this it tells me the construction sector is on a downward trend.

Cynic - it's not as though any new technology has pushed Bricks aside....yet....so it's only Uncertainty in the Market, IMHO . . . . at today's prices...51p has to represent excellent LT value . . . .
If the Market stumbles to Post 2008 levels then this is definite Buy - around 15p - so there is some way to go . . . hopefully it won't get there . . . Good Luck.
EDIT-(3Jan2017)- spoke too soon ! . . . although recent fall may be Issue of Equity for Employee Options ( did we now this was Lurking?)
....Rather the UK-Gov is to build (2017 with Chinese help!) five factories to make "Kit-homes" - I'm guessing the finish won't be real-bricks, rather a sand-plastered, or grit exterior, with weatherboarding to break large swathes of flat areas. sp 46p
EDIT (31Jan2017)- Sp 52p falls despite extra cash - but it was already an asset, probably already in the price. What it says is that this is the only News.... and one that once gone, it's Gone.

Sale of landfill site and pre-close statement
RNS
RNS Number : 1914U
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
16 January 2017
 
16 January 2017
Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc
("MBH" or the "Group")
SALE OF LANDFILL SITE AND PRECLOSE STATEMENT
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, is pleased to announce that it has exchanged contracts for the sale of the 25 acre former Dunton Brothers brickworks at Chesham in Buckinghamshire, for a total consideration of £2.68 million in cash, to London Green Resources Limited. Subject to the procedures of the Environment Agency completion will take place within 10 days of transfer of the Landfill Permit, which given current guidelines, is likely to be towards the end of H1 2017. The consideration is payable in full on completion and the net proceeds will be added to the Group's cash reserves.
The Group's audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2015 included this plot of land in fixed assets as a landfill asset at a value of £1.25 million and, after costs, the expected surplus on sale will exceed £1 million. The asset will be disclosed in the accounts to 31 December 2016 as a current asset for resale at the expected net realisable value. The uplift in value, from the 2015 value to net realisable value, will be credited to revaluation reserves in the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The Board expects to release the preliminary announcement of the results for the year to 31 December 2016 on 20 March 2017. In October 2016, the Group announced that it expected  its financial performance for 2016 to be at or around a similar level to that reported for the full year 2015 and the Board confirms that expectation. Cash generation was particularly pleasing with year-end cash balances exceeding forecast.

sp has picked itself off the floor in recent days ..... annual results just released are ok .....

· Turnover up 3.4% to £30.1 million (2015: £29.1 million);
· Profit before tax stable at £4.5 million (2015: £4.5 million);
· Debt free with a year-end cash balance of £4.7 million (2015: £2.9 million);
· Dividend doubled again to 2.0 pence per share payable for the period; and
· Strong forward order commitments -well positioned for 2017 operational and financial performance.

Operational Highlights
· Kiln replacement project completed at the Michelmersh plant, now yielding 99%;
· Operational issues at the Michelmersh plant have been resolved;
· Average selling prices maintained; and
· Since year end, the Company has signed a conditional contract for the £2.7 million sale of the former Dunton brickworks site at Chesham.

Proactive investor - Michelmersh divi hike signals confidence in cash generative abilities
15:15 20 Mar 2017
The debt-free company doubled the divi and it also has plenty of efficiency-boosting capex projects on the go

Michelmersh operates at the high-quality end of the market
Strong forward order commitments at the specialist brick manufacturer Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (LON:MBH) paved the way for a surprise doubling of the dividend.
As it did last year, the company doubled its dividend in its full-year results, hiking it to 2.0p, compared to market expectations of 1.2p.
Cash balances at the end of 2016 stood at £4.7mln, up from £2.9mln the year before, and the board signalled its clear intent to provide shareholders a meaningful return on their investment by announcing its intention to start paying interim dividends.
The dividend for 2016 represents more than 40% of earnings and the plan is to keep up this level of distribution so long as the group is trading favourably.
Speaking to Proactive Investors, joint chief executive Frank Hanna said the company was "very confident of its cash generative abilities" of the business, and that the doubling of the dividend was justifiable reward for Michelmersh's loyal shareholders.
There is a school of thought that says not carrying debt in the current interest rate environement is a failure to 'sweat the balance sheet', as the saying goes, but Hanna opined that "having cash gives the business the ability to breathe".
The group has a number of capital expenditure (capex) programmes on the go, designed to enhance efficiency and improve the product.
Hanna cited the £1mln investment in the kiln at the eponymous Michelmersh plant, which is yielding 99%, as an example of the company using its cash to build a long-term business.
The capex process sounds a bit like a painting the Forth Bridge job, with a succession of plant-by-plant improvements, by which time the first upgrade needs further improvement.
"It's a circular process. We just want to make sure that every pound we are spending enables us to produce more widgets more efficiently," Hanna said.
Investment during 2017 will largely be focused on yield and energy efficiency projects with existing kilns and dryers. The group also plans to undertake an extensive engineering review of its key manufacturing assets to identify further plant maximisation and risk reduction projects.
Revenue in 2016 rose to £30.06mln from £29.07mln the year before, while profit before tax edged up to £4.57mln from £4.56mln.
"The group sits in a well-defined segment of the UK brick sector; our high quality products set technical standards and our service levels are recognised by our customers. We continue to develop the business around our product offering and commitment to our customers," said Eric Gadsen, chairman of Michelmersh, who will be stepping down from the role at this year’s annual general meeting.
“The positive indicators and market fundamentals look set to continue. There is a widely accepted need and publicised government drive for delivering new housing. We believe this backdrop presents significant opportunities for the group in not only new builds, but also in RMI [repair, maintenance and improvements] where we are particularly strong,” said joint chief executives Frank Hanna and Peter Sharp.
“Through the course of the year the market may see brick demand rise to meet current mid-term UK output capacity; however, the significant uncertainties surrounding the impact of Brexit continue to prevail,” Hanna and Sharp said.
Hanna told Proactive Investors that his personal view remains that there is still not enough data, post-Brexit, to accurately assess what the likely medium and long-term effects would be.
"There's lots of uncertainty, but our forward order book is the largest it's been, and we've got good visibility for five or six months, which is important," Hanna told Proactive.
"It's also well balanced across the nation," he added.
The market reacted positively to the update, pushing the shares up 9.8% to 62.85p.

Going against the grain today.

AGM Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 6241E
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
10 May 2017
 
10 May 2017
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
("MBH", or the "Group")
AGM STATEMENT
 
 Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM:MBH.L), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, announces that, at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is to be held at 10.30 am today, Eric Gadsden, Chairman, will make the following statement:
 
 "After a very satisfactory trading performance in 2016, I am pleased to report that the Group has performed well for the first four months of 2017. The Board expects the Group's trading performance for the twelve months to 31 December 2017 to be in line with market expectations.
 
"I have announced previously that I would stand down as Chairman at this year's AGM. I would like to record my thanks to all of the staff in the business, shareholders and our team of professional advisers for their help and support over the last twenty years. I leave the Company in a very healthy trading position and have no doubt that it will continue to flourish in the coming years.
 
"The Board confirms that the results for the six months to 30 June 2017 will be released on 4 September 2017."

Very nice recovery, with the sp.

Acquisition of Carlton Main Brickworks Limited

Michelmersh is pleased to announce that it has acquired the entire issued share capital of Carlton Main Brickworks Limited ("Carlton") for a net consideration of £31.2 million. The Acquisition is expected to be significantly earnings enhancing for the Group.

Carlton is a highly respected regional brick manufacturer, operating from a 93-acre site brickwork based in Barnsley, Yorkshire. The factory, first established in the 1880's, currently manufactures up to 37 million wirecut bricks per annum and has a strong product offering that complements the geography and market segment of Michelmersh.

Acquisition Highlights:

· Carlton is being acquired for a gross consideration of up to £38.4 million, which includes the cash balances of Carlton at completion, being £7.2 million. The directors consider the net consideration to the Company of the acquisition to therefore be £31.2 million
· Carlton reported audited turnover of £13.1 million and unaudited adjusted EBITDA of £5.6 million after adding back non-recurring expenses (directors' emoluments) for the 12 months ended 31 March 2016.
· Carlton is expected to increase Michelmersh's output to over 100 million bricks per annum, an expected increase of over 40 per cent. to Michelmersh's current output.
· Michelmersh is funding the acquisition through the issue of ordinary shares in the Company, its own cash resources and new debt facilities provided by HSBC including a £20.0 million term loan, a £6.0 million RCF and a £1.0 million overdraft facility.
· The Acquisition will give Michelmersh access to new regional markets, provide opportunities for cross selling and product synergies and increase output efficiency. Other operational synergies are expected to benefit the enlarged Group over time.
· The Acquisition is expected to be significantly earnings enhancing in the current financial year and increase the overall operational cash flow of the Company going forward, assisting in, post debt servicing and repayment, further investment within the Group and future shareholder distributions.

The Board considers that the acquisition of Carlton is an important strategic step forward in the growth of the Company, adding significant scale, output and earnings to the Group. Michelmersh's turnover and profit before tax will be immediately enhanced by the addition of Carlton.

The acquisition gives the Company the ability to expand its quality product offering in line with our premium-centric core strategy, and consequently will increase the Group's annual output to 100 million bricks. Furthermore, the addition of Carlton will broaden an already very strong and loyal customer base, giving access to new regional markets with cross sales opportunities and product synergies. Carlton also brings with it a popular and highly regarded RMI focused product line. This itself will give the enlarged Group the ability to strengthen its market offering whilst greatly improving efficiency and output per capita.

The Group welcomes the Carlton team to the business and look forward to building on the significant success already achieved by its dedicated team in Barnsley.

more.....

SHARE PUNT OF THE WEEK: Brick maker Michelmersh could reap the rewards of sterling's plunge
By City & Finance Reporter for the Daily Mail
Published: 21:51, 7 July 2017 | Updated: 21:51, 7 July 2017

Who are they? Established in 1997, AIM-listed Michelmersh Brick Holdings makes top-quality bricks used in buildings such as London's St Pancras International station, the Holiday Inn in Manchester, and high-value homes around the country.
What's the latest? The firm has come some way since the financial crisis, when it was forced to lay off staff and close down some operations.
Last month it announced the acquisition of family-owned Carlton Main Brickworks for £38.4million, which sent shares soaring 11 per cent.
The acquisition will increase Michelmersh's output by 40 per cent to more than 100million bricks a year, and will give the company access to new regional markets.

Who backs it? Chairman Eric Gadsden owns a 26.3 per cent share of the firm. 
He founded the company in 1997 with Martin Warner – currently executive deputy chairman with a 6.3 per cent stake – and has spent all his working life in the construction industry. 
Investment house Hosking Partners also has an 18.5 per cent stake, while fund managers Charles Stanley and Hargreaves Lansdown also own chunks.

Why should you invest? The recent decline in sterling has made importing bricks more expensive. Michelmersh has benefited because all of its manufacturing and distribution is in the UK.
With sterling likely to stay weak for some time, and Michelmersh increasing its share of the smaller end of the brick market, shares could go even higher than the 46.6 per cent they have already risen by this year.
...And why you shouldn't Broker Davy points out that while buying Carlton is big news for Michelmersh, it does little to change the fundamental dynamics of the UK brick market, which continues to be dominated by Ibstock, Forterra and Wienerberger.
'Michelmersh will add around 40 per cent to its production capacity but remains a distant number four in the brick sector with a market share of between 5 per cent-6 per cent', said Davy.

Battersea Power Station contract
RNS
RNS Number : 4952K
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
10 July 2017
 
10 July 2017
 
Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc
(the "Company" or "Michelmersh" or the "Group")
Battersea Power Station contract
 
 
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC is delighted to have been chosen to supply the prestigious Battersea Power Station in London with 440,000 purpose made, wire-cut bricks, which are being produced at Michelmersh's Blockleys plant in Telford, Shropshire. The contract is in conjunction with Michelmersh's distribution partner EHSmith.
 
The bespoke Blockleys product was meticulously chosen to complement the existing contextual built environment of Battersea, matching the conservational standards of the original existing facades.
 
Being chosen to deliver this order is testament to Michelmersh's ability to create a product that meets very particular requirements and match the existing, iconic Battersea Power Station brickwork.
 

£1 on the horizon.

Good rise today.

A buy tip in the Telegraph today.

even so .....
big rise (19%) and 10x usual volume
about a month ago there was a similar big day
just an oddity or something more interesting cooking?

Sounds like the market cap did not reflect the value of the land held. Also it mentions that when a quarry comes to exhaustion, a large hole in the ground is valuable . I would guess for a landfill site. Wait and see.

as a holder, i'm very happy :-)

Half year report

Anyone subscribing to the MoneyAM Level 2 platform please take note that most days it is not reporting the correct Trade High nor Trade Low information and "some days" not reporting the correct Opening Price or Closing Price.

The reason is because MoneyAM's Level 2 system is not sensing the Auto Trades or Ordinary Trades correctly so is wrongly reporting them

MoneyAM has been unable to fix the fault for over 8 weeks now but are still charging full price for their Level 2

Reached a £1 :-))

Pre-close Trading Update
RNS
RNS Number : 3885C
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
22 January 2018

22 January 2018

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc
("MBH" or the "Group")
Pre-close Trading Update
Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (AIM: MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer and landfill company, today announces a trading update ahead of its final results for the year ended 31 December 2017, scheduled for release on 19 March 2018.

The Board expects that underlying revenue and profit from the Group, enlarged by the acquisition of Carlton Main Brickworks Limited in June 2017, will be in line with market expectations. The Board is also pleased to report that the Carlton acquisition, which increases the Group's output to over 100 million bricks, is bedding in as expected and operational synergies are being implemented.

Demand from the house building and RMI markets continues to be robust and Group's well-balanced forward order book for 2018 reflects this trend.

not very exciting, but shall continue to hold log term

Final Results
RNS
RNS Number : 0171I
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
19 March 2018





19 March 2018

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc
("MBH" or the "Group")

FINAL RESULTS
Landmark year for the Group as Carlton acquisition gives growth and opportunity

Michelmersh Brick Holdings (AIM:MBH), the specialist brick manufacturer, is pleased to report its audited final results for the year ended 31 December 2017, representing a strong performance and continued progress.

Financial Highlights

· Revenue up 26% to £37.9 million (2016: £30.1 million);
· Underlying1 Operating profit increased by 42% to £6.5 million (2016: £4.6 million);
· Underlying1 EPS at 5.9 pence up 34% over 2016
· Underlying1 EBITDA increased 42% to £8.0 million (2016: £5.6 million)
· Cash generated by operations of £6.9 million (2016: £5.7 million), representing 141% of Operating profit; and
· After paying the first ever Interim dividend this year, total dividend increased by 7.5% to 2.15 pence per share for the period.
Operational Highlights

· Acquisition of Carlton for a net consideration of £31.2 million;
· Completed sale of former Dunton brickworks site for £2.7 million;
· Strengthened board with the appointment of Stephen Bellamy as non-executive director;
· Built forward order book to 60 million units; and
· Strong showing at the BDA awards including the BDA Supreme award.

Martin Warner, Chairman at Michelmersh Brick Holdings, commented: "The Group's position has been significantly strengthened in 2017 with the addition of the Carlton plant. Our geography, product range, scale and market presence have all been enhanced as a result and there is further scope to benefit from this acquisition as the management teams work together to maximise the performance of the Group.

"The UK construction industry remains stable with a level of activity that keeps UK brick manufacturing operating at capacity with limited options for expansion. The Group's order book is strong and 2018 promises to be busy."

Proactive investor -

Michelmersh Brick strengthens support on need to boost new home building in the UK
Share
15:46 01 May 2018
High-end producer Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC deliver strong annual results in March, helped by a first meaningful contribution from the acquisition of Carlton Main Brickwork

INVESTMENT
OVERVIEW: MBH
The Big
Picture
Michelmersh Brick’s 2017 underlying profits [EBITDA] rose by 42% to £7.33mln
With politicians always stressing the need to boost new home building in the UK to meet heavy demand, the market for building bricks continues to face stock shortages amid supply constraints and cost inflation.
Office for National Statistics data recently earlier this year showed brick production in the UK rose just by over 4% in 2017 from the previous year, while brick deliveries increased by 11%, with 2017 being the strongest year for despatches since 2007. Brick stocks also fell by nearly 28% towards the end of the year against a background of flat pricing.
This positive scenario saw high-end producer Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc (LON:MBH) deliver strong annual results in March, helped by a first meaningful contribution from June’s acquisition Carlton Main Brickworks.
WATCH: Carlton acquisition sees Michelmersh Brick post strong annual results
Yorkshire brick maker Carlton cost the group £31.2mln and was largely behind the 26% jump in revenue to £37.9mln in 2017, with organic growth just 3%
Michelmersh’s 2017 underlying profits [EBITDA] rose by 42% to £7.33mln, though pre-profits fell to £3.34mln due to the cost of integrating the acquisition.
Carlton operates from a 93-acre site in Barnsley, Yorkshire that has been churning out bricks since the 1880s.nd was expected to increase Michelmersh’s annual production by more than 40% to more than 100mln bricks a year.
READ: Michelmersh Brick acquires Yorkshire bricks maker, Carlton
A big number of those bricks in one of London’s most iconic buildings, Battersea Power Station which is being redeveloped and will feature bricks supplied by Michelmersh.
The firm revealed last July that, in conjunction with its distribution partner EHSmith, it will supply 440,000 purpose-made, wire-cut bricks from its Blockleys plant in Telford, Shropshire for the prestigious development.
The bespoke Blockleys product was meticulously chosen to complement the existing contextual built environment of Battersea, matching the conservational standards of the original existing facades, Michelmersh said.
WATCH: Battersea Power Station redevelopment 'a tremendous project' for Michelmersh
The firm said being chosen to deliver this order is a testament to Michelmersh's ability to create a product that meets very particular requirements and match the existing, iconic Battersea Power Station brickwork.
Prospects for this year are equally buoyant
As the group’s chairman Martin Warner commented at the time of the finals in March: “The UK construction industry remains stable with a level of activity that keeps UK brick manufacturing operating at capacity with limited options for expansion. The Group's order book is strong and 2018 promises to be busy,”
Michelmersh shareholders were rewarded with a 7.5% hike in the 2017 dividend to 2.15p, and this was a nice boost to a strong performance from the group’s share price which has gained around 50% on a one-year view, with the stock currently trading at 95.5p.
This should provide solid foundations for investors looking for a solid play on the ongoing demand squeeze in the UK housing market.

AGM Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 5564N
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC
10 May 2018

10 May 2018

Michelmersh Brick Holdings Plc
("MBH" or the "Group")
AGM Statement

Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC (AIM:MBH.L), the specialist brick, land development and landfill company, announces that at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is to be held at 10.30 am today, Martin Warner, Chairman, will make the following statement:

"The Group as a whole has performed well for the first four months of 2018, largely unaffected by some severe weather in February and March. Carlton Main Brickworks Limited is proving to be an excellent acquisition and is performing as anticipated. I am looking forward to its full year contribution to the Group's results in 2018. At this early stage of the year, the Board expects the Group's trading performance for the twelve months to 31 December 2018 to be in line with market expectations and show significant growth over 2017."

Pending approval by shareholders at the AGM, the final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December 2017 of 1.45 pence per ordinary share will be paid on 30 June 2018 to members on the register on 1 June.

Half year report

Operational Highlights:
· Full operational integration of the Carlton plant
· Successful restructuring of operations at the Michelmersh plant
· Strong, balanced order book into Q1 2019 - 10.5% ahead of June 2017
· Contract signed for Carlton investment project targeting enhanced efficiency and output
· New key high value products introduced to the market
· Increased interim dividend