Pottery manufacturer serves up strong growth

CHURCHILL CHINA has avoided the macro-economic cracks to deliver “a strong set” of results.

The Stoke-on-Trent pottery manufacturer increased revenues by 5%, to £46.8m, but grew its pre-tax profits by 16% to £5.0m.

Its hospitality division drove most of the increases, led by its exports which grew by 15%. The company pointed to the “notable progress” it has made in Australasia, Central and South America and in the United States.

Alan McWalter, chairman of Churchill China, was upbeat about the company’s ability to continue to grow sales.

“We believe we have the ability to secure further increases in revenue, particularly from export markets, although we remain aware of the potential wider political and economic uncertainties which may impact on our performance,” he said.

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“Our performance has been robust with continued progress against our strategic objectives, despite some adverse conditions. Increased revenues have been achieved in our target markets and we have benefitted from returns on the long term investment made across our business..

“Our business plan continues to evolve steadily with clear targets within an established strategic framework. We will continue building a business for the long term based on excellence in design, quality and customer service, supported by a well invested manufacturing operation and strong balance sheet.”

Shareholders’ dividends were increased by 15%, to 12.7p.