Cardiff-based brewer and pub company SA Brain & Co. Ltd has announced record profits for 2002. Turnover has risen by 9.1% to £84.4m from £77.3 in 2001 and profit before taxation increased by 117% to £13.5m from £6.2m. This profit performance was enhanced by the one-off profit on the sale of the company's Maes-y-Coed Road distribution site in Cardiff.

Chief executive, Scott Waddington, said: "We have refined our strategy and refocused the business during the year with the aim of becoming Wales' premier integrated, independent drinks and hospitality business. Our unique position in this marketplace allows us to further develop the strength of our brand, brewing business and pubs, sustaining the success of the business.”

"Over the past year a sizable project was launched to examine the Brains brand, the first results of which have been launched recently under the banner 'more positive thinking from Brains.' The project researched current perceptions of consumers, customers and staff to arrive at the 'positive' new brand, combining the heritage and ambition of the company with the spirit of optimism in the modern Wales," he said.

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