INVESTORS can look forward to another year of good growth, says Ultraframe chairman Rod Sellers.

Speaking at the Clitheroe-based group's annual general meeting Mr Sellers said the conservatory firm had made a healthy start to the year.

He said: "Turnover for the first three months in the core business was marginally ahead of the very buoyant first quarter of the previous financial year with a strong performance recorded by the commercial structures subsidiary, Ultraspan Ltd.

"The outlook for our core business looks positive with the domestic market for conservatories predicted by independent market research to grow by more than 10 per cent during calendar year 2001 and by 52.7 per cent over the four years ending December 2004."

He added: "Ultraspan, our recently expanded commercial system business, which specialises in glazed structures, walkways, canopies and retail structures, is developing rapidly and sales to date are ahead of expectations at £1.5m, more than £1m ahead of the equivalent period last year.

"The order book, at £1.7m is also at record levels."

Mr Sellers said the firm was continuing to invest in both the US and European markets.

"We are beginning to see the fruits of this investment on both continents and expect to see positive developments during the rest of the year," he added.

In the year to September 29 2000 Ultraframe's turnover increased by 18.2 per cent to £81.67m, profit before tax improved by 23.5 per cent to £22.51m.

Earnings per share at 21p showed a 28 per cent increase over the 16.4p earned in 1999.