SUPPORT services firm Babcock International has reported a 32 per cent rise in half-year profits from £141.7 million to £187m.

Its order book has grown by 54 per cent to £18.5 billion, notably from work including Magnox nuclear decommissioning, London Fire Brigade fleet management and rail electrification and track renewal contracts. Chief executive Peter Rogers said he is hopeful of further profit growth in the second half. Among its interests in Scotland, where it employs around 4,750 people, are the Rosyth Dockyard and the Faslane naval base.