Yorkshire firm benefits as lockdown Brits take up music

Musical instruments retailer Gear4music has reported strong demand since the Covid-19 lockdown started as more people take up playing an instrument to keep themselves occupied.
By Ros Snowdon
Published 23rd Apr 2020, 09:18 BST
Andrew Wass and his team keep playing through the crisisAndrew Wass and his team keep playing through the crisis
Andrew Wass and his team keep playing through the crisis

The York-based firm, which is the UK’s biggest online retailer of musical instruments and music equipment, said it is in a strong position to build on the success it saw in 2019.

Gear4music's chief executive Andrew Wass said: "I am extremely grateful for the extraordinary hard work and commitment our teams have demonstrated, which has allowed us to successfully satisfy the high demand we have encountered since late March, as an increasing number of people recognise the benefits that playing musical instruments can bring during these difficult times.

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"We remain confident that our business is appropriately configured to achieve long term profitable growth, and that we are in a strong position to build upon the excellent progress we have made during the past year."

The group said sales rose 9 per cent to £120m in the year to March 31 and earnings are expected to jump to £7m from £2m.

"I am very pleased to report that we have achieved our primary objectives of improving our operational strength and driving efficiencies in order to restore gross margins, resulting in record profits for the group," said Mr Wass.

"The new financial year has begun with operational challenges relating to Covid-19, and our focus has been on protecting the health and safety of our employees, whilst ensuring service levels are maintained for our customers."

Related topics:YorkshireYorkCovid-19