THE weather was blamed for a fall in profitability at manufacturer RS Clare.

Profits were down 31% at the Toxteth- based company, which was founded in 1748, although there was a small rise in revenues to £17.8m.

The company was awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its international trade. Exports have more than doubled since 2007 and generated £5.7m last year.

RS Clare produces specialist lubricants in the oil and gas industry as well as rail, car, steel and construction sectors, while its subsidiary Wilson & Scott (Highways) applied road markings and anti-skid products.

In accounts just filed at Companies House, the directors said: “Appalling weather in the first and last quarters of 2010 adversely affected profitability in contracting services but all manufacturing divisions maintained the previous year’s levels of sales and profits, with further growth in exports which now account for nearly 50% of turnover.

“Countering the downturn in the UK economy, strategic plans are being rolled out to take advantage of opportunities for a diverse range of products in North Amercia, the Middle East and Asia, where hubs are being built.

“Further growth is anticipated during 2011.”

The firm saw an increase in orders for its valve lubricant following last year’s explosion on BP’s Deepwater Horizon exploration rig.

It has also recently clinched a £10m eight-year road marking deal with Surrey County Council. The company believes the new orders will help turnover reach £25m within two years.

The firm’s chairman, Ian Meadows, is part of the family which has owned the firm since 1889.

ALEX TURNER