Thanks to a community focus, pub operator and brewer Hardy & Hansons is continuing to enjoy double-digit growth. In the year to October, adjusted profit before tax increased 13% to £14.1m and turnover grew 9.4% to £70.9m. The 171 year old East Midland based company proposed a total dividend of 18.1p a 10% improvement on last year. Chairman Richard Hanson attributes the continued growth to H&H's focus on community- and food-led operations as opposed to city centre/high street venues, which are currently experiencing trading difficulties. 52 H&H branches include catering and food, sales of which improved 3% to account for 35% of managed house sales. During the period, 21 of H&H's 253 managed and tenanted outlets, including Sherwood Manor in Nottingham, were refurbished and six new tenanted pubs acquired. More acquisitions, most likely large capacity pubs, are on the cards. Hanson also states that sales of H&H's ale brands have improved and Olde Trip, its new 4.3% ale, has performed well since its launch in April. Trading at a 14% discount to its peer Fullers, house brokers Arbuthnot has upgraded its recommendation to a buy. It is looking for 2004 profits of £14.8m on sales of £80m.