Marston’s sees underlying profits rise 9.4%: Marston’s announced interim results for the 26 weeks to 5 April this year which saw underlying profits before tax rise 9.4% on the same period last year ton £29m as underlying group revenue rose 4.5% to £373.3m. Operating profit was £ 65.7m and profit before tax £ 29m. At its Destination and Premium pubs, like-for-like sales were up 5.7%, with operating profit up 18.2%. On the Taverns side, managed and franchised like-for-like sales were up 3.8%, and among the leased pubs, like-for-like profits were up 3%. On the brewing side, revenue was up 3.5%, and operating profit up 4.0%, with premium ale volumes up 2%. Marston’s said it was on target for at least 27 new pubs this financial year, 65 pubs converted to its franchise operation in the first half. Trading for the five weeks to 10 May saw Destination and Premium like-for-like sales up 4.1%, managed and franchised like-for-like sales up 3.0%, leased like-for-like profits estimated to be up 5% and own-brewed volumes up 6%. Ralph Findlay, Marston’s chief executive, said: “The first half year was good and current trading is strong. We are creating a higher quality pub estate which is delivering positive trading momentum and meets the expectations of today’s customers. We opened 11 new pub-restaurants in the first half and remain on track to open at least 27 in total this year. Our 100th new pub built since 2009 will open this summer, with 5,000 jobs having been created. We are beginning to see some evidence of consumer confidence returning in the regions, leaving us confident of making positive progress for the remainder of the year.”