“Despite the difficult trading conditions of an economic recession, we have grown our customer base in the private sector and diversified further into business critical service,” said David Callear, Chairman. “Our engagement with Government departments at an early stage has provided us with the opportunity to be involved in the development of their procurement policies.

 

“Further opportunities from our unique Closed Loop initiative and expansion of crossselling activities will enhance our position. We are mindful that volume pressures may continue for the rest of the year, however, we are confident that our actions will have a positive long-term effect.

 

“The market outlook is uncertain but the Group is better positioned to deal with this than it has ever been.”

 

Profit before income tax was £3.1 million, down from £4.5 million in 2009.