Safety drive spurs on Latchways

Fall arrest system manufacturer Latchways is benefiting from the increased emphasis on health and safety in the UK as its pre-tax profit jumped 30% in the year to 31 March to £4.3m.

Latchways' turnover increased 15% to £22.4m. Chairman Paul Hearson said: "The traditional product business has had another year of growth, with a particularly strong performance in the UK.

"The Working at Height regulations provide an excellent base for our existing business, while Latchways' free design and advisory services assist system specifiers in meeting their greater obligations."

He also noted significant success in the HCL Safety and HCL Contracts divisions.

HCL Safety, which installs, maintains and certifies safety systems, has doubled its throughput of Latchways product since Latchways bought the business three years ago.

HCL Contracts, which carries out structural repairs to both domestic and commercial property, was refocused during 2003/04 and "has proven very successful". It is "steadily building a portfolio of housing association clients".

Hearson did warn that uncertainties remain over raw material costs.