Exports boost Dyson profits

Dyson has attributed a rise in sales and pre-tax profits to its success in the export market, according to accounts filed at the weekend.

The electrical goods company recorded a 9 per cent rise in sales for the year ending 31 December 2006, to £514.7m.

Pre-tax profits increased by 19 per cent, to £115m.

Exports account for 80 per cent of the company’s turnover, compared to about 20 per cent just three years ago, while investment in research and development increased from £50m to £70m.

The launch of new products such as the Airblade hand dryer has helped the growth of the company.

The launch of more non-floorcare products can be expected throughout 2008 or 2009, though there is no official time schedule for these, according to a Dyson spokesman.

The company is in the process of setting up the infrastructure to support its launch in China. It is expected to be operating there within the coming year. 

Dyson now has a presence in 45 countries around the world.

The international expansion and future product launches will be overseen by former DSG International chief executive John Clare, who joined Dyson as non-executive director earlier this year.