Jun 28, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Niche specialist paper and materials group James Cropper's turnover for the financial year was up 14% to GBP 86.9 million. Group export sales were up 19% and represented 53% of turnover. Sales growth in our three manufacturing businesses was export led across new and existing products, as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Pre-tax profits before the pension adjustment fell to GBP 3.4 million from GBP 3.7 million and rose to GBP 11.1 million from GBP 2.4 million after the IAS19 pension adjustment. The firm declared a dividend of 7.9p per share - 5% up on last time. Despite the 8% weakening of the US$ against £Sterling during the year strong profit performances were recorded by Technical Fibre Products and James Cropper Converting. Turnover at James Cropper Speciality Papers grew by 16%. Mark Cropper, Chairman, said: "As the end of my first year as chairman nears, I am heartened by our prospects on many levels. We start the new financial year having taken significant steps to reduce the Group's risk exposure. Our retailing activities have ceased and our IAS 19 pension deficit has fallen by GBP 12.8 million to GBP 1.4 million primarily as a consequence of curtailing future benefits".