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Flickr: Annie

Abel & Cole has returned to profit, and has nearly doubled its turnover in the process.

The organic online retailer nevertheless saw the financial year ending 26 April 2014 as 'challenging', with its customers throughout the supply chain feeling the pressure.

According to the recently-released accounts, posted on Companies House, Abel & Cole's pre-tax profit for the most recent financial year was £3.7 million, up from a loss of £208,000 in 2012/13.

Turnover, meanwhile, was up from £38.1m to £65m.

A spokesperson for the retailer, which employed 567 people in the year the data covers, said: 'The year was a challenging one for the business. Consumers continued to experience a tough economic climate, leading to a squeeze on disposable income that resulted in being ever more conscious of their purchasing decisions. This impacted our customers throughout the supply chain.

'Despite these pressures, it is pleasing to report that the results moved forward both in terms of like-for-like sales and profits.'

As for what the future holds, the spokesperson added: 'The board continues to believe that opportunities for growth, innovation and development outweigh the potential impact of the risks and uncertainties currently facing the company.

'In the coming year there will continue to be a tight control of capital, and the emphasis on cash management will be maintained.'