MACDONALD Hotels, the group which includes the Last Drop at Bromley Cross and the Egerton House, has announced a seven per cent increase in profit before tax to £7.5 million for the six months to October 4, 2001. Chief executive Donald Macdonald said: "We, like the rest of the hospitality industry, have experienced mixed trading conditions over the past few months, particularly in the South-east. However, I am pleased that we have shown strong resilience, turning in an excellent performance, particularly in our wholly-owned hotels which have a wide business mix."

He added: "Following an intense period of integration and re-organisation, and with a new executive leadership team now in place, I believe we are better placed than at any time in our 11-year history to develop the business organically and to take advantage of future growth opportunities." Macdonald Hotels is now the UK's eighth largest hotel and leisure group. It operates 110 hotels and resorts throughout the UK and Spain with more than 7,000 bedrooms. There is a combined turnover of more than £250 million. and a workforce of 6,000-plus.