Chesire-based NWF Group plc, the agricultural and distribution business that delivers fuel, feeds and food across the UK, said on Tuesday its revenue for the half year ended November 30, 2019, rose 5.6% to £348.9 million.

Statutory profit before tax rose 26.3% to £2.4 million.

NWF Group CEO Richard Whiting: “We had a very positive first half, with all divisions trading in line with, or exceeding, expectations.

“We have continued the expansion of NWF in line with our strategy; acquiring five fuel businesses in the last 12 months, increasing our annualised volumes by almost 30%.

“We are also significantly expanding the food division with a major new contract and warehouse, which is expected to benefit our next financial year.

“Current trading is in line with the board’s expectations for the full financial year.”