The family-owned firm lost a Court of Appeal case last year after it was found by the Equality Commission to have breached equality laws by refusing to bake a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage.

But, according to Ashers Bakery's financial accounts, the controversy has not translated into a dent in profits.

Instead, the company, which now has seven outlets across Northern Ireland and delivers throughout the UK and the Republic, recorded an increase in profit of £170,500 last year. ...