David Flatman is back in profit

Scottish bookseller David Flatman has celebrated a happy ending after delivering an impressive turnaround.

Pre-tax profits for the year to the end of March were only£4,287, but that marked a dramatic U-turn. The family-run chain, trading as Bargain Books and Bookworld from 46 outlets, generated a loss the previous year of£574,883. Turnover rose from£22.3 million to£25 million year on year.

Investment in popular lines, profitable locations and more non-book products boosted business. Marketing and property manager Elizabeth Flatman said: 'We are pleased we have managed to turn things around. We are continuing to increase lines across the board.'