Fisherman's, the boss's best Friend

THE strong pound has blown a hole in profits at Fisherman's Friend, maker of the famously hot throat lozenges.

Accounts just out show that profits fell for the fourth year running, from £6.8m to £3.7m.

And though this means another year without dividends for the Lofthouse family, who own the company, the blow was considerably soothed by a £3.3m salary payment to three family directors, including the 74-year-old matriarch, Doreen.

The pay figure was four times higher than the previous year.

Founded in 1865, Fisherman's Friend still dominates the port of Fleetwood, Lancashire, and has grown into a global brand. About 95% of production is exported, leaving it vulnerable to currency swings.

The company's generous dividends, once as much as £7.2m, were axed three years ago.

The Lofthouse fortune was once valued at an enviable £135m, but more difficult times have taken their toll and the family failed to make last year's Mail on Sunday Rich Report.