Leading joinery manufacturers have experienced a “worrying” decline in profits growth and margins, according to industry analysts.

The Business Ratio ‘Joinery Manufacturers’ report, published by the Prospect Shop and covering the last full three accounting years available (1998/99-2000/01), says the industry’s average pre-tax profit margin almost halved from 6.7% in 1998/99 to just 3.6% in 2000/01.

The industry’s compound sales growth for the three-year period was 8%, with the majority of growth – 14% – taking place in the first half.

John Frost Scenery Ltd is revealed to have the highest margin for 2000/01 with 27%, followed by Sandiford Son & Bannister with 23.3%.