Strong results after a year of substantial progress have been announced this week by Keighley-based Peter Black Holdings.

The company, which specialises in the manufacture and marketing of healthcare, beauty and fashion products for the personal care, footwear and accessories markets, increased profit before tax and exceptional items by 19.3 per cent to £20.3 million.

Chairman Gordon Black says: "Our acquisition of Lenci Calzature and Ferrosan UK have broadened the group's base as regards customers and markets. Around half our turnover is now with Marks & Spencer and the balance to major high street multiples in the UK and Europe.

"It has been widely reported that retail sales generally are under pressure.

"Our personal care products and footwear, however, are every-day essentials as opposed to high priced luxury items, and therefore have strong defensive qualities and resilience."

He says: ''Our global centre of excellence approach to product sourcing, together with a high level of investment in our UK-based personal care manufacturing facilities, underpin our position as efficient and low-cost producers.

"Against this background, we are confident that our business is favourably positioned to compete effectively and sustain the progress achieved in recent years." Adjusted earnings per share rose 14.2 per cent to 22.51p, with a full year dividend up 12.9 per cent.

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