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 £141,000 from just under £78,000 last time although turnover slipped by £400,000 to £8.4m.

In a statement accompanying the results, director Heinz Richardson (pictured) said: “Profit has increased through greater efficiencies and prudent financial management.â€

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 £2.7m while work in the UK slipped by nearly £1m. Richardson added: “Our target remains better quality commissions particularly in line with our expanding overseas market.â€

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