Dignity's profits rise 6 per cent

DIGNITY – the UK's only listed funeral company – yesterday reported a 6 per cent rise in underlying pre-tax profits.

The group, which is based at Sutton Coldfield, said profits came in at 36.4 million in the year to 25 December. Revenues rose 5 per cent to 184.7m.

Dignity said death rates had returned to normal in the first quarter of 2010 after an "unusually high" number the previous year.

Chief executive Mike McCollum said: "The current year has started well and the group's performance is in line with the board's expectations.

"Our outlook for the full year remains positive."