Merseyside-based Vimto and soft drinks firm Nichols plc said on Wednesday it revenue rose 10.2% to £71.6 million and profit before tax rose 2% to £13.3 million for the half year ended June 30, 2019.

“The board is pleased with the group’s performance in the first six months of 2019 in both our UK and international markets,” said Nichols chairman John Nichols.

“While UK trading conditions are expected to remain challenging, as a result of the group’s diversified business model and sales momentum, the board is confident that full year earnings will be delivered in line with its expectations.”

Nichols plc also said that after 14 years with the group and 10 years as group chief financial officer, Tim Croston will step down from the voard by June 30, 2020.

Nichols plc added that Andrew Milne, who has served on the board since January 2016 as group commercial director has been promoted to the role of group chief operating officer with immediate effect.