Churchill China shows bulldog spirit

STOKE-on-Trent pottery group Churchill China has revealed an upturn in fortunes - just two months after issuing a profit warning sparked by falling consumer demand.

Despite tough market conditions created by foot-and-mouth disease and the September 11 terrorist attacks, Churchill said it had seen a 'strong' trading performance in the final weeks of last year.

It is expecting to meet current market forecasts of pre-tax profits of £3 million for the year to December 31 2001 - £500,000 more than the previous year.

The company added it was in 'robust health' after fending off the tough conditions facing customers in the London and US hotel markets, to which it supplies its 'dining out' range of crockery.

And its 'dining in' division, which makes crockery for the home, benefited from a Harry Potter-themed range of ceramic products.

Things are set to continue to improve for the company with analysts forecasts for the coming year expected to be £3.4 million.

Chairman Stephen Roper said: 'Despite a number of adverse market events during 2001 the group remains in robust health and we continue to grow both turnover and profit'.