Desser moves into profit

MANCHESTER-based wholesaler of wicker furniture Desser & Co has moved into profit after overcoming a tough year.

The 90-year-old business, which was set up by Isaac Desser after meeting Flemish craftsmen during the First World War, imports and exports cane furniture and basketware.

In newly-filed accounts for the year to December 31 the directors said the business had endured “intense” retail price pressure and currency fluctuations had affected margins.

They added: “However, good progress has been made in re-aligning the business to the new trading environment and the losses of 2008 have been tackled, with a break even being achieved in 2009”.

In the year pre-tax profits rose to £3,000 from a loss of £307,000 last time. Turnover rose 3.5% to £5.9m.

The Cheetham Hill-based business employed 46 staff during the year. A spokesman for the firm could not be reached for comment.