Wensum optimistic despite pre-tax losses

British clothing maker Wensum Company Plc reported a pre-tax loss in the first half of £170,000, down from a pre-tax profit of £340,000 in the same period last year. Nevertheless, the company remained optimistic about the outlook for the year.

Wensum said it had been severely affected by exceptional costs resulting from the closure of its Norwich factory.

Chairman Stuart Lyons said that Wensum Clothing's first shipments from overseas "have been well received by customers." He added: "Wensum Corporate had another strong sales advance, more than offsetting the fall in sales at Wensum Clothing, which was affected by the adjustment from in-house to outsourced manufacture."

Sales for the group rose 10 percent to £8.1 million, while operating profits climbed 22 percent from £551,000 in 2004 to £672,000.