PRELIMINARY results this week from house hold products and distribution group IWP International were accompanied by a bullish forecast for current trading trends. The chief executive, Joe Moran, told shareholders that "growth is continuing right across the board" with a further advance in profits expected this year.

In the year to end March last pre tax profits rose 13.4 per cent to £21.6 million on turnover 10.8 per cent higher at £166.3 million. IWP remains interested in broadening its existing interests in the personal care and household products business by acquiring a distribution company, identifying eastern Europe as a market offering good prospects.

Continental Europe provides IWP with nearly 50 per cent of its turnover, the home market only accounting for 17.4 per cent. Profits at IWP have been steadily rising from £12 million in 1992-93 to the £21.6 million generated last year. With earnings per share improving 5p to 41.1p, total dividends are increased 0.9p to 9.7p a share.