JOICE AND HILL grew sales and pre-tax profits in its latest set of financials.

The firm, which is distributor of the layer brands of Hendrix Genetics in the United Kingdom, grew sales to £8.3m in the year to 31 December 2018, up from £7.4m the year before.

Profits before taxation were £472,800, compared with £114,858 the year before.

The directors’ strategic report said the company had consolidated a business turnaround started in 2017. “Focus continues to be placed on chick quality with continued investment in our farms, hatchery and delivery vehicles,” it said.

Among risks identified, the firm says: “As our products are constantly improving in the output of first quality eggs and we are a somewhat static egg market, it is logical that our available market might shrink.”

Brexit is also mentioned, with concerns raised about the firm’s export arrangements with the Republic of Ireland, as well as the challenges surrounding staffing and the price of vaccines and feed.