Bradford-based window and door specialist Style Group UK has announced a record profit growth.

The company bucked industry trends to produce an operating profit of £7.1 million for 2004 - a 24.6 per cent increase on the previous year's £5.7 million.

The Style Group, which has its headquarters in Bradford, is Britain's largest independent replacement PVC window and door manufacturer and supplier

The profit growth comes on the back of a consolidated turnover increase of 4.5 per cent and marks the fourth year in succession that performance has improved.

John Ross, chief executive of Style Group, said: "Another year of solid progress with the results being achieved against an industry background of uncertainty and reduced consumer confidence.

"This undoubtedly illustrates the determined efforts of our management team to focus on profit rather than sales.

"Unlike our competitors, the group uses television and radio advertising as one of its prime means of securing leads and our success justifies this route to market. We shall continue to grow market share by producing memorable and creative advertising.

"This year also saw increased capital expenditure and we invested £2.8 million in new capital projects. By far the largest investment was in the installation of a toughened glass facility at our Barnsley plant and we are confident that this will not only increase our control of the production process by replacing the amount of work undertaken by suppliers but also provide rapid payback and sustainable cost reductions."

For the second year running, sales exceeded £100 million. The underlying profit before tax and dividends shows a growth from £1.493 million in 2001, £2.693 million in 2002, £5.691 million in 2003 to the latest figure for 2004 of £7.090 million.

Style Group UK is the parent company of three specialised subsidiaries including Safestyle UK, Windowstyle UK, Tradestyle LTD.

Style Group was formed in Bradford in 1992 and has expanded since then.

The company's headquarters is still at Eldon Place, just off Manningham Lane, where more than 300 people are employed. Another 600 people are employed in Wombwell, near Barnsley.

Mr Ross added: "The Style Group has always operated a culture of meritocracy by rewarding and promoting our best performers. This year was no exception and a record number of employees advanced their careers.

"The Group has reached a size where we are creating a large number of career opportunities for top performers in our industry and we continue to attract the best.

"The Style Group is in good hands and I confidently expect further progress in future years."