A FASTENINGS firm expects to dodge Brexit difficulties as global demand helps bridge EU uncertainty.

Trifast says its international reputation, bolstered by strong market clamour, means it will be nimble enough to swerve trade jitters.

The upbeat outlook came as bosses hailed robust half-year trading, which saw revenue and profit both increase.

The business runs a plant under its TR Fastenings banner in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which oversees the supply of products such as nuts, bolts, washers and screws.

According to its annual financial results, demand for such wares remained strong in the period to September 30, despite “recent geopolitical uncertainty” and the impact on pricing caused by the Brexit vote.

Group revenue across continuing operations, at actual exchange rates, stood nine per cent higher than a year ago at £97.8m, with pre-tax profit 7.7 per cent better off at £9.1m.

Malcolm Diamond, non-executive chairman, said the business was well placed to meet “any challenges head on”, since more than 70 per cent of its revenues come from outside the UK.

He said: “Our strong results, together with a robust balance sheet, good access to banking facilities and a proven record of profitable investment, means the group is in a great position to keep moving forward.

“The second half has started well, with a robust pipeline in place. There are very few of us in commerce that have failed to be influenced by the recent geopolitical uncertainty that shows every sign of continuing.

“However, the board and management team have concluded, that in our view, global market demand will remain dynamic.

“With over 70 per cent of our revenue being generated outside the UK, and a very well-balanced geographical and sector spread, the board remains confident we have the flexibility and foresight to continue to grow, while facing any challenges head on.”

Glenda Roberts, Trifast’s group sales director, previously told The Northern Echo how the company was continuing to build its presence in Newton Aycliffe, where it employs a number of people across sales, logistics and technical support.

She said the business, which once supported manufacturers Black and Decker and Electrolux in the region, was benefiting from a focus on the automotive sector, where it sees self-driving battery models as a major opportunity.

Ms Roberts added: “We have pushed on with automotive and gone for it in a big way.

“We are now one of the major suppliers in the area and it’s a great success story for us.

“We have re-invented ourselves in the North-East.”