Artisan plc has posted record interim results for the six months to September 30, with pre-tax profits up 51% to £1.29 million and half-yearly turnover up to £12.9 million. Michael Stevens, chairman of the Manchester-based developer said: “I am very pleased that the management team has again delivered profit growth in both the residential and the commercial markets. “Rippon Homes has performed well by concentrating on delivering an attractive quality product in an environment where demand for new housing has continued to fluctuate. We remain encouraged by a steady commercial market and by Artisan (UK) Developments’ ability to develop products that meet customers’ demands. “We are confident that the residential market retains strong fundamentals, despite its current volatility, and we will continue to invest in development land in line with our organic growth strategy. Similarly, we intend to purchase further land for commercial development, both to replace stock traded and to be in a position to extend the range of our activity in that market.”