RADCLIFFE-based James Halstead Group has posted improved pre-tax profits for the financial year ending June 30.

And Group chairman Vincent Clare has described the year as "a good one . . . with progress on all fronts."

Pre-tax profits, before exceptional items, stand at £9.3 million, compared to £8.6 million for the previous year.

Earnings per share now stand at 20.4p, up from the previous figure of 17.8p. Final dividend per ordinary share rises from 6.5p to 7.125p. During the year, the Group disposed of its Australian rainwear subsidiary, Driza-Bone.

The Group report discloses £4.1 million of capital additions were made to plant and machinery at their flooring products division, James Halstead Ltd, in Whitefield.

There was also further investment in other companies within the Group.

The flooring division recorded a marginal reduction in profit for the year.

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