CERAMICS firm Portmeirion yesterday said annual profits almost trebled after the addition of the Spode and Royal Worcester brands sent revenues soaring.

The Stoke-based business rescued the historic fine china names last April and said the acquisitions now accounted for 20% of sales.

Pre-tax profits last year jumped from £1.4m to £3.7m in 2009 as sales surged 36% to £43.2m.

Portmeirion – which said the potential of the brands was “huge” – has continued the momentum in the first two months of 2010, with revenues 40% up on last year.

Royal Worcester & Spode went into administration in November 2008 before being bought by Portmeirion last April. The firm won orders from major US customers “within hours” of landing the brands.

The Spode Blue Italian and Woodland patterns are in production at its Stoke factory, with other patterns sourced from Far East suppliers.

The brands added £8.5m to revenues – £1.5m ahead of Portmeirion’s £7m estimate – last year. The firm has £12m in extra revenues pencilled in this year.

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