THE parent firm of a York city centre nightclub has announced a 50 per cent rise in profits.

The Luminar Group, which owns and runs Kuda, in Clifford Street, announced a 50 per cent increase in pre tax profits for the 52 weeks until February 22, 2014, to £3.4 million.

The company, which employs 2000 people and operates 53 nightclubs nationwide, delivered an EBITDA of £9.7 million in its second full year of trading under a new management team.

Commenting on the results, Luminar’s regional director for the North, Tony Gorbert, said: “The strategy we adopted on acquisition of the business continues to deliver and we are pleased with the consistent progress we are making.

"Our trading position continues to strengthen as the effects of investment in our estate and our people, together with a robust focus on cost control, improve profitability.”

The Luminar Group was recently voted Best Late Night Operator in the UK in the Publican Awards. It was also highly commended for Best Business Initiative for its UKCN X-press Drinks app which allows customers to order and pay for drinks from their smartphone and have them delivered to their table without the need to queue at the bar.

Mr Gorbet added: "We’re proud of the high quality nightclubs we now operate. We have a clear plan in place to continue to position Luminar as the best nightclub operator in the UK.

"A passion for innovation, together with a commitment to customer service, is a key part of our plan to remain at the forefront of the industry. And at Kuda York we offer one of the region’s best nights out."