Profit boost for Graham & Brown

A renaissance for wallpaper in the UK and growing overseas demand for quality British products has helped Graham & Brown to improved turnover and profit.

The Blackburn-based wallpaper manufacturer reported an increase in turnover of 3 per cent, up to £74.8m, and a 4 per cent increase in profits, up to £2.5m.

Online sales of products now account for 30 per cent of sales, with exports reaching 75 countries.

Andrew Graham, chief executive and third generation representative of the family business, said: "Wallpaper is undergoing a renaissance in the UK with consumers looking to bring more colour, texture and design into their lives. Advances in technology - like 'paste the wall' - have also made the process so much easier and quicker.

"Abroad, we're also seeing growing demand for British-made, design-led products, particularly in the Far East, South American and India."

He added: "We also increased our manufacturing efficiency and reduced operating costs, which improved cash generation and profitability. "This was crucial heading into 2017, as it’s given us the firepower to continue investing in areas that are driving growth. Further investment in IT for our fast-growing ecommerce business, great talent across our teams and a major national advertising campaign on TV and radio."