INDEPENDENT brewer Burtonwood Brewery has announced a 16 per cent rise in pre-tax profits for the first six months of the financial year.

The Cheshire-based company, which operates 500 pubs, mainly in the North West, saw profits increase from £3.03 million to £3.52 million on a slight rise in turnover to £23.94 million.

Chairman Graeme Dutton-Forshaw, said: "We consider this a creditable performance, especially in the light of the difficult trading conditions."

The company spent £2.55 million on 25 major developments while a further 41 pubs received minor refurbishments.

"To provide further improvement in profitability we are more actively seeking acquisitions," added Mr Dutton-Forshaw.