A TOILET paper giant in Blackburn has announced an increased market share among low-cost own-brand products amid the cost of living crisis.

Revenues at tissue company Accrol, based on Roman Road, are also booming, according to a trading update released to the Stock Market.

And board members are confident the trend will continue into 2023, in a report ahead of its half-year results being released at the end of January.

The Blackburn outfit's share of the private label market, or own-brand products, has risen from 44 to 46 per cent year-on-year.

Stockbrokers have also been told revenues at Accrol are up 64 per cent to £121.1m, from £73.7m in the same period in 2022.

Elsewhere the overall market share, in what is considered to be 'flat' trading conditions, has risen to 21.5 per cent, against 19.5 per cent this time last year.

Bosses say this should be set against the challenges posed by inflation, supply chain uncertainties and strikes at UK ports in recent months.

Gareth Jenkins, Accrol chief executive, said: "We are clearly very pleased with these set of results where we have seen volume growth of 14 per cent against a flat overall UK market performance over the same period.

"We have delivered this by having great quality and value products that meet every consumer's budget.

"Our strong relationship with the retailers and our robust supply model is ensuring we can continue to deliver a strong set of results in a difficult market environment."

The firm has also kept a handle on its net debt, with the total now expected to be at a lower figure than anticipated of £30.5m.

Looking ahead the board says the Group's main market, the discount retailers and private label products continue to grow strongly, driven by the cost-of-living crisis.

While the firm has delivered "substantial growth" in the last trading period, the board is "increasingly confident that the growth trajectory of the business is sustainable".

Earlier this week the company confirmed it would be paying its staff at plants in Blackburn and South Ribble the 'Real Living Wage'.