Scottish convenience chain Morning Noon & Night is expected to report a 10% increase in operating profit for the past 12 months. Chairman Eddie Thompson said: "In line with forecasts, we expect operating profit to be at least £1.2m, compared with nil or minus inflation in the convenience sector." He reported turnover for the 44-store chain up 10% to £41.5m for the year to March 22. Results will be announced in June. Thompson said MN&N will forge closer links with big suppliers this year. "We are focusing on selected convenience areas in partnership with manufacturers, pooling our separate areas of expertise, and looking at layout and price." Thompson said MN&N would collaborate with key suppliers of chilled foods, drinks, crisps, snacks and ready meals with chosen category champions including Coca-Cola and Walkers. But he emphasised that Morning Noon & Night would still rely on local suppliers. Thompson said: "Part of the secret of our success is that 10% of stock is regionalised. For example we carry different brands of lemonade in different parts of Scotland, to meet local demand. When we buy a new store we retain local suppliers, especially in areas like vegetables and bakery." He added: "Bigger chains are not as flexible as we are, we can tailor each store to the community it serves." Thompson said MN&N would continue to expand its portfolio of stores this year, and had one potentially suitable site lined up. He said: "Our focus last year was on refurbishments and store extensions. We had only acquired one store at the end of the financial year." Sales at MN&N's newly opened store at Livingston, near Edinburgh, were exceeding projections said Thompson. Store turnover exceeded £22,000 in its second week. A Bank of Scotland ATM is due to be installed and is expected to drive total sales up at least 10%. {{NEWS }}