PPL chief executive Peter Leathem has said the company’s “improved performance” was a driving factor behind a record international collection figure of £49.1m for 2016.

Up 34% from 2015’s total of £36.7m, the number comprises revenue taken from 33 countries - including particular success in France, Italy and Brazil - with collections growing by 18% from a currency neutral perspective.

“A better conversion rate due to the weakening of the pound is a clear factor,” said Leathem, speaking exclusively to ...