Overseas work up a third

Profit at Jestico & Whiles headed north last year after the firm said it had managed costs better.

Pre-tax profit in the year to August 2014 went up to 拢141,000 from just under 拢78,000 last time although turnover slipped by 拢400,000 to 拢8.4m.

In a statement accompanying the results, director Heinz Richardson (pictured) said: 鈥淧rofit has increased through greater efficiencies and prudent financial management.鈥

The firm, which recently won a big regeneration scheme in Leeds being masterminded by the Homes and Communities Agency, saw its overseas workload rise a third to 拢2.7m while work in the UK slipped by nearly 拢1m. Richardson added: 鈥淥ur target remains better quality commissions particularly in line with our expanding overseas market.鈥

The number of staff at the year end rose seven to 121 although the amount it paid out in wages was down 拢400,000 to 拢5.1m.