HOUSEBUILDER George Wimpey is confident of further progress next year after putting investors on standby for strong 2003 results.

Buoyed by a healthy UK housing market, Wimpey said it expected figures for the year to December 31 to be at the top end of market forecasts.

The mid-range of estimates among analysts is for annual pre-tax profits of £350m, up on the £291.8m reported a year earlier.

In a trading statement, the group said it approached next year with healthy order books and would continue to focus on operating margins.

Published: 16/12/2003