Engineering and environmental consultancy Waterman Group this week increased its final dividend pay-out 6%, following a freeze last year.

The firm, which is listed on the alternative investment market, recommended a 5.2p a share dividend for the year to 30 June 2005, after freezing it at 4.9p last year.

The pay-out was announced alongside a solid set of results. Chairman Roger Fidgen said that a 拢3.1m pre-tax profit, a rise of more than half, was driven by profits released on projects earlier than expected as well as better performances within its regional and international businesses.

Waterman has focused on regeneration projects, including White City in west London and Paradise Street in Liverpool. It is advising on the former stock exchange tower in London.