Inventor Sir James Dyson’s technology empire more than doubled earnings last year after strong demand for its bagless vacuum cleaners and new launches, figures revealed today.

The group reported operating profits of £190 million in 2009, up from £90 million in 2008 on sales 23% higher.

Dyson, which became a household name after launching the bagless vacuum, said sales had increased further in the first three months of 2010 thanks to the launch of new handheld vacuums.

It also unveiled the new Dyson Air Multiplier desk fan in the UK, US and Europe earlier this month after a successful launch in Australia.

The group spent £42 million on research and development last year and recently announced aims to double the size of its UK engineering team from 350 to 700 under plans to significantly increase its R&D outlay in 2010.

Dyson exports its products to 49 countries, with the US by far its biggest market.

But it said the UK had seen a good year in 2009 despite a difficult recession in its home market, with earnings growing thanks to strong demand for its products.