Essex-based ironmongery supplier has "excellent" 2009, despite downturn in building trade.
Ironmongery Direct has today announced a 36% sales increase and 61% profit jump for its 2009 trading year. The unaudited figures also revealed record sales of £10m.

The company attributes its success to a growing recognition of its service to the trade, with more than 25,000 tradesmen using Ironmongery Direct for the first time in 2009.

Managing director Wayne-Lysaght-Mason said: "It has been an excellent year. At a time when many of our competitors were reducing their stock levels and cutting costs, we have concentrated all our efforts on providing more and more relevant products, with certainty of availability, first rate service and reliable next-day delivery."

Ironmongery Direct has also reported an 87% rise in its online sales. The company has invested heavily in the website throughout 2009 and will continue to do so this year, as it believes a growing number of tradesmen are venturing online.

Mr Lysaght-Mason added: "Tradesmen are moving their business online at an increasing pace. We are confident that this trend will continue and are well placed to benefit from it. We will be committing considerable resources to further development of our website during 2010."