BrightHouse has had another strong year of growth, with like-for-likes increasing 10.7% in the year to March 31.

Underlying EBITDA grew 16% to £34.1m, while revenue also increased 16%, to £197.3m.

The buy to let electricals and furniture retailer said current trading is “in line with expectations”. It added that it grew its customer base 20% to 175,000 customers.

The 205-store retailer opened 21 new stores in the period and plans another 30 in the current year.

BrightHouse chief executive Leo McKee said: “Shoppers are cautious in the current economic climate but BrightHouse has again delivered improved revenue, profit and customer numbers.

“We will continue to expand by serving our core market – low income families. The alternative credit market in the UK comprises some 5.2 million households, giving us the potential to expand the chain over time to as many as 650 stores.

“We are a responsible lender, serving families in some of the most socially deprived areas of Britain. There continues to be great demand for this proposition and the company’s growth prospects are good. Current trading is in line with management expectations and the company anticipates delivering further profitable growth.”