HAZARDOUS waste company Silverdell said that the essential nature of its services means it is relatively immune to public spending cuts as it posted a 15% rise in underlying profits.

The company employs around 200 people north of the Border having launched an expansion drive in recent years.

Silverdell's Kitsons business, which specialises in asbestos removal, has offices in Glasgow and Rosyth.

Around 100 Silverdell staff are currently removing 3,000 tonnes of asbestos from the Chapelcross nuclear power station in Dumfriesshire.

Meanwhile its Redhills environmental consultancy arm opened a Glasgow office a year ago

Silverdell chief executive Sean Nutley told The Herald: "We are experiencing an increase in spending.

"If you consider the services we provide, they are largely non-discretionary, largely driven by regulation and safety critical work."

He added that the company, which does maintenance and regeneration work for several Scottish local authorities, is taking additional business as it expands north of the Border.

The company embarked on a turnaround plan two years ago after work with the construction industry was hit when the property bubble burst.

Managers want to see revenues grow to £100 million and the company said that, having bought two companies in recent months, it is now prepared to make further acquisitions to meet its goals.

Silverdell said underlying pre-tax profit rose 15% to £3m for the year to September 30, against £2.6m in 2010. This came on the back revenues which rose to £59.7m from £56.7m.

Its order book is 73% up on last year at £107m as of October 31.

Mr Nutley said: "During the past two years Silverdell has been successfully refocused and stabilised; we are now standing on a strong platform and are poised for future growth."

Its shares closed up 0.5p or 4.5% at 11.625p.