William Hill forecasts profit progress

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures last month failed to stop gamblers placing their bets as William Hill today posted robust sales growth in its shops.

The company, which has more than 2,350 outlets in the UK and Ireland, said retail turnover grew by 4% in December and 8% in the fourth quarter despite the adverse weather – which led to 47% of scheduled UK horseracing meetings being cancelled and just one weekend of reduced football.