UK wallpaper firm rolls out profits boost

Upmarket wallpaper and fabrics group Walker Greenbank today posted a surge in profits as it benefited from the return in popularity of wallpaper and colour in interior design.

The group, which is based in Milton Keynes, saw pre-tax profits jump 177% to £1.4m (€2.02m) during the six months to July 31, boosted by a strong performance across all its brands, including Harlequin and Zoffany.

The company added that its pace of progress in the first half meant it was now a year ahead of its own targets, leaving it confident of achieving a successful outcome for the year as a whole.

All of its brands benefited from a revival of traditional English design and a return to fabrics and wallpaper as designers moved away from the minimalist trend experienced over the past few years.