FRONT Line Construction has reported a near-27% rise in pre-tax profits from £2.2 million to £2.8m, writes Greig Cameron.

Accounts filed at Companies House show a 2% rise in turnover from £16.1m to £16.4m in the 12 months to January 31, 2012.

The business, based in Bathgate, West Lothian, provides sub-contracting services – including plant hire, labour and materials – to the construction industry with clients including Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Tulloch Homes.

Administrative expenses declined from £2m to £1.6m with gross profit rising from £4.13m to £4.3m.

The company's net capital expenditure more than doubled from £230,431 to £482,960.

In notes to the accounts the directors said they were pleased with the performance during the year and were hopeful of further growth in the future.

Average staff numbers declined from 144 to 133 with employee costs falling from £5.3m to £5.2m.

Directors' remuneration fell from £347,370 to £325,537 with the highest also seeing a dip from £145,284 to £133,998.