Jestico & Whiles profit up

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.”

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.”

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.