BRADFORD windows and doors installation firm Safestyle has seen it profits drop by more than seven per cent from last year.

The firm, founded in 1992 in the city, has seen its gross profits fall from £55.6 million in 2016, to £51.4 million in 2017.

Total revenue has also dropped in the past year, from £159.4 million to £158.6 million.

Two causes for the drop in profits is a decrease in the number of window and door installations carried out across the UK, and a rise in the price of windows and doors in the past year.

The number of frames installed dropped by 7.9 per cent from 288,460 in 2016 to 265,716 last year.

The average unit sales price in 2017 rose 7.6 per cent to £608 in 2017 compare to £565 the year before.

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However, despite the drop in sales and profits, Safestyle has seen its market share continue to grow to 10.7 per cent, and its number of leads from media and online marketing also grew, by 6.4 per cent.

It has also opened a new installation depot in South Wales, and completed a new factory extension in Wombwell.

Steve Birmingham, Safestyle chief executive, said: “During 2017 the market became increasingly challenging.

“Although Safestyle again increased market share, the group’s financial performance was impacted primarily due to increases in lead generation costs, consumer finance subsidy costs and raw materials.

“The start to 2018 has been difficult and as previously announced our order intake has been below management expectations as a result of the continued deteriorating market, declining consumer confidence and increased competitive environment.

“We have already taken action to reduce our cost base and modernise our sales and canvass operations.

“We expect the major benefits of these efforts to take effect in the second half of 2018.

“2018 will be a year of transition as we continue to invest in operational improvements so that by the end of the year we will have a leaner, fitter and more cost effective business.”

Safestyle has also announced its chief financial officer Mike Robinson is stepping down in May after a decade in the role, and will be replaced by Rob Neale.