Manufacturer of fall arrest systems says Working at Height Regulations had boosted its business.

Latchways has increased pre-tax profit by 30% to £4.31m for the year ended 31 March 2005.

Turnover for the safety system manufacturer rose 15% to £22.4m and the proposed total dividend for the year rose 10% to 10.76p.

The group said that new European safety legislation including the new UK Working at Height Regulations was providing an excellent base for its existing business

The contracts division, which carries out structural repairs to domestic and commercial property, had a successful year and had built up a portfolio of housing association clients which Latchways said would provide a growing revenue stream for many years.

Chairman Paul Hearson said that the 2005 order book was healthy and ahead of last year.

He said: ”Whilst uncertainties over raw material costs and the economy do exist, we are confident that our existing and developing product range, combined with the increasing influence of safety legislation, will ensure that Latchways continues to deliver profitable growth for our shareholders.”