After another difficult year Baildon-based workplace products supplier H C Slingsby is looking to boost its fortunes by investing in new IT and website development as online orders continue to rise.

In the year to December 31 2012, family-run Slingsby suffered a difficult first half and was also hit by quiet summer trading. Sales for the year fell from £15.2 million in 2011 to £14,6 million. Pre-tax profits slumped from £422,000 to £102,000.

Chairman John Waterhouse said progress was being made on a major project to update systems and integrate the website into the operating system and a supplier had been appointed and all departments were involved in the implementation plan.

Orders received through the website have continued to increase over the year, highlighting the importance of the investment.

He said: “Trading conditions experienced in the second half have continued into the new financial year and there is no visibility as to the timing of any upturn. However, the board continues to invest in the future to ensure that to the extent that market conditions allow, the group can capitalise on its brand awareness.

“On behalf of the board I wish to thank our loyal employees who continue to serve the company well in difficult times.”

Due to tough trading conditions and the cost of IT investment, the final dividend has been cut to 15p a share from 28p a year earlier, making a total for the year of 19p (32p in 2011) to be paid on July 5.