CRH builds its earnings even as costs are ‘challenging and volatile’

The building industry faces what CRH calls “cost headwinds” as inflation grips the industry (Ben Birchall/PA)

(Picture: PA Archive)

CRH, the global building materials giant, has pointed to a “challenging and volatile” environment for costs as inflation continues to hammer the building sector.

There were signs within its results for the six months to June 30 of the impact. Operating profit in its Europe West division fell year-on-year, where its precast concrete business grew sales but took a hit on profit from rising costs. In Europe East, CRH said it it was continuing to assist its staff in Ukraine