As the economy shows signs of recovery the news is good for Suffolk as The East of England Co-op today announced sales have increased.

SUFFOLK: As the economy shows signs of recovery the news is good for Suffolk as The East of England Co-op today announced sales have increased.

The largest independent retailer in the area revealed a 22.2 per cent boost in underlying profit to �7.2million for the first half of this year.

And turnover for their continuing operations increased by 3.4 per cent to �205million for the 28 weeks ending on August 8.

Growth in the company's Food Retail business, with stores throughout Ipswich and Suffolk, has completed its 14th successive quarter of like-for-like sales growth.

An achievement the company say is significant accounting for the high levels of competition with the local trading environment and the economic climate.

Richard Samson, chief executive, said: “We have continued to refurbish and rebrand many of our stores and they are showing good sales increases as our customers appreciate the modern services and facilities that we are providing.

“We're gaining new members every week and the value of our Members' Dividend Scheme continues to be a significant benefit, with more than �4.2 million paid out to our members across the region earlier this year.

“The hard work and commitment from colleagues across the Society is once again a key factor in our success.”

The Society's loss-making Department and Home Stores business was sold in July and in recent months the company has undertaken mutli-million pound investment in the larger supermarkets in Framlingham, Leiston, and Frinton-on-Sea and there are plans to open more stores in the region.