Halfords see rise in profits

West Midland-based Retailer Halfords delivered a 27 per cent rise in profits today after poor winter weather forced motorists to shell out on car maintenance accessories.

The group, with headquarters in Redditch, also reported continued strong sales and market share growth in cycling as it posted a surplus of £117.1 million for the year to April 2 - slightly higher than predicted.

Chief executive David Wild said takings were up 4.6 per cent to £831.6 million.