Van and lorry dealer Channel Commercials increased pre-tax profits by 23% to £795,000.

The Ashford-based firm, which also has dealerships in Strood, Canterbury and Sevenoaks, boosted turnover by 17% to £51.5 million in the year to November 27, 2015, according to its latest accounts filed at Companies House.

The company, which sells new DAF Truck and Nissan Commercial Vehicles, managed this despite gross profit percentage slipping to 7% from 7.5%, although net profit percentage remained steady at 1.5%.

The firm employs more than 200 people and also sells used trucks and services vehicles.