ELECTRONIC parts supplier Premier Farnell said sales and profits growth accelerated as it benefited from the global economic recovery.

Leeds-based Premier, which delivers electronic components and industrial products to engineers and businesses in more than 100 countries, said fourth quarter sales and profits were the highest for 10 years.

The strong performance helped lift revenues for the year to January 31 by 21% to £990.8m while underlying profits rose by 48% to £112.1m.

Premier said the growth came from emerging markets, the UK and the USA.

The group said the momentum continued in February with revenues up by 8%.