By Alec Mattinson2021-05-07T06:52:00+01:00 Waitrose posted record levels of profits last year, according to newly filed accounts, as sales boomed during a period in which it benefited from controversial government business rates relief. Annual accounts for Waitrose Ltd at Companies House show pre-exceptional operating profits surged by 71% to £277.5m in the year ending 30 January 2021. This is the highest figure on record, top ping s the £261m in achieved in 2013 before the discounter price war. Profits on ordinary activities before taxation were also at record levels, despite more than £65m of exceptional costs incurred during the year, more than trebling from £44.9m to £158.5m.