TURNOVER for a Blackburn pet food giant has increased year-on-year, according to their latest results.

Profits at Pets Choice, in Lower Phillips Road, Whitebirk, may have remained stable at £2million.

But bosses are happy with that performance, given the continuing economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

And as reported earlier this year by the Lancashire Telegraph, the firm behind brands such as Webbox and Tastybone, believe that bolstering their production capability is key.

Contractors have been putting the finishing touches to a major new factory facility there in recent weeks.

Tony Raeburn, chief executive, said in the report: “The directors believe the company needs to have modern, efficient manufacturing processes to remain competitive, maintain quality standards and raise environmental, hygiene and safety standards.

“To drive forward their expansion strategy, the directors have pushed forward with improvements to production facilities, which should be operational in the coming year.”

The performance figures had been boosted by previous acquistions, including the buyout of Spike’s World in 2017. Last February also saw the company take over Rufus Foods.

Group turnover was £44.64million in 2017 and had increased to £46.64million for the following year. In-year profits increased slightly from £1.53million to £1.6million.