Topps Tiles predicts stronger profits

TOPPS Tiles expects to unveil stronger pre-tax profits when it posts full-year figures in November.

The Handforth-based group said the figure should be “broadly in line” analysts’ estimates of around £13.1m.

This compares to £7.9m last year when earnings were weakened by a number of exceptional items.

In a pre-close trading update the business said like-for-like sales will be down by 1% but overall revenue for the year to September 29 will be up 1% at £177m (2011: £175.5m). In the final quarter like-for-like sales grew by 3.7%.

Topps now has 325 shops in the UK, having opened 13 and closed or relocated eight during the period. It also sold a site worth £3.1m.

Full-year figures will be announced on November 27.