<b></b> Several major housebuilders have lit up the reporting season with record results, underlining the strength of the market. Most are also expressing bullish views about 2002, with no sign of the feared downturn.<br><b>Persimmon announced that profits had surged 80% to &amp;£188 million following the takeover of Beazer, while interim pre-tax profits at Redrow rose 18% to &amp;£41.6 million, prompting the company to issue a confident statement about the year ahead. </b><br><b>Chief executive Paul Pedley said: &amp;“I believe the housing market is going to stay solid and sustainable in 2002, 2003 and beyond.&amp;”</b><br><b>Wilson Bowden&amp;’s pre-tax profits grew from &amp;£121 million to &amp;£139 million with analysts forecasting further growth to &amp;£150 million in 2002.</b><br><b>Wimpey&amp;’s profits before tax rose 24% to &amp;£181 million on a UK operating margin of 12.4%. This performance came in a year in which the firm integrated the McLean business into Wimpey Homes and bought Alfred McAlpine Homes.</b><br><b>Chief executive Peter Johnson said: &amp;“During 2001 the restructuring of the UK businesses and the integration of Alfred McAlpine Homes have been successfully completed. Cost reductions are being delivered as promised. With these changes firmly in place, George Wimpey has started the new year well positioned to sustain further progress.&amp;”</b><br><b>Taylor Woodrow&amp;’s …