THE Edinburgh business behind the world-famous Filofax diary has grown pre-tax profits by 50 per cent to £1.9m following a period of streamlining.

The business, which this month embraced the digital age with the launch of an electronic tablet stand, saw stable sales of £31.2m in the year to April 30 2017, down slightly from £31.7m.

Operating profit at parent company FLB Holdings was up to £2.7m from £2.2m, which reflected the impact of headcount reductions and an efficiency drive in previous years.

Writing in accounts filed with Companies House, directors said the market remained competitive, adding: “Streamlining the business will continue as we seek to maximise profits.”