Anglian Country Inns sees 12% rise in turnover

Pub and restaurant company Anglian Country Inns as seen its turnover rise by nearly 12% in 2013/14.

The business reported an 11.7% increase in sales to just over £6.7m for the year to 31 March 2014.

Meanwhile, pre-tax profit was down by around 11.5%, to just over £216,000 for the year. However the company saw a single percentage point improvement on its gross profit margin to 69.5%, and EBITDA was up 8% on last year, to £688,405.

Anglian Country Inns said that gross profit margins continued to be "under pressure"" as a result of rising food and energy costs.

However the business said it was pleased to see like-for-like sales growth, combined with improved margins.

"During the financial year, the company has invested in infrastructure to establish a foundation for future growth and expansion," a statement from the company said.

"Considering this investment, EBITDA was in line with expectations."

Anglian Country Inns had a portfolio of four sites as at the end of the accounting period. It has since opened one more, including the Water Lane bar and restaurant in Bishop's Stortford in April 2014.

A sixth site, the Cricketers in Weston in Hertfordshire, is due to open in spring next year.

It's other sites include: the White Horse in Brancaster, Norfolk; the Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk; the Fox at Willian in Hertfordshire; and Hermitage Rd. restaurant in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.