More people enjoying cuppas at home during lockdown have contributed to a success story for island-based kettle safety controls manufacturer Strix.

That’s the view of boss Mark Bartlett after the business delivered what he called modest growth adjusted profits despite Covid-19.

Chief executive Mark Bartlett also said it was testament to how well the business had ’dealt with the challenges of the pandemic’.

And he told the Manx Independent he was sure there was an impact for the company from more people being at home in lockdown.

’He said: ’It’s a little bit hearsay but look at the growth of our market.

’If people are at home they can’t go out and spend loads of money on buying cars and things.

’They can go online to places such as Amazon and get a kettle delivered. If one breaks they can easily get it replaced and delivered.

’I’m sure there is some level of impact from this.

’It’s the same with people such as students, they are going to be spending more time in their rooms drinking hot drinks such as tea and coffee rather than using a canteen.

’And I guess there are a lot of people at home drinking tea when they would normally be in an office.’

Mr Bartlett, who has made it no secret that he enjoys more than 20 cups of tea per day himself, said that Strix, which is listed on the AIM market at the London Stock Exchange, is in a good position for the future.

He says the company’s recent strong performance underpins his confidence of doubling group revenues over the next five years.

He added that the company’s Ramsey factory, which he has previously described as a ’hidden gem’ in the island, has social distancing measures in place and the staff undergo temperature checks.

Work is normal at the group’s factory in China and plans are well ahead for the opening of a new factory there later this year. Mr Bartlett said the company has a ’strong order book’ and the regulated market, particularly in Europe and the UK, has been strong, following a ’strong bounce back in the second half of 2020’.

Strix is based at Forrest House, Ronaldsway.