DAILY rental franchise Thrifty boosted parent company Sanderson Bramall's profitability despite the major manufacturers' restrictions on supply. The Harrogate-based dealer group said Thrifty and its contract hire division had contributed to profits.

Groupwide, turnover for the year to December 31 was up 16% at £599.7 million (1995: £516.8 million) while pre-tax profits rose 32% to £12.3 million (£9.3 million) thanks to a 14.3% increase in new car sales and an 18% rise in used car sales.

Chairman Tony Bramall described Thrifty's performance as 'satisfactory', adding: 'In the early part of the year we experienced a shortage of vehicles from our major suppliers. We were able to make up vehicles required from manufacturers who had not previously represented Thrifty.'