Tile and flooring specialist Topps Tiles expects to post a slight decline in first-half profits.

In a pre-close update, Topps Tiles said that interim operating profit is likely to come in at approximately£20.7 million, compared with£21.3 million for its previous interim results.

Sales are expected to be up 4.1 per cent and like-for-likes down 0.5 per cent, driven by a likely 3 per cent fall in comparable store sales in Holland.

Topps Tiles chief executive Matt Williams said: “The negative economic backdrop is translating into an increasingly challenging consumer market and the board does not envisage the environment changing in the short term.

“We are pleased with the resilience the business has shown over the past few months and we are confident the business model remains robust.”

Profit before tax will be approximately£15.5 million, versus£18.7 million, taking account of a “notional” accounting charge.

Topps Tiles has appointed N Brown chief executive Alan White as a non-executive director. He will take up the role on April 1.