Aga sales gain on housing market recovery

Upmarket cooker maker Aga Rangemaster today reported a rise in annual sales, buoyed by Britain’s recovering property market.

The firm, which also owns tiling and paint retailer Fired Earth, posted revenues of £244.6 million for 2013, up 2.4 per cent on the previous year.

However, pre-tax profits fell to £1.1m, from £1.7m in 2012, on the back of finance costs and charges related to its pension scheme.

Chief executive William McGrath said: “The tide turning in the housing market proved pivotal and we will benefit as the number of house moves increase.

“As revenues start to grow, with capacity available and with new products and a widened targeted customer base, we are confident of good progress in the year.”