FINANCE director James Henry has quit Clitheroe-based firm Ultraframe -- but bosses today insisted it was business as usual.

The firm - a world leader in the design and manufacture of conservatory systems - told the Stock Exchange that Mr Henry would be leaving 'within the next two months'.

As the search started to find a successor for the key role at Ultraframe, a spokesman said: "It is all amicable and James has just agreed to leave. "I do not know if he will be staying until a successor can be found."

Mr Henry, 38, joined Ultraframe in 1998 from KPMG in Preston where he was a senior manager.

He took over from David Moore who is now chief executive of the group which employs more than 800 people.

A statement issued by the company said: "Following the successful integration of the important acquisition of Four Seasons in North America and the investment in the management team over the past 18 months, including key financial appointments, the Group is well positioned for growth. According to Ultraframe's report for 2001, Mr Henry received a salary £110,572, down from £133,809 the previous year. It followed a slump in profits, down to £24.6 million from £27.5 in 2000.

During the year, the company issued two profits warnings that brought about a dramatic 38 per cent fall in its share price.

The Ultraframe spokesman would not discuss whether or not a compensation package had been agreed with Mr Henry.