Batteries and bulbs boost

HALFORDS hopes that fitting extras such as batteries, bulbs and windscreen wipers for customers who can’t do their own repairs will help reverse a decline in retail sales and profits.

The bike and motoring retailer, which buys most of its bikes in dollars, has taken a £14m hit from the fall in the pound since the referendum, which delivered a 10.5pc dent in profits to £71.4m in the year to March 31.

It reported 2.7pc rise in revenue during the year to £1.1bn, helped by an exclusive cycle range with former Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins.