In its latest results, ExportExchange patron Bettys & Taylors Group, which incorporates Bettys Café Tea Rooms, Taylors of Harrogate coffee and the Yorkshire Tea brand, has reported further growth of revenue and pre-tax profits.

With exports accounting for a significant part of its business, the group reported turnover of £189.7m (year to 31 October 2017), up 9 per cent from £173.6m in 2016. It also saw a rise in pre-tax profit growing to £16m from £9.3m the year before. Operating profit rose by £5.3m to £15.1m.

In their report accompanying the accounts, the directors said "a good sales performance" had been achieved in 2017 despite "an increasingly competitive market".

Bettys & Taylors was among the winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2017, with the Taylors Sourcing Approach gaining recognition in the sustainable development category for its "impressive approach" to trade and suppliers.

During the year, the firm made an investment of £3.9m in plant, machinery and IT systems.

Paul Cogan, group finance and resources director, said: "These are an excellent set of results for our business and reflect the fantastic support that we continue to enjoy from our customers. We've been able to grow sales in each of the key parts of our Group: Bettys, Taylors of Harrogate Coffee and, in particular, Yorkshire Tea, which continues to increase its market share.

"To ensure we're able to continue to satisfy the growing demand for our products, we've recently started a £20m programme of investment, spread over two years. We're expanding our tea and coffee manufacturing site in Harrogate and investing in both new equipment and in our operating systems. As we approach our centenary year in 2019, we're excited about building on what has been achieved in the business so far and passionate in our desire to continue to develop products that we hope will delight our customers for years to come."

Founded by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont, Bettys & Taylors first tearoom opened in 1919. It is now into its fourth generation of family shareholders.