ON the back of a buoyant housing market York Handmade Brick Company, has announced a record year for turnover.

The award-winning company, based at Alne, near Easingwold comfortably exceeded the milestone turnover target of £2 million for the first time in its 16-year history last year.

Its sales represent an 18 per cent increase on the figure achieved in 2003 and is 13 per cent higher than the previous best result in 2000.

David Armitage, chairman of what he describes as the largest specialist handmade brickmaker in the UK, said: "These results are a direct reflection of the company's 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 praised his sales team for its hard work and personal service "second to none."

This has been an exceptional year for York Handmade in other ways, too. The company's Walled Garden project at Scampston Hall, near Malton, won a major category in the Brick Development Association's national awards scheme - the brick industry's Oscars.

Meanwhile, the £300,000 refurbishment of the bridge at Myton-on-Swale, near Boroughbridge, with the help of 20,000 bricks from the firm, has also won a major award from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The North Yorkshire County Council project which also involved the Heritage Lottery Fund, Hambleton District Council, consultants Mouchel Parkman, Waste Recycling Environmental Network (WREN) and the friends of Myton Bridge was described as "fabulous" by ICE judges.

Mr Armitage said: "York Handmade's order book remains strong going into 2005 and the main emphasis will be on producing as many bricks as possible to keep up with demand. If all goes well, that £2 million turnover record could be in danger of being broken."

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, February 16, 2005