Ideal World predicts bumper profits haul

The owner of the Ideal World shopping channel was today on track for record profits after sales rose by a fifth in the last two months of 2005.

England-based Ideal Shopping Direct, which broadcasts in the UK on digital, cable and satellite, reported a “strong” second half to December 31 despite tougher trading conditions.

Ideal, which has been boosted by consumers’ increased confidence about buying products over the internet and from the television, said it was well-placed for further progress in 2006.

It expected annual pre-tax profits to hit market expectations and to be at least £7m (€10.1m), compared with last year’s haul of £4.1m (€5.9m).