Group turnover for the year was £124 million compared with £117.64 million for the 52 weeks ended October 30, 2005. Profit before tax was £1.91 million compared with a net loss of £841,000 in 2005.

The results reflect continued strong performance in Marine Safety, but disappointing results from Protective Clothing as a result of the lower than anticipated order intake and delays in the planned move of the supply chain to the Far East.

The group’s prospects have been reinforced by the acquisition, on December 27, of the Belgium-based Marine Safety Division of the Bofort Group which will give the company a presence in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, three of the top ten ports worldwide, as well as in Italy’s leading cruise ship ports.

Marine Safety turnover increased to £39.41 million from £33.94 million in 2005 resulting in an improved operating profit of £2.56 million compared with £2.02 million. The year finished strongly following the introduction of new legislation requiring every crew member on commercial cargo vessels from July 1, 2006, to be equipped with an immersion suit. During the year, over 60,000 immersion suits were shipped.

Marine leisure sales posted another record year with sales of the award winning Crewsaver brand of lifejackets and buoyancy aids, increasing market share in both the UK and Europe.

Turnover for Protective Clothing was £18.84 million, up slightly from £18.39 million in 2005, which resulted in an operating loss of £496,000 compared with 2005 profit of £572,000.

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