Essex mail order company Flying Brands has delivered slightly lower profits after sales at its fresh flowers business wilted over Mother's Day.

The group, which is based at Kelvedon Park, said the performance of its Flying Flowers business had disappointed during the six months to June 28.

Sales for the division were marginally lower at £5million as the early timing of Mothering Sunday left less time to attract trade.

The company said: "The response to Mothers Day mailing in particular was below expectations and although the April mailing performed better than last year, the remaining off peak activity has seen a response below 2001."

Despite the sluggish performance from Flying Flowers, the company's Gardening Direct business increased sales to £11.8million from £11.2million.

Profits at Gardening Direct rose to £4million from £3.5million last time after a performance which was described by chairman Alan Fryer as "encouraging".

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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