THE UK's leading made-to-measure window-blind maker is celebrating a year that has seen profits rocket 26 per cent to £10.45m.

Christmas sales have capped a record-breaking year, up 38 per cent on last year.

The highlight of the year was the opening of a 70,000sq ft factory in Washington, Wearside, creating 50 jobs in the area, taking the company's total workforce in Washington and Nottingham to 1,000.

The firm uses another 850 self-employed advisors, who provide the national, in-home, tailored service.

The company attributes its strong order book, at a time when many high street retailers are suffering depressed sales, to a mixture of improved customer service, advertising and capacity initiatives. These included the opening of the new factory, as well as a rebranding and a national advertising campaign.

The factory, close to the site of the previous facilities, has ensured the necessary manufacturing capacity is in place to support sales growth for at least the next five years.

Mike Snapes, executive chairman of the Hillarys Group, said: "It is pleasing to report further advancement in the growth of Hillarys during a year in which many new initiatives were introduced.

"Our first priorities have been to continue the development of Hillarys as a compelling place to buy from and further establish Hillarys as an exceptional place to work. We have enjoyed considerable success in both of these areas."