Bakery manufacturer Frank Roberts & Sons has posted a 9% increase in group operating profit, to £5.9m, for the full year to 1 September 2012.

Sales revenue stood at £81.2m, up 3% on 2011 (£79.1m).

The firm put the improved performance down primarily to strong bread volumes and increased sales of confectionery.

“The result was achieved despite ongoing commodity inflation, intense competition within the bread market and poor weather during the summer, which had a direct effect on morning goods volumes,” said the firm.

However in its latest accounts, filed at Companies House, the firm admitted to having reduced its employee numbers in a bid to streamline operations and  reduce its cost base. Its staff headcount dropped 7% from 2011 to 2012, from 898 to 839.

The prior year also saw exceptional costs of £0.8m related to the acquisition of P&A Davies.

The firm manufactures and distributes bread, morning goods, gluten-free products, pastry products and confectionery.