The Stanley Gibbons Group board at the annual general meeting at the Grand Hotel Picture: JON GUEGAN (00946255)

INVESTORS in London-listed Jersey stamp company Stanley Gibbons will reap the benefits next month of holding shares in a company that saw substantial growth last year.

The annual general meeting of the public company was held at the Grand Hotel on Wednesday and agreed to pay a dividend of 3p a share – up from 2.75p in 2008.

In a year in which most businesses struggled, Stanley Gibbons chairman Martin Bralsford said that the company experienced substantial growth in both sales and profits. Turnover was £23.4 million – more than 20% up on the previous year – and pre-tax profits at £4.1 million were up by 11%.

And the prospects for the company look good for 2010, as it has just completed a refurbishment of its flagship premises in London’s Strand ahead of the London Stamp Exhibition next month. That event takes place once a decade and runs from 8 to 15 May. It is expected that 50,000 collectors from all over the world will converge on the Islington Design Centre to see the stamps exhibited and on sale.