London-based public relations and web marketing agency Beattie Communications Group saw its turnover rise 6.5 per cent to £7.4 million in 2014, according to figures to be filed with Companies House this week.

The company recorded pre-tax profits of £123,000 for last year, down from £545,000 in 2013, following an investment of £500,000 in its brands and websites. Reserves rose slightly from £1.7m in 2013 to £1.8 in 2014.

The group operates three brands - Beattie Communications, its public relations, social and digital consultancy, 11ten, its student recruitment business and Only, a series of specialist marketing boutiques.

"We are extremely pleased with the performance of all three brands," said group managing director Laurna Woods.

"The turnover of Beattie Communications increased by 6.5% and profits would have been considerably higher but for £110,000 of bad debts. Nonetheless, we were able to make a record investment of £500,000 in our brands and websites.

"The performance of 11ten highlights the importance of investing in our brands. Launched only five years ago, the company's turnover rose 48% in 2014 to nearly £3.2m while profits grew 52% to £140,000.

"I'm pleased to say 2015 is shaping up to be another strong year for all three brands with turnover increasing at Beattie and 11ten while Only Health and Only Travel are performing particularly strongly."

Earlier this year Beattie boosted its workforce as a result of growing demand for digital communications. Four new web marketing consultants were recruited to its Glasgow and Falkirk offices to work on the company's dedicated digital arm Only W3B.

Founded in 1986 by former journalist Gordon Beattie, the Beattie Communications Group now employs 100 staff at eight offices across the UK, including its London headquarters, Glasgow, Falkirk, Manchester, Leeds and a dedicated educational marketing office in Essex.