HIGHER raw material prices have dented profits at an historic Preston chemicals business.

Evans Vanodine, established in 1919 in Salford by chemist William Charles Evans, saw sales rise by 7.4% to £18.7m in the year to March 31.

But higher costs left the family-owned business, which makes chemicals for the cleaning industry and products used to protect livestock, with a 57% drop in pre-tax profits to £168,655.

In his director's report chairman Derek Evans said the devaluation of Sterling and the hi......for the full story register now for free or login below...