Company restructuring paying dividends as group profits rise 72% for the year ending June 30, 2007.
William Sinclair said the business is generating an 'acceptable level of profitability'; and improving margins, partly as a consequence of withdrawing from some low-return contracts, and gains from operational efficiency.

A sector-by-sector breakdown showed sales of retail gardening consumables were strong, having benefited from good weather during April and May.

The directors estimate the total market for retail gardening consumables grew by approximately 10% year-on-year.

Within retail gardening consumables the growing media sector grew by 12% with the J Arthur Bower's brand gaining market share at the expense of branded competitors, according to the company.

Sinclair is expecting an increase in customer demand next season following improvements in packaging of its J Arthur Bower's growing media range, and the release of new products.

William Sinclair said it lost market share in the competitive area of the plant foods sector whilst demand for lawn treatments was down by 8%.

The directors believe there is room for improvement within the plant food and fertiliser operations.

Announcing the company results, chairman Bernard Burns said the business is 'confident that it has the right products, the right quality and the right service standards to continue to improve performance, and deliver strong results'.