york handmade unveils a record year

The healthy state of the housing market in Yorkshire was underlined this week with the news that the York Handmade Brick Company, the largest specialist handmade brickmaker in the United Kingdom, has announced a record year for turnover.
The award-winning company, based at Alne, near Easingwold in the Vale of York, comfortably exceeded the milestone turnover
target of £2 million for the first time in its 16-year history last year. This turnover is also an 18 per cent increase on the figure
achieved in 2003 and is 13 per centre higher than the previous best result in 2000.

David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade, said: These results are a direct reflection of the companys success in the niche
markets in which we specialise. We have undoubtedly been boosted by a benign set of economic circumstances for the housing
market, low interest rates and a continuing high level of activity in the self- build market. This increasingly popular market for
homeowners reflects enthusiasm for this type of building. Mr Armitage explained: The other reason for the success is the brilliant
contribution made by our employees at all levels. Our sales team have worked hard throughout the year to give a personal
service which is second to none and can make dealing with York Handmade a pleasure not a chore. The feedback from our
customers in this regard is most encouraging.