Easter trade cheers UK brewer
British brewer Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries today said an upbeat Easter had helped it boost half-year profits by 13.6%.
Wolves said trading over the early Easter bank holiday weekend and since April had been good and in line with expectations.
It said underlying pre-tax profits came in at £36m (€52.3m), while profits after goodwill and exceptionals were 12.8% ahead at £32.6m (€47.3m).
The brewer and pub operator said it was facing a slowdown in consumer spending and significant regulatory challenges in common with the rest of the industry.
However, it said it believed its strategy was well suited to the slower market conditions and that it was well prepared for the changes due to be introduced by licensing reforms from the end of this year, such as changes to opening hours.
Chairman David Thompson said: "Notwithstanding the more uncertain economic climate, our strong performance and market position give us confidence in a satisfactory out-turn for the year in line with our expectations."
