A record year's results have been turned in by the controls and fixtures company. All four of the group companies generated record sales, with three of the four turning in record profits as well. The main drivers of this growth, according to chairman R M Dewhurst, were the overseas lift market and cost controls at the Thames Valley Controls subsidiary. As usual, the strong pound was cited as a reason for fierce overseas competition. In the year to 3 October, turnover rose from £18.2m to £19.9m with pre-tax profits climbing 15% from £1.6m to £1.9m. Earnings per share were lifted from 10.4p to 12.5p while the dividend was raised 9% from 3.15p to 3.45p per share.