<p>Housebuilding operational profits at Galliford Try are up 56% to £17.6 million in the year to June, the firm has announced .</p> <p>In an upbeat note to the City, chief executive Greg Fitzgerald said he was encouraged by the levels of sales and prices since July when set against the backdrop of the effect of the economy on consumer confidence. "Our presence across the more resilient markets in the south and the opportunities we continue to generate from our leading position in affordable housing and on regeneration schemes underpin our progress."</p> <p>Fitzgerald said the firm had made excellent progress in its strategy to grow profits by delivering a "transformational" housebuilding expansion plan. GT's landbank stands at 9,700 plots against 7,850 last year.</p>