Increased exports and new store openings are expected to boost sales and profits at Latvian construction materials trader Nelss this year.

Sales are expected to grow by 35% to 45m lats (E75.88) and operational profit is scheduled to top 800,000 lats (E1.34m).

The company has increased timber exports this year to destinations including the UK, the US and Japan, while 350,000 lats was invested in opening two stores in May.

Nelss recently announced the relocation of its UK sales operation to Nelss (UK) Ltd., St James House, 34 St James Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN12JZ . Telephone 01892 531400, fax 01892 530955, e-mail timber.sales@nelss.co.uk , website www.nelss.com.