Outdoor furniture supplier Bramblecrest has reported a decline in sales as turnover fell below £30m.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 November 2023, total sales fell 48.2% to £26.6m from £51.4m in 2022. Pre-tax profit resulted at £6.5m, down from £9.2m against the prior year.

Stated within its report, BDP Imports, which trades as Bramblecrest, said: “During the previous financial year the company saw high demand driven by the Covid pandemic, however when normal demand levels returned customers finished the season with higher than normal stock levels.

“This led to lower orders for the financial year ending 30 November 2023. The shipping challenges eased for 2023 with prices coming back down to pre pandemic levels but we saw weakening of the pound against the dollar due to worldwide unrest.

“Overheads and costs were managed to ensure margins were not impacted through the drop in sales. In March 2023 BDP Imports Holdings group became employee owned with the founders selling 80% of the company. This move demonstrates the company’s commitment to put its people first and ensure the long term success of the company united by a shared vision.

“The Company’s performance has benefitted from a reputation for quality service and innovation. BDP Imports have continued to invest in the company’s website which supports garden centre partners through product support and find a stockist navigation.

“Further efforts to support stockists was made through premium point of sale merchandising material.”