Churchill China is expected to exceed market expectations when it announces its results for the current financial year.
The announcement by the manufacturer and global distributor of tableware and household products, comes on the back of its performance for the first half of 2007.

Its interim results for the six months ended June 30 show a 25% increase in operating profit to £1m before exceptional items and profit before tax and exceptional items up 42% to £1.4m.

Chairman of the company, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, Jonathan Sparey, said: "Churchill has achieved a strong performance so far this year. We believe we are well placed to exceed current market expectations for our full year, although the rate of growth in the second half is likely to be lower."

Sales to its retail customers were slightly ahead of expectations at £8.6m (£9.1m 2006) and reflected Churchill's planned exit from certain lower margin business.