SWALLOWFIELD, the Wellington-based cosmetics, toiletries and household goods company, said this week the increasing operational and financial strength of the company was putting it in a strong position for the future

despite a challenging economic environment.

In its its interim results, the company announced a seven per cent increase on income for the six months to January.

Revenues were up to £25.24m and operating profit before exceptional items at £0.74m, just £90,000 less than the same period last year.

The company announced an interim dividend increased by 29% to 1.8p per share.

Shena Winning, non-executive chairman, said: "The last six months have continued the progress made in previous

periods with profits largely maintained in tough trading conditions and net debt at low levels after a programme of capital investment.

"Despite the weaker economic outlook for 2009 and beyond, levels of new sales enquiries are at a high level and some revenue growth is expected in the second half.

"The increasing operational and financial strength of the company puts us in a strong position for the future."