Architect Archial Group has posted a pre-tax profit of 拢1.5m in 2008 after falling 拢5.2m into the red in 2007

Turnover was down slightly from 拢44.2m to 拢42.5m and Chris Littlemore, its chief executive, said 2008 marked a turnaround in the fortunes of the company formerly known as SMC Group.

He said: 鈥淲e鈥檝e delivered significant cost savings and revenue diversification against difficult market conditions.鈥�

Net debt fell by 拢5.7m to 拢14.3m but Littlemore said the company was focused on organic growth unless 鈥渁 real opportunity鈥� came along.

Meanwhile, architect Aukett Fitzroy Robinson has announced that Ra煤l Curiel, chairman of European operations, will retire as an executive director on 30 April.