Shares of York-based online music equipment retailer Gear4music rose 11% on Thursday after it published a year-end trading update covering the 12 months to March 31, 2020.

Gear4music said total sales increased 9% to £120.3 million.

Gear4music CEO Andrew Wass said: “I am very pleased to report that we have achieved our primary FY20 objectives of improving our operational strength and driving efficiencies in order to restore gross margins, resulting in record profits for the group.

“FY21 has begun with operational challenges relating to COVID-19, and our focus has been on protecting the health and safety of our employees, whilst ensuring service levels are maintained for our customers.

“I am extremely grateful for the extraordinary hard work and commitment our teams have demonstrated, which has allowed us to successfully satisfy the high demand we have encountered since late March, as an increasing number of people recognise the benefits that playing musical instruments can bring during these difficult times.

“We remain confident that our business is appropriately configured to achieve long term profitable growth, and that we are in a strong position to build upon the excellent progress we have made during FY20.”