Outdoor clothing brand Barbour has boosted its turnover by nearly 拢23m despite battling against a difficult retail market.
The South Shields-headquartered firm saw its revenue jump from 拢202.3m in 2018 to 拢225.2m for the year ending April 30.
The company said it had achieved the growth the majority of its wholesale and distributor markets, which also allowed it to increase its profit figures.
Operating profit increased by 14.5%, from 拢33.5m to 拢38.4m. Profit after tax also grew from 拢27.1m to 拢31.2m.
Commenting on the results, managing director Steve Buck said: 鈥淥ur Barbour, Barbour International and Barbour Beacon brands continue to perform strongly despite challenging market conditions across the globe. Our growth in key product categories has been satisfying, and our presence both in the 海角视频 and International markets continues to develop in line with group strategy.
鈥淥ur success is built upon the hard work and skill set of our employees all around the world who embody our core values, bringing our strategies and mission to life.
鈥淕roup revenues have grown steadily year on year, building upon the growth in the prior year results.
鈥淥ur operating profit faces challenges on many fronts, however, has shown resilience which helps support the sustainability of the business in times of uncertainty. Despite very difficult conditions, we realised growth in key markets and retained our focus on cost control and efficiency.鈥
While sales increased, Barbour actually reduced its headcount during the period, with staffing levels falling from 968 to 959. Its wage bill nevertheless increased from 拢24.7m to 拢27.1m.
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At the same time, the total amount paid to the company鈥檚 directors increased during the year, from a total of 拢1.7m in 2018 to 拢1.9m last year. The highest paid director received 拢1.25m.
But despite the strong results, Barbour warned that the 海角视频鈥檚 impending exit from the EU was a 鈥渟ource of considerable uncertainty and risk鈥 for the business. Mr Buck added that the company was taking steps to mitigate these risks.
He said: 鈥淎s a British brand with global distribution we have been monitoring Brexit closely. We have taken proactive steps, investing in enhanced operational capabilities and control along with long term compliance in our key markets.鈥
2019 saw Barbour celebrate its 125th anniversary as well as announcing partnerships with the likes of Emma Bridgewater and Alexa Chung, while company chairman Dame Margaret Barbour won a lifetime award from fashion publishers Drapers.
