US move paying off for Wellington boot brand Hunter

THE Edinburgh-based Wellington boot brand Hunter saw profits rise 7% last year according to new figures, with investors sharing in the firm’s good fortunes.

Dividends totalling some £10 million were paid after the company generated net cash of £15.5m, according to documents filed at Companies House.

The accounts show the heritage footwear and fashions label, a favourite for festival-goers, saw revenues rise 10% in 2013 a period marking its first full-year of online sales in the US.

In the directors’ strategic report, company secretary Ken Pratt said the result reflected account development across North America and “repositioning” of the brand at home in the UK.

“During the year the group continued to invest in enhancing its infrastructure and capabilities so as to provide a strong platform for the future growth of the brand,” he said.

The company is majority-owned by investment firm Searchlight Capital, with sports clothing and retail brand group Pentland holding a 25% interest.

It employs 125 people, with 34% of its sales in the US and 38% in the UK last year, as opposed to 28% and 43% respectively during 2012.