Hornby has said that operations are ‘almost back to normal’, following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The comments were made in the company’s latest trading update, following an annual general meeting.

Hornby reported that sales and margins for the period from 1st April to 31st August, 2020 were higher than previous years, and commented: “It is encouraging to report that our operations are nearly back to normal and we have made good progress against our strategic plan and KPIs.”

The company detailed how it had adapted during the pandemic, adding: “An important part of our focus in recent months has been ensuring the safety of our employees, and their families, and the board thanks them for their resilience and adaptability.”

Earlier in the year the company revealed plans to invest more in digital marketing and build a scalable central platform for future growth.

The company celebrated its 100-year anniversary this summer with a #Hornby100 Social Media Takeover throughout the whole of July. Daily postings were focused around the history of the business over the last 100 years, and customers took part in in interactive posts to show what makes Hornby so special to them. A collaboration between Hornby and Corgi also saw the unveiling of a commemorative  Centenary Bristol Lodekka.

Looking ahead, Hornby remains upbeat about the company’s outlook for the rst of the financial year. However, a spokesperson cautioned that challenges remain, and said: “As is usually the case in our industry; the outcome for the full year is subject to the sales rate over the key Christmas trading period and there is the potential for disruption depending on the arrangements for leaving the EU.”