Belhaven profits soar

BELHAVEN Brewery, the Scottish pubs and brewing group which returned to the stock market two years ago, was toasting success yesterday with a 20 per cent rise in full year pre-tax profits to pounds 5m. Profits improved at both the pubs and drinks divisions. Average weekly sales in Belhaven's managed pubs rose by 10 per cent to pounds 6,100. In brewing barrelage, volume rose by 6.4 per cent in a market down 2 per cent. Margins also rose significantly.

The company said trading since the year end was "slightly ahead of expectations."