THE boss of Blackburn wallpaper manufacturer Graham and Brown is predicting a strong 2010 after 2009 figures were published.

Sales fell by £3million last year as the firm suffered a dip in exports, with turnover for the year ending December 31, 2009 at £79.1million, down from £82.1 million in 2008.

Sales in the UK actually rose but overseas cashflow took a hit, although pre-tax profits remained steady.

The results come after bosses at Harwood Street-based Graham and Brown urged the Government to offer ‘credit protection’ for selling in foreign countries.

The 2009 figures, just filed at Companies House, show sales in Britain rising from £42.2million to £43.7million.

However, sales abroad tumbled from £39.9million to just £35.4million.

Meanwhile, pre-tax profit was £3.5million, slightly down from £3.7million in 2008.

In the report, bosses blamed difficult trading conditions for the results but said they were upbeat about future forecasts.

Chief executive Andrew Graham said: “The group continued to invest in production, innovation and the infrastructure to drive growth in the longer term.

“The directors are committed to grow the wallpaper market and the group is well-placed to maximise growth opportunities internationally.”

He said 2010 results would show ‘improved demand’ for wallpaper.