HellermannTyton is cabled for success

Against a backdrop of mixed economic conditions, HellermannTyton posted sales growth across the globe. The engine of its expansion continued to be the core automotive segment, where revenues at constant currency were up a fifth to €301m (£219m). Whereas in the 1960s an average car used about 200 metres of fixing cable, today's more sophisticated technology has brought the number up to around 2.5 kilometres, explains chief executive Steve Salmon. The other key reason for the division's success is the drive to replace metal fixings with plastic ones, which forms part of the legal framework to reduce fuel emissions.

Business is also booming elsewhere. The increasing complexity of electrical content buoyed the group's electrical unit, while growing demand for broadband solutions in emerging markets ensured another good year for its smaller datacom unit.

But the growing order book - up 13 per cent at constant currencies - came at a cost. Selling and distribution costs increased 12 per cent during the year, to €133m, as the company became more reliant on third-party logistics.

Broker JPMorgan Cazenove forecasts adjusted EPS of 32¢ this year (up from 26¢ in 2014).