Angler reeling in sales

ANGLING Direct reported a 39pc jump in annual sales to £42m as it continued to buck the retail slump.

The stock market tiddler, now the largest angling equipment retailer in the UK, said online sales increased 30pc and store sales rose 50pc. However, the firm posted losses of £266,000 in the 12 months to the end of January.

It opened three shops last year and another three so far this year, taking its total 27. It plans to open seven more this year.

Martyn Page, executive chairman, said: ‘It has been a transformational year for Angling Direct.’