Earnings dip at Bollin Group

THE challenging trading environment knocked last year’s earnings at the Bollin Group, the Cheshire-based manufacturer and wholesaler of branded consumer products, such as Maglite torches.
Newly-filed accounts for the privately-owned Macclesfield company, show pre-tax profits fell from £2m to £1.2m, although this was in line with directors’ expectations.
Turnover for the 12 months to the end of June was £56.5m, down from £57.5m.
During the year the group, which employs 316 people, grew exports by 26% to £13m, while domestic sales shrank 9% to £40.5m.
In a brief business review the directors said they expected trading in 2012-13 to be challenging.
As well as the products the group distributes through its Leicester-based Burton McCall subsidiary – Maglite torches and Swiss Army knives are among the best known – Bollin also owns several outdoor and sports brands.
These include sock specialist Bridgedale, Mountain Equipment, running clothing brand Ronhill, Sprayway, and Hilly Clothing, which are distributed internationally.