Trade kitchen supplier Howdens stated the second half of the year was impacted by uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget.

According to its latest trading results, group revenue in the second half of its financial year (period 7-11) was -0.1% below the prior year and -1.9% on a like-for-like basis.

Revenue in the UK in the same period was -0.6% and -2.2% on a same depot basis

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However, its year-to-date UK figures were up 1.7%, on the previous year, with year-to-date group sales up 1.9%.

Howdens reported it had gained market share, with trade customers benefiting from its product line up, high stock availability and customer service.

This was despite a  backdrop of challenging macro-economic conditions, with Howdens stating weak consumer spending was compounded by uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget.

Chief executive of Howdens Andrew Livingston said: “Howdens has delivered another strong period of market outperformance in continued challenging conditions underlining the strength of our trade-only, in-stock business model.

“Our strategic initiatives are performing well with an emphasis on delivering immediate product availability, market-leading product ranges, and digital tools.

“These support our trade customers to get their projects done efficiently, affordably and right first time.”

Looking ahead, the company expects the near-term market outlook into 2025 to remain challenging, however states it is “well placed” to make progress over the medium-term.