Pochin ‘continuing talks’ to sell concrete business

The Cheshire-based property and construction company said negotiations are ongoing over the possible sale of its loss-making concrete pumping division.

Within an interim management statement, covering the four months from 1 June, Pochin added that there was "no discernable improvement in the regional property and construction markets in which the group operates".

Richard Fildes, chairman of Pochin, said: "The construction division continues to perform creditably in a difficult market and a healthy forward order book is being maintained.

"The property division is maintaining steady levels of occupancy in its investment portfolio and the previously announced programme of non-core property disposals continues.

"As previously outlined in the preliminary announcement, negotiations with a prospective purchaser of the concrete pumping division are continuing."