A COCKTAIL of strong growth and acquisitions produced record earnings for British chemicals distribution group Ellis & Everard, annual results revealed yesterday. During the year to the end of April, taxable profits almost doubled to £25.6 million sterling from £13.3 million in the previous 12 months.

"We have had an outstanding year and have also strengthened every area of the business through a number of carefully targeted acquisitions which supplement our solid organic growth," said the chief executive, Mr Peter Wood.