DENNIS has reported 2008 as its best ever trading year with sales up 14% on 2007. Market share has expanded in bowls, cricket, tennis, football, rugby and ornamental lawns.

At a time when many companies appear to have slashed marketing budgets, Dennis increased theirs with attendance at ever more relevant trade exhibitions. This generated a high level of enquiries, leading to many demonstrations and orders, says the manufacturer.

Ian Howard, managing director, was delighted.

“This sustained growth has enabled us to make major investment in our UK manufacturing facility, and haspaid dividends in these tight economic times. Our product range has been developed over a number of years by listening to grounds care professionals,” he said.

Football’s Euro 2008 turned to Dennis, and in particular the modified petrol version of the 36-inch Premier mower, to meet the needs of the stadia hosting the championships.

Ian remains very optimistic for 2009 too.

“As a UK manufacturer we have no dependence on the dollar, yen and euro exchange rates, making our pricing policy much more stable than importers in these highly volatile times,” he said.